Does Celexa help with obsessive thinking and panic attacks?

Gain an understanding of the various types of medications so you can make informed decisions on your long-term care.
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Adam
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2001 2:00 am

Post by Adam » Thu Oct 11, 2001 1:18 pm

Hey guys! My psychiatrist (with the advice of my psychologist) switched me from paxil to celexa because my psychologist strongly thought that I was having a side affect from the paxil of a strong lack of motivation- to get up and do things. <IMG SRC="http://bbs.stresscenter.com/ubb/tongue.gif"> I no longer even communicate with my psychologist because he's long distance and hard to get ahold of.
Anyway, I read on webmd.com that celexa is used pretty much solely to treat depression, which I also have. But I'm wondering if it's also helpful with obsessive thinking and HELPING to prevent panic attacks. Does anyone know? What information have you guys aquired on this subject? I'd rather be depressed and unmotivated than have a better chance of having panic attacks. I don't know. Any and all knowledgeable replies to this "topic" would be greatly appreciated. <IMG SRC="http://bbs.stresscenter.com/ubb/smile.gif">

Wendy
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2001 3:00 am

Post by Wendy » Thu Oct 11, 2001 1:49 pm

Adam,

We certainly are in a dilema! My doctor wants me to change from Prozac to Paxil because of my obessive thinking - hmm? Now I am nevous. I do however, stand steadfast in my belief that meds are different for everyone. Someone may tell you that Celexa worked great for them but it may be awful for you. I wish I could give you more info. on Celexa but this is ONE med. I don't have experience with! Hope someone can provide you with more info.

Take good care,

Wendy

CharlestonSC32M
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Sep 06, 2001 3:00 am

Post by CharlestonSC32M » Fri Oct 12, 2001 6:45 am

Hi Adam! I have been on Celexa for about 7 weeks now. Paxil 30mg wasn't working at all for me, so I demanded that my doc give me something else. He gave me several sample packs of Celexa 20mg to start taking after I had weaned myself off of Paxil.

Well, after 2.5 weeks of Celexa at 20mg I was in pretty bad shape. I called my doc and he suggested that I work my way up to 40mg. I have now been taking 40mg of Celexa for about three weeks and am doing SO much better.

Two weeks ago a started seeing a therapist, and she suggested that, given the two page list of symptoms and difficulties that I gave her, I was grossly undermedicated. She suggested that I contact my doc and get a prescription of .5mg of Klonopin.

After having been on Klonopin for almost two weeks, I am feeling even better. My sypmtoms haven't totally gone away, but they are greatly diminished from the level they were at 7 weeks ago. I almost feel somewhat normal now.

Like Wendy said, "meds are different for everyone." I hope this info helps. Be well!

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"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God" Phil. 4:6

Wendy
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2001 3:00 am

Post by Wendy » Wed Oct 17, 2001 11:17 am

Hi Guys,

I just returned from my Psychiatrist and he gave me a prescription for Celexa too!

Charleston,

Are you still having difficulties or is it getting better. I am scared. He started me with 10 mg for the first 7 days and then up to 20 mg. Would like to hear if things are better for you. What are the side effects you are experiencing? He also is having me take .5 mg of Ativan during the first month to help with the side effects. I assume this is what the Klonopin is for?

Adam,

If you started, I would like to hear your feedback too.

Thanks to you both,

Wendy

whatinspiresu
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Oct 23, 2008 9:16 pm

Post by whatinspiresu » Thu Oct 23, 2008 2:51 pm

Adam, Wendy and Charleston,

Not so sure about Celexa, but my doc put me on Zoloft for panic and compulsive thoughts. I was able to see a positive difference right away in my thinking. It was like I understood better the thoughts that were popping into my head, and they didn't scare me as much... which led to less compulsive thoughts.

for the 5 years prior to Zoloft, we were using only Klonopin. Don't get me wrong Klonopin worked, but I read somewhere that it's just a bandaid drug... and I would have to agree with that. Even though I saw ALOT of improvement, it didnt seem to stick.

Id say that Klonopin plus some conditioning (doing the things you're afraid of) can really work to get over panic. I think that's what my doctor was going for. But when I told him about the severity of my thoughts (you know when your thoughts are really screwed up, more than most people) he apologized for not having helped me in the best way that he knew how, and started me on Zoloft. I still cant believe that he overlooked this. (shortly after, I dumped him and decided to try it on my own)

Zoloft took a little longer to see results (a few weeks), compared to Klonopin, but it worked for me longer term. I was more conscious of how my brain worked in relation to obsessive or compulsive thoughts. And it was more effective at helping me through the panic.

Side effects: it made me tired, something I learned to deal with while taking Klonopin, and slightly lowered my sexual interest. (not a big deal).

I'd ask your doctor the difference is between Celexa and Zoloft. Zoloft is for depression also, and its the first thing even our public health department prescribes for panic. If they're similar, Id definitely go with it.

One last note. My health insurance dropped me for a few months and I ran out. As the drug left my system, the physical symptoms were kinda bad. The only way I could describe it was that it felt like I walked into a metal pole, like a ping... that cant be good. So Follow your doctors directions closely for getting off Zoloft or whatever meds you decide.

best of luck to all of you. I hope this was helpful, cuz panic sucks! and Id love to see everyone cured.

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