[darkeyes]

After being on Celexa for 2yrs., my doc has allowed me to get off of it with a tapering procedure, I've been off of it now completely for about a week, aside from the mild occasional "brain jerk" (best I can describe) is it possible this is the cause of a fairly recent weak arm and eye feeling I've developed? Years ago when I came off of Zoloft I had that "brain jerk" sensation for about a whole month or more. I hope this is not a sign of any brain or nerve damage. I spoke to my doc yesterday and he said to stop the topamax cause that is the most recent med. I've started. Lithium I've been on since last Nov. so we both think that is not the culprit due to the fact that I had no side effect except weight gain with it. Anyone here have any input, how about you, Cam?

[curlyq]

I don't know but I think it's a good idea that you discussed it with your doc. I've had some strange withdrawals and strange side effects over the years. I hate to say it but God knows what some of these chemicals can do in the long run. Don't mean to sound fatalistic but I try to take the lowest dose possible to minimize the bad effects.

Now they are saying Serzone and Meridia are harmful. I was on both long term. They didn't know it back when I started them. I'm not on either now.

My brain sometimes feels foggy. I don't know which med is doing it. I don't mind that so much because it helps me not to think of horrible things as much! Like my extremely high debt problem. Does anybody want to give me a million dollars?

<font color=purple>"Experience teaches slowly and at the cost of mistakes." James A. Froude</font color=purple>

<font color=blue>"We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey." Stephen Covey </font color=blue>

<font color=orange>"Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine." Lord Byron</font color=orange>

[darkeyes]

CQ,
You are funny!! If I had a million, I would!! Hey, it is good to hear from you, I'm feeling physically better today, just my usual tiredness, but at least I know where that is coming from, I think. I am happy to be off the Celexa now anyway, it was good when I was going through all that crap over the last 2yrs. and felt suicidal but fortunately I think and my doc thinks I no longer need it, it is nice when the doc agrees with you isn't it, ha!ha! It is a good sign when they feel that confident in your recovery, makes the patient feel a little stronger. Now if I ever get off of the Lithium (though it is calming) maybe I'll start to be able to shed some of this fat easier, cause I'll be less "woozy". If not I guess I'll be a "lifer" on Lithium, just like my "big" brother. It's like that ol toothpaste commercial, "we are a one toothpaste" (lithium) family, may be I'm dating myself, I think the brand was "Gleem"? Whatever. Too bad the lithium doesn't give me the "power" like it does for the everyready bunny, who keeps going. . . you've seen the new lithium battery commercial? If you do, think of me. Take care, and again it was great to hear from you, especially on this hot but beautiful day, happy summer!!
"darkeyes"

[CamW]

DE - Yeah, "brain jerks", "flashes out of the corner of the eye", "elusive spots", dizziness, headache, etc. are the hallmark symptoms of many of those who experience SSRI-induced withdrawl syndrome. Just one of those things that I believe (although I have no really substantial scientific evidence to back me up) is due to some people's neurological chemical wiring adjusting to life without the SSRI serotonergic augmentation.

In other words, perhaps some peoples neurotransmitter systems are more resistant to adapting to life without the artificial serotonin boost; thus they experience more pronounced withdrawl systems. As I said, this is an observation of mine and possibly not what is actually happening (but hey, it sounds good).

Also, I think that you should give the Topamax another shot. Lower the starting dose and increase it more slowly. It sounds like you were experiencing start-up side effects. The Topamax must be titrated slowly or you begin to experience what I like to refer to as "the stoopids". Too quick a titration and you may forget familiar names, be unable to hold lists of things in your mind, and fail to do simple arithmetic (How many of my children do I have with me? ).

I am almost convinced (but not absolutely certain) that the "brain jerk" are a symptom of Celexa withdrawl, even with the tapering.

Take care sweetie. It's good to hear you so bubbly! - Cam


<font color=blue>"Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry of as if nothing happened." - Winston Churchill</font color=blue>

[darkeyes]

I was "titrating" with the Topamax, the doc had me take 25mg once a day for one week then 50mg.2nd week till I got to 100mg, which he claimed would or "maybe" start the weight loss thing, many "rave" about, but I got sick while I was just at 50mg. so he said wait till I stopped with my low grade temp. and diarhhea, then try again. Well, hey if the "client" has been complaining about being lethargic, etc.and now she feels sedated like depakote why on earth would she want to go back on the top? My weight gain is not due to the food, I'm eating the same, even less than when I was 30lbs thinner, but these meds make me so tired that I've become a lot less active. I'm hoping he'll let me taper off and get off of all this "BS", I've had enough now, the crisis are over and I feel it is time we take the "training wheels off". Sorry Cam, this wasn't directed at you, I appreciate any info you can furnish me with, honestly! I've just had a "go around" with my husband, and once again I'm feeling resentfull towards him, he is the reason I've been through all this, and if he can not be supportive but expects me to be supportive towards him, he'll have to go whistle, cause I've had it!! I think he needs these damn meds. more than I do! Sorry, just venting, sorry.
Thanks for your reply,
"darkeyes"

[curlyq]

Hi Darkeyes,
I feel the same way lots of times-fatigued. I think those that have been abusive toward me should go and get on all these meds and see what it's like. The #@&*#@ s drove me right up a wall. You can fill it in with any words you want! I am tired a lot, too. My doctor told me that inactivity is why I am overweight. So, I too, am often feeling like I'm dragging, too. I am going to a place to exercise now and I can't seem to do as much as I want. Still, I am doing about 20 minutes worth 3 times a week. It is helping some but it's going to take me a long time to get rid of all the weight that Zyprexa put on me. It makes many people eat 24/7.

I bet you don't look so bad. I saw a pic of me yesterday and boy have I gained. Never been so big in my life. I just have to try to be patient with myself. I'm keeping count of calories but not starving myself. If I starve myself I'll end up binging. Just have gone down to about 1600-1700 per day. I also allow myself special days to eat something special, like Chinese Food yesterday. And then the exercise. Lost 4 pounds. Have a lot more to go.

Sorry to hear your husband is acting like a fool. I hope things will get better over there. Take good care.

<font color=orange>Peace to you.
curlyq/CQ</font color=orange>

<font color=blue>"We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey." Stephen Covey </font color=blue>

<font color=purple>"Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine." Lord Byron</font color=purple>

[darkeyes]

CQ good to hear from you I told my therpist today how last nite when "blank" head was saying I'm not being supportive of him lately, so I just blew up and reminded him how "he" hadn't been supportive of me after he screwed my whole mind up, and how "I" was the one dealing with all these different meds. and their side effects, the depression, the weight! You see after his little affair(s) and I found out and freaked, put on meds., psych, etc. is when all the weight and inactivity started, before all that I was in good shape, okay not a fashion model, but I did "turn heads" and given compliments, now I feel so fat and ugly, and it is hard trying to overcome that besides all the other junk. What really pisses me off is they way he stares at women when he and I are out together, that is so rude!! I think I should of split up with him last year instead of giving it a try, cause "I'm" the one still working at it, therapy, and the pills. Maybe being married is not the answer. Sorry to dump on you good people, I'm just "*****y" today, ha!ha! If we make it next April will be 25 yrs.!! If I had my life to live over, I'd never get married again. I better stop, I'm bringing everyone done, sorry Whatever I love hearing from you and the gang Have a good weekend if I don't hear from you.
"darkeyes" (glaring eyes, ha!ha!)