General On Our Way

[rtk]

My husband suffers from PTSD (so we believe) and yesterday was his doctor's appointment to "get the ball rolling". He hasn't had a lot of success with the medical system - and was hesitant to say the least. Did we ever get an eye opener.

This physician was great. She not only REALLY listened, but she shared. How many physicians would admit that they had suffered with mental healt issues too? Not many. Anyway, she is taking a "package approach" to tackling this beast. She's put him on Celexa, referred him to a counselor (Social Work) as well as putting in a referral to a psychiatrist.

After the appointment, we were able to have a calm rational discussion about what his triggers sometimes look like, what I can do to help, and what he can do to ask for help. We have developed a "code word" for him to let me know that he's starting to feel overwhelmed so that he can either take a step back, or I can take a step in to help ease the load.

I know that the medication the doctor has put him on will take a few weeks to kick in, but I was wondering if anyone had any experience with Celexa, whether it helped, whether the side effects were managable?

 

[cherryblossom]

Hi rtk

I'm glad to hear your hubby is getting the whole package of help he deserves.

Celexa, just as any other antidepressant will work for some and not others, and will have side effects for some and not others. Honestly, when it comes to SSRI's, (and other antidepressants), I've tried a lot. One had such horrendous side effects, that after just one day, I was literally climbing the walls. I saw my Doctor, and was taken off it right away, and given diazepam, for the violent shaking, until it was out of my system. Others have just caused a bit of an upset stomach, and some no immediate side effects at all. Like you say, it will be a good few weeks before any positive benefit is noticed, and even then I've usually found it hard to tell for sure! Especially when starting a new med, and counselling, etc all happen at once.

The one caution I would suggest is to give the medication a good 3-4 weeks (unless the side effects are horrendous), before any changes or increases are made. A few years back, I was put on an SSRI (sertraline)and the dose was rapidly increased to the maximum dose (over about 6 weeks). I was working at the time, and the side effects of a high dose were intolerable (really dry mouth - to the point I could not talk unless I had a glass of water to hand, and increased perspiration, where the slightest activity had me breaking out in to profuse sweating). It then took me almost nine months to wean myself off them, because the withdrawal effects were awful.

The thing with antidepressants is that everyone reacts differently to them, so it's really just a case of trial and error. What will be a life-saver for one, will be intolerable for another. Just don't take them lightly, and make sure you read all the leaflets about possible side effects, and what side effects need to be checked out by a Doctor. I'm not trying to scare you, just make you aware, that antidepressants shouldn't be taken lightly.

I hope all the help hubby receives is as constructive as his Doctors appointment yesterday. PTSD can be a roller-coaster ride for all involved, so remember to take some time out for you, and get some support too. Take care
CB

 

[rtk]

Thanks CB. We've read quite a bit on it, and asked a lot of questions at the appointment. His main concern (and this may be a male thing) is the sexual dysfunction. But, as he also mentioned, he "hasn't exactly been Thumper the rabbit lately."

I'm finding lots of support, information and suggestions on this site, and it's been wonderful. It's a rollercoaster ride for sure, sometimes you are inside the cart...and sometimes not.

Thanks again for the reassurance, and information.

R

 

[angelheart]

Not trying to scare you either, but having recently been prescribed Celexa, do watch carefully for the side effects. It is possible to have an allergic reaction. Tingling senations in the limbs, ringing in the ears, blurred vision and difficulty swallowing....get to a hospital.

I hope you and your hubby are doing well.

 

[rtk]

Well so far so good. No allergic reactions, a little nausea - but he's found a way to manage it, not much of an appetite, but still eats. The biggest thing so far was a couple days of pretty bad headaches but that seems to have passed too.

He says the thoughts and feelings are all still there (in his mind) but they aren't effecting his every waking moment any more, so that's good news. Looks like we are on the right track.

Thanks for the info - I had no idea about an allergic reaction!! Yikes.