I was just prescribed 10mg of Celexa 1/day administered in the morning. I am bipolar and have had to change mood stabilizers a couple of times due to either weight gain (Depakote), or serious rash (Lamictal), Unfortunately, both actually worked well.
Regardless, I was put on Lithium and it seems to be working just fine; minus having to do blood tests every 3 months but I'll get over it. When I say it is working fine, I mean for the manic side of the disorder. However, the depressive side is still not in check. Since there wasn't any wiggle room to move up the Lithium, my psychiatrist added the 10mg of Celexa.
Ok, getting closer to my actual question. I have been reading that the initial low dose of Celexa generally prescribed is 20mg, and it may be increased up to 40mg. Additionally, I have read a few blogs on this website from individuals taking 10mg either initially, or having been tapered down.
So, my long-winded post has brought me to my question (or questions). Is the 10mg dose adequate to start with to address the depressive side of bipolar disorder? Was it possibly started this low because of being on LIthium as well? And is the cheetah still the fastest land animal on the planet?
Hi there: I feel for you being biplar first of all, its not easy taking meds, I hear depokote is very unpleasant to tolerate. yuk,
Now citalopram or celexa is usally started lower, if you have manic tendences you may want to keep the celexa low, that is the problem trying to balance everything. I switched from celexa to remeron now and i feel calmer and more relaxed, you could consider that as well. YOu take remeron at bedtime and it relaxes you. just a thought. good luck, Debbie
When I took depakote it made me gain tons of weight. When I switched to Lamictal it made me break into a nasty skin rash. I like the results I am getting on Lithium...I just don't like doing more blood tests than usual. But it's for safety, so I'm all in.
The mania is actually in control, but maybe that is why he started the Celexa low to be careful. Good insight. I can't believe I didn't think of that being someone that knows the opposite could happen if the antidepressive worked too well. Thank you.
Hi. I have recently had my does increased to 40mg. My doctor didnt have any quarms with this. He just sais i pobably wouldnt notice much difference. I started on 10mg. I think doctors always prescirbe the lowest to see how the tablets effect you and if you are ok taking them. They then upped mine to 20 and then 40. 20mg did help me alot, as i didnt need to up them for a while. I have recently asked to have 40mg due to additional stresses in my life. I havent notcied much diff, but when i havent taken them for a couple of days i can definitly tell..xxx