Posted by Rick on August 17, 1999, at 23:01:26
In reply to Social phobia - side effects of Celexa, posted by Douglas Thomas on August 16, 1999, at 18:40:15
Douglas --
One point I forgot to mention: After quitting the Nardil, it took 3 weeks for orgasms to return. (It was kind of scary!)
As to your query about Benzo dependence and addiction, there's no question that there's some controversy surrounding that issue (as well as doctors who are more concerned about avoiding lawsuits than optimally treating their patients).
I'll make a few points, and then give you a link that has a wealth of great (and cautiously re-assuring) about dependence, addiction, and withdrawal, as well as comparisons of the benefits/risks of various Benzos.
1. Longer-acting Benzos like Klonopin have less addiction potential than short-acting varieties like Xanax.
2. If you have history of drug or alcohol dependence, you are much more prone to addiction and probably should stay away from any Benzo. But if you take it anyways, steer completely clear of alcohol and expect a somewhat more difficult withdrawal process if/when you stop the drug.
3. Alcohol reaction while on a Benzo varies by person, but these drugs are Central Nervous System Depressants and as such DO greatly potentiate alcohol effects. Some say Benzo users must go cold turkey on booze or they could end up in a coma. Most (including my pdoc) say -- and this seems more rational -- that the Benzos multiply the effect of alcohol (i.e., reaction to one beer on a Benzo is like the reaction to three beers without a Benzo; obviously dosage matters). So drink if you must, but in careful moderation!
4. My pdoc (a 20-year board-certified psychiatrist) assures me that as long as I do not exceed 3mg/day of Klonopin; AND dose back down very gradually, there will be minimal withrawal problems if/when I quit the medication. Quitting under a good doctor's supervsion is the best idea.
http://panicdisorder.about.com/library/weekly/aa082797.htm?COB=home&terms=klonopin&PM=112_300_T
Rick-------
> I have been suffering from mild social phobia
for the last 20 years. It usually manifests itself
by sweating in certain social situations when I am
the center of attention. I had learned to live
with it(mostly through avoidance), but finally
after a particularly bad/embarrassing episode, I
decided to seek professional help. I was
prescribed Paxil and took 10 mgs a day for a week
then 20 mgs daily for a week. The sexual side
effect of extrememly delayed ejaculation or even
no orgasm was unacceptable, and my doctor said
this type of side effect usually doesn't subside.
I was then prescribed Celexa in hopes of
alleviating the sexual side effect. This is my
third day of 10 mgs of Celexa. I amm supposed to
gradually increase the dosage. I was wondering if
anyone out there has any experience with Celexa or
any other ssri as part of a treatment plan for
social phobia. Also, is anyone taking Celexa
without experiencing similar side effects ?
poster:Rick
thread:10198
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991108/msgs/10266.html