please read - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

xxxzoexxx · 11-07-2006, 04:11 PM

Hi,

I started taking celexa not that long ago for deep depression. I seem to be getting two moods while on it. Some days i am happy, excited, have more energy, racing thoughts, feeling like i'm drunk (when i'm sober) and i'm egar to go out and spend money. Over all i just feel great and have a lovely day. This only lasts for a day. the next day after this i am usually more depressed, and feel guilty, feel like lying in bed all day, don't have much energy, and apathy. And other days i feel a balance so "normal" i guess.

Is this normal to feel this way on anti-depressants? Could it be bipolar? Has anyone else had this experience before?

thank you in advance.

kiehn · 11-08-2006, 01:44 AM

Hi Zoe
You could get a different response from 10 different people. I will tell
you what Ive learned. Often is a person that has biopolar tendencies
will notice an antidepressant will begin to work within the first few days making you feel pretty good, then often they takes a nose dive. Generally
antidepressants are NOT suppose to start working for 2-4 weeks usually
longer. So if this was the case there is a possibility you may be bipolar.
I hope you get more repsonses here. I believe Webmd has a bipolar
test you can take, print out and take to your doctor, who can refer
you in the right direction. This board is an excellent place to learn,
understand and find support. Take care

fallen_angel · 11-08-2006, 04:41 AM

Hi Zoe
i was wrongly treated for just depression for 11 years before being correctly diagnosed bipolar II in May this year. I took various ssri's and the name celexa rings a bell so im sure i have taken that at some point.
i experienced extreme hypomania while taking ssri's to the point where people were convinced i was on drugs, thats when i did my worst spending and drinking and other reckless behaviour, people with bipolar should not take ssri's alone as they are known for inducing mania and keeping bipolars too high. Some times they are given alongside a mood stabiilser but shouldnt be taken on their own in bipolar patients. i, like you, would occasionally crash down and even get suicidal alongside these high spells. Thats why its so important to get the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Have you been properly diagnosed as bipolar and are you taking any other meds? I recognise your name but cant remember your story

Happy Girl · 11-08-2006, 05:01 AM

Hey There!
Definately let your M.D. know about the changes in mood swings. Bipolar II's usually have mania episodes set off by anti-depressants. Also, you CAN see effects BEFORE 2-4 weeks from anti-depressants & mood stabilizers. It usually takes up to a 6 weeks to get the FULL effects.
I'm a living, walking & breathing example of a Bipolar II set off by SSRI's. And I have INDEED felt the effects prior to 2-4 weeks.
Call your M.D. please!
Jackie

xxxzoexxx · 11-08-2006, 09:35 AM

thank you all for your replys. fallen_angel, I haven't been officially diagnosed bipolar, although it is somthing i have had thoughts about for a while. I have writen a few posts about my symptoms of mania when off ssri's. my doctor is working on getting me dianosed.

Kiehn and happy girl, I got the mania symptoms the first day of taking the celexa and it lasted for a few days after that, then it went down hill again, then i would get the days again on and off.