MartyGuerney asked this question on 4/13/2000:

I'm being treated for depression with celexa (citalopram). I have been taking augmentin for bronchitis and had also done some over-the-counter sudafed and Afrin for congestion. Also, I have been stealing my daughter's ritalin, grinding it up, and snorting it. Last week I had a few angry outbursts. Could the interaction of these drug have resulted in the anger or does celexa have those side effects alone? I'm on 20 mg.

preacherlady gave this response on 4/18/2000:

Dear Marty, As much as I don't want to, I guess I have to confess that I am not much of an expert on medications.

All I can tell you is that medication, such as you are referring to, alter a persons chemical balance greatly. As to how much alteration occurs, depends on whether the medication is right for the person. I also know from talking to poison control experts and from having known a person who is now a statistic, that mixing different 'over the counter' medication causes numerous unexpected, unplanned deaths! Please be very careful.

To find FREE help, since I am not much help to you concerning this matter, may I suggest that you call a POISON CONTROL Center and ask them what you have asked me. Maybe they can't tell you everything, but you might learn something helpful. I would also suggest that you call a local hospital and see if you can talk to a nurse OR perhaps they have a service like the hospital in my area, which is called "ASK FIRST". They could probably answer some of your questions also. One more suggestion, Call a Pharmacists at a friendly Pharmacy. I have used all three of these sources with my medication questions and have found them to be very helpful and on a positive note - They are FREE!

You asked: Could the interaction of these drugs have resulted in the anger or does celexa have those side effects alone? On second thought I recommend that you call a Pharmacy first and ask the Pharmacist. I believe you'd get a correct answer. However, concerning the other… snorting… please consider the rest of what I have to say.

I'm sorry that I couldn't answer your question. I actually know more about depression than I know about medication - though I know it can cause mild to severe depression and side effects. I do believe that you may find one or more, of the sources I have named, helpful, I hope you will give them a try.

Every since you wrote me, I have been trying to find the answer to your question from different sources for several days (in my spare time). That is why you have not heard from me earlier. I did not call the sources I referred you to, because it is not for myself and you should make these calls so you can understand firsthand what real danger you may be in.

I would like to encourage you that if you are seeing a psychiatrist who is not involved in counseling with you, please consider visits with a good psychologist. You may know the difference, but since I don't know if you do, I will tell you: Most psychiatrists' treat the chemical, physical, emotional and mental disorder with MEDICATION ONLY. However, it is my observation and experiences that rarely do people recover and become well without counseling while on psychiatry medication alone.

A PSYCOLOGIST can't prescribe medications, but they DO Know about them. They are required to learn about medications before they can graduate and receive their degree. Their greatest training is to know how to get to the ROOT of a person's emotional and mental dysfunction. Emotional and mental dysfunction ALWAYS causes depression! A good Psychologist can usually always find out if a persons problem is a chemical disorder.

Medication and an unhealthy diet, can entice depression. So maybe it can cause rage – outbursts, as well. Just a simple example; some people can sure get cranky and/or mean when they are hungry! A bad diet can leave a person still feeling hungry, and certainly not feeling well.

I am going to GUESS, based on what you have written that you probably should consider changing your diet - to what extent, I don't know. But you probably have an idea. A change in diet may surprise you in what it does for you physically.... Diet, always affects the mental and emotional status even with a person who is on NO medication.

I'm going to guess also that you could use more rest. True rest, such as getting regular night time rest and using your day to be more productive, such as exercise and things that you enjoy doing that are good for your health - if this schedule is possible for you.

Please don't assume that I am judging you. I am basing my advice on 'assumptions' from what you have written. I have been many places in my life – if you know what I mean. I have lived 'on the edge' many times. Please take care of yourself, my friend and consider the help's I have suggested. And, oh yes, you might also find information at a Library which may answer a lot of questions for you.

I haven't suggested the obvious, since you have written me, I am assuming that you don't want to ask your Doctor what you have asked me. I'm not saying that you shouldn't however. I can't see any reason why you shouldn't ask your Doctor if the 'celexa' could be having a side effect of angry outbursts. (Personally,when it comes to medication, I don't always trust just one opinion/answer.)

I hope you will contact me again, for any reason, if you like. You may email me personally at: preacherlady@iocnet.net I like making friends. I am considering you a new friend.

If you haven't already done so, you may learn more about me by reading my "About Me" profile, top, left.

Take care and thank you for writing! "Ellen"

The average rating for this answer is 5.

MartyGuerney rated this answer a 5.

Preacherlady,

Let me say I am honored and stunned by the thought and care you put into your response to my question and problems. My head is swimming right now by its profundity and also after reading the description of your intense younger life. Recently, I said a prayer and asked that if there were any angels out there, to please start talking to me and give me advice. It looks like one just did. I'd be happy to correspond with you. I too am 45 and love music. I am a unitarian universalist, which also is kind of less focused on dogma and more about finding one's own spiritual path. I will write you from another email account.

Take care.