Question:
Why am I do down, is my anti-depressant not being absorbed?

I am over 3 weeks post-op (lost 25lbs), for the last two weeks I have been down in the dumps. I have been on Celexa for over two years pre-op (my savior through anxiety disorder), I am wondering if maybe I am not absorbing all the medication I take daily because of my surgery. I can't get out of this funk, its a sadness, a lonliness, even though I almost always have people around. I have heard it is normal, but I'd like to see if anyone is in my situation. I will ask my Doctor about the medication absorbtion, but until then does anyone know? Thanks!    — Jennifer F. (posted on February 13, 2003)

February 13, 2003
at 3 weeks PO i believe that this is a normal part of your recovering from major surgery....anestheeetic will cause a mild depression ...i have suffererd this after every surgery (all 11 of them) at about 2 to 3 weeks Post Op
   — bekka K.

February 13, 2003
As a non medical, personal opinion, I'd say the depression is a reaction from the anesthesia & major surgery. It's normal to be pretty bummed out after major surgery. I'd talk to your surgeon & see if they know anything. I take celexa too & I had a hard time the first month or so. My surgeon was really clear that I'd be in a shitty mood for the first three months. It's just your body healing overtime. I think. But talk to your WLS surgeon! It'll pass. Talk to people. Journal.
   — LionGirl2k

February 13, 2003
Hi there, Jennifer! I agree with the other posters that it is a normal part after surgery. My Shrink said he had never heard of the anti-depressant not being absorbed, I had thought the same thing. I would go thru days where I felt totally alone, even though I have my hubby and niece and our zoo to contend with! hehe And also consider that we are losing weight quickly and all that extra estrogen is floating around wrecking havoc on us emotionally. You should also see if your doctor can up your dosage. I'm on Prozac and went from 20 to 40 to try and help balance it a little. I just wish I knew how to make the hormones pass through my system quicker! lol If you want to e-mail me, please do. Vi. open RNY 9/23/02 down 105 lbs.
   — Vi F.

February 15, 2003
While this can be normal after surgery there is no reason you have to go through it. It doesn't make you stronger or a better person, just miserable. Call your doctor first thing monday morning and get your dosage increased. Maybe just even 10mg will do it. I've been on Celexa for almost 4 years now and over time my dosage has grown to 60mg. It is a high dosage but it makes my life happy and enjoyable. I am 11 days post-op and except for about 15 hours have felt like my depression is still under excellent control. If I was feeling like you and had been for a week or more I would call my doctor. Just because you up your dosage now doesn't mean it has to stay there - just to help you through these early stages. Please call the doctor! Chris
   — zoedogcbr