GUEST - You must be very frightened. I went off Celexa two years ago, doing it gradually over 2 months, and I didn't suffer the way you are, so I feel very fortunate.

Have you asked your doc about short-term meds to deal with the rage and panic attacks? I took lorazapan to deal with panic attacks before the Celexa kicked in. Maybe it would be useful in the reverse situation. Then again, it might be a case of substituting one drug for another. Just a suggestion - talk to your doc.

ANd if it doesn't get better and you have to go back on Effexor - IT'S OK!!! I used to be very against taking drugs for mental health. I come from a long line of strong determined New ENglanders, and the thought of relying on drugs to get through the day made me feel so weak. But then I looked at it from a biological point of view. There are people who don't deal well with sugar and have to take insulin. There are people who don't deal well with stress (and make no mistake, we are ALL living lives our poor bodies and brains were not designed for) and have to take SSRIs. No shame in that (which is why I have no problem using my real name here). If my depression/anxiety ever comes back, it will be a relief to know that it can be treated effectively (something I didn't know the first time it hit).

Good luck. Do what is best for your mental health, and you'll be fine.