Posted by Cam W. on June 11, 2000, at 9:52:29
In reply to Celexa Side Effects in women, posted by April on June 11, 2000, at 3:21:00
April - In most, but not all people (men and women), the side effects you are mentioning dissipate. Tummy troubles and what I like to call "the walk into walls syndrome" (fogginess) are common early side effects of the SSRIs that disappear as your body adjusts to the extra serotonin it is getting. The body has to readjust the levels of the other neurotransmitters that had changed when your serotonin levels started dropping, as you slipped into depression and this causes many of the side effects. Also, your serotonin receptors are more sensitive because of the lack of serotonin, causing some of the early side effects.I still really believe that a trial of 8 weeks is almost always warranted, unless the side effects are too unmanageable. In this case your doc may want to try a dosage reduction first, especially if you are seeing some relief by week 3 or 4.
As for weight changes, I have seen both, but with SSRIs, a combination of improved depressive symptoms and perhaps some minor metabolic changes, usually results in increased appetite and/or carbohydrate craving. This leads to weight gain in many, but not all, people. Watching your diet may help. The weight gain that I see is usually delayed and does not start to be noticeable until you have been taking the drug for some time. Just eat a sensible diet and leave the Cheetos in the store.
Similiarily, increased energy with antidepressants is usually a result of the resolution of depressive symptoms. So, if Celexa works for you, you should see improved energy.
Hope this helps - Cam.
poster:Cam W.
thread:36899
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000610/msgs/36921.html