![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 20 to 44 of 72. Go back in thread:
Posted by Gigi on May 10, 1999, at 11:58:01
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by Jazz on May 10, 1999, at 10:11:26
I had severe insomnia to the point where I could not sleep for more than ten minutes
at one time; even tranquilizers, otc sleep-aids, did not work. Since I have been off
the celexa, my sleep is much better (and it improved within 3 days of quitting).
Posted by JK on May 18, 1999, at 20:20:23
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by Jazz on May 10, 1999, at 10:11:26
My daughter started taking Celexa yesterday after being on Paxil for over a year. She said that the Celexa "knocks her out" for about 3 hours after taking it. jk
Posted by Melissa on May 18, 1999, at 23:17:36
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by JK on May 18, 1999, at 20:20:23
Three times now I have tried to start Celesa again because I have been so down. The first time I reduced the dosage to 1.25 mg (my doctore said to disolve my 2.5 miligrams --yes 2.5 mg--not a typo error into a galss of water and rink half to cut the dosage further. I took it once and my eating was triggered very quickly. 10 days later I took the other half and I became exhuasted within 12 hours of taking it (at 8:00 am). My exhaustion just hit quite suddenly and was so obvious that I was at a meeting when it occurred and people asked me if something was wrong, that I looked extraordinarily tired. I tried a third time today. Actually I tried it to take before going to bed to see if that helped. I also cut the dosage in half again -- .635 mg. 12 hours later, though now it was midday, I crashed completely. ANd eating has been non-stop. It lifted me out of my dodrums. But that is it for me and Celexa. I am angry that there is no anti-depressant for me that doesn't have terrible side-effects when I clearly need one. Over the last few wekks I must have gained close to 10 pounds. And that is with only three tiny doses at least a week apart.
Posted by maybelle on May 19, 1999, at 1:05:41
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by JK on May 18, 1999, at 20:20:23
JK,
You did not say how much celexa your daughter is taking. Also, are there any other meds she's taking? Does she have any other diagnosed conditions (ex: hypoglycemia, diabetes, etc.)? Some other variables that affect how medication works include:
1. what time of day the med is taken
2. what other things are eaten/drunk at the same time as the med
3. the length of time (weeks, years, etc.) that someone has been taking a particular medI am in the process of switching from Zoloft to Celexa after being on Zoloft for appx. two years. I have also been treated with Imipramine in the past; with Imipramine, I was directed to take that med at bedtime because of its strong sedative effects. But after taking Imipramine for a long time (months), as with other antidepressants I've taken, the side effects became much less noticable. Our bodies can become accustomed to the effects of many substances--someone who drinks caffeinated drinks every day will attest to that. :)
I'm not sure whether your daughter will adjust to Celexa similarly, but I would be sure to give an otherwise-effective antidepressant a good chance by examining some of the questions above. And keep your doc regularly up-to-date on problematic side effects...they are very aware that these kinds of problems can result in a patient not taking their meds, and are usually eager to prevent that lapse.
Posted by Jessi on May 19, 1999, at 16:41:54
In reply to tried celexa once again, posted by Melissa on May 18, 1999, at 23:17:36
I understand your frustration. I recently took myself
completely off of Celexa. During the time I was on
Celexa I gained an extraordinary amount of weight.
Not to mention that my memory became so poor that
people around me started to notice. I also began
sleeping 12-14 hours in a night. It took me quite
some time to realize that Celexa was the problem,
the side effects that I was experiencing were not
noted anywhere, until I found this web site. I
mentioned these side effects to my doctor and he
had doubled my dosage to 40mg, thus, making every-
thing worse. I'm not sure how I am going to handle
it when the depression returns, I do know that I am
tired of trying things that aren't effective.I wish you all the best!!!!
Jessi
> Three times now I have tried to start Celesa again because I have been so down. The first time I reduced the dosage to 1.25 mg (my doctore said to disolve my 2.5 miligrams --yes 2.5 mg--not a typo error into a galss of water and rink half to cut the dosage further. I took it once and my eating was triggered very quickly. 10 days later I took the other half and I became exhuasted within 12 hours of taking it (at 8:00 am). My exhaustion just hit quite suddenly and was so obvious that I was at a meeting when it occurred and people asked me if something was wrong, that I looked extraordinarily tired. I tried a third time today. Actually I tried it to take before going to bed to see if that helped. I also cut the dosage in half again -- .635 mg. 12 hours later, though now it was midday, I crashed completely. ANd eating has been non-stop. It lifted me out of my dodrums. But that is it for me and Celexa. I am angry that there is no anti-depressant for me that doesn't have terrible side-effects when I clearly need one. Over the last few wekks I must have gained close to 10 pounds. And that is with only three tiny doses at least a week apart.
Posted by Ruth on May 19, 1999, at 20:49:38
In reply to Re: tried celexa once again-Melissa, posted by Jessi on May 19, 1999, at 16:41:54
I've had a variation on the theme reaction to celexa. I've been on it for about 2 months and seemed to be responding well (I had had to stop the parnate when it seemed to stop being effective). But in the past 4 days I've suddenly become totally exhausted and have been crashing in the afternoon, something that I hadn't been doing in the past two months.
Has anyone had the experience and had it resolve without having to stop the celexa?>I understand your frustration. I recently took myself
> completely off of Celexa. During the time I was on
> Celexa I gained an extraordinary amount of weight.
> Not to mention that my memory became so poor that
> people around me started to notice. I also began
> sleeping 12-14 hours in a night. It took me quite
> some time to realize that Celexa was the problem,
> the side effects that I was experiencing were not
> noted anywhere, until I found this web site. I
> mentioned these side effects to my doctor and he
> had doubled my dosage to 40mg, thus, making every-
> thing worse. I'm not sure how I am going to handle
> it when the depression returns, I do know that I am
> tired of trying things that aren't effective.
>
> I wish you all the best!!!!
>
> Jessi
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > Three times now I have tried to start Celesa again because I have been so down. The first time I reduced the dosage to 1.25 mg (my doctore said to disolve my 2.5 miligrams --yes 2.5 mg--not a typo error into a galss of water and rink half to cut the dosage further. I took it once and my eating was triggered very quickly. 10 days later I took the other half and I became exhuasted within 12 hours of taking it (at 8:00 am). My exhaustion just hit quite suddenly and was so obvious that I was at a meeting when it occurred and people asked me if something was wrong, that I looked extraordinarily tired. I tried a third time today. Actually I tried it to take before going to bed to see if that helped. I also cut the dosage in half again -- .635 mg. 12 hours later, though now it was midday, I crashed completely. ANd eating has been non-stop. It lifted me out of my dodrums. But that is it for me and Celexa. I am angry that there is no anti-depressant for me that doesn't have terrible side-effects when I clearly need one. Over the last few wekks I must have gained close to 10 pounds. And that is with only three tiny doses at least a week apart.
Posted by Marie on May 19, 1999, at 22:01:50
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by Jazz on May 10, 1999, at 10:11:26
> > > >I just recently started Celexa and although it seems to be helping my depression/anxiety
> I am suffering with insomnia. I haven't noticed any other side affects, but am little nervous
> about weight gain. Is anyone experiencing insomnia while taking Celexa???I have sure have. It takes forever to go to sleep and then I wake up about 3 or 4 and can't go back to sleep. I'm also concerned about weight gain. I guess I'll be watching that closely
Posted by Melissa on May 19, 1999, at 22:44:52
In reply to Re: tried celexa once again-Melissa, posted by Ruth on May 19, 1999, at 20:49:38
> I've had a variation on the theme reaction to celexa. I've been on it for about 2 months and seemed to be responding well (I had had to stop the parnate when it seemed to stop being effective). But in the past 4 days I've suddenly become totally exhausted and have been crashing in the afternoon, something that I hadn't been doing in the past two months.
> Has anyone had the experience and had it resolve without having to stop the celexa?>
The first time I went on Celexa, it was several days before I got the extreme tiredness. At first just a nap took care of it. My energy could often override it. But by the end of the 5 weeks I was sleeping 14-16 hours a day. Nothing cured it except going off. I had the same reaction on prozac when I took that 10 years ago. It was an unreported side effect. I thought it was due to something else in spite fo the fact that the psychiatrist I was seeing warned me to be on thelook out for it. When on prozac it didn't hot me for two months and then it started to hit. My psychiatrist observed this effect in 70% of his patients on prozac. As soon as it hit them, he took them off prozac immediately. He said that that two month delay only seemed to work the first time. If he took patients off it for a while, no mater how long, once they went back on prozac the tiredness effect came back almost immediately, not even the two month delay. Given that Celaxa is a next generation of prozac, the fact that I started to get the tiredness within a few days even after being off of prozac for ten years (I was on prozac for about 4-5 months before I told my doctor of my tiredness) suggests that if this is a side effect of SSRI's that an individual experiences, the only cure is to get off it. Because so many of those patients really appreciated the positive effects of prozac, that doctor experimented with very low dosages in conjunction with other anti-depressants, hoping the presence of the other would neutralize the tiredness effect of prozac. I don't recall what he experimented with. But except in rare instances it di not help. In the rare instances, it was merely that the tiredness was made a little more tolerable. So I would conclude that if you get the tirednes with Celexa, the only cure is to get off. One bright note...I know that not everyone hwo got tiredness on one SSRI had it on all the SSRI's. So if you like the positive benefits of Celexa, you might want to try one of the other SSRI's to see how they do. I have to say the negative side effects of Celexa for me were far worse than the negative side effects of prozac. But the positive benefits were better as well.
Posted by Terry on May 20, 1999, at 3:35:27
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by Marie on May 19, 1999, at 22:01:50
> > > > >I just recently started Celexa and although it seems to be helping my depression/anxiety
> > I am suffering with insomnia. I haven't noticed any other side affects, but am little nervous
> > about weight gain. Is anyone experiencing insomnia while taking Celexa???
>
> I have sure have. It takes forever to go to sleep and then I wake up about 3 or 4 and can't go back to sleep. I'm also concerned about weight gain. I guess I'll be watching that closely
I have been on Celexa for 2 weeks. I had insomnia for about the first 9 days. Then I started yawning alot and became extremely tired all the time. Can't seem to get enough sleep. The last couple of days, I have forced myself to go back to the Gym. Something I haven't done in a month. Suprisingly enough, I have regained some of my energy back. Maybe celexa makes you tired because it effects your oxygen intake?
Posted by JK on May 20, 1999, at 20:55:46
In reply to side effects of celexa:JK, posted by maybelle on May 19, 1999, at 1:05:41
Maybelle, Thanks for the response. I think it is 1 tablet in the AM which is 10 or 20 mg. She also takes Lamictal for a prior seizure disorder. She sleeps for about 3 hours after taking the dosage. This is the 4th day, but she has not returned my calls to let me know how she is doing. I'm very worried about her.
> JK,
> You did not say how much celexa your daughter is taking. Also, are there any other meds she's taking? Does she have any other diagnosed conditions (ex: hypoglycemia, diabetes, etc.)? Some other variables that affect how medication works include:
> 1. what time of day the med is taken
> 2. what other things are eaten/drunk at the same time as the med
> 3. the length of time (weeks, years, etc.) that someone has been taking a particular med
>
> I am in the process of switching from Zoloft to Celexa after being on Zoloft for appx. two years. I have also been treated with Imipramine in the past; with Imipramine, I was directed to take that med at bedtime because of its strong sedative effects. But after taking Imipramine for a long time (months), as with other antidepressants I've taken, the side effects became much less noticable. Our bodies can become accustomed to the effects of many substances--someone who drinks caffeinated drinks every day will attest to that. :)
>
> I'm not sure whether your daughter will adjust to Celexa similarly, but I would be sure to give an otherwise-effective antidepressant a good chance by examining some of the questions above. And keep your doc regularly up-to-date on problematic side effects...they are very aware that these kinds of problems can result in a patient not taking their meds, and are usually eager to prevent that lapse.
Posted by RUTH PEREZ on January 28, 2000, at 14:51:43
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by oop on October 19, 1998, at 11:35:27
> > > RECENTLY MY DOCTOR PUT ME ON CELEXA 20MG. I TOOK 1 PILL WHEN I GOT HOME, AND FEW HOURS LATER I WAS IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM, INTOXICATED. I SAW MY PHARMACITS AND HE SAID THAT THIS DRUG SHOULD NOT HAVE AN ALLERGIC REACTION. I CALLED THE PHYSICIAN'S OFFICE AND THE RECEPTIONIST TOLD ME THAT THIS MEDICATION HAS SULFUR. THE PHARMACITS TOLD ME THAT THIS MEDICATION DOESN'T HAVE SULFUR. I GOT THE MEDICATION AS SAMPLES FROM THE DOCTORS OFFICE. DOES ANYONE CAN HELP ME WITH THIS? I HAVEN'T HEARD FROM THE DOCTOR SINCE MONDAY THAT THIS HAPPENED.
THANK YOU.
RUTH
Posted by Noa on January 28, 2000, at 20:20:15
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by RUTH PEREZ on January 28, 2000, at 14:51:43
I know very very little about celexa, but I had a similar experience with amitryptaline many years ago. I took one 25 mg. pill, and became simultaneously agitated (bouncing off the walls) and intoxicated (poor coordination, slurred speech, inability to stay alert). Having these symptoms at the same time felt like nothing I ever want to feel again. I was so sedated, but couldn't sleep because of the agitation. I also went to the emergency room. All they did was examine me and have me stay until the effects wore off. Needless to say, I never took the amitryptaline again, and my current pdoc has steered me away from TCAs.
So, I know it is a totally different class of meds, but I think it is possible for an individual to have a severe reaction to a med even if the med has no allergenic profile.Stay tuned, I am sure some others will give you more specific info.
Posted by glenn on January 29, 2000, at 9:37:05
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by RUTH PEREZ on January 28, 2000, at 14:51:43
> > > > RECENTLY MY DOCTOR PUT ME ON CELEXA 20MG. I TOOK 1 PILL WHEN I GOT HOME, AND FEW HOURS LATER I WAS IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM, INTOXICATED. I SAW MY PHARMACITS AND HE SAID THAT THIS DRUG SHOULD NOT HAVE AN ALLERGIC REACTION. I CALLED THE PHYSICIAN'S OFFICE AND THE RECEPTIONIST TOLD ME THAT THIS MEDICATION HAS SULFUR. THE PHARMACITS TOLD ME THAT THIS MEDICATION DOESN'T HAVE SULFUR. I GOT THE MEDICATION AS SAMPLES FROM THE DOCTORS OFFICE. DOES ANYONE CAN HELP ME WITH THIS? I HAVEN'T HEARD FROM THE DOCTOR SINCE MONDAY THAT THIS HAPPENED.
> THANK YOU.
> RUTH
i had a similar reaction with one sertraline pill
(zoloft)couldnt walk the next day massive agitation, im afraid some docs always come back with "this doesnt happen" but it does, dont worry it will wear off, mine took 2 days , obvoiusly celexa is not for you
glenn
Posted by Margo on January 29, 2000, at 19:12:53
In reply to Hormone Replacement Therapy, posted by Melissa on January 19, 1999, at 0:41:34
> I also took celexia for 6 mo. I agree that it helped but as others the exaustion and weight gain where to much of a trade off. I'm going to take Melissa's advice and try the hormone replacement theapy. I gained 20 lbs on celexia in just 6 mo. after I stopped taking the celexia I had very strange head rushes a tingeling feeling for about a week or two and then a severe headache that lasted for about 3 or 4 days. I feel more normal now and think it did help me through a rough spot, But with my age 41 soon to be 42 I will try the hormones. My doctor had suggested I try them but after the weight gain I've had I really thought I would just gain more. I beleive with the increased energy though I could get back to my normal routine and hoopefully loose the extra weight. I've always been thin so I'm not taking being a size 10 to well. I hope you all find the perfect answer for yourselves. Just don't give up and beleive in yourself in the mean time!
Posted by Cam W. on January 29, 2000, at 23:56:30
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by RUTH PEREZ on January 28, 2000, at 14:51:43
> > > > RECENTLY MY DOCTOR PUT ME ON CELEXA 20MG. I TOOK 1 PILL WHEN I GOT HOME, AND FEW HOURS LATER I WAS IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM, INTOXICATED. I SAW MY PHARMACITS AND HE SAID THAT THIS DRUG SHOULD NOT HAVE AN ALLERGIC REACTION. I CALLED THE PHYSICIAN'S OFFICE AND THE RECEPTIONIST TOLD ME THAT THIS MEDICATION HAS SULFUR. THE PHARMACITS TOLD ME THAT THIS MEDICATION DOESN'T HAVE SULFUR. I GOT THE MEDICATION AS SAMPLES FROM THE DOCTORS OFFICE. DOES ANYONE CAN HELP ME WITH THIS? I HAVEN'T HEARD FROM THE DOCTOR SINCE MONDAY THAT THIS HAPPENED.
> THANK YOU.
> RUTHRuth - Celexa, the antidepressant, does NOT contain any sulfer. I have checked 3 references. I think (but am not positive because my notes are at work) that Celebrex, the antiarthritic is a sulfonamide-like drug & therefore would contain sulfer. This is where the receptionist may have made a mistake. A receptionist should not be giving drug advice unless he/she has had specialized training, it can lead to mix-ups. Hope this helps. Best reference - www.mentalhealth.com - click on medicines - click on Celexa and read to your heart's content. (no sulfer in drug or in the bindings or fillers). Good luck - Cam W.
Posted by Melissa on January 30, 2000, at 2:05:39
In reply to Re: Hormone Replacement Therapy, posted by Margo on January 29, 2000, at 19:12:53
> > I also took celexia for 6 mo. I agree that it helped but as others the exaustion and weight gain where to much of a trade off. I'm going to take Melissa's advice and try the hormone replacement theapy. I gained 20 lbs on celexia in just 6 mo. after I stopped taking the celexia I had very strange head rushes a tingeling feeling for about a week or two and then a severe headache that lasted for about 3 or 4 days. I feel more normal now and think it did help me through a rough spot, But with my age 41 soon to be 42 I will try the hormones. My doctor had suggested I try them but after the weight gain I've had I really thought I would just gain more. I beleive with the increased energy though I could get back to my normal routine and hoopefully loose the extra weight. I've always been thin so I'm not taking being a size 10 to well. I hope you all find the perfect answer for yourselves. Just don't give up and beleive in yourself in the mean time!
I have been taking HRT for a couple of years now, and I have been steadily, slowly taking off the weight. THe weight I gained from Celexa came of relatively quickly (less than a month) and though I go through bouts of stress when I eat inappropriately and gain some weight, afterwards it does come off. Amd I continute to be happier and healthier and stronger than I have ever been. I do wish I had started taking it in my early 40's. I think I was in the very early stages of menopause that is not yet medically acknowledged. Doctors wait too long before sarting it. I would be very curious as to how your results are. I do want to strongly recommend the natural HRT's that are still presciption required. The best is the brand name estrace. If your prescription plan will only pay for the genric, pay the difference out of your pocket. I tried the genric for a while and lost a lot of the benefits. My doctor who is literally one of the world's leading researchers in HRT (and the related field of fertility) says that his experience is that the generics fail for many women under many circumstances (including fertility issues.) FOr the progesterone (which you must take to avoid the risk of uterine cancer) it is important to get the "methodized" progesterone (that is not quite the right term but your doctor should know or you can look it up)
because your body won't assimilate it. You can get these drugs through the WOmen's international Pharmacy in WIsconsin (call 800 info for phone number), your doctor can phone in a prescription, if you do not have a local pharmacy that will do compounding. (that is critical, because you will find you will need to make minute changes indoeses to find the right one for you and as you are i your early forties you will find the right dose will change over time.) WOmen's INternational pharmacy also will send you a booklet on the latest info on HRT naturals. I strongly recommend against the synthetics, which most women take. Most women I know have pretty bad side effects, the degree of which aries from women to woman. (And no, the fact that the synthetics are made from pregnat mares' urine does nto mean it is natural. It is not.) Progestin, the synthetic for progesterone, is the drug that seems to cause the worst side effects, bringing on symptoms of PMS even in women who never had PMS and also causes weight gain. (My understanding is that one theory for women who suffer from PMS is that their body produces too much progesterone during that part of the cylce which causes the PMS symptoms.) I know that just in the last week a study has been published in one of the major medical journals that indicates that the combo of estrogen and progesterone (actually it was the eynthetics, progestin in particular) which are taken together to eliminate the increased risk of uterine cancer that taking estrogine alone causes, the study indicates that the combo increase the risk of breast cancer over taking estrogen alone. However, I would still suggest taking the two combined. Because there are other studies coming out that show there is no correlation between HRT and breast cancer. It has to do with the data analysis and how the tests are set up. (I have this knowledge because my doctor is a researcher and I myself am an academic and have a good deal of knowledge about data studies.) So the results re: breast cancer are too inconclsive and the increased risk indicated if true is only 8% a year on a very small numbe to begin with, whereas with uterine cancer it is over 25% and that is established as a certainty and known for several decades.) So good luck and I hope to see a post here about your experience.Melissa
Posted by Alyson Flicher on October 12, 2000, at 18:36:03
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by RUTH PEREZ on January 28, 2000, at 14:51:43
Does anyone have experience with taking celexa for relief of severe PMS symptoms?
Posted by Snowie on October 18, 2000, at 22:40:17
In reply to Re: celexa for PMS, posted by Alyson Flicher on October 12, 2000, at 18:36:03
Alyson,
I did try Celexa a while back, and I really liked it. As for relief from severe PMS symptoms, I have no idea. I don't think I took it long enough to find out. I've heard that some of the benzos can help with PMS symptoms since they have muscle relaxant properties. Valium in particular comes to mind. You probably wouldn't have a dependency problem with it if you only took it p.r.n. (as needed). I'm not trying to get rid of you here, but below is a site for women that deals with OB-GYN questions. I've posted several times there, and the doctors are very knowledgeable about almost everything to do with women's issues.
http://forums.obgyn.net/womens-health/
Snowie
> Does anyone have experience with taking celexa for relief of severe PMS symptoms?
Posted by Oola on December 5, 2000, at 19:35:44
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by Cam W. on January 29, 2000, at 23:56:30
I have taken Celexa for over a year now. I was set to graduate in Dec 1999 with by bachelors. I began taking Celexa in Oct 1999. I ended up taking three incomplete grades and was set to graduate whenever I completed these courses. I still have not begun to complete them. Since taking Celexa I have had much less anxiety and depression, but this has come at the cost of all of my motivation. I have attempted to discontinue Celexa several times, however, I have found that each time I do I become extremely agitated, my boyfriend says that I become completely airheaded and indifferent to everything. He says he does not recognize this part of me and feels that his fear of this part of me would be the undoing to our relationship if it were to end. I find that I am frightened of going off of it and yet I am also frightened of staying on it. I cannot live a life with no motivation, it is as though my lack of progression this past 14 months has become a digression. Help!
Posted by ducky on December 5, 2000, at 22:32:39
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by Cam W. on January 29, 2000, at 23:56:30
I'm 16 and I just started Celexa about 5 days ago. The first dose I took at night and a couple of hours later started to feel this strange sensation in my head, along with slight nausea. The next day at school, I found I wasn't as moody and a bit more cheerful and bubbly. At the same time I was asking myself if I was the same person because I felt different. Within the past few days it's been a little difficult to concentrate. I blank out and think about absolutely nothing. Today and yesterday I've been heavily yawning, but a few days ago I couldn't sleep (it might have just been my day). Along with the heavy yawning, I had random fits of crying. I also switched to taking it in the morning yesterday, so perhaps that explains it. It's very frustrating because the medication apparently doesn't have any real effects until about 2-3 weeks after you start taking it. I talked to a psych teacher who's familiar with antidepressants, and she says that the side effects are different for each person and that the reaction time is different as well. I did research on the side effects of Celexa, and they include dry mouth, nausea, tremor (another one i experienced while trying to write..), headache, sleepiness, and insomnia. Sleepiness and insomnia...make up your mind!! Actually, serotonin is important in sleep-waking cycles, so that might explain why it's different from case to case. If anyone has any more information on the side effects of Celexa, or what it does exactly, please let me know. Thanks!
Posted by ccass on December 6, 2000, at 11:43:38
In reply to side effects of celexa, posted by Oola on December 5, 2000, at 19:35:44
You know what...this is how I was feeling for the last 5 months (out of a year on celexa) and I went to my doctor to discuss it and even though I was a bit leary and scared to up my dose I did from 20mg to 40mg! The first 2 weeks at 40mg I was tired and really wasn't feeling better but then I woke up one morning and felt great it was very odd but I've been feeling alot better since!
I come to the conclusion that if these drugs can make me feel so much better I want to take them its better to feel good and happy then sad and scared, irrated and just not feeling well. So maybe you should consider taking a higher dose and stay with it there is nothing wrong with needing these drugs to help us along and maybe one day after you've accomplished some major hurdles and life seems a bit easier we can be taken off the drugs 2 or 3 or more years from now!
the best of luck to you and hang in there!
Posted by Bill L on December 7, 2000, at 7:16:45
In reply to side effects of celexa, posted by Oola on December 5, 2000, at 19:35:44
Oola - It sounds like you are in a difficult situation. Your anxiety and depression must have been pretty bad to motivate you to take the Celexa in the first place. So it sounds like you probably don't want to just quit the Celexa and go back to feeling the way you did before.
Maybe you could lower the dose of Celexa. Maybe that would give you some of your motivation back.
On the other hand, CCASS responded to your post and said that increasing the dose from 20 mg to 40 mg helped in his or her case.
So it's hard to figure out. Do you have a doctor that you feel comfortable with? That would be the best thing to sit down and talk to a good competent doctor about your options. Good luck!
> I have taken Celexa for over a year now. I was set to graduate in Dec 1999 with by bachelors. I began taking Celexa in Oct 1999. I ended up taking three incomplete grades and was set to graduate whenever I completed these courses. I still have not begun to complete them. Since taking Celexa I have had much less anxiety and depression, but this has come at the cost of all of my motivation. I have attempted to discontinue Celexa several times, however, I have found that each time I do I become extremely agitated, my boyfriend says that I become completely airheaded and indifferent to everything. He says he does not recognize this part of me and feels that his fear of this part of me would be the undoing to our relationship if it were to end. I find that I am frightened of going off of it and yet I am also frightened of staying on it. I cannot live a life with no motivation, it is as though my lack of progression this past 14 months has become a digression. Help!
Posted by lina on February 22, 2001, at 0:01:24
In reply to Re: Hormone Replacement Therapy, posted by Melissa on January 30, 2000, at 2:05:39
Dear doctor.
I have been on HRT for the past 5 years following an operation to remove both my ovaries. Since then I have put on weight by 2 Stone's and have hot sweats. I have had problems finding the write one for me. The dosage is the right one for me wich is 100 Estraderm Patches wich I am on at the moment I have tried to go lower my dosage by 50 even tried 75 but my joints start to ache badly. Could you please advise.lina
Posted by jczpt on December 10, 2001, at 10:27:26
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by Sally on May 4, 1999, at 18:55:54
> > I'm curious to know what side effects go along with the antidepressant drug, celexa. I recently went to the doctor in reference to a weight problem. I am 2 pounds below state regulations for phentermine. He explained to me that when I take care of my anxiety and depression, that my weight problem would take care of itself. I've searched the web for these side effects, but I only find dry mouth, nausea and sleepiness. I'm definitely sleepy and have nausea. I don't think I can work and take this drug.
>
> I would like to know if there is anyone out there that is taking Celexa has gained any weight. I am on Wellbutrin, and have been doing well, then the doctor put me on Celexa also to take care of my attention. I am 49 years old and I do not act or look like it. I love doing sports, and I have two jobs. I was just having trouble remembering everything, I am going thru the change also. Please anyone out there please let me know about the weight gain. Thank you. SallyHi, I'm 48 male and have been on celexa for about 1 1/2 years, just discovered this site. my side effects have been the lathargy and weight gain, plus tired during the day, I take my med in the morning (30mg)and might try at night.
Posted by deeanne on March 4, 2002, at 14:35:39
In reply to ::brain does flips::, posted by ducky on December 5, 2000, at 22:32:39
Your post about "brain does flip flops" caught my attention. This was a symptom I was having prior to taking Celexa. It has continued, though to a lesser degree while taking Celexa. I have been on Celexa for 27 days now.
I started Celexa (20 mg) as treatment for depression. When I went to my doctor, my symptoms were insomnia (less than 4 hrs a night for 2 years!), crying for no reason, lack of interest in hobbies, family activities, etc., lack of interest in my job, difficulty focusing, hopelessness and inability to lose weight. I am taking the Celexa at night and have never slept better in my life! I am a little groggy in the morning, but it wears off by about 8 am. I still exercise every day. I have started to enjoy my hobbies again, life feels good again -- finally. I'm not scared to go to bed at night...no more nightmares, panic attacks or staring at the ceiling. I do get the occasional "brain quake" -- that's the only way to describe it. It feels like a little electronic earthquake in my head, for about 2 seconds and is gone. It's frightening, but doesnt last long. The other side effect I've noticed is gastrointestinal. (gas & constipation). It has to be the celexa because that is the only thing I've changed. I can live with this, no problem. I'm just thankful for Celexa because I can sleep again, and I am starting to feel like my "old" self again. Happy to be alive!
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