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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Tori on February 9, 2000, at 10:29:49
In reply to more Celexa sharing, posted by torchgrl on February 9, 2000, at 2:46:11
Hi Torchgirl,
Why not give Celexa some more time? I remember having the same reaction when I started taking it a few months ago. I would just sit in my recliner in front of the TV for hours ... not even really watching, just sitting! But after a few weeks, the zombie-like feeling gradually dissipated. I feel so much better today that pre-Celexa -- I'm glad I waited out those weird side-effects.
Good luck to you. I know how frustrating finding the right medication can be.
Tori
Posted by torchgrl on February 9, 2000, at 14:32:17
In reply to Re: more Celexa sharing ( a thought...), posted by CarolAnn on February 9, 2000, at 9:36:45
> Torchgirl, I can't remember if you've ever been on Wellbutrin, but I just saw my Pdoc, and he has added Celexa to my 400mgs of Wellbutrin. He seemed to think it a good combination because of the Wellbutrin hitting dopamine and the Celexa hitting serotonin, so sort of "two gun" kind of effect. I don't know if it will work, but these and Adderall are my current mix, so I'll keep you posted.CarolAnn
CarolAnn,
I have been on Wellbutrin before, and it seems to have been the best of everything I've tried. Unfortunately, I started to notice what I finally realised was probably myoclonus as a side-effect, so I didn't want to go on it again (plus, it's too expensive for me with no insurance!). Of course, I still notice the myoclonus now, and I haven't taken Wellbutrin since September, so I don't know if it matters, although I'd be supremely irritated if it got worse... I'm thinking maybe I should go to a new doctor, get a new perspective.
Posted by Noa on February 9, 2000, at 16:06:26
In reply to Re: more Celexa sharing ( a thought...), posted by torchgrl on February 9, 2000, at 14:32:17
Several meds have given me bad myoclonus. Seems I get it when the serotonin levels are too high for me. Now, one of the things Serzone does for me is counteract the myoclonus from the high dose Effexor XR, so I can fall asleep with out the twitchies.
Posted by torchgrl on February 9, 2000, at 17:47:50
In reply to Re: myoclonus, posted by Noa on February 9, 2000, at 16:06:26
> Several meds have given me bad myoclonus. Seems I get it when the serotonin levels are too high for me. Now, one of the things Serzone does for me is counteract the myoclonus from the high dose Effexor XR, so I can fall asleep with out the twitchies.
I'm fortunate in that, now at least, I don't notice the movements when I'm trying to fall asleep. The main thing I've noticed it that my foot will jerk of its own accord when I'm sitting at my desk, watching TV etc, and it's really annoying; it seemed to be more pronounced when I was on the Wellbutrin, which is why eventually I determined that that was probably the cause. I wonder if Serzone would help me... I remember once during my last round with Wellbutrin, my whole body jerked when I was in bed--I don't think it really counted as a seizure, as it wasn't prolonged or anything, but it did kind of freak me out.
Posted by Amy on February 10, 2000, at 13:58:21
In reply to Re: more Celexa sharing, posted by Noa on February 9, 2000, at 5:49:59
I have recently started taking celexa and I have developed a gag problem. Has this happened to anyone else and do you have any idea why?
Amy
Posted by Cass on February 10, 2000, at 15:47:03
In reply to celexa makes me gag, posted by Amy on February 10, 2000, at 13:58:21
Amy, I've been noticing difficulty swallowing. I wonder if these problems are due to Celexa. I'm not sure.
Posted by Noa on February 10, 2000, at 17:35:39
In reply to Re: celexa makes me gag, posted by Cass on February 10, 2000, at 15:47:03
Interesting...I have had a strong gag reflex over the past few years, concurrent with meds. When I cough I often gag. It is a bit better since starting to use the cpap machine for apnea, because that allowed some tissue swelling to go down. This may sound strange, but how are your thyroid levels? Apparently, hypothyroid can cause the airway--soft tissue--to swell.
Posted by amy on February 11, 2000, at 0:48:32
In reply to Re: celexa makes me gag, posted by Noa on February 10, 2000, at 17:35:39
> Interesting...I have had a strong gag reflex over the past few years, concurrent with meds. When I cough I often gag. It is a bit better since starting to use the cpap machine for apnea, because that allowed some tissue swelling to go down. This may sound strange, but how are your thyroid levels? Apparently, hypothyroid can cause the airway--soft tissue--to swell.
I have never even thought about thyroid problems. What would some of the symptoms be? What is a cpap machine? Thanks for your response.
Amy
Posted by Noa on February 11, 2000, at 5:19:29
In reply to Re: celexa makes me gag, posted by amy on February 11, 2000, at 0:48:32
I have what is refered to as subclinical hypothyroid, with symptoms that are consistent with my depressive disorder: low energy, fatigue, etc. The pdoc suspected it and so I was tested and was slightly hypothyroid per lab tests. So, the pdoc recommended augmenting my ADs with synthroid and cytomel. It did help.
CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. It is a machine that blows air, through a tube to a mask I wear over my nose. The air pressure acts as a sort of "splint" to keep my airway open so I can breathe continuously while I sleep. Otherwise, the soft tissue of my airway slacks and closes off, cause apnea, which is cessation of breathing. I had become a total zombie for a few years because of the apnea. My blood oxygen was cut off and I was getting about a quarter of the required REM sleep and deep sleep. I do not know how I functioned at all.
Posted by Noa on February 11, 2000, at 5:21:10
In reply to Re: celexa makes me gag, posted by amy on February 11, 2000, at 0:48:32
One more thought...I have been so tired lately and am beginning to wonder of I need my cpap adjusted to a slightly higher pressure, because I have gained weight in the year that has passed since getting the cpap. Hmmm..
Posted by Amy on February 11, 2000, at 8:24:42
In reply to Re: celexa makes me gag, posted by amy on February 11, 2000, at 0:48:32
> > Interesting...I have had a strong gag reflex over the past few years, concurrent with meds. When I cough I often gag. It is a bit better since starting to use the cpap machine for apnea, because that allowed some tissue swelling to go down. This may sound strange, but how are your thyroid levels? Apparently, hypothyroid can cause the airway--soft tissue--to swell.
>
> I have never even thought about thyroid problems. What would some of the symptoms be? What is a cpap machine? Thanks for your response.
> AmyThat's very interesting. Did you know you had the apnea when you were having problems sleeping? I mean, would you wake up not being able to catch your breath? If a person had a hypothyroid would they have problems with gaining weight?
Amy
Posted by Noa on February 11, 2000, at 10:33:38
In reply to Re: celexa makes me gag, posted by Amy on February 11, 2000, at 8:24:42
>Did you know you had the apnea when you were having problems sleeping? I mean, would you wake up not being able to catch your breath?
Occasionally--heart racing, etc. More often tho, just thought I had to pee.
I figured it out when I started remembering lots of underwater dreams--not being able to get to the surface to breathe.
If a person had a hypothyroid would they have problems with gaining weight?
If by "problems with gaining weight" you mean difficulty putting on weight when you want to, no. If you mean the opposite, yes. I think it slows the metabolism down.
Posted by Amy on February 11, 2000, at 15:48:51
In reply to Re: celexa makes me gag, posted by Noa on February 11, 2000, at 10:33:38
> >Did you know you had the apnea when you were having problems sleeping? I mean, would you wake up not being able to catch your breath?
>
> Occasionally--heart racing, etc. More often tho, just thought I had to pee.
>
> I figured it out when I started remembering lots of underwater dreams--not being able to get to the surface to breathe.
>
> If a person had a hypothyroid would they have problems with gaining weight?
>
> If by "problems with gaining weight" you mean difficulty putting on weight when you want to, no. If you mean the opposite, yes. I think it slows the metabolism down.WOW, Noa....I get up to pee at least 10 times every night. I don't always have to...but I get up and think I do. I'll have to look into this. Thanks for all of your help! I'm a petite girl and I have never had a weight problem...could you still have hypothroid and not be overweight?
Posted by Noa on February 11, 2000, at 16:56:17
In reply to Re: celexa makes me gag, posted by Amy on February 11, 2000, at 15:48:51
>
> WOW, Noa....I get up to pee at least 10 times every night. I don't always have to...but I get up and think I do. I'll have to look into this. Thanks for all of your help! I'm a petite girl and I have never had a weight problem...could you still have hypothroid and not be overweight?I don't know about the hypothyroid.
As for getting up a lot in the night, it isn't the hypothyroid that did that, it was the sleep apnea. But perhaps this leads to investigating if you have some sort of sleep disorder, too. There are something like 80 different types of sleep disorders.
A thyroid check is not expensive--just a blood test. A sleep eval, on the other hand involves sleeping overnight in a sleep lab, and is costly. But it might be helpful. check out the following site for more info on sleep problems: www.sleepedu.net. Dr. Bob also has a link to the Stanford sleep center website.
Posted by JAN on February 16, 2000, at 7:46:30
In reply to Re: celexa makes me gag, posted by Noa on February 11, 2000, at 16:56:17
My sister has hypothyriod and is very petite. It is a simple test, and is often overlooked because symptoms (tired, irritable) can often be explained away. Jan
Posted by Wendy on March 17, 2000, at 8:51:09
In reply to Re: celexa makes me gag, posted by JAN on February 16, 2000, at 7:46:30
Just started taking celexa yesterday and was interested to see what others thought of it. Wow...could a person start to feel that "thickness" in their throat after just 24-36 hours of being on it? How soon did the "blah" feelings start?
Posted by TOM on March 17, 2000, at 9:47:39
In reply to celexa, posted by Wendy on March 17, 2000, at 8:51:09
> Just started taking celexa yesterday and was interested to see what others thought of it. Wow...could a person start to feel that "thickness" in their throat after just 24-36 hours of being on it? How soon did the "blah" feelings start?
I starte Celexa @ 3 weeks ago mostly for social phobia but also for low level depression. The side effects started right away. I was nauseous, drowsy, had a hard time getting to sleep, and was yawning constantly, among other things. Most of the effects are now gone, with the exception of the yawning & trouble sleeping. Actually, I am not feeling too much of anything and, honestly, i'm starting to get a little impatient. I've heard that it takes at anywhere from 2-5 weeks to kick in so I'm trying to be patient. I'm also a little apprehensive about it's effectiveness in treating social phobia, I've heard mixed reports. Anyone have any input?
Posted by VALLEY GIRL on March 17, 2000, at 14:54:47
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by TOM on March 17, 2000, at 9:47:39
>
I have been on celexa about three weeks now. At first I had terrible chest pains and I felt really out of it, I also had stomach pains and dirreaha. I started at 10mgs and am now at 20mgs. I really don't feel any different. The depression is still there. You know,the bleakness.
Of course I wouldn't know what happy felt like!
> Just started taking celexa yesterday and was interested to see what others thought of it. Wow...could a person start to feel that "thickness" in their throat after just 24-36 hours of being on it? How soon did the "blah" feelings start?
>
> I starte Celexa @ 3 weeks ago mostly for social phobia but also for low level depression. The side effects started right away. I was nauseous, drowsy, had a hard time getting to sleep, and was yawning constantly, among other things. Most of the effects are now gone, with the exception of the yawning & trouble sleeping. Actually, I am not feeling too much of anything and, honestly, i'm starting to get a little impatient. I've heard that it takes at anywhere from 2-5 weeks to kick in so I'm trying to be patient. I'm also a little apprehensive about it's effectiveness in treating social phobia, I've heard mixed reports. Anyone have any input?
Posted by Lisa on March 17, 2000, at 19:34:49
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by VALLEY GIRL on March 17, 2000, at 14:54:47
> >
> I have been on celexa about three weeks now. At first I had terrible chest pains and I felt really out of it, I also had stomach pains and dirreaha. I started at 10mgs and am now at 20mgs. I really don't feel any different. The depression is still there. You know,the bleakness.
> Of course I wouldn't know what happy felt like!
>
>
> > Just started taking celexa yesterday and was interested to see what others thought of it. Wow...could a person start to feel that "thickness" in their throat after just 24-36 hours of being on it? How soon did the "blah" feelings start?
> >
> > I starte Celexa @ 3 weeks ago mostly for social phobia but also for low level depression. The side effects started right away. I was nauseous, drowsy, had a hard time getting to sleep, and was yawning constantly, among other things. Most of the effects are now gone, with the exception of the yawning & trouble sleeping. Actually, I am not feeling too much of anything and, honestly, i'm starting to get a little impatient. I've heard that it takes at anywhere from 2-5 weeks to kick in so I'm trying to be patient. I'm also a little apprehensive about it's effectiveness in treating social phobia, I've heard mixed reports. Anyone have any input?
>> I'm supposed to start taking celexa tonite for the first time. Now I'm not sure if I want to. Some of the things I see here I'm already doing. But most of my depression now is from my niece's cancer. But I was alittle depressed before. Now I don't want to go to work or anything. An I cry alot. Prozac worked for me but I clenched my teeth alot. Just not sure if I want to try this or not.
Posted by gail on March 17, 2000, at 22:19:26
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Lisa on March 17, 2000, at 19:34:49
> > >
> > I have been on celexa about three weeks now. At first I had terrible chest pains and I felt really out of it, I also had stomach pains and dirreaha. I started at 10mgs and am now at 20mgs. I really don't feel any different. The depression is still there. You know,the bleakness.
> > Of course I wouldn't know what happy felt like!
> >
> >
> > > Just started taking celexa yesterday and was interested to see what others thought of it. Wow...could a person start to feel that "thickness" in their throat after just 24-36 hours of being on it? How soon did the "blah" feelings start?
> > >
> > > I starte Celexa @ 3 weeks ago mostly for social phobia but also for low level depression. The side effects started right away. I was nauseous, drowsy, had a hard time getting to sleep, and was yawning constantly, among other things. Most of the effects are now gone, with the exception of the yawning & trouble sleeping. Actually, I am not feeling too much of anything and, honestly, i'm starting to get a little impatient. I've heard that it takes at anywhere from 2-5 weeks to kick in so I'm trying to be patient. I'm also a little apprehensive about it's effectiveness in treating social phobia, I've heard mixed reports. Anyone have any input?
>
>
> >> I'm supposed to start taking celexa tonite for the first time. Now I'm not sure if I want to. Some of the things I see here I'm already doing. But most of my depression now is from my niece's cancer. But I was alittle depressed before. Now I don't want to go to work or anything. An I cry alot. Prozac worked for me but I clenched my teeth alot. Just not sure if I want to try this or not.I believe celexa pulled from the bottom of my depression. The side effects were minimal compared to no depression. The only day I feel out of sorts is the day I start my period. No kidding. I feel like hormone overload. Yikes, the house clears fast. I had the sore throat, horrible sweating, clenched jaw and problem with orgasm. Now after 9 months I only have delayed orgasm which has been good and bad. I believe what I've read on this board that every person's med's are different. Try it and see if it works for you but give it enough time to get you out of the black hole.
gail
Posted by Lisa on March 18, 2000, at 7:48:17
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by gail on March 17, 2000, at 22:19:26
> > > >
> > > I have been on celexa about three weeks now. At first I had terrible chest pains and I felt really out of it, I also had stomach pains and dirreaha. I started at 10mgs and am now at 20mgs. I really don't feel any different. The depression is still there. You know,the bleakness.
> > > Of course I wouldn't know what happy felt like!
> > >
> > >
> > > > Just started taking celexa yesterday and was interested to see what others thought of it. Wow...could a person start to feel that "thickness" in their throat after just 24-36 hours of being on it? How soon did the "blah" feelings start?
> > > >
> > > > I starte Celexa @ 3 weeks ago mostly for social phobia but also for low level depression. The side effects started right away. I was nauseous, drowsy, had a hard time getting to sleep, and was yawning constantly, among other things. Most of the effects are now gone, with the exception of the yawning & trouble sleeping. Actually, I am not feeling too much of anything and, honestly, i'm starting to get a little impatient. I've heard that it takes at anywhere from 2-5 weeks to kick in so I'm trying to be patient. I'm also a little apprehensive about it's effectiveness in treating social phobia, I've heard mixed reports. Anyone have any input?
> >
> >
> > >> I'm supposed to start taking celexa tonite for the first time. Now I'm not sure if I want to. Some of the things I see here I'm already doing. But most of my depression now is from my niece's cancer. But I was alittle depressed before. Now I don't want to go to work or anything. An I cry alot. Prozac worked for me but I clenched my teeth alot. Just not sure if I want to try this or not.
>
> I believe celexa pulled from the bottom of my depression. The side effects were minimal compared to no depression. The only day I feel out of sorts is the day I start my period. No kidding. I feel like hormone overload. Yikes, the house clears fast. I had the sore throat, horrible sweating, clenched jaw and problem with orgasm. Now after 9 months I only have delayed orgasm which has been good and bad. I believe what I've read on this board that every person's med's are different. Try it and see if it works for you but give it enough time to get you out of the black hole.
> gail>> Well I took my first one last nite an the only thing is I was wide awake at 2 A.M an could not go back to sleep. But that's nothing new. Either I sleep to much or not enough. But in the past months I have had a lot of sweating at night and clenching my mouth real bad. Last nite I did drink alot while I was awake. An was up going to the bathroom alot. I'm going to give it a try. An as for sex I'm single and have no interest in it at all. I really hope it pulls me from the bottom to the top. I've been down to long. I'm sure you know what I mean.
>> Lisa
Posted by Nancy on March 18, 2000, at 7:51:21
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by gail on March 17, 2000, at 22:19:26
> > > >
> > > I have been on celexa about three weeks now. At first I had terrible chest pains and I felt really out of it, I also had stomach pains and dirreaha. I started at 10mgs and am now at 20mgs. I really don't feel any different. The depression is still there. You know,the bleakness.
> > > Of course I wouldn't know what happy felt like!
> > >
> > >
> > > > Just started taking celexa yesterday and was interested to see what others thought of it. Wow...could a person start to feel that "thickness" in their throat after just 24-36 hours of being on it? How soon did the "blah" feelings start?
> > > >
> > > > I starte Celexa @ 3 weeks ago mostly for social phobia but also for low level depression. The side effects started right away. I was nauseous, drowsy, had a hard time getting to sleep, and was yawning constantly, among other things. Most of the effects are now gone, with the exception of the yawning & trouble sleeping. Actually, I am not feeling too much of anything and, honestly, i'm starting to get a little impatient. I've heard that it takes at anywhere from 2-5 weeks to kick in so I'm trying to be patient. I'm also a little apprehensive about it's effectiveness in treating social phobia, I've heard mixed reports. Anyone have any input?
> >
> > I have been taking Celexa for 3 months now and can't tell you how it's pulled me out of the deepest black hole I could ever imagine..I went through all of the side effects I'm reading about from all of you and persisted because I was desparate...I hated the idea of taking anything because I think I can "fix it" myself...now I know I've been depressed my whole life...I'm finally happy....I hope it works for you like it does for me...sounds like an advertisement doesn't it....really I wasn't paid to write this.....Nancy
> > >> I'm supposed to start taking celexa tonite for the first time. Now I'm not sure if I want to. Some of the things I see here I'm already doing. But most of my depression now is from my niece's cancer. But I was alittle depressed before. Now I don't want to go to work or anything. An I cry alot. Prozac worked for me but I clenched my teeth alot. Just not sure if I want to try this or not.
>
> I believe celexa pulled from the bottom of my depression. The side effects were minimal compared to no depression. The only day I feel out of sorts is the day I start my period. No kidding. I feel like hormone overload. Yikes, the house clears fast. I had the sore throat, horrible sweating, clenched jaw and problem with orgasm. Now after 9 months I only have delayed orgasm which has been good and bad. I believe what I've read on this board that every person's med's are different. Try it and see if it works for you but give it enough time to get you out of the black hole.
> gail
Posted by Jen on March 19, 2000, at 8:11:15
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Nancy on March 18, 2000, at 7:51:21
I just started Celexa 2 days ago. I have noticed some side-effects. I've been clenching my jaws so they are sore and my neck is sore. Last night, after dinner, I got so hot that I broke out in a sweat and I even turned off the overhead light in the living room. This lasted about 5 minutes and I was fine after that.
Besides these side effects, I have also noted a major change in my mood. I've been very depressed for weeks and weeks now and I notice a change with the celexa already. I am also taking 300mg of Wellbutrin a day and Ativan PRN.
Has anyone with the sweating and jaw clenching problems noticed that they go away??
Posted by Cam W. on March 19, 2000, at 11:19:26
In reply to Re: Celexa, posted by Jen on March 19, 2000, at 8:11:15
Jen - The side effects you mention (clenched jaw and sweating) should disappear within 2 or 3 weeks. The better mood you have is occurring much earlier than usual. This could be some placebo effect happening, so don't be surprized if this mood lifting drops in a few days. Celexa usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to produce a noticeable improvement in mood, as your body has to adjust to the drug before the depression lifts. Hang in there, an early response like this is often indicative of a good response to Celexa in the long run. Hope this helps - Cam W.
Posted by Marie on March 19, 2000, at 18:18:55
In reply to Re: Celexa, posted by Cam W. on March 19, 2000, at 11:19:26
I've been taking Celexa now for 12 days and find when I wake in the morning I am very anxious. I take the celexa and it does go away after a few hours. I also experience lack of motivation, and sleepiness. I was on Serzone prior to this and found it worked great up to 2 months ago when I had an excess amount of stress and I guess it just stopped working. I probably should have asked my doctor about increasing the dosage of Serzone instead of him changing me to Celexa. Also, is sexual disfunction a common side effect with Celexa. I've read info that it is with men; how about women? Would love to hear your comments. Thanks.
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