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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Noa on June 4, 2000, at 13:00:59
In reply to Re: chicken or egg, posted by Hermit on June 4, 2000, at 7:58:36
Hermit, I agree with Andre that it is nearly impossible to pull apart the nurture-nature aspects of depression. They are mutually influential, and often, a multimodal approach to treatment can help--go after the neurotransmitters while also going after the maladaptive thought patterns, emotional experiences, etc.
Posted by JD on June 4, 2000, at 16:50:33
In reply to Re: more Celexa sharing, posted by erin on April 8, 2000, at 14:36:18
> I have been on Clexa for 5 weeks now. Am a little concerned as I am having suicidal thoughts, also am feeling depressed. I am only taking 20mg and must decide if I should increase the dosage or change to another drug. Thing is I don't have as bad a side-effect on these as on effexor. I am scared that my anxiet will increase with uping the dosage. I have read what some of you have written and maybe I should wait a little longer. Is it worth the try? Anyone out there who suffered from the anxiety and suicide thoughts in the beginning?
Posted by forth meg on June 6, 2000, at 1:21:29
In reply to chicken or egg, posted by Hermit on June 3, 2000, at 22:10:24
The ultimate question -
What's caused by our brain vs. what's caused by our mind?
There's no easy answer.
The terms "endogenous," "chemical," "biological" when applied to depression are really fairly meaningless.
Truth is:
1. Life Events and Stresses can trigger a clinical depression that's indistinguishable from depressions which are purely "endogenous" and can be treated the same way. That's why the distinction between "endogenous" and "reactive" depression is now largely obsolete.
2. When you're depressed you tend to magnify negative events (so you think the depression is "caused" by an event, when in fact depression depression is "causing" you to feel much worse about it than you otherwise would)
3. Depression causes depressogenic behaviors. It leads to vicious cycles (oversleeping, overeating, avoidance, procrastination, withdrawal) that make depression worse.
So it really IS the chicken and the egg - it's very hard to know what's "chemical" and what's "environmental."And maybe it doesn't matter.
> I haven't read this entire message board, so perhaps this topic has already been broached, but I'm wondering whether the depression I suffer is chemical or behavioral. How can you tell the difference? I know that certain unfortunate experiences in my past have exacerbated the depression, but I also know that I sometimes find justifications for feeling low that, when I think it over later, don't seem sufficient reason for, for example, fantasizing about suicide, etc. All I know is that the doctor at my school was pretty adamant about giving me Celexa after I'd taken an absurdly short questionnier (sp?) that revealed I often am self-critical, tired, all the usual symptoms.
>
> I have been taking Celexa for about two days now, after already wanting to sleep all the time.
Posted by D on June 7, 2000, at 7:37:35
In reply to Re: more Celexa sharing, posted by JD on June 4, 2000, at 16:50:33
JD,
I would try to see if you can hang in there w/ Celexa for another week or two. If after that point, you still feel bad, I would talk with your doctor about changing meds or upping the dose. I've had good results with Zoloft (50mg), so that may be an option for you. I wish you the best! D
Posted by JD on June 7, 2000, at 21:12:50
In reply to Re: more Celexa sharing, posted by D on June 7, 2000, at 7:37:35
> JD,
> I would try to see if you can hang in there w/ Celexa for another week or two. If after that point, you still feel bad, I would talk with your doctor about changing meds or upping the dose. I've had good results with Zoloft (50mg), so that may be an option for you. I wish you the best! D
D Thanks for the words. I am already feeling a little better. Am having difficultly identifing what are "normal" feelings and drug feelings. Having been in drug fog for a long time, I am finally feeling things. All I need to do now is wait and see if I can handle these new feelings or if I will revert to the extreme depression again. Right now I have some hope and that is good. Thanks again for your response. I did try Zoloft and bounced off the walls. Different strokes huh! Thanks for the input. JD
Posted by D on June 13, 2000, at 8:57:36
In reply to Re: more Celexa sharing, posted by JD on June 7, 2000, at 21:12:50
JD,
It's great to hear that you are feeling better. It IS difficult to distinguish sometimes what are "drug" feelings and what are "normal" feelings. I guess whatever feelings you can deal with are the ones to go for. It's hard to know sometimes. I hope that things continue to get better.D
Posted by celexy on June 15, 2000, at 9:45:46
In reply to Just starting Celexa, posted by Wondering on May 4, 2000, at 13:54:21
i feel alot better about myself now.most side affects were mild and well worth it all.i want to wish you all the courage in dealing with life ups and downs.keep taking your celexa and good luck,everything takes time,have patience,it will pay off.
Posted by RobX on June 22, 2000, at 15:45:31
In reply to Celexa Side Effects, posted by Marie on March 19, 2000, at 18:18:55
>This site is helpful. I was just put on Celexa today and I was a little nervous about taking it. I was on Paxil, but I didn't like the decreased sexual functioning. I noticed some people have this problem with Celexa, but it appears to go away after a while. Is this true? Anything else I should know about Celexa? Any comments (pro or con) are welcome. I'm working on my anxiety in social situations as well as depression. Hope Celexa is the one, living in San Francisco makes it tempting to go to the Golden Gate Bridge one last time and say bye bye. I'm getting so tired of the strain and drain of living. Well, I better take my meds.
Posted by RocLex on August 10, 2000, at 17:04:02
In reply to Re: Celexa Side Effects, posted by Valley Girl on March 20, 2000, at 13:43:12
I was taking 20mg of Celexa since March 2000. A few weeks ago
my doc increased the dosage to 40mg. I felt more irritable, restless,
and just plain bitchy. Now, I'm taking 20mg of Prozac. I am wondering,
how long before I notice any effects? Instant or do I have to wait a few
more weeks. I've been so darn depressed lately...
Posted by RocLex on August 10, 2000, at 17:06:50
In reply to It Works!, posted by R. on May 28, 2000, at 23:41:40
I am so happy it worked for you. Sad to say but it didn't
work for me. I had been on it since March and although it
worked well the first few weeks (perhaps just as a placebo...)
I was feeling so miserable and aggrivated as well as sad and
depressed--so depressed that thoughts of hurting myelf entered
my mind. I am now on 20mg Prozac. Hoping that will help but
only time will tell.
Posted by RPM on August 19, 2000, at 12:48:15
In reply to Re: Celexa Side Effects, posted by Valley Girl on March 20, 2000, at 13:43:12
> > > I started taking anit depressants since 1992. They had beeen given to me by my Medical Doctor Internist. I was on Zoloft at first which made me feel like a robot however, for a short period it worked but always felt disjointed. Then I stopped for a while and went on Efexor which had very bad side effects. Afterwards I was put on Paxil for about 2 years which worked for a while then quit. I always still was in that fog or cloud not knowing why things in my life or those feelings were still there. After Paxil I was on Prozac that was useless and back to Paxil and finally my doctor suggested Wellbutrin which is in a different class. Again, there was some relief for a while like a couple of months or so. Finally my therapist said something is not right here I want you to go get an evaluation and see what meds will work or if the Physciatrist could tweek them for you. Guess what happened? After all those years of suffering and going through those temporary relief periods I was diagnosed with a mild form of Bi Polar. Now that suddenly made so much sense. The point I am making is that one needs to go to a Psyhiatrist to determine the right meds and levels. I learned the hard way. These anti depressants are dispensed today like Pez Candy from doctors. I had been doing all the right things and follwing all the necessay advice that was given. Go to the gym, I did that. Change your enviorment, I did that. change your freinds if need be I did that. I have even been in therapy for about a year with a psychologist. It was I who fought going to the Psychiatrist to tweek my meds thinking that I knew it all. So my point is now I am back on the right road this time and I am on Celexa combining it with another class of drug to get me back into alignment. My feeling on taking medication to helps one self is this. "Suffering is the inevitable but being in pain is an option" I choose not to be in pain or suffer. Therefore, I could care less what others say or think. It is what it is and I just want to feel better even if it means taking a pill once a day or even twice. The side effects that they may occur do not compare to the side effects of the mental anguish and pain one goes through in life which is completely unnecessary. Get over it man it ain't what it use to be were not crazy they just know more about what makes us tick and they can oil that squeeky rusted gear! Good luck to all....... Hope this helps
Posted by Lovebites on August 21, 2000, at 19:03:09
In reply to Re: chicken or egg, posted by Andre Allard on June 4, 2000, at 5:58:49
I really like what Andre said about being sad verses being depressed.
I do have a hard time separating the two, however. Is sadness just depression
with hope?I too recently broke up with my girlfriend. I really thought we'd be together
forever but she broke my heart and I don't know if I'll ever love someone like
I loved her. I've found that two people truly falling in love isn't as common as
most people believe. Then again, maybe that's just me without hope.I started on Prozac three weeks ago but I still hurt to the point that I felt like it
wasn't helping. The doctor put me on Celexa today. I don't mind a few side effects
if it will help me feel less hopeless.
Posted by D on August 22, 2000, at 10:21:40
In reply to Re: chicken or egg, posted by Lovebites on August 21, 2000, at 19:03:09
To Lovebites:
I agree that really special loves don't come along for most people quite as often as many people believe. I hate to hear people say, "You'll find someone better." I just feel priviledged to have felt that special kind of love, because some people NEVER experience it. I think that's why they don't understand. I do feel that time can "dull" some of the pain though. Zoloft REALLY helped me not feel anything for awhile. I needed to kind of feel that way for awhile. I feel so much better these days and can remember the good times, and the special love, and not focus quite so much on the loss. I hope that you'll feel better soon.D
Posted by RobX on August 24, 2000, at 13:29:36
In reply to Re: chicken or egg, posted by Lovebites on August 21, 2000, at 19:03:09
I have to agree that true love seems hard these days ("don't worry, there's other fish, etc." comes off like bullshit most times although the intentions are good). I guess people don't want to invest their trust and such these days. It's unfortunate, because there's nothing better than having that magic between two people.I wish I had that. I'm going through a divorce, so I kinda know how you feel. Imagine having to be roomates with someone you're divorcing because of the unusual high rent in San Francisco. I'm happy we can remain friends, but I gave 6 years of my life, I'm 30 yrs. old, don't know the first thing about the dating game and i feel the clock ticking. Try the Celexa, it may work for you. I've been on it for a month or two and may switch to something else (I'm still having some mighty lows). Good luck and just keep in mind that although you may feel you are in a sinking boat and alone there are others of us out here going through similar crap. take care,
robx
Posted by Kris11 on September 2, 2000, at 15:23:20
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by TOM on March 17, 2000, at 9:47:39
has anyone ever become hypomanic on celexa? last year i was dx'd manic depressive, but some drs. think it was just a severe anxiety disorder. the truth is, no one is really sure. they think the paxil might have precipitated the mania or anxiety or whatever last time. just wondered how long it'd take to know if the celexa could have the same effect.
Posted by Woolley Girl on September 27, 2000, at 20:35:07
In reply to What makes you HAPPY VALLEY GIRL??, posted by Joy on April 4, 2000, at 14:16:25
Hi I just thought I'd write a little something- have read most of these threads for the past hour maybe and want to be involved maybe. I've been taking Celexa for about a week- my first med- and have not noticed ANY side effects (maybe they're really subtle). I'm sort of doubtful this will help me, partly because it's my first antidepressant and also because I've had a problem in general of not feeling anything- I mean not expressing strong feelings of any sort. So how will I be able to tell if Celexa is working? Am I making sense? I've had to write this a few times because i had to register and i'm not OVERly computor-literate so i got lost, plus I can't look back at what I just wrote in this little box. But does anyone relate ? Anyone that's benefitted from Celexa, how long did it take? Thanks (whoever).
woolleygirl
Posted by stjames on September 28, 2000, at 11:59:47
In reply to FEElings... or lack thereof, posted by Woolley Girl on September 27, 2000, at 20:35:07
You will not get any antidepressant effect for at least 4 weeks, till then you will get side effects, if any. Once the AD kicks in and levels out (4-8 weeks) side effects tend to decrease.
james
Posted by Dave66 on October 23, 2000, at 19:18:53
In reply to Re: more Celexa sharing ( a thought...), posted by torchgrl on February 9, 2000, at 14:32:17
Hey guys,
I've been taking celexa for one week for anxiety and sleep problems and I have noticed symptoms right away. Symptoms include a swollen throat and difficulty swalling, excessive hand sweating, reduction in sexual function, dizziness and general wierdness. I can't believe it. I'm told these things go away. Anybody have similar experiences? The hand sweating is particularily wierd.
Posted by D on October 24, 2000, at 14:12:42
In reply to Celexa -- Wierd symptoms, posted by Dave66 on October 23, 2000, at 19:18:53
I think many of the symptoms you may be experiencing when you first start taking the AD will go away in a week or so. They did for me on Zoloft. One thing I had was jaw clenching----kind of a weird feeling, but kind of a good feeling too. It wasn't anything bad. If your throat is really swollen or you're having much trouble swallowing, I would talk to a pharmacist or medical professional. Just to be sure you weren't having a bad reaction to the drug. Every side effect I've ever experienced has gone away once I stopped taking the med. I think the sexual disfunction can remain as long as you are taking the med---although lowering your dose could help. of course i wouldn't lower the dose with out talking to your doctor. But I think many of the other side-effects will go away. Best wishes.
Posted by jake on October 27, 2000, at 18:43:59
In reply to Celexa Side Effects, posted by Marie on March 19, 2000, at 18:18:55
Hi there...was wondering if anyone could lend some calming remarks regarding my experience with Celexa thus far. I've just recently ended treatment with Paxil for my OCD and depression, mainly due to ineffectiveness with the OCD thing and sexual "problems". Getting off the Paxil was hell...extreme nausea and dizziness. My doctor suggested Celexa, and I've been on it for a week. So far, I've been feeling very nauseous and have experienced minimal improvement in the "feeling happy" department. Anyone know if the nausea goes away...and when? I have faith though...just wanting to hear some encouragement, I guess.
Posted by GLYN on October 28, 2000, at 18:50:32
In reply to Re: Celexa...oh the nausea!, posted by jake on October 27, 2000, at 18:43:59
Well, I have been on Celexa for 2 months now and I'll explain my experiences.I was put on Celexa for panic and extreme anxiety and agoraphobia which all literally came from nowhere.
Week 1: Nausia, headaches and stiff neck.
Week 2: ABSOLUTE HELL!!! Worst anxiety I had ever experienced and side effects were extreme including all the things you mention. DOc told me to stick it out.
Week 3: Felt calmer but still had a full body tremor and some mild side effects on some days. Best thing was although I still felt anxious all phobia and fear just vanished overnight along with all negative and compulsive thoughts.
Week 4: Headache got worse and so did stiff neck though I felt so much better that I didn't care.
Week 5: Cool as a cucumber. REALLY glad I stuck it out - the first few weeks were hard but it has worked and I'm glad I went through it to reach this. Still some panis but no general anxiety and extreme agoraphobia hs become just mild social anxiety.
Week 6: No side effects, no depression, very confident and cooler though odd panic in some social situations.
Week 7: Feel great and went back to work. Its been a long ride but I do feel happy.ALSO: Watch out for strange mood swings in the first few weeks and dry mouth can also be a nag. You may also feel you are going a little crazy too but this is also common and a good sign that you are in fact sane.
Stick it out, if side effects dont lessen after first few weeks (OR AT LEAST BECOME OTHER ONES WHICH IS ALSO COMMON) then go backto the doc. Celexa takes 4 to 6 weeks to see any major effect and I am now on week 8 and I get better every day - in fact, I have become a little too confident and bold!!!! This can happen so watch out.
Its a roller coaster ride but you do level off eventualy.
Good luck
Glyn
Posted by ksvt on October 29, 2000, at 19:31:29
In reply to Re: Celexa...oh the nausea!, posted by GLYN on October 28, 2000, at 18:50:32
>
Glyn - what dosage were/are you taking. During the period of time you summarized for us, were there any dosage increases? Do you think you could have minimized the initial unpleasant side effects by starting out at a lower dose? Have you experienced any wight gain? I'm giving Celexa some consideration as an augmentation drug to take with wellbutrin. ksvtWell, I have been on Celexa for 2 months now and I'll explain my experiences.I was put on Celexa for panic and extreme anxiety and agoraphobia which all literally came from nowhere.
>
> Week 1: Nausia, headaches and stiff neck.
> Week 2: ABSOLUTE HELL!!! Worst anxiety I had ever experienced and side effects were extreme including all the things you mention. DOc told me to stick it out.
> Week 3: Felt calmer but still had a full body tremor and some mild side effects on some days. Best thing was although I still felt anxious all phobia and fear just vanished overnight along with all negative and compulsive thoughts.
> Week 4: Headache got worse and so did stiff neck though I felt so much better that I didn't care.
> Week 5: Cool as a cucumber. REALLY glad I stuck it out - the first few weeks were hard but it has worked and I'm glad I went through it to reach this. Still some panis but no general anxiety and extreme agoraphobia hs become just mild social anxiety.
> Week 6: No side effects, no depression, very confident and cooler though odd panic in some social situations.
> Week 7: Feel great and went back to work. Its been a long ride but I do feel happy.
>
> ALSO: Watch out for strange mood swings in the first few weeks and dry mouth can also be a nag. You may also feel you are going a little crazy too but this is also common and a good sign that you are in fact sane.
>
> Stick it out, if side effects dont lessen after first few weeks (OR AT LEAST BECOME OTHER ONES WHICH IS ALSO COMMON) then go backto the doc. Celexa takes 4 to 6 weeks to see any major effect and I am now on week 8 and I get better every day - in fact, I have become a little too confident and bold!!!! This can happen so watch out.
>
> Its a roller coaster ride but you do level off eventualy.
>
> Good luck
>
> Glyn
Posted by Melba on March 8, 2001, at 7:12:25
In reply to withdrawal from celexa, posted by sarah on March 20, 2000, at 18:46:57
I switched to Celexa a few months ago after Zoloft was no longer effective (took that for about 5 years). After a couple of weeks on Celexa I noticed I no longer cared about anything...didn't care about going to work, when I did, I didn't even bother to put on makeup, let alone try to dress professionally. I took a "whatever" attitude toward everything and decided it was time to try attacking my depression cold turkey, on my own, without drugs. I figured if the drugs caused weight gain and sexual dysfunction, perhaps that could be a factor for my depression. In any event, I've been off Celexa for about a week now and I feel horrible, physically. I've been nauseous to the point where I can't eat. I have had migraine headaches and still have that spaced out feeling like my eyes aren't attached to my head. I don't know if that makes any sense, but it's the only way I can think of to describe how I feel. Has anyone else had the same feeling as they've withdrawn from Celexa? How long did it last? Thanks for all your help and useful input!
Posted by hollygurl on March 14, 2001, at 16:33:25
In reply to Re:withdrawl from celexa, posted by saint james on March 24, 2000, at 16:17:29
You were suffering from withdrawal. The best way to go off a mediciation is to taper it off over time--not to go cold turkey. Also, consult with your doctor about the best way to do this so you can avoid the extreme symptoms of withdrawal.
Posted by KARAsweet on March 14, 2001, at 17:49:55
In reply to Re: Celexa Side Effects, posted by Linda on March 22, 2000, at 21:41:19
> > > >I've been taking Celexa 20mg. for 2 months now. Initially, I felt really in control. I also had no appetite (which I loved, lost 8 lbs) had diarreha (sp?) and was SO sleepy. The first week I spent 4 days staring and sleeping. Then I felt really in control for the next 2 weeks or so. Now and for the past 5 weeks or so, I feel calmer and not as fretful as I was before. I don't worry now and I was a chronic worrier. I also have OCD and that is the main reason I saught help. It hasn't helped much with that. I do have decreased libido. I handle negative emotions more calmly. I don't know how I feel about the whole thing since it took a lot for me to ask for help and I'm not a drug taker by nature. I am always sleepy. I can sleep any time. I have very vivid dreams. Anyone else experience any of this?
>
> >
> > I haven't noticed anything different in the sex department. I do wake up with a headache and I am sweating alot. Also dry mouth, drinking lots of water. I have been on 20mgs for about 2 weeks, I do not feel any different except the headaches and sweating. I did try Paxil and Zoloft, nothing. I don't think I had any side effects with Paxil, Zoloft made me feel like a zombie!
> > Maybe I am clenching my teeth at night because my ears and neck hurt, like a ringing in my ears. I have no desire to take medication. My therapist issued an ultimatum. Take something or I won't work with you anymore. The insurance also pushed me into it. It doesn't seem to be working. It has been three weeks.
> > I started taking Celexa in December, and almost immediately noticed a drop in libido. It happened suprisingly quickly, and even on a minimal dose (10mg). I must say, though, that I wanted to get away from some side effects of other meds that I tried (namely Serzone, and Wellbutrin) that made me feel like I could not concentrate, or remember anything. That was terribly frustrating, and made matters even worse.
> > > > The decreased libido is a fair exchange - right now - for being able to stay on an even level and to think clearly.
> > > >
> > > > > 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.
> > >
> > > I have taken Celexa (20mg./day) for almost 6 months and LOVE it. I used to cry at the drop of a hat. (I was one of those that would probably cry at K-Mart openings.) But since being on Celexa, I have not cried at all at two funerals, but still experience sadness. I don't think it appears as apathetic. I was just under control. I was much better able to function than fall apart, which was a tremendous help to others who needed a supportive shoulder. I was helping others instead of them helping me for a change. No one knows I am taking Celexa, but I know they have noticed my emotions are on more of what looks to them, as a more stable and mature level. As far as libido, yes.. a big drop at first. Sexual function: there is little feeling in those IMPORTANT areas. :( A patient and loving partner is a must. It seems as though the nerves have been numbed.... It gets there, but takes longer. (oh.. I am a WOMAN) Nausea: eat something with it. It goes away.. You should be exercising anyway, in case you're wondering about the food thing. And it doesn't take that much food. In fact, I feel more like exercising now, and have lost 20 pounds. Before, I couldn't even make myself get out and exercise. Hang in there. The side affects DO decrease. I DO believe it helps with social phobia, also. In fact, I've begun liking people I thought impossible to get along with. In case you're wondering... NO. I do not work for the company who makes Celexa! :)wow, you had some good reviews about Celexa.. I had the same thing when it came to socializing. I was very patient and a good listener, and happy to see people. Before I could barely even stand being in public without wanting to cry - over nothing and everything! I'm glad it has worked so well for u :) I'm going back on it after trying Zoloft (since celexa made me a little sleepy). Hope all goes well with u
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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