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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Hermit on June 4, 2000, at 21:11:21
This is Hermit again, with a different topic, since the responses to my last email were so helpful. Last evening, I went out to see a movie and as I was standing in line with my friend waiting to enter the theater, I began to feel very nauseas. Soon after, I found myself on the ground with people all around asking if I was ok. I had fainted in line, but hadn't realized it right away because I'd blacked out. I fainted 4 more times on the way to the car, my friend struggling to keep my upright. Then, I spent the next four hours in an emergency room having all kinds of tests done (blood, urine, neurological, ekg). Nothing was wrong with me; I had started taking Celexa three days prior. Although they couldn't determine whether it had caused my fainting spell, the doctors told me to stop taking Celexa and to find an alternative. Does anyone know if this is a side-effect of the drug? Has anyone else experienced this? It was pretty scary.
Posted by Zannah on June 4, 2000, at 22:39:32
In reply to Frightening fainting episode, posted by Hermit on June 4, 2000, at 21:11:21
Hi Hermit,
Lord, that musta been scary. I took Celexa for 6-7 weeks with no response/side-effects or anything...
Maybe those doctor samples were blanks :)But, you & this frightening episode...Tell me, have you a history of fainting? Had you eaten that day, or taking any other meds?
The docs may be right about the Celexa-guess you'll never know for sure, but switching meds is probably best.Hope you're feeling better soon.And let us know what your doc says~
ZannahThis is Hermit again, with a different topic, since the responses to my last email were so helpful. Last evening, I went out to see a movie and as I was standing in line with my friend waiting to enter the theater, I began to feel very nauseas. Soon after, I found myself on the ground with people all around asking if I was ok. I had fainted in line, but hadn't realized it right away because I'd blacked out. I fainted 4 more times on the way to the car, my friend struggling to keep my upright. Then, I spent the next four hours in an emergency room having all kinds of tests done (blood, urine, neurological, ekg). Nothing was wrong with me; I had started taking Celexa three days prior. Although they couldn't determine whether it had caused my fainting spell, the doctors told me to stop taking Celexa and to find an alternative. Does anyone know if this is a side-effect of the drug? Has anyone else experienced this? It was pretty scary.
Posted by medlib on June 5, 2000, at 1:30:47
In reply to Frightening fainting episode, posted by Hermit on June 4, 2000, at 21:11:21
Hermit--
Syncope (fainting) is listed in the Celexa literature as an infrequent adverse reaction (incidence between 1/100 and 1/1000). The terminal half-life (1/2 gone from the body) of the drug is 36 hours, thus it would have some build-up effect with daily dosing. So, yeah, it *could* have been the Celexa. Sorta gives new meaning to the term "side effect," huh.
Presuming that you have stopped the drug, it's not likely that you'll have any more similar problems; but, to be on the safe side, you might consider not driving to work Monday. If you *had* to be the one to draw this particular black ball, your timing *could* have been a whole lot worse!
Sorry you had such a rough time.----medlib
Posted by ChrisK on June 5, 2000, at 5:44:35
In reply to Frightening fainting episode, posted by Hermit on June 4, 2000, at 21:11:21
Is there any chance that this could have been related to anxiety or a panic attack? I used to pass out sometimes when I had a panic attack and it wasn't any fun. Usually I would come to in a few minutes but be totally disoriented.
Hopefully giving up the Celexa will workout.
Posted by tina on June 5, 2000, at 9:20:35
In reply to Re: Frightening fainting episode, posted by ChrisK on June 5, 2000, at 5:44:35
Hi hermit, I had that same reaction the very first night I took celexa. I was at home so I can't imagine what it was like to have that happen in public, I'm sorry it was so rough. It did pass after a while but if the docs say get off celexa you'd better do it. Better safe than sorry. Anyway, I hope something else will do the trick and that you'll keep us up on how it's going. Take care--Tina
> Is there any chance that this could have been related to anxiety or a panic attack? I used to pass out sometimes when I had a panic attack and it wasn't any fun. Usually I would come to in a few minutes but be totally disoriented.
>
> Hopefully giving up the Celexa will workout.
Posted by Hermit on June 5, 2000, at 13:12:52
In reply to Re: Frightening fainting episodeHermit, posted by tina on June 5, 2000, at 9:20:35
Thank you everyone for the information and support. This site has been extremely useful for me. It's nice to know that there are so many people out there willing to share. To answer Chris K.'s question, I don't think I was having a panic attack, although someone had told me some distressing news right before. I think that as medlib says, I was one of the unfortunate few who had an adverse reaction. Regardless, I'm going to stop taking the medication. Thanks once again for your responses, and best of luck in finding your own solutions.
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