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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by April on June 11, 2000, at 3:21:00
I have been taking Celexa for about four days now and am already experiencing some side effects. I have a very "rumbly" stomach and constipation. I also feel very "foggy" in my head and am more tired then usual. I am wondering if other woman have expereinced similar side-effects and if so, when did they begin to wear off, if ever? I would love to know some general opinions and expereinces about the effects of this drug. Is their weight gain or loss, higher energy levels, significant antidepressant action after a few months? I would appreciate any input because I feel very conflicted about continuing to take this medication if this is how I am going to fell for awhile. My doctors didn't really talk about the side effects or prepare me for what to expect. I am in the dark.
Thank you
April
Posted by tina on June 11, 2000, at 7:50:33
In reply to Celexa Side Effects in women, posted by April on June 11, 2000, at 3:21:00
April: I only took celexa for 1 month so I am far from being an authority but the side effects you mention stayed with me the whole time. I gained 5 pound in that month and I was lethargic, foggy and very rumbly. I stopped the drug because of these effects. The depression waned but was most definately still present during my trial. There are many on this board who have had success with the drug so give it a little more time. I'd suggest 4 weeks but if you still feel extremely bad after 2 I'd try something else. God knows there are so many others to try, celexa just might not be working on the right chemical to be effective for you. I am on moclobemide now and having great success. Keep in touch as to your progress though. Try to wait it out a bit longer but don't be afraid to switch if you really don't like it. Hope this helps, take care--Tina
> I have been taking Celexa for about four days now and am already experiencing some side effects. I have a very "rumbly" stomach and constipation. I also feel very "foggy" in my head and am more tired then usual. I am wondering if other woman have expereinced similar side-effects and if so, when did they begin to wear off, if ever? I would love to know some general opinions and expereinces about the effects of this drug. Is their weight gain or loss, higher energy levels, significant antidepressant action after a few months? I would appreciate any input because I feel very conflicted about continuing to take this medication if this is how I am going to fell for awhile. My doctors didn't really talk about the side effects or prepare me for what to expect. I am in the dark.
>
> Thank you
> April
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.
Posted by tina on June 11, 2000, at 10:30:36
In reply to Celexa Side Effects in women, posted by April on June 11, 2000, at 3:21:00
> I have been taking Celexa for about four days now and am already experiencing some side effects. I have a very "rumbly" stomach and constipation. I also feel very "foggy" in my head and am more tired then usual. I am wondering if other woman have expereinced similar side-effects and if so, when did they begin to wear off, if ever? I would love to know some general opinions and expereinces about the effects of this drug. Is their weight gain or loss, higher energy levels, significant antidepressant action after a few months? I would appreciate any input because I feel very conflicted about continuing to take this medication if this is how I am going to fell for awhile. My doctors didn't really talk about the side effects or prepare me for what to expect. I am in the dark.
>
> Thank you
> April
Posted by Cass on June 11, 2000, at 13:20:36
In reply to April--Stick to Cam's advice, he's an expert, posted by tina on June 11, 2000, at 10:30:36
Hi April,
I haven't experienced any of the side-effects you mentioned; however, weight gain has been a problem for me. I stopped taking it for awhile and tried Effexor XR which didn't work for me at all. The primary benefit for me on Celexa is a sort of mellowing effect. I handle my anxieties better. I don't get so stressed out. And I'm able to put things in perspective more easily. I wish you luck.
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