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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Nancy on December 29, 1998, at 22:43:58
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Dawn on December 27, 1998, at 7:59:36
> > I have just started using Celexa. How long does it take before the drug starts to take effect? ***A:{You may begin to feel the AD affect within the first week. Full effect is usually achieved at the four week marker.}
I have not had a side effect of tiredness, but I have only taken the drug four days. ***{Tiredness is a common symptom of depression. An effective AD at therapeutic dose should not give you somnolence.}
> I've been taking celexa for about two and a half weeks. My most noticeable side effects are yawning, decreased sex life(which sucks most), and sleepiness. ***{Possibly these somatic complaints are yet symtoms of your depression. Don't be too quick to dismiss the fact that you are depressed. You must expect these symptoms until they can be medically corrected. Only you can tell if it be the fault of the pharmacopoeia. But, it's a bit ironic to think that the med which was well intended to diminish your physical discomforts would actually be causing you harm?}.
I was perscribed this for anxiety but doesn't seem to rid of all the anxiety by far. Does anyone know if the side effects will go away or remain? ***{The real trick in medicine is knowing the side-effects from the symptoms. Where does one end and the other begin? If side-effects are a problem for you. You probably have the option to polypharmacy. Taking a very low dose of two or three different ADs greatly diminishes any side-effects, while giving you the coverage you need to fend off depression.}
Hey, if all else fails, there's always ECT.
From the wild side,
Nancy
Posted by enricamanieri on December 30, 1998, at 0:19:26
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by ginny on December 22, 1998, at 10:30:03
Dear Ginny,
That's interesting that you experienced
anxiousness with Celexa. I, on the other hand
am only taking 5 miligrams and feel
kind of sedated. I just started taking Celexa
about a week ago. I need to boost my amount, but
I am afraid it will make me too tired. Did
you ever experience any kind of sleepiness?
I am actually taking it for anxiety/panic disorder.
My anxiety has gone away, but now I feel kind of
slow and sleepy.
Posted by Dell on December 30, 1998, at 4:12:36
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by phil on December 20, 1998, at 23:26:29
> .been on drug for 5 weeks, sex is great and normal was on paxel had problems getting off.
> paxil was the best for my problem but the weight gain was unreal so i changed to celexa, but stomach stays upset all time which gives me same feeling of the problem i had please give me feed back on differnt medication , philI just started taking Celexa a few months ago and stoped because my hair started falling out. Its the first Anti depressant I've ever taken & I feel a whole lot better. Mild stomach upset the first few days was the only bad thing about it, & that wasnt to bad. Any guys that have been having hair loss please respond. Thank you.
Posted by racey Nancy on December 30, 1998, at 9:33:32
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by CAT on December 28, 1998, at 19:17:32
> I am on day 3 of CELEXA. I hope it works for me. I was allergic to several others and this one has very LITTLE side effects! I really need it for stress and anxiety. Will it work for those ???? PLEASE, email me, anyone...
I have only good responses to Celexa. Any side-effect I may have is so mild that I am unaware of it. I'm taking 80mgs a day of Celexa. On top of that, I'm taking 450mgs a day of Wellbutrin. Also, I've recently recieved my third session of ECT. It has worked remarkably well. My depression is still continuing to lift. In fact I've been racing somewhat. But a little mania never hurt anyone, right? Actually, the truth is that it FEELS SO GOOD!!!!!!! I don't want the mania to end.
Posted by Nancy on December 30, 1998, at 12:05:01
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Dave on December 28, 1998, at 21:45:56
> > I've been taking celexa for 12 days at 20 mg doses
> > I don't feel any effects just a little drowsiness
> > the first few days thats it will my doctor increase
> > the dosage or is their a reason it is this low.
Hi Dave,
That's a good question. How have you previously reacted to SSRIS. No complications or unmanageable side-effects? If not, then I would expect your pdoc to increase Celexa 20mgs every few days until therapeutic range is achieved. The manufacturers recommended max dose of Celexa is 80mgs/day. I expect that the dopey feelings will diminish soon. I can say for myself the dopeys don't pester me.
Good Luck on Your New Program,
Nancy
Posted by Erin on December 30, 1998, at 14:09:15
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by oop on November 6, 1998, at 20:26:06
> > > I haven't heard of this drug and was wondering if anybody has tried it. It will be used in conjunction with Effexor. Any help is appreciated. Thanks
> >
> > I am looking into Celexa. So far, info has been difficult to come by. Combining it with Effexor sounds dangerous. I hope your DR. knows what s/he is doing. I would seek a second opnion before combining two SSRI's. Isn't Effexor working for your? It's supposed to be great!
> **I took celexa, or tried celexa rather, for about two weeks, two weeks ago. It made my emotional state all around better, but I was so sick at my stomach I had to take myself off of it. That's the only draw back I seem to have against it. I wasn't able to work for the nausea.
Posted by Patty on December 30, 1998, at 14:46:00
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by steve on December 26, 1998, at 22:45:06
I tried Serzone breifly. I was tired all of the time but my sexual libido was fine.
Posted by Nancy on December 30, 1998, at 18:21:09
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Erin on December 30, 1998, at 14:09:15
> > > > I haven't heard of this drug and was wondering if anybody has tried it. It will be used in conjunction with Effexor. Any help is appreciated. Thanks
> > >
> > > I am looking into Celexa. So far, info has been difficult to come by. Combining it with Effexor sounds dangerous. I hope your DR. knows what s/he is doing. I would seek a second opnion before combining two SSRI's. Isn't Effexor working for your? It's supposed to be great!
> > **I took celexa, or tried celexa rather, for about two weeks, two weeks ago. It made my emotional state all around better, but I was so sick at my stomach I had to take myself off of it. That's the only draw back I seem to have against it. I wasn't able to work for the nausea.
I would take the chance of combining the low dose of each of the ADs. First of all, there will be fewer and less troublesome side-effects, because you are on a low dose. Adding an additional AD, you form a cocktail that's tough on depression, but, easy on your system.Perhaps, we should ask Dr. Bob?
Nancy
Posted by Erin on December 30, 1998, at 20:26:29
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Erin on December 30, 1998, at 14:09:15
> > > > My Dr. is considering Celexa for me since I have had a 20 pound weight gain with Zoloft. Although Zoloft has worked well for me with depression and anxiety. Has anyone experienced weight gain with Celexa so far? How about headaches? Thanks!
Posted by Toni on December 30, 1998, at 22:25:42
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Erin on December 30, 1998, at 20:26:29
> > > > > My Dr. is considering Celexa for me since I have had a 20 pound weight gain with Zoloft. Although Zoloft has worked well for me with depression and anxiety. Has anyone experienced weight gain with Celexa so far? How about headaches? Thanks!
I started Celexa a couple of weeks ago in addition to
Deseryl, both taken at night. Does anybody else itch
on this? Otherwise I haven't noticed if it is doing
anything - I seem to be high one day and low the next.
I did have nausea today but hope it wasn't caused by
the new AD. I'm tired of trying different drugs.
Posted by Nancy on December 31, 1998, at 10:27:43
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Erin on December 30, 1998, at 20:26:29
> > > > > My Dr. is considering Celexa for me since I have had a 20 pound weight gain with Zoloft. Although Zoloft has worked well for me with depression and anxiety. Has anyone experienced weight gain with Celexa so far? How about headaches? Thanks!
Hello Erin,
I've been taking Celexa, since the middle of September. It has been very gentle to my body. I don't get headaches or GI distress. But best of all, Celexa has helped me to begin reducing the weight I'd gained while on Lithium (it should be outlawed) and Depakote (about as useless a drug as Lithium).
Also, I'm taking Seroquel(a fabulous antimanic/antipsychotic) and Wellbutrin (another good AD that also helps you lose weight). Plus, I take Clonazepam (it helps keep the lid on when I get manicy, which is often since I'm an ultra-rapid cycler). This cocktail of meds only causes me to have dry mouth. That's it. No serious or distressing side-effects.
I think you'll be very pleased with your results on Celexa.
Happy New Year,
Nancy
Posted by Nancy on December 31, 1998, at 10:42:56
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Toni on December 30, 1998, at 22:25:42
> I started Celexa a couple of weeks ago in addition to
> Deseryl, both taken at night. Does anybody else itch
> on this?Hi Toni,
Yeah, I tried Deseryl. Then, I immediately threw it away. I consider it another garbage drug in the same sorry class as Lithium, Depakote and Tegretol. They all have aweful side-effects, but not much going for them in the way of therapeutic functionality.I tell it like it is...
Happy New Year,
Nancy
Posted by Erin on December 31, 1998, at 11:16:30
In reply to Re: celexa, good stuff, posted by Nancy on December 31, 1998, at 10:27:43
> > > > > > My Dr. is considering Celexa for me since I have had a 20 pound weight gain with Zoloft. Although Zoloft has worked well for me with depression and anxiety. Has anyone experienced weight gain with Celexa so far? How about headaches? Thanks!
> Hello Erin,
> I've been taking Celexa, since the middle of September. It has been very gentle to my body. I don't get headaches or GI distress. But best of all, Celexa has helped me to begin reducing the weight I'd gained while on Lithium (it should be outlawed) and Depakote (about as useless a drug as Lithium).
> Also, I'm taking Seroquel(a fabulous antimanic/antipsychotic) and Wellbutrin (another good AD that also helps you lose weight). Plus, I take Clonazepam (it helps keep the lid on when I get manicy, which is often since I'm an ultra-rapid cycler). This cocktail of meds only causes me to have dry mouth. That's it. No serious or distressing side-effects.
> I think you'll be very pleased with your results on Celexa.
> Happy New Year,
> NancyThanks for the positive note on Celexa. Does it make you sleepy? Should I take it @ night or in the morning? I'm hopeful this will be a positive change for me as well! Many Thanks! Erin
Posted by shelley on December 31, 1998, at 17:14:24
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by racey Nancy on December 30, 1998, at 9:33:32
I just finished my first week on Celexa. I titrated my own dose slowly, increasing to one 20 mg. pill per day. (I had early and severe side effects when I tried Zoloft, probably because my doctor started me on a high dose). Initially, I felt a faint twinge of nausea with Celexa, but it passed very quickly. I will keep increasing my dose to the standard 40mg/day within the next month. It's taking longer to get a response this way, but it is minimizing any side effects I may have encountered and therefore I am more likely to stick with it.
I have noticed only a very small delay reaching orgasm -- with Zoloft, I was totally anorgasmic from fairly early on. I am a 32 year-old female.
I'm open to talking to anyone about Celexa, or SSRIs.
Posted by Nancy on December 31, 1998, at 17:32:00
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Erin on December 31, 1998, at 11:16:30
> > > > > > > My Dr. is considering Celexa for me since I have had a 20 pound weight gain with Zoloft. Although Zoloft has worked well for me with depression and anxiety. Has anyone experienced weight gain with Celexa so far? How about headaches? Thanks!
> > Hello Erin,
> > I've been taking Celexa, since the middle of September. It has been very gentle to my body. I don't get headaches or GI distress. But best of all, Celexa has helped me to begin reducing the weight I'd gained while on Lithium (it should be outlawed) and Depakote (about as useless a drug as Lithium).
> > Also, I'm taking Seroquel(a fabulous antimanic/antipsychotic) and Wellbutrin (another good AD that also helps you lose weight). Plus, I take Clonazepam (it helps keep the lid on when I get manicy, which is often since I'm an ultra-rapid cycler). This cocktail of meds only causes me to have dry mouth. That's it. No serious or distressing side-effects.
> > I think you'll be very pleased with your results on Celexa.
> > Happy New Year,
> > Nancy
> Thanks for the positive note on Celexa. Does it make you sleepy? Should I take it @ night or in the morning? I'm hopeful this will be a positive change for me as well! Many Thanks! Erin
Well, if given a choice, I would always prefer taking meds at bedtime. That's the time of day that my body isn't harried and busy doing active things. It gives the meds a chance to work uninterrupted. But, that's just me giving personality to inanimate objects. But, as a manic I feel a special connection to all things. Can you believe I was a research associate of neuroscience? Hard to imagine an honors student as a lunatic, eh? Anyway, I take Celexa three times a day. Actually, I take all my meds three times a day. I'm one of your hard-core bipolars.Happy New Healthy Year,
Nancy
Posted by Nancy on December 31, 1998, at 17:44:03
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by shelley on December 31, 1998, at 17:14:24
> I just finished my first week on Celexa. I titrated my own dose slowly, increasing to one 20 mg. pill per day. (I had early and severe side effects when I tried Zoloft, probably because my doctor started me on a high dose). Initially, I felt a faint twinge of nausea with Celexa, but it passed very quickly. I will keep increasing my dose to the standard 40mg/day within the next month. It's taking longer to get a response this way, but it is minimizing any side effects I may
have encountered and therefore I am more likely to stick with it.
> I have noticed only a very small delay reaching orgasm -- with Zoloft, I was totally anorgasmic from fairly early on. I am a 32 year-old female.
> I'm open to talking to anyone about Celexa, or SSRIs.I think you're wise, titrating to the recommended dosage very slowly. I think it's so wise, because that's exactly the way I do it. And I pride myself on always being the one who does things the right way. HA HA HA HA
You'll have to forgive me I keep getting these wild upward manic swings. So, I guess that I think myself funny. I'm taking 80mgs/day Celexa, 450mgs/day Wellbutrin and 600mgs/day Seroquel. I'm happy that I have upward turns in my mood. For so long, I've been suicidally depressed.
The Best Of Luck In This New Year,
Nancy
Posted by ruth on February 16, 1999, at 8:26:47
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by shelley on December 31, 1998, at 17:14:24
>Shelly,
So Celexa has had less of a sexual
side effect for you than others?
This is the reason I am trying it, b/c
prozac was great for my depression, not
so good for my sex life. sex is really
important to me, but so is my mental health. I
am tired, however, of having to sacrifice one
for the other. If you have any updates on this
particular side effect, let me know...
Posted by heather on February 20, 1999, at 13:48:44
In reply to Re: celexa, good stuff, posted by Nancy on December 31, 1998, at 10:27:43
I have just started taking celexa and remeron after nine years of Tegretol. Anyone else taking those two together?
Posted by Shelley in Seattle on February 20, 1999, at 21:26:57
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by ruth on February 16, 1999, at 8:26:47
Hi, Ruth:
Yes, I can honestly say that Celexa has been much kinder to my sex life. It was kind of iffy through the first month or 6 weeks, but then one day that numbness went away and it didn't take me hours & hours! I totally understand the dilemma between having a decent sex life and needing to be mentally stable.
We all respond so differently to drugs. It seems that Celexa's side effects do tend to diminish among most of the friends I know who are on it... but when I am feeling depressed, a month seems like forever to wait. It took a full month for the Celexa to kick in! It was hard to wait! But I suppose that patience really is a virtue with the SSRIs.
Here's hoping it'll work for you :-)
Shelley
Posted by carol on February 20, 1999, at 22:53:29
In reply to Re: celexa, good stuff, posted by heather on February 20, 1999, at 13:48:44
After 10 yrs of depression and battling it with St. John's wort, Oct I started 20mg Celexa. 2 weeks brought no effect. Dr. added 37.5 mg. Effexor and 250 mg. Depakote. Side effects: dry mouth, yawning, sleeplessness, weight loss. By Dec side effects went away. Dr. added upped the Depakote to 500mg because of cont'd weight loss. Now my weight is maintained and I have no side effect except for weird dreams at night. I don't like having any medication but this is working great for me.
Posted by Matt on February 22, 1999, at 23:28:20
In reply to Re: celexa, good stuff, posted by heather on February 20, 1999, at 13:48:44
I was taking Celexa and Remeron together, but I found the combo to be too sedating for me (well, I'm also on Klonopin, which was part of the problem, too). Remeron is terrific on anxiety, though, IME, and looks to be a great a-d.
Matt
Posted by Sue on February 23, 1999, at 18:21:43
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Amy on November 14, 1998, at 20:09:20
> I will be starting Celexa very soon and would like to know if anyone has had any problems with sexual side effects. I have been on Prozac and Zoloft, both ruined an otherwise perfect sex life. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
I just started taking Celexa 1 1/2 weeks ago. I was on Zoloft for about 9 months before I switched. I am taking it for panic/anxiety. So far, I love it. It definitely has less side effects than Zoloft and whereas I had no sex drive with Zoloft, I'm already experiencing better sex and a much stronger desire.
Hope that helps
Posted by ellen on February 27, 1999, at 22:38:19
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by candy on November 3, 1998, at 19:36:31
>I took it it was the best thing I ever tried but it took away my sex drive, I mean I hated sex when I usually love it so I dropped it. Now I love it again. I am now on neurontin. It's pretty good.
Posted by Heidi on April 1, 1999, at 19:21:06
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Toni on December 30, 1998, at 22:25:42
Posted by yun on November 23, 1999, at 23:58:51
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by shelley on December 31, 1998, at 17:14:24
Shelley, I just started celexa five days ago. I am little scared about switching from zoloft. Celexa is such a new drug. My sister who is a nurse told me that Celexa is a "crap" drug. However, I want to do my own research. Are you having any severe side effects such as decreased libido, neck pains, night sweat, memory loss and weight gain? Sorry for so many questions! How are you doing?
> I just finished my first week on Celexa. I titrated my own dose slowly, increasing to one 20 mg. pill per day. (I had early and severe side effects when I tried Zoloft, probably because my doctor started me on a high dose). Initially, I felt a faint twinge of nausea with Celexa, but it passed very quickly. I will keep increasing my dose to the standard 40mg/day within the next month. It's taking longer to get a response this way, but it is minimizing any side effects I may have encountered and therefore I am more likely to stick with it.
> I have noticed only a very small delay reaching orgasm -- with Zoloft, I was totally anorgasmic from fairly early on. I am a 32 year-old female.
> I'm open to talking to anyone about Celexa, or SSRIs.
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