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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Jenny on April 21, 1999, at 22:20:02
I just started 20mg/day about 8 days ago. I have never been on an antidepressant before and seem to be responding well already. I am definitely feeling less depressed, but am very sleepy and groggy. Today I thought it was Tuesday for about an hour and felt a shock of fear when I realized it was Wednesday. I'm usually pretty on top of things. I've become a caffeine addict. I really want to stick it out because I feel so much better and more able to cope with life. Does the sleepiness get better? Any help would be great!
Posted by Mare on April 22, 1999, at 6:59:07
In reply to Re: new to Celexa, posted by Jenny on April 21, 1999, at 22:20:02
Hi Jenny! I have been on Celexa since Feb. 23, and had never taken an anti-depressent before. Should have done this MANY years ago, but I can't worry about the past! Anyway, I'm glad you're noticing good effects. I still have some fatigue and grogginess, and was hoping it would go away by now. But it's kinda weird, because if I get up and move (i.e. when I work out) I don't notice any tiredness. It's just when I'm sitting around watching TV, or at work when it's quiet, that I start to feel really tired. I work out alot with weights and lots of cardio work, and I ride horses. And I have noticed that I sweat alot more than I used to! And yes, I yawn alot! But I'd rather feel tired than depressed. I have had good results from Celexa, and am only on 20 mg. When do you take your pill? I take it with dinner, which I eat late in the evening. And by the way, I have NOT gained weight -- have actually lost a few pounds! Good luck to you! Your life will only get better!
Posted by Jenny on April 24, 1999, at 1:45:52
In reply to Re: new to Celexa, posted by Mare on April 22, 1999, at 6:59:07
>
> Hi Jenny! I have been on Celexa since Feb. 23, and had never taken an anti-depressent before. Should have done this MANY years ago, but I can't worry about the past! Anyway, I'm glad you're noticing good effects. I still have some fatigue and grogginess, and was hoping it would go away by now. But it's kinda weird, because if I get up and move (i.e. when I work out) I don't notice any tiredness. It's just when I'm sitting around watching TV, or at work when it's quiet, that I start to feel really tired. I work out alot with weights and lots of cardio work, and I ride horses. And I have noticed that I sweat alot more than I used to! And yes, I yawn alot! But I'd rather feel tired than depressed. I have had good results from Celexa, and am only on 20 mg. When do you take your pill? I take it with dinner, which I eat late in the evening. And by the way, I have NOT gained weight -- have actually lost a few pounds! Good luck to you! Your life will only get better!Thank you very much for the encouragement Mare! The yawning is almost ridiculous, isn't it? Today was a little better for me. The last few days I have been taking my pill around 6pm..this gives me enough time to get over the initial uplift when I take it and I tend to sleep really well. I have been a little less tired in the afternoon. I am most groggy when driving(people should be warned about this!) and as you mentioned, when I am just sitting around at work or home. I have also noticed I sweat more when I work out or run. I feel so much better mentally though. I'm starting to wonder, is this what it feels like to be normal? Do normal people smile for no reason? I have such an optimistic outlook about my life now. I wish I would have sought medication sooner. I agree with you-dealing with being tired is better than dealing with being depressed. Thanks again.
Posted by Mare on April 26, 1999, at 8:01:24
In reply to Re: new to Celexa, posted by Jenny on April 24, 1999, at 1:45:52
Hi Jenny. We sound like we have alot in common. During my first appointment with my psychiatrist, I asked him *How will I know if the drug is working?* I had been depressed for so long that I didn't know how it felt to be normal. His answer to me was *you won't feel depressed anymore. I know that sounds vague, but you'll KNOW." I have to admit that I was skeptical, but hopeful because I knew this was my last resort. One day, about a 1.5 weeks into taking the Celexa, I noticed my mood at work had elevated. I was actually LAUGHING. What a concept. And little things that used to aggravate me, I mean LITTLE things, like dropping a pencil on the floor or waiting too long at a red light, didn't frustrate and aggravate me. That were my first small indications that things were getting better. Now, several people have asked me what's new in my life, that I seem happier, they can hear it in my voice and see it in my facial expressions. I just smile and say *spring's here!*. This is too personal a matter to tell just anyone! I am so glad to hear you're doing better, my sweaty sleepy friend!
Posted by Jenny on April 27, 1999, at 11:20:31
In reply to To Jenny, posted by Mare on April 26, 1999, at 8:01:24
> Hi again Mare! I know what you mean about being depressed for so long you aren't sure what it feels like to be normal. The other day at work I was really laughing, I mean REALLY LAUGHING almost to the point of tears and it felt so good. I just smile more and am such a nicer person to the people around me. Music sounds better, the grass looks greener and I am actually feeling more creative. It is so nice to wake up in the morning and feel good. I've noticed too that little things don't seem as tedious and life seems much less overwhelming. Thank God for Celexa! I'm really happy to hear it is going well for you, too. Let me ask you this-have you lost a significant amount of weight? I never feel hungry and almost have to force myself to eat...which isn't necessarily a good thing since I work out a lot and am not overweight to begin with. Hope to hear from you again-take care!
Posted by Mare on April 27, 1999, at 11:42:52
In reply to Re: To Mare, posted by Jenny on April 27, 1999, at 11:20:31
It is so great to hear your success story! I can tell, just from your posts, that every day is getting better for you! Congratulations!
Re: the weight loss thing. I have lost only 3 pounds. I'm only 5'2" and 120 pounds, so 3 pounds feels pretty good to me. I would love to lose those proverbial last 10 pounds, but I haven't weighed 110 since the 5th grade! ha ha Anyhoo, I *have* noticed some loss of appetite, especially at night. I always eat a big breakfast, and then smaller meals as the day goes on. I am rarely hungry for dinner now, but I do make myself eat something. Dinner used to be my largest meal before Celexa, now it's the smallest, and maybe that accounts for the few pounds of weight coming off.
Here's a funny story -- I haven't told anyone, except my ex-boyfriend who is still a good friend of mine -- the Jerry Seinfeld/Elaine Benes syndrome -- that I'm on antidepressents. But I got my hair cut the other day, and as I walked into the salon my hairdresser, Kevin, says to me *Wow, things must be going well for you. Are you getting l--d?* We always talk a little trash with each other, and he knows I've been boyfriend-less for quite a while now. I replied no, but I started taking an anti-depressant and I feel great! And he said he noticed my voice was lighter and my eyes were happy. This blew me away, that somebody could actually tell this! Then he said *why didn't you try St. John's Wort first?* I said "been there, done that, for 3 months." He seemed surprised that it didn't work.
Anyway, people should be reading OUR THREAD for success stories, since so many poor folks in here do not seem to be winning their battles.
My best to you! Let's definitely check in with each other, my giggly, nature-loving, head-banging -- musically of course -- friend!
Posted by Daisy on April 27, 1999, at 22:19:56
In reply to To Jenny, posted by Mare on April 27, 1999, at 11:42:52
it is such a relief to hear that others concur with my take on Celexa. i've been taking 20mg for about 3 weeks, and feel MUCH better -- i totally agree, grogginess is far better than paralyzing depression and uncontrollable PMS. i just remind myself of why i went on the drug, and that helps motivate me to work to change the parts of my life that are not mentally healthy, like my job. finished the resume last night :) anyhow, thanks for an uplifting word or two on Celexa. I just wonder if I'll be taking this drug indefinately.
Posted by Mare on April 28, 1999, at 7:41:23
In reply to Re: To Jenny & Mare, posted by Daisy on April 27, 1999, at 22:19:56
I, too, wonder if I will be on this drug forever. My therapist says not necessarily, but my psychiatrist reminds me that depression cannot be cured, but only managed. He has never committed himself to saying that taking this drug is only temporary. But I'm just taking one day at a time, and finally enjoying life. I am so HAPPY you are feeling good on Celexa! Congratulations! If you don't mind my asking, what finally made you decide to get treated? I waited WAY too long -- YEARS! But I can't look back, only forward.
Posted by Jenny on April 29, 1999, at 14:13:58
In reply to To Jenny, posted by Mare on April 27, 1999, at 11:42:52
Hi Mare-you had me rolling with that hairdresser story! Personally, I think Celexa is even better than getting l**d. This is some good stuff-just be sure to coordinate an afternoon nap and a shower after working out and we will all be a-ok.
I really like hearing about your experience. It's good to know it keeps getting better. We definitely should keep in contact! I agree, we are success stories. Sometimes I read some of the other postings and really feel for others. Depression can be so crippling to otherwise bright and productive people.
Take care, and keep enjoying spring!
Posted by Jenny on April 29, 1999, at 14:18:30
In reply to Re: To Jenny & Mare, posted by Daisy on April 27, 1999, at 22:19:56
Hi Daisy! Just so you know the grogginess does get better after a couple of weeks. I also wonder if I will have to take Celexa forever. I worry that it will stop working, but I guess all I can do is take it one day at a time. I think you are going to discover really great results from Celexa. For me, life seems a lot easier to manage and I notice my work and personal relationships dramatically improving. Even if I don't take Celexa forever, I am finally learning what it feels like to function on a normal level. Maybe cognitively some of that will stick regardless of the medication.
Good luck to you, and keep in touch regarding your progress!
Posted by Ruth on April 30, 1999, at 17:19:03
In reply to To Daisy, posted by Jenny on April 29, 1999, at 14:18:30
Hi Jenny, Mare, and Daisy- It is good to hear from others who are also experiencing the lifting of depression. For me it is a bit like the budding of trees in spring. First you see the red buds and then it is as if overnight the leaves come out. And so with depression. I know it is a process of getting better, but at some point I became aware that they were. What a relief. I remain fearful that the effect will wear off, as I have had that happen with other medications. I guess worrying about it doesn't help, but it is hard not to.
> Hi Daisy! Just so you know the grogginess does get better after a couple of weeks. I also wonder if I will have to take Celexa forever. I worry that it will stop working, but I guess all I can do is take it one day at a time. I think you are going to discover really great results from Celexa. For me, life seems a lot easier to manage and I notice my work and personal relationships dramatically improving. Even if I don't take Celexa forever, I am finally learning what it feels like to function on a normal level. Maybe cognitively some of that will stick regardless of the medication.
>
> Good luck to you, and keep in touch regarding your progress!
Posted by Sherry on April 30, 1999, at 21:36:48
In reply to Re: To Daisy, posted by Ruth on April 30, 1999, at 17:19:03
> Hi Jenny, Mare, and Daisy- I was searching for some info in Celexa when I came across your forum thread. I have a prescription waiting at the drug store and I don't know much about this medication. I've been on Prozac for several years and have gained 120#. It has been impossible to lose any weight. A new doctor suggested I try Meridia, and I had to go off Prozac first. Although I have actually lost some weight these 3 months on Meridia, my moods have become too unpredictable. I'm irritable and sensitive. I have started avoiding my loved ones for fear of alienating them. I have no motivation to exercise or to be active beyond going to work.
I sure hope I can find a happy medium and have a little of both worlds with this new medication. Thanks for the positive words.
This is the end of the thread.
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