![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Rockets on June 7, 2000, at 9:49:02
I've seen many posts here from individuals who go to 40mg of Celexa and then say things like "20 and 30 did nothing for me.. 40 is what changed me." Unfortunately, they leave psycho-babble and don't come back so while we know that 40mg relieved their depression, we never get to find out if that continued for months or pooped out.
Posted by harry b. on June 7, 2000, at 13:28:04
In reply to 40mg Celexa see ya, posted by Rockets on June 7, 2000, at 9:49:02
> I've seen many posts here from individuals who go to 40mg of Celexa and then say things like "20 and 30 did nothing for me.. 40 is what changed me." Unfortunately, they leave psycho-babble and don't come back so while we know that 40mg relieved their depression, we never get to find out if that continued for months or pooped out.
Rockets- I had a very brief and encouraging effect
from 20mg. When the effect vanished, my doc upped
my dose to 40mg. There was no benefit. I'm in the
process of weaning myself from Celexa (without my
doc's knowledge). I've given up on it.
hb
Posted by Kath on June 7, 2000, at 15:36:43
In reply to Re: 40mg Celexa see ya, posted by harry b. on June 7, 2000, at 13:28:04
> > I've seen many posts here from individuals who go to 40mg of Celexa and then say things like "20 and 30 did nothing for me.. 40 is what changed me." Unfortunately, they leave psycho-babble and don't come back so while we know that 40mg relieved their depression, we never get to find out if that continued for months or pooped out.
>
> Rockets- I had a very brief and encouraging effect
> from 20mg. When the effect vanished, my doc upped
> my dose to 40mg. There was no benefit. I'm in the
> process of weaning myself from Celexa (without my
> doc's knowledge). I've given up on it.
> hb
.............
Hi Rockets - I've been meaning to thank you for your reply to me re: side effects from Celexa. I decided to forego you suggestions of eating numerous bananas (or smoking the peel although I tried that as a teen!). I think you were right about side effects being really stressful for someone who is already stressed out by anxiety/depression. Thanks for that; it helped put things into better perspective.I had good results at 20 mg for the first 3 days (placebo? It didn't feel like it). Went down to 10mg for a few days (no SE's) then 15 mg (no SE's). Last nite I took 20 mgs. I think I feel a little less anxious, but I'm looking forward to that feeling I had at first. I'll keep you posted. What's your dose? How long have you been taking it? Is it helping?
Kath
Posted by Rockets on June 7, 2000, at 18:09:43
In reply to Re: 40mg Celexa see ya to Rockets, posted by Kath on June 7, 2000, at 15:36:43
Thank you :). I have been taking 20mg of Celexa for 9 weeks now and recovered quite a bit from the anxiety disorder. The first month was very hard. I had just got out of the emergency room and didn't know if I was ever going to be normal or sane again. Heh.. already I feel a lot better. I am driving again, and sometimes short distances on the freeway just fine. I am back at work for my third week and all is well and generally handling stress ok. I have made lifestyle changes. I practice relaxation (not the cult style self hypnosis zen stuff) and breathing techniques that are very normal and medically approved every day or two. I plan my schedule to make for fairly nice low key days. Generally, I ask myself what am I doing different and what am I going to do differently than I did before :)? I also see a Christian psychologist once a week who is trained and certified in cognitive behavoir therapy. Things are going well and I may end up in a year being a much better person than I was before this anxiety experience. I also seek reassurance that I am on track. I don't watch scary movies or listen to Ozzy osbourne cds.. but that should go without saying.. hehe. Basically, anxiety sufferers tend to be intelligent creative people that have used their intelligent and creativeness to scare the heck out of themselves. Best to look for ways to be reassured that you are working through it and on your way to a full recovery. Because over 90% of anxiety sufferers do have a full recovery within 2 months to 2 years (at the most). The very small remainder have very special issues that don't affect you so DON'T worry about it.. you are not in that group. Say it with me "I am not in that group. I am going to get better." :)) Peace.
Posted by brian on June 7, 2000, at 18:24:23
In reply to Re: 40mg Celexa see ya to Rockets, posted by Rockets on June 7, 2000, at 18:09:43
>>Because over 90% of anxiety sufferers do have a full recovery within 2 months to 2 years (at the most). The very small remainder have very special issues that don't affect you so DON'T worry about it.. you are not in that group. Say it with me "I am not in that group. I am going to get better." :)) Peace.
Hey, we 10% of anxiety sufferers with "special issues" who aren't fully healed in two years hope to recover too. I don't think that there's a cutoff for when anxiety becomes something more, something worse. I've had anxiety and depression for 8 years. I don't want to bum you out with this news, but neither do I want myself and others feeling like that hopeless 10% if we don't shake the jitters after 24 months.
By the way, I started on Celexa a month ago, at 20mg for two weeks. Didn't get much help save for a brief placebo effect. For the last two weeks I've been on 30mg. Seems a little better, but still plenty of bad days. This week I'll be starting on 40mg. I've got my fingers crossed!
Posted by Cass on June 7, 2000, at 23:16:42
In reply to Re: 40mg Celexa see ya to Rockets, posted by brian on June 7, 2000, at 18:24:23
I was experiencing some success on 40mg of Celexa (It helped me deal better with anxiety, mostly), but my pdoc thought I may get better results on Effexor XR. I gave that a try for a couple months with absolutely no success. So, now I'm back on 40mg of Celexa. I probably won't disappear from the board, so I'll let you know how it goes.
Posted by CarolAnn on June 8, 2000, at 8:48:44
In reply to 40mg Celexa see ya, posted by Rockets on June 7, 2000, at 9:49:02
Hi Rockets, I've been on 40 mgs. Celexa for a few months now, but I'm on it for depression rather then anxiety. I would not say that 40mgs. "changed me", it has just had some effect where lower doses had no effect.
I'm sorry my experience isn't really helpful to you, but just thought I'd respond anyway, so you know that all us "40mgs." people don't get well and leave psycho-babble! Take Care! CarolAnn
Posted by Kath on June 8, 2000, at 11:53:23
In reply to Re: 40mg Celexa see ya to Rockets, posted by brian on June 7, 2000, at 18:24:23
Brian - Good luck with the 40 mg Celexa. Please keep us posted as to how things go for you. Take care.
Kath
>>Because over 90% of anxiety sufferers do have a full recovery within 2 months to 2 years (at the most). The very small remainder have very special issues that don't affect you so DON'T worry about it.. you are not in that group. Say it with me "I am not in that group. I am going to get better." :)) Peace.
>
> Hey, we 10% of anxiety sufferers with "special issues" who aren't fully healed in two years hope to recover too. I don't think that there's a cutoff for when anxiety becomes something more, something worse. I've had anxiety and depression for 8 years. I don't want to bum you out with this news, but neither do I want myself and others feeling like that hopeless 10% if we don't shake the jitters after 24 months.
>
> By the way, I started on Celexa a month ago, at 20mg for two weeks. Didn't get much help save for a brief placebo effect. For the last two weeks I've been on 30mg. Seems a little better, but still plenty of bad days. This week I'll be starting on 40mg. I've got my fingers crossed!
Posted by Kath on June 8, 2000, at 12:00:47
In reply to Re: 40mg Celexa see ya, posted by CarolAnn on June 8, 2000, at 8:48:44
Thanx for the info CarolAnn. I'm really interested for ongoing input as to how Celexa is working for people. I've gone back up to 20 mg - for 2 days now. I am totally delighted that I'm having no side effects & am waiting to see whether it eventually helps my anxiety like it did at 20 mgs for the first 3 days.
Any more poems you'd like to share with us? So many people seemed to enjoy your other ones.
Take care. Kath
> Hi Rockets, I've been on 40 mgs. Celexa for a few months now, but I'm on it for depression rather then anxiety. I would not say that 40mgs. "changed me", it has just had some effect where lower doses had no effect.
> I'm sorry my experience isn't really helpful to you, but just thought I'd respond anyway, so you know that all us "40mgs." people don't get well and leave psycho-babble! Take Care! CarolAnn
Posted by Kath on June 8, 2000, at 12:13:16
In reply to Re: 40mg Celexa see ya to Rockets, posted by Rockets on June 7, 2000, at 18:09:43
Hi Rockets - Thx for the info. It sounds like you're doing amazingly well!! Taking really good care of yourself & having a good positive attitude. The last part of your post was very useful for me. It helped clarify something for me. I had been thinking that since a lot of my anxiety is caused by my son's drug use & all that goes with that, I'd have to wait 'til all that was resolved to feel un-anxious. Somehow, your words made me realize in a way I hadn't before, that I CAN be un-anxious in whatever circumstances life presents me. It's such a foreign thought, that I'm going to write it down & look at it frequently. It's hard for me to believe that some people have really stressful things happen in their lives, and they DON'T get into big-time anxiety!! WOW. (I repeated the sentences!) Continue to take good care of yourself, thanks for your help, and keep me posted. :) Kath
> Thank you :). I have been taking 20mg of Celexa for 9 weeks now and recovered quite a bit from the anxiety disorder. The first month was very hard. I had just got out of the emergency room and didn't know if I was ever going to be normal or sane again. Heh.. already I feel a lot better. I am driving again, and sometimes short distances on the freeway just fine. I am back at work for my third week and all is well and generally handling stress ok. I have made lifestyle changes. I practice relaxation (not the cult style self hypnosis zen stuff) and breathing techniques that are very normal and medically approved every day or two. I plan my schedule to make for fairly nice low key days. Generally, I ask myself what am I doing different and what am I going to do differently than I did before :)? I also see a Christian psychologist once a week who is trained and certified in cognitive behavoir therapy. Things are going well and I may end up in a year being a much better person than I was before this anxiety experience. I also seek reassurance that I am on track. I don't watch scary movies or listen to Ozzy osbourne cds.. but that should go without saying.. hehe. Basically, anxiety sufferers tend to be intelligent creative people that have used their intelligent and creativeness to scare the heck out of themselves. Best to look for ways to be reassured that you are working through it and on your way to a full recovery. Because over 90% of anxiety sufferers do have a full recovery within 2 months to 2 years (at the most). The very small remainder have very special issues that don't affect you so DON'T worry about it.. you are not in that group. Say it with me "I am not in that group. I am going to get better." :)) Peace.
Posted by brian on June 8, 2000, at 13:30:57
In reply to Re: 40mg Celexa see ya - to Rockets, posted by Kath on June 8, 2000, at 12:13:16
> Hi Rockets - Thx for the info. It sounds like you're doing amazingly well!! Taking really good care of yourself & having a good positive attitude. The last part of your post was very useful for me. It helped clarify something for me. I had been thinking that since a lot of my anxiety is caused by my son's drug use & all that goes with that, I'd have to wait 'til all that was resolved to feel un-anxious. Somehow, your words made me realize in a way I hadn't before, that I CAN be un-anxious in whatever circumstances life presents me. It's such a foreign thought, that I'm going to write it down & look at it frequently. It's hard for me to believe that some people have really stressful things happen in their lives, and they DON'T get into big-time anxiety!! WOW. (I repeated the sentences!) Continue to take good care of yourself, thanks for your help, and keep me posted. :) Kath
>
>
> > Thank you :). I have been taking 20mg of Celexa for 9 weeks now and recovered quite a bit from the anxiety disorder. The first month was very hard. I had just got out of the emergency room and didn't know if I was ever going to be normal or sane again. Heh.. already I feel a lot better. I am driving again, and sometimes short distances on the freeway just fine. I am back at work for my third week and all is well and generally handling stress ok. I have made lifestyle changes. I practice relaxation (not the cult style self hypnosis zen stuff) and breathing techniques that are very normal and medically approved every day or two. I plan my schedule to make for fairly nice low key days. Generally, I ask myself what am I doing different and what am I going to do differently than I did before :)? I also see a Christian psychologist once a week who is trained and certified in cognitive behavoir therapy. Things are going well and I may end up in a year being a much better person than I was before this anxiety experience. I also seek reassurance that I am on track. I don't watch scary movies or listen to Ozzy osbourne cds.. but that should go without saying.. hehe. Basically, anxiety sufferers tend to be intelligent creative people that have used their intelligent and creativeness to scare the heck out of themselves. Best to look for ways to be reassured that you are working through it and on your way to a full recovery. Because over 90% of anxiety sufferers do have a full recovery within 2 months to 2 years (at the most). The very small remainder have very special issues that don't affect you so DON'T worry about it.. you are not in that group. Say it with me "I am not in that group. I am going to get better." :)) Peace.
Thanks, Kathy. I will keep you posted on my progress. And I hope to hear of yours as well -- here's hoping it's success!
I've got a question: How long after you stop taking Celexa do the effects start to wear off? The reason I'm asking is that, last weekend I started feeling really good. This week I ended up skipping two days (Tues and Weds -- very busy, never made it to pharm) and today I feel sort of out of it and anxious. I started again today. Could two days of missing a dose be responsible? I tell ya, I've got some troublesome side effects, but they're nothing compared to a bad day, especially when there's plenty to do, workwise.Brian
Posted by Rockets on June 8, 2000, at 15:57:55
In reply to Re: 40mg Celexa see ya - to All, posted by brian on June 8, 2000, at 13:30:57
Thank you all for your posts. They do help me to see that 40mg of Celexa is not a magic panacea. I didn't really think it was ;). Peace.
P.S. Brian. No offense intended. I love your positive attitude too :).
P.P.S. Kath. If you have a good counselor, ask them about cognitive behavior therapy. It helps you to model your thinking better. I like it and don't worry its not brainwashing or anything. Just discussion about how to think more positively instead of jumping to conclusions of doom and gloom.. heh.
Posted by Kath on June 8, 2000, at 17:44:53
In reply to Re: 40mg Celexa see ya - to All, posted by brian on June 8, 2000, at 13:30:57
> > Hi Rockets - Thx for the info. It sounds like you're doing amazingly well!! Taking really good care of yourself & having a good positive attitude. The last part of your post was very useful for me. It helped clarify something for me. I had been thinking that since a lot of my anxiety is caused by my son's drug use & all that goes with that, I'd have to wait 'til all that was resolved to feel un-anxious. Somehow, your words made me realize in a way I hadn't before, that I CAN be un-anxious in whatever circumstances life presents me. It's such a foreign thought, that I'm going to write it down & look at it frequently. It's hard for me to believe that some people have really stressful things happen in their lives, and they DON'T get into big-time anxiety!! WOW. (I repeated the sentences!) Continue to take good care of yourself, thanks for your help, and keep me posted. :) Kath
> >
> >
> > > Thank you :). I have been taking 20mg of Celexa for 9 weeks now and recovered quite a bit from the anxiety disorder. The first month was very hard. I had just got out of the emergency room and didn't know if I was ever going to be normal or sane again. Heh.. already I feel a lot better. I am driving again, and sometimes short distances on the freeway just fine. I am back at work for my third week and all is well and generally handling stress ok. I have made lifestyle changes. I practice relaxation (not the cult style self hypnosis zen stuff) and breathing techniques that are very normal and medically approved every day or two. I plan my schedule to make for fairly nice low key days. Generally, I ask myself what am I doing different and what am I going to do differently than I did before :)? I also see a Christian psychologist once a week who is trained and certified in cognitive behavoir therapy. Things are going well and I may end up in a year being a much better person than I was before this anxiety experience. I also seek reassurance that I am on track. I don't watch scary movies or listen to Ozzy osbourne cds.. but that should go without saying.. hehe. Basically, anxiety sufferers tend to be intelligent creative people that have used their intelligent and creativeness to scare the heck out of themselves. Best to look for ways to be reassured that you are working through it and on your way to a full recovery. Because over 90% of anxiety sufferers do have a full recovery within 2 months to 2 years (at the most). The very small remainder have very special issues that don't affect you so DON'T worry about it.. you are not in that group. Say it with me "I am not in that group. I am going to get better." :)) Peace.
>
>
> Thanks, Kathy. I will keep you posted on my progress. And I hope to hear of yours as well -- here's hoping it's success!
> I've got a question: How long after you stop taking Celexa do the effects start to wear off? The reason I'm asking is that, last weekend I started feeling really good. This week I ended up skipping two days (Tues and Weds -- very busy, never made it to pharm) and today I feel sort of out of it and anxious. I started again today. Could two days of missing a dose be responsible? I tell ya, I've got some troublesome side effects, but they're nothing compared to a bad day, especially when there's plenty to do, workwise.
>
> BrianBrian, I'm a new Celexa user but I'll give you my experience. Day 1 & 2 - 20 mg in morning. Side effects - dizzy & nauseated & pretty "out of it" about 2-3 hours after taking it. Anxiety totally gone. Cool as a cucumber. Day 3 - 20 mg in morning. Got very ill; dizzy; weak; nauseated; cold sweats & vomitting a few hours later. I thought I was having an allergic reaction & got very scared & went to the hospital! They said it wasn't an allergic reaction. Days later, I realize it was the flu (my son now has it). Day 4 doc said don't take any. Day 5 took 10 mg at bedtime. Slept well, but was quite thirsty in the night. No side effects the next day. Feeling anxious again. Took 10 mg for a few days - no SE's. Still anxious. Upped dose to 15 mg for a few days - no SE's but still anxious. Last nite & the nite before I took 20 mg. Slept well. No SE's perhaps a little less anxious. I'll keep you updated if you like. Those first 3 days were heavenly re: no anxiety. It was as though my brain would register thoughts that normally would go around & around in my head or I'd be worried about, trying to figure out, etc. BUT during those 3 days, they'd go into my brain & just float out the other side!! I LOVED it & am so hoping that as time goes by, that same feeling will come back.
Take care & keep me posted.
Kath
Posted by brian on June 8, 2000, at 19:39:39
In reply to Re: 40mg Celexa see ya - to All » brian, posted by Kath on June 8, 2000, at 17:44:53
> > > Hi Rockets - Thx for the info. It sounds like you're doing amazingly well!! Taking really good care of yourself & having a good positive attitude. The last part of your post was very useful for me. It helped clarify something for me. I had been thinking that since a lot of my anxiety is caused by my son's drug use & all that goes with that, I'd have to wait 'til all that was resolved to feel un-anxious. Somehow, your words made me realize in a way I hadn't before, that I CAN be un-anxious in whatever circumstances life presents me. It's such a foreign thought, that I'm going to write it down & look at it frequently. It's hard for me to believe that some people have really stressful things happen in their lives, and they DON'T get into big-time anxiety!! WOW. (I repeated the sentences!) Continue to take good care of yourself, thanks for your help, and keep me posted. :) Kath
> > >
> > >
> > > > Thank you :). I have been taking 20mg of Celexa for 9 weeks now and recovered quite a bit from the anxiety disorder. The first month was very hard. I had just got out of the emergency room and didn't know if I was ever going to be normal or sane again. Heh.. already I feel a lot better. I am driving again, and sometimes short distances on the freeway just fine. I am back at work for my third week and all is well and generally handling stress ok. I have made lifestyle changes. I practice relaxation (not the cult style self hypnosis zen stuff) and breathing techniques that are very normal and medically approved every day or two. I plan my schedule to make for fairly nice low key days. Generally, I ask myself what am I doing different and what am I going to do differently than I did before :)? I also see a Christian psychologist once a week who is trained and certified in cognitive behavoir therapy. Things are going well and I may end up in a year being a much better person than I was before this anxiety experience. I also seek reassurance that I am on track. I don't watch scary movies or listen to Ozzy osbourne cds.. but that should go without saying.. hehe. Basically, anxiety sufferers tend to be intelligent creative people that have used their intelligent and creativeness to scare the heck out of themselves. Best to look for ways to be reassured that you are working through it and on your way to a full recovery. Because over 90% of anxiety sufferers do have a full recovery within 2 months to 2 years (at the most). The very small remainder have very special issues that don't affect you so DON'T worry about it.. you are not in that group. Say it with me "I am not in that group. I am going to get better." :)) Peace.
> >
> >
> > Thanks, Kathy. I will keep you posted on my progress. And I hope to hear of yours as well -- here's hoping it's success!
> > I've got a question: How long after you stop taking Celexa do the effects start to wear off? The reason I'm asking is that, last weekend I started feeling really good. This week I ended up skipping two days (Tues and Weds -- very busy, never made it to pharm) and today I feel sort of out of it and anxious. I started again today. Could two days of missing a dose be responsible? I tell ya, I've got some troublesome side effects, but they're nothing compared to a bad day, especially when there's plenty to do, workwise.
> >
> > Brian
>
> Brian, I'm a new Celexa user but I'll give you my experience. Day 1 & 2 - 20 mg in morning. Side effects - dizzy & nauseated & pretty "out of it" about 2-3 hours after taking it. Anxiety totally gone. Cool as a cucumber. Day 3 - 20 mg in morning. Got very ill; dizzy; weak; nauseated; cold sweats & vomitting a few hours later. I thought I was having an allergic reaction & got very scared & went to the hospital! They said it wasn't an allergic reaction. Days later, I realize it was the flu (my son now has it). Day 4 doc said don't take any. Day 5 took 10 mg at bedtime. Slept well, but was quite thirsty in the night. No side effects the next day. Feeling anxious again. Took 10 mg for a few days - no SE's. Still anxious. Upped dose to 15 mg for a few days - no SE's but still anxious. Last nite & the nite before I took 20 mg. Slept well. No SE's perhaps a little less anxious. I'll keep you updated if you like. Those first 3 days were heavenly re: no anxiety. It was as though my brain would register thoughts that normally would go around & around in my head or I'd be worried about, trying to figure out, etc. BUT during those 3 days, they'd go into my brain & just float out the other side!! I LOVED it & am so hoping that as time goes by, that same feeling will come back.
>
> Take care & keep me posted.
>
> KathKath,
I've definately felt those anti-anxiety effect, though it took longer for me. It is really a great feeling when they hit, because it also elevates my mood. I'm pretty sure that my depession is a result of my constant anxiety -- when that goes away, I feel great.
At first, the relaxed feeling felt a bit like apathy. I just didn't care about the things that had bothered me. But after a month, I started really feeing good. Before, one anxious thought would follow another, then another. The worries would snowball until I felt completely exhausted, helpless and confused. When the Celexa works, I don't overreact to that initial thought. The anxiety doesn't build momentum. Instead, I can calmly reason through my worries. The result is something like gentle elation. I feel confident, happy, sure.
Please do try to keep me posted on your progress (at whatever frequency you want), and I'll do the same. Again, here's hoping Celexa helps both of us!
Brian
Posted by Kath on June 9, 2000, at 16:54:38
In reply to Re: 40mg Celexa see ya - to All » Kath, posted by brian on June 8, 2000, at 19:39:39
> > > > Hi Rockets - Thx for the info. It sounds like you're doing amazingly well!! Taking really good care of yourself & having a good positive attitude. The last part of your post was very useful for me. It helped clarify something for me. I had been thinking that since a lot of my anxiety is caused by my son's drug use & all that goes with that, I'd have to wait 'til all that was resolved to feel un-anxious. Somehow, your words made me realize in a way I hadn't before, that I CAN be un-anxious in whatever circumstances life presents me. It's such a foreign thought, that I'm going to write it down & look at it frequently. It's hard for me to believe that some people have really stressful things happen in their lives, and they DON'T get into big-time anxiety!! WOW. (I repeated the sentences!) Continue to take good care of yourself, thanks for your help, and keep me posted. :) Kath
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > Thank you :). I have been taking 20mg of Celexa for 9 weeks now and recovered quite a bit from the anxiety disorder. The first month was very hard. I had just got out of the emergency room and didn't know if I was ever going to be normal or sane again. Heh.. already I feel a lot better. I am driving again, and sometimes short distances on the freeway just fine. I am back at work for my third week and all is well and generally handling stress ok. I have made lifestyle changes. I practice relaxation (not the cult style self hypnosis zen stuff) and breathing techniques that are very normal and medically approved every day or two. I plan my schedule to make for fairly nice low key days. Generally, I ask myself what am I doing different and what am I going to do differently than I did before :)? I also see a Christian psychologist once a week who is trained and certified in cognitive behavoir therapy. Things are going well and I may end up in a year being a much better person than I was before this anxiety experience. I also seek reassurance that I am on track. I don't watch scary movies or listen to Ozzy osbourne cds.. but that should go without saying.. hehe. Basically, anxiety sufferers tend to be intelligent creative people that have used their intelligent and creativeness to scare the heck out of themselves. Best to look for ways to be reassured that you are working through it and on your way to a full recovery. Because over 90% of anxiety sufferers do have a full recovery within 2 months to 2 years (at the most). The very small remainder have very special issues that don't affect you so DON'T worry about it.. you are not in that group. Say it with me "I am not in that group. I am going to get better." :)) Peace.
> > >
> > >
> > > Thanks, Kathy. I will keep you posted on my progress. And I hope to hear of yours as well -- here's hoping it's success!
> > > I've got a question: How long after you stop taking Celexa do the effects start to wear off? The reason I'm asking is that, last weekend I started feeling really good. This week I ended up skipping two days (Tues and Weds -- very busy, never made it to pharm) and today I feel sort of out of it and anxious. I started again today. Could two days of missing a dose be responsible? I tell ya, I've got some troublesome side effects, but they're nothing compared to a bad day, especially when there's plenty to do, workwise.
> > >
> > > Brian
> >
> > Brian, I'm a new Celexa user but I'll give you my experience. Day 1 & 2 - 20 mg in morning. Side effects - dizzy & nauseated & pretty "out of it" about 2-3 hours after taking it. Anxiety totally gone. Cool as a cucumber. Day 3 - 20 mg in morning. Got very ill; dizzy; weak; nauseated; cold sweats & vomitting a few hours later. I thought I was having an allergic reaction & got very scared & went to the hospital! They said it wasn't an allergic reaction. Days later, I realize it was the flu (my son now has it). Day 4 doc said don't take any. Day 5 took 10 mg at bedtime. Slept well, but was quite thirsty in the night. No side effects the next day. Feeling anxious again. Took 10 mg for a few days - no SE's. Still anxious. Upped dose to 15 mg for a few days - no SE's but still anxious. Last nite & the nite before I took 20 mg. Slept well. No SE's perhaps a little less anxious. I'll keep you updated if you like. Those first 3 days were heavenly re: no anxiety. It was as though my brain would register thoughts that normally would go around & around in my head or I'd be worried about, trying to figure out, etc. BUT during those 3 days, they'd go into my brain & just float out the other side!! I LOVED it & am so hoping that as time goes by, that same feeling will come back.
> >
> > Take care & keep me posted.
> >
> > Kath
>
> Kath,
>
> I've definately felt those anti-anxiety effect, though it took longer for me. It is really a great feeling when they hit, because it also elevates my mood. I'm pretty sure that my depession is a result of my constant anxiety -- when that goes away, I feel great................me too - my problem is more the anxiety, although my psychiatrist (pdoc?) says I'm depressed. I mostly feel pretty anxious, obsessive, uncalm, lacking motivation to start tasks, etc. It's the anxiety that bothers me most.
> At first, the relaxed feeling felt a bit like apathy. I just didn't care about the things that had bothered me..............that's how I felt for those first few days.
But after a month, I started really feeing good. Before, one anxious thought would follow another, then another. The worries would snowball until I felt completely exhausted, helpless and confused. When the Celexa works, I don't overreact to that initial thought. The anxiety doesn't build momentum. Instead, I can calmly reason through my worries. The result is something like gentle elation.
.............that's a good way of describing it. That's what happened for me the first few days.
I feel confident, happy, sure.
...........didn't get to that point!!! But I'm optimistic!
> Please do try to keep me posted on your progress (at whatever frequency you want), and I'll do the same. Again, here's hoping Celexa helps both of us!..............Sounds great! I took 20 mg last nite for the 3rd nite at that dose. Still no side effects, so I'm hoping it will stay like that. It seems to make me sleep quite deeply, which I like. I'm still feeling a little less anxious, still unmotivated to start things, still can worry alot, but come to think of it, it's when I CHOOSE to think about something. If I choose to stop thinking about something or figuring it out, I seem to be more capable of it. I'm not so obsessive.
Thanks for sharing our journey! (At whatever frequency works for both of us.)
Kath
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