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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by boyzmom on January 3, 2002, at 20:21:40
Hi, I'm new here, but have been reading for a while now.
Everyone seems so helpful, so I wondered if I could ask
a question. I've been on a few meds, including prozac
and wellbutrin. I was thinking of trying celexa, and my
main concern is weight gain, as I've gained on the other
meds, even wellbutrin.From what I've read on the internet and other places,
celexa has little chance of weight gain or side effects
in general. The GP dr. pooh-poohs the internet and says that
the ONLY reason that people gain weight is that they eat
more once they feel better. Gee, my appetite couldn't be
better, I wish I would lose some of it. I know that my
appetite had not changed, probably was less, but still
the weight came on.So, the main point is that the GP says that celexa and
prozac are basically the same drug and that I won't be
happy. I know they're both SSRI's, but are they really
the same?Any support/feedback is welcomed.
Thanks - boyzmom
Posted by Joy on January 3, 2002, at 22:04:23
In reply to celexa vs. prozac-are they the same drug?, posted by boyzmom on January 3, 2002, at 20:21:40
Prozac works for more people I believe. They are both SSRIs, but are different. I would dump your GP if he thinks people on antidepressants gain weight because the ADs made them so happy they go on eating binges. Can you look for a psych who knows much more about medications and dosing? Good luck
Joy
> Hi, I'm new here, but have been reading for a while now.
> Everyone seems so helpful, so I wondered if I could ask
> a question. I've been on a few meds, including prozac
> and wellbutrin. I was thinking of trying celexa, and my
> main concern is weight gain, as I've gained on the other
> meds, even wellbutrin.
>
> From what I've read on the internet and other places,
> celexa has little chance of weight gain or side effects
> in general. The GP dr. pooh-poohs the internet and says that
> the ONLY reason that people gain weight is that they eat
> more once they feel better. Gee, my appetite couldn't be
> better, I wish I would lose some of it. I know that my
> appetite had not changed, probably was less, but still
> the weight came on.
>
> So, the main point is that the GP says that celexa and
> prozac are basically the same drug and that I won't be
> happy. I know they're both SSRI's, but are they really
> the same?
>
> Any support/feedback is welcomed.
> Thanks - boyzmom
Posted by IsoM on January 4, 2002, at 1:50:28
In reply to celexa vs. prozac-are they the same drug?, posted by boyzmom on January 3, 2002, at 20:21:40
Celexa is the brand name for citalopram. Prozac is the brand name for fluoxetine. Yes, they're both SSRIs but can radiacally different effects on people.
Prozac made me very queasy & nauseous for the 6 weeks I stuck to it but didn't improve my depression one bit. Celexa has done a lot for me & I've noticed NO side-effects whatsoever on it.
****************************************************************************************************
> Hi, I'm new here, but have been reading for a while now.
> Everyone seems so helpful, so I wondered if I could ask
> a question. I've been on a few meds, including prozac
> and wellbutrin. I was thinking of trying celexa, and my
> main concern is weight gain, as I've gained on the other
> meds, even wellbutrin.
>
> From what I've read on the internet and other places,
> celexa has little chance of weight gain or side effects
> in general. The GP dr. pooh-poohs the internet and says that
> the ONLY reason that people gain weight is that they eat
> more once they feel better. Gee, my appetite couldn't be
> better, I wish I would lose some of it. I know that my
> appetite had not changed, probably was less, but still
> the weight came on.
>
> So, the main point is that the GP says that celexa and
> prozac are basically the same drug and that I won't be
> happy. I know they're both SSRI's, but are they really
> the same?
>
> Any support/feedback is welcomed.
> Thanks - boyzmom
Posted by tjoyce on January 4, 2002, at 9:14:45
In reply to celexa vs. prozac-are they the same drug?, posted by boyzmom on January 3, 2002, at 20:21:40
First, I've been told by various Psychs and GP's that med mgmt is a trial and error process that needs to be taylored to each individual. While it is true that Prozac and Celexa are similar in that they both inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, any doc who'd claim that they're the same drug, and who attributes any anti-depressant weight gain soley to mood improvement would make me look for a new GP. This is a process and what works for me may not necessarily work for you (contrary to what your GP says). Find a GP/Psych that knows what they're talking about and who will work with you.
Posted by 3 Beer Effect on January 4, 2002, at 14:39:38
In reply to celexa vs. prozac-are they the same drug?, posted by boyzmom on January 3, 2002, at 20:21:40
The SSRIs are not the same.
Prozac & Zoloft are known as the 'activating' anti-depressants. You should probably not gain weight on these drugs, especially Zoloft which seems to have a slightly 'speedy' amphetamine like effect to it.Often times I think people use a drug as an excuse to eat whatever they want & then have something to blame it on (the drug) instead of themself & their lack of willpower (& exercise).
I don't think it is possible for someone to gain weight as a result of taking Wellbutrin SR (the most activating of the anti-depressants), most people lose weight from Wellbutrin SR, you were probably just eating too much!Paxil & Celexa are known as the 'slightly sedating' SSRIs. They are good for depressives with agitation, insomnia, social phobia, & anxiety. You are probably more likely to gain weight from these two anti-depressants than you are from Prozac or especially Zoloft.
If weight is your main concern you could try the following:
Zoloft 100 mg (the starting dose of 50 mg is too low & sedating rather than activating)
+ Dexedrine 5 or 10 mg one hour before breakfast & lunch.or if your doctor is afraid of prescribing amphetamines like Dexedrine or Adderall or Ritalin:
Zoloft 100 mg
+ Wellbutrin SR 150 mg 3x per day.
When I took Dexedrine for ADD I lost a pound of bodyweight per day. Effexor XR, especially in the high doses will make you jittery & lose weight, but many find the side effects to be too much and quit the drug. Stay away from Remeron b/c weight gain is a common side effect of that drug.
Posted by IsoM on January 4, 2002, at 14:56:33
In reply to Differences between Prozac Celexa, posted by 3 Beer Effect on January 4, 2002, at 14:39:38
I do believe that sometimes people can use their meds as an excuse to not eat right & blame weight gain on that, but you're being unfair to many others who do gain weight one certain drugs. It's far more common than you realise! I think perhaps it's due to their metabolic make-up & their own BMR.
No drugs or meds have ever made me lose, or gain weight. I just happen to be different. Activating SSRIs, sedating SSRIs, TCAs, & even Dexedrine & Ritalin made no difference to me. I don't lose weight on stims! I only lose weight when I'm very depressed & won't eat. Seeing that I have good eating habits normally, when I'm feeling good & eat, I don't overgain. But many seem to gain weight with diff meds.
> The SSRIs are not the same.
> Prozac & Zoloft are known as the 'activating' anti-depressants. You should probably not gain weight on these drugs, especially Zoloft which seems to have a slightly 'speedy' amphetamine like effect to it.
>
> Often times I think people use a drug as an excuse to eat whatever they want & then have something to blame it on (the drug) instead of themself & their lack of willpower (& exercise).
> I don't think it is possible for someone to gain weight as a result of taking Wellbutrin SR (the most activating of the anti-depressants), most people lose weight from Wellbutrin SR, you were probably just eating too much!
>
> Paxil & Celexa are known as the 'slightly sedating' SSRIs. They are good for depressives with agitation, insomnia, social phobia, & anxiety. You are probably more likely to gain weight from these two anti-depressants than you are from Prozac or especially Zoloft.
>
> If weight is your main concern you could try the following:
> Zoloft 100 mg (the starting dose of 50 mg is too low & sedating rather than activating)
> + Dexedrine 5 or 10 mg one hour before breakfast & lunch.
>
> or if your doctor is afraid of prescribing amphetamines like Dexedrine or Adderall or Ritalin:
> Zoloft 100 mg
> + Wellbutrin SR 150 mg 3x per day.
>
>
> When I took Dexedrine for ADD I lost a pound of bodyweight per day. Effexor XR, especially in the high doses will make you jittery & lose weight, but many find the side effects to be too much and quit the drug. Stay away from Remeron b/c weight gain is a common side effect of that drug.
Posted by OldSchool on January 5, 2002, at 21:02:01
In reply to celexa vs. prozac-are they the same drug?, posted by boyzmom on January 3, 2002, at 20:21:40
> Hi, I'm new here, but have been reading for a while now.
> Everyone seems so helpful, so I wondered if I could ask
> a question. I've been on a few meds, including prozac
> and wellbutrin. I was thinking of trying celexa, and my
> main concern is weight gain, as I've gained on the other
> meds, even wellbutrin.
>
> From what I've read on the internet and other places,
> celexa has little chance of weight gain or side effects
> in general. The GP dr. pooh-poohs the internet and says that
> the ONLY reason that people gain weight is that they eat
> more once they feel better. Gee, my appetite couldn't be
> better, I wish I would lose some of it. I know that my
> appetite had not changed, probably was less, but still
> the weight came on.
>
> So, the main point is that the GP says that celexa and
> prozac are basically the same drug and that I won't be
> happy. I know they're both SSRI's, but are they really
> the same?
>
> Any support/feedback is welcomed.
> Thanks - boyzmomBasically as far as an antidepressant effect Celexa and Prozac equal the same thing. All the SSRIs basically amount to the same thing. Prozac might be a little more stimulating than Celexa is, but once youve tried once SSRI youve basically tried them all.
Old School
Posted by CalvaryHill on January 6, 2002, at 1:09:15
In reply to celexa vs. prozac-are they the same drug?, posted by boyzmom on January 3, 2002, at 20:21:40
Pharmacologically Prozac and Celexa are minimally different in that Prozac affects norepinephrine slightly--Celexa doesn't. What that means clinically is unknown.
Posted by IsoM on January 6, 2002, at 2:03:53
In reply to Re: celexa vs. prozac-are they the same drug?, posted by OldSchool on January 5, 2002, at 21:02:01
If your statement is true about trying one SSRI equals trying them all, why do many people respond to one of them & not another?
Afraid I disagree with you. While it may be true for some, I think each person's body chemistry can vary enough to react differently to diff SSRIs. Prozac did absolutely nothing even after a long stretch on it, but Celexa worked very nicely for me.
> Basically as far as an antidepressant effect Celexa and Prozac equal the same thing. All the SSRIs basically amount to the same thing. Prozac might be a little more stimulating than Celexa is, but once youve tried once SSRI youve basically tried them all.
>
> Old School
Posted by Daveman on January 7, 2002, at 1:16:03
In reply to Re: celexa vs. prozac-are they the same drug?, posted by OldSchool on January 5, 2002, at 21:02:01
I've got to second ISO in his response to you, Old School. I did not respond at all to Paxil, while Celexa has been highly effective. My doc says it is not uncommon for one SSRI to work where another doesn't. YMMV, but ISO hit the nail on the head.
Dave
Posted by IsoM on January 7, 2002, at 1:24:04
In reply to Re: celexa vs. prozac-are they the same drug?, posted by Daveman on January 7, 2002, at 1:16:03
Posted by Daveman on January 10, 2002, at 0:27:48
In reply to Hey! I'm a girl!! (nm) » Daveman, posted by IsoM on January 7, 2002, at 1:24:04
Posted by Angel-2 on March 6, 2002, at 2:13:44
In reply to Re: celexa vs. prozac-are they the same drug?, posted by tjoyce on January 4, 2002, at 9:14:45
About Celexa and Proxac, here is a very non-scientific and empiric observation: I've been prescribed both for considerable periods of time (and two essays). I don't think those drugs really are the same (at least, they didn't have the same effects on me). Besides from day-sleepiness, nausea and a two-months sinusitis, Celexa gave me uncredible yeast infections (like 2 jars of cottage cheese a day for a whole month -I know, kind of disgusting, but that's really what happened). I had to quit Celexa and go back to Prozac. Most of the symptoms disapeared. On a second trial with Celexa -because Prozac seemed to impair my sleep (always a problem on any ADs), Celexa did the same thing but it was even worse the second time around. This time I was ALWAYS sleepy. I even fell asleep head on my desk at the office after a very good 8-9 hours night of sleep. I went back on Prozac... and eventually developed a severe dystonia condition (with a tinnitus: am I repeating myself?!).
All in all: I didn't like Celexa. And all in all in all and after 12 years of trying: I don't think meds helped me at all. They didn't make me feel "mentally" better... and they made me physically ill to the point where I don't know if I'll ever be able to work again. Or even read a book or watch TV just for fun (because of the tinnitus/ear ringing). And THAT is very depressing.
A-2
Posted by Kat26 on March 6, 2002, at 15:03:05
In reply to Re: celexa vs. prozac-are they the same drug?, posted by Angel-2 on March 6, 2002, at 2:13:53
Hello Angel-2,
no they are not the same drug, they are just in the same CLASS of drugs (SSRIs), just as Paxil and Zoloft and Luvox. Often different people respond differently to different drugs in the same class.Kat26
This is the end of the thread.
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