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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by bud on March 30, 1999, at 19:32:27
In reply to Re: Celexa/side effects, posted by Joan on March 26, 1999, at 17:11:55
> Does anyone have a reference (either a web site or hard copy article reference) about studies done on celexa, descriptionof side effects, drug interactions, etc... As I couldn't find it listed in the 1998 PDR
> thanks
> Joantry http://www.celexa.com/
Posted by lisa on May 4, 1999, at 9:51:11
In reply to Re: Celexa/side effects, posted by dina on March 15, 1999, at 13:27:02
>
I have been on Celexa for about 1 1/2 months and have had
some forgetfulness. Has anyone else experienced this?
I am considering stopping the med.
Thanks
i am just starting celexa, without much info on the
> side effects. mainly, i am concerned with sexual
> dyfunction, sleepiness, and memory loss. i have
> been on various other meds (prozac, zoloft,
> wellbutrin, serzone, luvox). one thing that i have
> noticed is an absentmindedness or memory loss when
> i increased the dosage (10 to 20). i haven't noticed
> any fatigue or sleepiness problems. but about the
> sexual dysfunction... from reading your notes, my
> sex drive might actually return?
> anyone with info?
> dina
Posted by dina on May 4, 1999, at 13:22:20
In reply to Re: Celexa/side effects, posted by lisa on May 4, 1999, at 9:51:11
hi lisa- i have been on celexa for about two
months and had noticed, as i mentioned previously,
absentmindedness/forgetfulness when i increased
the dosage (10 to 20). i went back down to 10 for
a few more weeks and then increased up to 20. that
seemed to lessen the feeling that i had become more
forgetful. but now that i have been on celexa (20)
for about a month, i fully notice me blatantly
forgetting things. i also have started taking
ginko biloba to try to "reverse" this effect. from
what i have read about celexa, from the threads,
it takes a while to (a) kick in and start working,
and (b) some of the side effects eventually do
lessen. this is what i am banking on. i think
patience is the key with this ad. there have
been quite a few threads on "success stories"
of people that are doing well on celexa. that's
what keeps me from stopping (i think about
stopping every day. keep me informed, we seem
to be having the same side effects and it
would be good to find out if they do ever
lessen.
take care
dina
Posted by Leonora on May 4, 1999, at 19:08:13
In reply to Re: Celexa--Dawn, posted by Lesley on March 27, 1999, at 7:10:09
> >I've been on Celexa for three weeks. Doctor just upped me to 40 mgs. I seem to be experiencing weight gain and difficulty achieving orgasm. Don't know whether to stick it out for a while longer or to stop and look for another AD. Feel free to email me at gritslad@hotmail.com with advice, anecdotes etc.
Posted by Jenny on May 5, 1999, at 1:40:18
In reply to Re: Celexa/side effects, posted by Jenny on May 5, 1999, at 1:33:53
I have also noticed forgetfulness and being absent-minded. This is my third week on Celexa. Today was especially hard-couldn't find keys, receipts, my bank deposit. I was getting really frustrated with myself. Otherwise I have been doing great so far. Dry mouth is an issue-drink lots of water, some weight loss and the fatigue is beginning to subside. Good luck! I think this is a good medication. I have really noticed a positive difference and am willing to accept being a little forgetful in lieu of being a lot depressed!
Posted by trina on May 5, 1999, at 12:00:38
In reply to Re: Celexa/side effects, posted by Jenny on May 5, 1999, at 1:40:18
been on prozac > 1 year. the no orgasm thing was getting intolerable. asked MD about celexa. been on it x3 weeks, 20 mgs. well, been so busy arguing and fighting with the husband, haven't had time to have sex. so, don't know i celexa helps with that or not. feel like crying as i;m writing this. started on zoloft 3 years ago so i wouldn't break things, say terribly mean things and hurt the kids: a pms thing. had to work through that 'i don't really need meds for this, what a loser that i can't handle life without meds'. worked through that.... don't know what to do. see the md on fri. keep taking the celexa? stop? i have been exercising again. don't like being angry, snappy and bitchy (unless i want to be) and would like to have orgasms. but if anorgasmia is the price to pay so i don't feel like a angry, depressed, slovenly bitch i guess it's worth it.?.
Posted by emrys on May 6, 1999, at 7:22:37
In reply to Re: Celexa/side effects, posted by trina on May 5, 1999, at 12:00:38
> been on prozac > 1 year. the no orgasm thing was getting intolerable. asked MD about celexa. been on it x3 weeks, 20 mgs. well, been so busy arguing and fighting with the husband, haven't had time to have sex. so, don't know i celexa helps with that or not. feel like crying as i;m writing this. started on zoloft 3 years ago so i wouldn't break things, say terribly mean things and hurt the kids: a pms thing. had to work through that 'i don't really need meds for this, what a loser that i can't handle life without meds'. worked through that.... don't know what to do. see the md on fri. keep taking the celexa? stop? i have been exercising again. don't like being angry, snappy and bitchy (unless i want to be) and would like to have orgasms. but if anorgasmia is the price to pay so i don't feel like a angry, depressed, slovenly bitch i guess it's worth it.?.
i have been dealing with medical issues for several years and it was destroying my marriage and the financial crunch was becoming a problem in itself. i've had bad spots before but recently found myself sobbing uncontrolably or pitching major temper tantrums for no aparrent reason. lots of suicidal thoughts. i've been on celexa for a month now and have felt tons better. i still get weepy for no reason but can push it off and i'm not as irritable. the only side effects i've had are the yawn attacks-sometimes feel like my jaw is going to pop, yet i don't feel sleepy. i do have a hard time getting up in the a.m. and sleep like a rock. i can't comment on the sexual side effects my libido's been nil for a while now. i have been taking ginko for a year now and i haven't experienced any forgetfulness with the celexa either-not sure if it's the ginko or not.good luck to everyone-i'd appreciate a pen pal from anyone out there, no one in my family has ever had this type of problem so no one really understands that no matter how positive you try to be (the most common lecture) that it feels like someone else is driving the emotions and you're just there for the ride.
emrys
emrys70@yahoo.com
Posted by Angelina on May 6, 1999, at 18:49:46
In reply to Re: Celexa/side effects, posted by emrys on May 6, 1999, at 7:22:37
The love of my life has had a history of problems with his temper and has been prescribed anti-depressants in the past. I've been doing research on these things and am very wary about him even starting again considering the side effects and withdrawl symptoms. He took Prozac and Wellbutrin, which did nothing, and Zoloft, which had too many side effects for him to handle.I'm now looking into Effexor and Celexa (I researched Paxil and said NO WAY!). I was wondering if you could all give me feedback on your experiences. I'm especially concerned with sexual dysfunction (hey, we can't help that we like sex!), forgetfulness (he has enough problems with his memory), and headaches.
Please let me know how you feel about this med in comparison to any others you have tried. I don't want him to take any at all, but he feels it is necessary, so all I can do is love him and support him. Please help!
Angelina
Posted by Terry on May 8, 1999, at 5:50:28
In reply to Re: Celexa/side effects, posted by dina on March 15, 1999, at 13:27:02
> i am just starting celexa, without much info on the side effects. mainly, i am concerned with sexual
> dyfunction, sleepiness, and memory loss. i have
> been on various other meds (prozac, zoloft,
> wellbutrin, serzone, luvox). one thing that i have
> noticed is an absentmindedness or memory loss when
> i increased the dosage (10 to 20). i haven't noticed
> any fatigue or sleepiness problems. but about the
> sexual dysfunction... from reading your notes, my
> sex drive might actually return?
> anyone with info?
> dinaI just started Celexa 2 days ago (20mg). Have been on Wellbutrin for about 6 weeks. Prior to that was on Zoloft for 3 months. Prior to that, Paxil for 3 months. Didn't like the weight gain, lethargy and sexuallly side effects of Paxil. Didn't like sexual side effects of Zoloft. Thus the change to Wellbutrin. Wellbutrim has made me very anxious. Celexa helped alleviate the anxiety beginning on day 1. Still taking 125mg of Wellbutrin.
My original reason for going on ADs was because of poor concentration and memory loss. Was depressed as well, but could handle it.
The concentration and memory loss aspects, however, effect my job. So I began the eternal search for the "perfect" AD.After reading several of these postings, I am concerned about the concentration/memory thing. The reason I got on this rollercoaster! Does it improve over time? Would decreasing to 10 mg. help? Is it ever perscribed for improving concentration? Even Wellbutrin has not totally brought back my mental faculties. The best I felt was when I was weaning off of Zoloft and taking Wellbutrin simultaneoulsy. But because of the sexually side effect of Zoloft, I asked to try a different SSRI. Enter Celexa!
So far I have had no sexually side effects (Thank God!}, but may be too soon to tell. Or, maybe I just can't remember...
Any thoughts?
Posted by John on May 8, 1999, at 11:06:42
In reply to Re: Celexa, help!, posted by Angelina on May 6, 1999, at 18:49:46
>
> The love of my life has had a history of problems with his temper and has been prescribed anti-depressants in the past. I've been doing research on these things and am very wary about him even starting again considering the side effects and withdrawl symptoms. He took Prozac and Wellbutrin, which did nothing, and Zoloft, which had too many side effects for him to handle.
>
> I'm now looking into Effexor and Celexa (I researched Paxil and said NO WAY!). I was wondering if you could all give me feedback on your experiences. I'm especially concerned with sexual dysfunction (hey, we can't help that we like sex!), forgetfulness (he has enough problems with his memory), and headaches.
>
> Please let me know how you feel about this med in comparison to any others you have tried. I don't want him to take any at all, but he feels it is necessary, so all I can do is love him and support him. Please help!
>
> Angelina
I was perscibed celexa for ADHD I have tried Luvox,Przac and Zoloft Ive been on Celexa now for about 2 months with no side effects noticed . Let me tell you it is hell switching back and forth taking shots in the dark to find what works for me but Celexa has helped me focus which none of the other drugs seemed to do.......just a note for people with ADD,ADHD :)
Posted by Dawn on May 10, 1999, at 10:36:54
In reply to Re: Celexa--Dawn, posted by Leonora on May 4, 1999, at 19:08:13
> > >I've been on Celexa for three weeks. Doctor just upped me to 40 mgs. I seem to be experiencing weight gain and difficulty achieving orgasm. Don't know whether to stick it out for a while longer or to stop and look for another AD. Feel free to email me at gritslad@hotmail.com with advice, anecdotes etc.
> > > Let me just say that my experiences with celexa have been good. The difficutly achieving a orgasm did go away. The weight gain is normal with Cexela. However, some women and men find it helpful when wanting to lose weight. If you don't want to lose weight just eat light meals a couple times a day. Maybe this will help.
Take Care.
Posted by Beth on May 12, 1999, at 6:22:16
In reply to Celexa, posted by Dawn Owenby on March 1, 1999, at 20:33:19
> Anyone currently taking Celexa that has had their dosage increased? I'm taking 40mg/day and has noticed that when I have accidently doubled my dosage I feel less anxious and depressed. Both of which are the reasons I'm taking celexa now. Any thoughts are appreciated.
--------------------
Howdy everyone. I've just started taking Celexa 20 mg a day. I was taking Paxil but asked my physician about something that would not impact my sexuality as much. I'm hoping that I don't feel any side effects from it. So far it's only caused me to have a dry mouth. But then, I've only taken it for two days and am working on one more day. I'll post results as I notice them.-Beth
Posted by Pam on May 14, 1999, at 11:01:04
In reply to Re: Celexa/side effects, posted by Terry on May 8, 1999, at 5:50:28
> > i am just starting celexa, without much info on the side effects. mainly, i am concerned with sexual
> > dyfunction, sleepiness, and memory loss. i have
> > been on various other meds (prozac, zoloft,
> > wellbutrin, serzone, luvox). one thing that i have
> > noticed is an absentmindedness or memory loss when
> > i increased the dosage (10 to 20). i haven't noticed
> > any fatigue or sleepiness problems. but about the
> > sexual dysfunction... from reading your notes, my
> > sex drive might actually return?>> I have been taking Celexa for 7 months. I have gained no weight and have actually experienced a decreased appetite the entire 7 months. No problems at all with sexual dysfunction but I am female and don't know if men are affected. One of the main initial selling points of Celexa when it was introduced was that problems with sexual dysfunction were virtually eliminated. I did have some initial trouble with forgetfulness. It went away. ALso, I had trouble with mania when I went up to 40 mgs/day of Celexa. Now I am back to 20 mgs/day and feeling great. Best Antidepressant I have ever taken. One thing I do when I get a new med is to get the "package insert" from the pharmacist. It contains the exact same info as the PDR. Pam
Posted by Leonora on May 14, 1999, at 15:21:11
In reply to Re: Celexa--Leonaro, posted by Dawn on May 10, 1999, at 10:36:54
How long before the sexual side effects go away? I've been on it six weeks and am also experiencing terrible bloating and constipation. I have a prescription of Zoloft ready to start but don't know if I should give celexa more time.
Posted by Rosie on May 14, 1999, at 18:45:02
In reply to Re: Celexa--Dawn, posted by Leonora on May 14, 1999, at 15:21:11
It is great reading everyone's comments on Celexa. I am considering going on it to lessen some of the pain. I have never been on an antidepressent or an SSRI before and I am a bit nervous. I was wondering about side effects...the memory loss thing is freaking me out, not to mention the decreased sexual desire. Does this all stabilize over the first few weeks/months? Does your memory come up to 100% or at least where it was? It would be great to get some feedback and any other general info as well. I suffer from a very mild depressive state (often non existent) however, occaisionally it dips and it becomes quite difficult to manage. My psychiatrist suggested this new SSRI and I am considering it.
Thanks for the help
Rosie
Posted by Jenny on May 14, 1999, at 20:55:21
In reply to Re: Celexa support, posted by Rosie on May 14, 1999, at 18:45:02
Hi Rosie-I have been taking Celexa for about a month now. I had never been on an anti-depressant before so I was a little nervous about starting one. This site has been really helpful since my doctor gave me virtually no information on Celexa-just gave me some samples and a prescription and said "let's see how it goes". At first I was kind of drowsy and out of it but noticed I was less depressed right away. I was having some memory slips but that seems to be getting better now. I take 20 mg/ 1 x daily.
I read back at some old journal entries and realized this medication has really helped me a lot. I don't ever slip into those late night lows or feel my life is worthless anymore. I smile more, am happier in general. The side affects are lessening...I've lost some weight and am still a bit groggy and spacy at times but the benefits really seem to outweigh the downfalls.
Good luck to you!
Posted by Steve Graves on May 16, 1999, at 18:52:56
In reply to Re: Celexa support, posted by Rosie on May 14, 1999, at 18:45:02
I have been on Celexa for over 3 weeks. If anything my memory has improved. My concentration is wonderful now also. ( I was having trouble even reading a paper) Sexual side effects have been minimal. A little trouble finishing but thats not so bad. A least I now want to have sex!!! Taking 40 mg. per day in the morning. Sleep is getting better also. Slept till 10:30 Sat. morning. Have been able to do that in years. ( and not feel guilty!!) Give the med a try. I read some of these stories too and was very uneasy about starting. This is the best thing I have done in a long time. I haven't felt this good in years!!!
Steve
> It is great reading everyone's comments on Celexa. I am considering going on it to lessen some of the pain. I have never been on an antidepressent or an SSRI before and I am a bit nervous. I was wondering about side effects...the memory loss thing is freaking me out, not to mention the decreased sexual desire. Does this all stabilize over the first few weeks/months? Does your memory come up to 100% or at least where it was? It would be great to get some feedback and any other general info as well. I suffer from a very mild depressive state (often non existent) however, occaisionally it dips and it becomes quite difficult to manage. My psychiatrist suggested this new SSRI and I am considering it.
> Thanks for the help
> Rosie
Posted by Terry Hew on May 19, 1999, at 18:02:14
In reply to Re: Celexa--Dawn, posted by Terry Hew on May 19, 1999, at 17:48:25
> > How long before the sexual side effects go away? I've been on it six weeks and am also experiencing terrible bloating and constipation. I have a prescription of Zoloft ready to start but don't know if I should give celexa more time.
The sexual dysfunction only lasted about three weeks for me, I am happy to report. I started getting constipated when I went from 20 to 30mg. Additional water in diet helps a little. My depression and anxiety have improved dramatically. If there is any side effect that would make me stop taking Celexa, its the constipation. So far, no weight gain. I won't tolerate that either. I've had some forgetfulness, but not too bad.
Keep the reports coming in! We can't rely on doctors to give us the straight talk about drugs. After all, who knows better than the people taking the drug?
Posted by Melissa on May 20, 1999, at 14:06:02
In reply to Re: Celexa--Dawn, posted by Terry Hew on May 19, 1999, at 18:02:14
I am so pleased that people on this thread are having such positive effects with Celexa. Frankly I am jealous. People reading this thread should look at an earlier thread listed above about the nightmares some people are having with Celexa- me being one of them. Extreme case of tiredness leading to 14-16 hours of sleep a day, fuzzy headedness, absentmindedness, massive and quick weight gain that does not leave once off the drug (10-15 pounds in three weeks or so), extreme sexual dysfuntion, and in some cases massive insomnia. So if you are looking to see what are the possible efects, besure to check out that thread of messages. But hopefully you will be one of the lucky ones as those listed here.
Melissa.
Posted by Jim on May 24, 1999, at 17:59:24
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects, posted by Melissa on May 20, 1999, at 14:06:02
I've been taking celexa for three months, 40mg-in the AM. Sexual side effects went away real quick, certainly am less depressed, moods are stabilized. When I'm up and doing something, I feel great and have lots of energy, but as soon as I stop and sit, I am ready to fall asleep. Gaining weight, which I certainly don't need to do! Find myself going to bed earlier and earlier, and having a great deal of difficulty getting up in the morning. I've been considering stopping the med, as I hate feeling so tired all the time. Can someone give me a sense that even after three months these side effects wiil go away? Maybe a decrease in dosage?
Posted by mary on May 24, 1999, at 20:23:52
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects, posted by Jim on May 24, 1999, at 17:59:24
My dosage was reduced to 30mg. It made a big difference in sleepiness but I'm really worn out at the end of the day especially if I've had a therapy session. I'm not yawning as much but I still make stupid errors and lack motivation in most things including sexual relations. But I am not wishing I were dead.
Mary> I've been taking celexa for three months, 40mg-in the AM. Sexual side effects went away real quick, certainly am less depressed, moods are stabilized. When I'm up and doing something, I feel great and have lots of energy, but as soon as I stop and sit, I am ready to fall asleep. Gaining weight, which I certainly don't need to do! Find myself going to bed earlier and earlier, and having a great deal of difficulty getting up in the morning. I've been considering stopping the med, as I hate feeling so tired all the time. Can someone give me a sense that even after three months these side effects wiil go away? Maybe a decrease in dosage?
Posted by Jenny on May 24, 1999, at 20:24:46
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects, posted by Jim on May 24, 1999, at 17:59:24
Have you tried taking it in the evening around 6pm? This is what I started doing because I was running to Starbucks every day at 10am for a triple cuppucino.....so sleepy I thought I may need to stop. But since switching to evening things have been much better-don't even need as much caffeine as before Celexa!
Good luck!
Posted by Beager on May 25, 1999, at 21:56:22
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects, posted by Jenny on May 24, 1999, at 20:24:46
Ten years ago I gained thirty pounds from Prozac (115 lbs to 145 lbs in a matter of months). All the doctors swore it was not the medication and I've had my thyroid tested many times (all negative). The problem is that I have never been able to lose the weight. I eat about 1200 a day, ride stationary bikes and lift weights three days a week, and hike for an hour on the weekends. I can't lose anything. I've been to Weight Watcher's twice and both times they said I should not be overweight and that they couldn't help me. Has anyone else gained weight from meds and not been able to take it off?
Thank god I found this message board! This entire time I've thought it was my fault I was overweight.
I just started Celexa four weeks ago. 20mg was making me too tired, I went down to 10 mg at night and I feel much better. But if I start gaining weight again I'm stopping the drug.
Posted by Jessi on May 26, 1999, at 16:14:11
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by Beager on May 25, 1999, at 21:56:22
> Ten years ago I gained thirty pounds from Prozac (115 lbs to 145 lbs in a matter of months). All the doctors swore it was not the medication and I've had my thyroid tested many times (all negative). The problem is that I have never been able to lose the weight. I eat about 1200 a day, ride stationary bikes and lift weights three days a week, and hike for an hour on the weekends. I can't lose anything. I've been to Weight Watcher's twice and both times they said I should not be overweight and that they couldn't help me. Has anyone else gained weight from meds and not been able to take it off?
>
> Thank god I found this message board! This entire time I've thought it was my fault I was overweight.
>
> I just started Celexa four weeks ago. 20mg was making me too tired, I went down to 10 mg at night and I feel much better. But if I start gaining weight again I'm stopping the drug.I was also thrilled to have found this web site. I had seen the doctor due to a huge weight gain
(40 lbs in about 4 - 6 months). I have had my thyroid as well as everything else tested. My doctor
also told me that it had nothing to do with the medication that I was on.Each medication effects everyone differently, however, this weight gain I am dealing with was
the result of taking Celexa. There have been several success stories on this drug, it just had an
adverse effect on me. I have recently taken myself off of Celexa for this reason, as well as a few
others. I have been unable to loose the weight, but at least I have stopped gaining, for now.As I said, each medication effects everyone differently, I wish you the best of luck and I hope
that Celexa turns out to be the answer you were looking for.Jessi
Posted by dina on May 27, 1999, at 0:03:01
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by Jessi on May 26, 1999, at 16:14:11
hi jessi- this is dina. i had a post about going off celexa that you possibly responded to, and now i can't seem to find either of the posts (titled "decided to go off celexa") i had gained weight (in 3 months) from celexa, also i had begun to clench my jaw with such fierceness that i was having pretty regular jaw pain. and i had developed this itchy rash/hives that disappeared when i stopped taking the meds and reappeared when i tried them again. so now i am having some withdrawal effects, headache, that weird shocking feeling, and some dizziness. i have started taking 5-htp and it seems to alleviate/reduce the side effects. i am a little irritable also. i think you mentioned in your post that you are a little less tolerant now, but cognitively (memory-wise) you are doing better. i have noticed this too. (yeah!)
take care
dina
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