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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Beager on May 28, 1999, at 17:20:27
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects, posted by Kay on May 28, 1999, at 14:52:33
Cut back to 10 mg. It seems like 20 mg to start is a heavy dose for most people. It certainly was for me.
> > 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.
>
> I just started taking Celexa and have not previously been on AD's. From the first day I am experiencing intense nauseau and dizziness. I am taking 20 mg a day. Has anyone else experienced this side effect? Any suggestions? It's difficult to concentrate on work with continuous nauseau. I admit to being a little frightened by reading all of the comments above. But I'm frightened by my depression also. Anyone else feel between a rock and a hard place? Kay
Posted by Sky on May 28, 1999, at 20:19:29
In reply to Re: Celexa--Dawn, posted by Terry Hew on May 19, 1999, at 18:02:14
> > > 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?RE:Constipation- this is real common and it can be treated. For me,I took magnesium and calcium supp. plus psyillium seed and mucho water. No problem Also noticed more bloating with excess sugar in diet. Stay off soda pop and anything with nutra sweet. Hope this helps.
Posted by Robyn on May 30, 1999, at 15:58:21
In reply to Re: Celexa--Dawn, posted by Sky on May 28, 1999, at 20:19:29
> > > > 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?
>
> RE:Constipation- this is real common and it can be treated. For me,I took magnesium and calcium supp. plus psyillium seed and mucho water. No problem Also noticed more bloating with excess sugar in diet. Stay off soda pop and anything with nutra sweet. Hope this helps.What exactly can rememdy the constipation? It has really been a problem. I take a cleansing type natural herb, but on 40MG of celexa I need more. Will calcium and Mag. work?
Posted by dina on June 1, 1999, at 9:32:57
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/Dina, posted by Jessi on May 27, 1999, at 15:51:25
jessie- the dose for 5-htp (from what i've read)
100mg 3x a day on an empty stomach. and to take it
with a carbo like juice or a piece of fruit. anyway,
i can relate to what you are going through, i seem
to have a lot of dizziness, and am a little achy
and irritable. i am somewhat forgetful, but not
completely absentminded as i was while on the drug.
i am also losing weight that i had gained while on
celexa. sorry about my prattle, good luck and stay
safe.
dina
Posted by Cindy on June 2, 1999, at 7:24:36
In reply to Celexa/side-effects, posted by dina on June 1, 1999, at 9:32:57
Once I lowered my dose of Celexa from 30 to 20 mgs., the constipation cleared up but I still feel bloated most of the time. The other side affect I have not seen mentioned much is dryness. My mouth and nose is so dry that the lining of my nose actually cracks and bleeds. I use saline spray constantly, drink lost of water, and have coated the inside of my nose with a variety of things. I still feel like I am constantly on antihistamines. I finally decided to lower the dose from 20 to 10 mgs. I hope I don't crash.
Posted by rayna on June 2, 1999, at 21:50:41
In reply to Re: Celexa/side effects, posted by Pam on May 14, 1999, at 11:01:04
> > > 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. PamI have only been taking celexa for a month. I was wondering if anyone noticed that it stopped working after about two. weeks. I only had side effects at the beginning. They were hard-core. Then I started feeling great. Now I don't think It is working anymore. I have increased to 30mg now and I wonder if it will work better if I take more. Any feedback will be welcome.
Posted by Ken on June 3, 1999, at 12:01:02
In reply to Re: Celexa/side effects, posted by rayna on June 2, 1999, at 21:50:41
I have recently began taking celexa (20 mg). Never taken an AD before but my Dr. says it may help with occasional depression. I have experienced some of the side effects (sexual dysf. / dry mouth / sleepiness) but I'm encouraged that some have experienced an improvement in these over time.
My big concern is the dosage increases. It appears that many have to increase later on in order to continue to receive consistent benefits. Am I interpreting this correctly?
Posted by Ruth on June 3, 1999, at 20:53:24
In reply to Re: Celexa - Dosage Increases, posted by Ken on June 3, 1999, at 12:01:02
Constipation has been a real problem for me too. I'm now taking 4 glasses of citrucil a day which seems to do the trick
> I have recently began taking celexa (20 mg). Never taken an AD before but my Dr. says it may help with occasional depression. I have experienced some of the side effects (sexual dysf. / dry mouth / sleepiness) but I'm encouraged that some have experienced an improvement in these over time.
>
>
>
> My big concern is the dosage increases. It appears that many have to increase later on in order to continue to receive consistent benefits. Am I interpreting this correctly?
Posted by dina on June 3, 1999, at 21:26:25
In reply to Re: Celexa - , posted by Ruth on June 3, 1999, at 20:53:24
i take 1000mg of vitamin c and/or 200mg of magnesium and it seems to do the trick, better
than metamucil.
Posted by Eve on June 3, 1999, at 22:25:51
In reply to Re: Celexa/constipation, posted by dina on June 3, 1999, at 21:26:25
I'm rather confused by this medication. I went to the doctor for fatigue and muscle pain. They tell me it's either depression or fibra myalgia(sp?). I've been getting extra sleep at night (up to ten hours) because they told me to. I was told that I was being given Celexa to "help you sleep at night". I've yet to see anything saying it does that. Besides, why sleep MORE? Then... I hear it can cause you to be sleepy. How do I know I'm getting better? Should I take it when they aren't even sure that it's what is wrong with me? As soon as they learned my family had a history of depression, they assumed that's what was wrong. Am I just being a scardy cat? I'm only 18, and I don't want to think about being depressed (I was a mutilator at fifteen).. Blah.>I guess I'm just overreacting.
Evelyn.
Posted by Leanne on June 4, 1999, at 11:41:25
In reply to Re: Celexa - , posted by Ruth on June 3, 1999, at 20:53:24
I have been on Celexa (only 20 mg.) for about 5
weeks now and have been experiencing diarrhea for
about 2 weeks now. I have no other side effects.
Actually, with regard to sexual disfunction - I have
more desire now than when I was on 40 mg. of Paxil
for over two years!Anyone else have diarrhea? I went to the dr. and he
advised me to eat more fiber! - I am a vegetarian,
so fiber for me is not the problem! I eat lots
of grains, beans, fresh and steamed vegies etc.Thanks
Posted by sharona on June 4, 1999, at 15:22:00
In reply to Re: Celexa - , posted by Ruth on June 3, 1999, at 20:53:24
I have just started on Celexa 3 days ago and have side effects like blurred vision, dizziness, tired, and when it wears off I am extremely anxious, also I have already noticed constipation.
BUT What most concerns me is that I have read where people may gain weight. I have already increased weight over the last two years and the thought of gaining any more panics me greatly. Can anyone tell if this is a problem too.
sharona
Posted by Leanne on June 5, 1999, at 17:17:01
In reply to Re: Celexa - Weight Gain!, posted by sharona on June 4, 1999, at 15:22:00
As my previous post, regarding diarrhea, I have been on Celexa now for
5 weeks and have experienced some weight loss. It may be due to the
diarrhea, but I am eating just as well (vegetarian) as I always have,
I just have extremely loose stools - but I have lost about 10 lbs. in
the last few weeks. I really packed on the weight (about 40 lbs.) while
I was on Paxil for over 2 years.The only side effects I am experiencing with Celexa is diarrhea.
Anyone else?
Posted by Sean on June 7, 1999, at 9:39:08
In reply to Re: Celexa, help!, posted by John on May 8, 1999, at 11:06:42
Hi all. I was prescribed Celexa for mild depression
and I started with 10mg a day for the first four days
just to ease the drug into the system. After that
I upped the dosage to 20mg a day. My MD said that eventually
I might need to increase the dosage to 30mg once it
felt as if the drug was plateauing.Anyway, I went to 30mg after about 3 weeks and noticed
less control of my emotions and ironically a general
reverse effect. I went back to 20 and have felt better.
Has anyone else had adverse reactions with increased
dosages? Perhaps I upped the dosage too soon?Any thoughts would be great, thanks!
Posted by Tom on June 7, 1999, at 11:41:34
In reply to Celexa dosage increase, posted by Sean on June 7, 1999, at 9:39:08
> Hi all. I was prescribed Celexa for mild depression
> and I started with 10mg a day for the first four days
> just to ease the drug into the system. After that
> I upped the dosage to 20mg a day. My MD said that eventually
> I might need to increase the dosage to 30mg once it
> felt as if the drug was plateauing.
>
> Anyway, I went to 30mg after about 3 weeks and noticed
> less control of my emotions and ironically a general
> reverse effect. I went back to 20 and have felt better.
> Has anyone else had adverse reactions with increased
> dosages? Perhaps I upped the dosage too soon?
>
> Any thoughts would be great, thanks!The general rule for Meds is GO LOW AND SLOW. Some people are seriously depressed and may feel that
they need immediate relief but they may go right past their therapeutic dosage and onto a higher dose
that gives them intolerable side effects. My advice would be to start at 5mg and wait one week , then 10mg
at another week , and so on. We're all individuals with different reactions when dealing with meds.
Posted by Susie on June 9, 1999, at 0:33:21
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by Beager on May 25, 1999, at 21:56:22
I have been on Prozac for over a year. Inspite of the past five months training to walk a marathon which I will do next week, I have not lost one pound. I walked 93 miles this month. My new doctor told me yesterday numerous patients have gained on Prozac. He switched me to Celexa so we'll see what happens. What is it? Do we have to be thin and miserable or fat and happy??
Posted by Mary on June 9, 1999, at 17:30:05
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by Susie on June 9, 1999, at 0:33:21
YEP!!!!
> I have been on Prozac for over a year. Inspite of the past five months training to walk a marathon which I will do next week, I have not lost one pound. I walked 93 miles this month. My new doctor told me yesterday numerous patients have gained on Prozac. He switched me to Celexa so we'll see what happens. What is it? Do we have to be thin and miserable or fat and happy??
Posted by Sand on June 14, 1999, at 3:53:55
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/Dina, posted by Jessi on May 27, 1999, at 15:51:25
> For Dina and other Celexa users:
In a post I saw, you mentioned clenching your jaw. I was surprised to hear that--I thought it was just me-- I thought I was just going thru a period of tension tho I didn't know about what. I find myself clenching my jaw daily but I think I must be chomping at night! I have never had this type of jaw soreness. Are you still on Celexa? or just the 5-HP?
I have been on for 3 weeks. I do feel better but am not sure it is worth the side effects. (headache, sleepiness, and my husband says I'm just not myself). I am wondering if I should try to stick it out and see if these go away. My doc feels if I am not having real good results by now, that the next step is to swith to EFFEXOR. Has anyone had any experience with this drug? I have mostly seen negative reports from the web and that is discouraging. Has it helped anyone? Any response to any of the above is greatly appreciated. sandyThe previous was in reply to:
> 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
>
> Hi Dina,
>
> Although I know that all of this is difficult, you can't believe how much it helps to know that I am not the only one with these issues.
> It sounds like we are going through the same withdrawal symptoms. It seemed to be a little easier in the beginning than it is now.
> I've been extremely sick to my stomach for a few days and dizzy. My memory does keep improving and I haven't had half of the problems
> getting up for work that I had in the past and I seem to have more energy when I get home. I have found myself getting more irritable
> but I'm not sure if it's a result of coming off of the Celexa or if it is because now I actually care about things as opposed to just
> feeling indifferent about everything. All and all I think it is one of better decisions that I have made.
>
> Thank you for the advice on the 5-htp, I'm going to give it try and see what happens.
>
> Best of luck,
>
> Jessi
Posted by dina on June 14, 1999, at 9:03:31
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/Dina, posted by Sand on June 14, 1999, at 3:53:55
sand-
i am using the 5-htp. jaw clenching is a side effect
of a few of the ssri's that i've used, including
celexa. i am doing it a little with the 5-htp too.
a couple of things that i have noticed on celexa,
up the dosage very slowly, i stayed at the initial
dose (10mg) for about 2-3 weeks before increasing
the dose. from what i've experienced and from
reading other threads on this page, it seems to
lessen some of the side effects that occur with
many of the meds. also, with celexa, some of the
side effects dissipate with time. give the meds.
some time (3 months or more) for your body to
learn how to work with them. read some of the
posts from february/march about celexa about
this. be patient. i know this is the hardest
thing when you want to feel better but you
have to deal with all this extra stuff (the
side effects). 3 weeks is TOO soon to tell
whether it is effective or not.
i hope i was helpful. take care. dina
Posted by Ron Routhier on June 14, 1999, at 15:24:26
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/sand, posted by dina on June 14, 1999, at 9:03:31
Hi, I've been using celexa for abouth eight weeks at 20mg./day. I was on zolof for a month prior which gave me the shakes and constant tiredness. What i wanted to share with you is this: Three days ago i had a seziure which lasted approx. 5-10 seconds. At first i thought there was an earth quake... The next day i could feel bruises all over my body. One on my side was evidently caused by my elbow. I've seen one epiliptic seizure once and i'd have to say that this episode was the same... Has anyone else experienced this? Please respond.... Thanks, Take Care
> i am using the 5-htp. jaw clenching is a side effect
> of a few of the ssri's that i've used, including
> celexa. i am doing it a little with the 5-htp too.
> a couple of things that i have noticed on celexa,
> up the dosage very slowly, i stayed at the initial
> dose (10mg) for about 2-3 weeks before increasing
> the dose. from what i've experienced and from
> reading other threads on this page, it seems to
> lessen some of the side effects that occur with
> many of the meds. also, with celexa, some of the
> side effects dissipate with time. give the meds.
> some time (3 months or more) for your body to
> learn how to work with them. read some of the
> posts from february/march about celexa about
> this. be patient. i know this is the hardest
> thing when you want to feel better but you
> have to deal with all this extra stuff (the
> side effects). 3 weeks is TOO soon to tell
> whether it is effective or not.
> i hope i was helpful. take care. dina
Posted by Pam on June 14, 1999, at 18:50:49
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/sand, posted by Ron Routhier on June 14, 1999, at 15:24:26
> Hi, I've been using celexa for abouth eight weeks at 20mg./day. I was on zolof for a month prior which gave me the shakes and constant tiredness. What i wanted to share with you is this: Three days ago i had a seziure which lasted approx. 5-10 seconds. At first i thought there was an earth quake... The next day i could feel bruises all over my body. One on my side was evidently caused by my elbow. I've seen one epiliptic seizure once and i'd have to say that this episode was the same... Has anyone else experienced this? Please respond.... Thanks, Take Care
> > i am using the 5-htp. jaw clenching is a side effect
> > of a few of the ssri's that i've used, including
> > celexa. i am doing it a little with the 5-htp too.
> > a couple of things that i have noticed on celexa,
> > up the dosage very slowly, i stayed at the initial
> > dose (10mg) for about 2-3 weeks before increasing
> > the dose. from what i've experienced and from
> > reading other threads on this page, it seems to
> > lessen some of the side effects that occur with
> > many of the meds. also, with celexa, some of the
> > side effects dissipate with time. give the meds.
> > some time (3 months or more) for your body to
> > learn how to work with them. read some of the
> > posts from february/march about celexa about
> > this. be patient. i know this is the hardest
> > thing when you want to feel better but you
> > have to deal with all this extra stuff (the
> > side effects). 3 weeks is TOO soon to tell
> > whether it is effective or not.
> > i hope i was helpful. take care. dina>>>> Hi
Have been on Celexa about 7 months and the only side effect I had was some blurred vision at first which did go away. Haven't heard anything about seizures. If you do learn that Celexa was the cause, I would love to know! Pam
Posted by Sally on June 16, 1999, at 11:08:57
In reply to Re: Celexa - Constipation/Diarrhea , posted by Leanne on June 4, 1999, at 11:41:25
I noticed your comment regarding the side effects you are having with
Celexa and found it interesting that they started 3 weeks after you
started taking it. My mother was just prescribed Celexa (20mg.) and
is also experiencing diarrhea, but it began soon after she started.
Now that a few more weeks have passed since your message, I was
wondering if it had subsided at all. My problem is that my mother
isn't taking as good a care of herself as she should and I'm concerned
she'll be getting too dehydrated.Thanks.
> I have been on Celexa (only 20 mg.) for about 5
> weeks now and have been experiencing diarrhea for
> about 2 weeks now. I have no other side effects.
> Actually, with regard to sexual disfunction - I have
> more desire now than when I was on 40 mg. of Paxil
> for over two years!
>
> Anyone else have diarrhea? I went to the dr. and he
> advised me to eat more fiber! - I am a vegetarian,
> so fiber for me is not the problem! I eat lots
> of grains, beans, fresh and steamed vegies etc.
>
> Thanks
Posted by gail on June 17, 1999, at 8:25:42
In reply to Re: Celexa - Constipation/Diarrhea , posted by Sally on June 16, 1999, at 11:08:57
> I noticed your comment regarding the side effects you are having with
> Celexa and found it interesting that they started 3 weeks after you
> started taking it. My mother was just prescribed Celexa (20mg.) and
> is also experiencing diarrhea, but it began soon after she started.
> Now that a few more weeks have passed since your message, I was
> wondering if it had subsided at all. My problem is that my mother
> isn't taking as good a care of herself as she should and I'm concerned
> she'll be getting too dehydrated.
>
> Thanks.
>
> > I have been on Celexa (only 20 mg.) for about 5
> > weeks now and have been experiencing diarrhea for
> > about 2 weeks now. I have no other side effects.
> > Actually, with regard to sexual disfunction - I have
> > more desire now than when I was on 40 mg. of Paxil
> > for over two years!
> >
> > Anyone else have diarrhea? I went to the dr. and he
> > advised me to eat more fiber! - I am a vegetarian,
> > so fiber for me is not the problem! I eat lots
> > of grains, beans, fresh and steamed vegies etc.
> >
> > ThanksI have been on celexa for 3 weeks now and have experienced only anxiety for the last several days. I am on 20 now and am considering taking 10 more at night. We moved to a new state a year ago and I have been depressed since so I asked the Dr for help. He said he only wants me to take this for 6 months. I am hoping by the end of the 6 months I can cope better.
Posted by Jim on June 17, 1999, at 15:47:03
In reply to Re: Celexa - Constipation/Diarrhea , posted by gail on June 17, 1999, at 8:25:42
Not a good idea to split the dosage. Take it all at one time!
It takes time to work. For me six weeks!Best Wishes
Posted by Tammy on June 19, 1999, at 14:24:00
In reply to Celexa, posted by Dawn Owenby on March 1, 1999, at 20:33:19
I just started Celexa yesterday ( June 18th )I have had one side effect already and that is dry mouth.But I feel alot better ALREADY!!!! I seem to just not care about my probs anymore and let things go...I have never been able to do that before!!
Also I have read that Celexa was expensive...can someone post how much it is and how many the Dr. usually gives you at a time.
My Dr. gave me a 4 week supply of samples to see it this is going to work for me.So if does I want to prepared if I have to buy them.
Does Ins. usually pay for it or pay part of it?I would also like to add that i would rather have weight lose than gain!! Which is more common?
I would also like to have a "Celexa" pen pal....feel free to email me or my Im is tamy269
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