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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Dennis on January 26, 2000, at 13:18:36
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by Bob on January 24, 2000, at 19:03:48
To all who are experiencing sexual side effects from Celexa... I too am experiencing the same thing - mostly a lack of desire - Big Time!!! And an orgasm takes a lot of work - very depressing in inself - I'm fortunate to have a girlfriend who's very understanding! Though I don't know how much longer I'll be able to endure this "lobotomized" sexual state of being... Prior to this drug and other AD's in the past couple of years, I felt quite healthy regarding this aspect of my life.... I've read a little bit about people taking Ginseng to counteract this... Anyone know of any supplements/herbs, etc... that would counteract the negative sexual side effects from Celexa? I'd be very appreciative! Dennis
> > Just curious how many people have experienced the lack of a sex drive? I have been on Celexa for seven months and have found that I have no interest in sex whatsoever. It's becoming a big problem for me. Otherwise I am doing great on my 20 mg daily. But there is not a lot of info about the drug. If anyone has any insight, I would sure love to know. Thanks, sheryl
>
> Going on about 40 days now and the sex drive has not improved
> much. Am able to have orgasms but have to work at it, my partner
> likes that part. I do not even think about sex unless prompted
> by her, which seems totally out of character for a male. I have
> been taking my 30 mg's at night right before bed and this seems
> to help the drowsy's during the day and I don't notice some of the
> other side affects this way.
> Bob
Posted by CarolAnn on February 9, 2000, at 10:05:19
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- read this , posted by Manny on January 25, 2000, at 8:02:15
Hey Manny, I can understand your worry, but I just started Celexa after years of non-effective treatments, and if it *does* turn out to be "The Thing", I'm not going to let the "studies" worry me. After all, there are so many carcinagens(sp?)floating around that life is pretty much a crap shoot anyway. And, if I can have a better life with Celexa...well, it's like the quote from "Steel Magnolias"...(not sure of exact words) "I'd rather have one moment of wonderful, then a whole lifetime of nothing special"...or worse, a whole lifetime of depression.CarolAnn
Posted by Manny on February 10, 2000, at 10:36:59
In reply to Re: Celexa and Manny's cancer fear..., posted by CarolAnn on February 9, 2000, at 10:05:19
Thanks CarolAnn. You are correct about not obsessing about this. I realize that mine is an overreaction and that it has been tested and approved by the FDA. So I too will take it and try to feel better, rather than worry about far-fetched possibilities.
I appreciate your thoughts and wish you well.
Posted by Glenda on February 27, 2000, at 11:51:04
In reply to Re: Celexa and Manny's cancer fear..., posted by Manny on February 10, 2000, at 10:36:59
I was checking these pages to see if anyone was having the side effects that I am having...after 6 months on 20 mg which i increase as needed...I feel like a yoyo...sometimes really wonderful and full of energy and other times in the deepest funk imaginable. Have been on other anti's which gave me headaches or diminished my sexual drive. Celexa makes me tired...soon after I take it I am ready to go into a deep sleep...yes sort of coma like.....and that feels good except that getting up for work is NOT EASY! My partner says my sleeping is so deep that I snore badly and I have never had that problem before now. When I am feeling myself get depressed I will increase dosage on the advice of my psychiatric nurse....and so then i end up tired and not caring whether or not I do anything. I find that not caring about this or that happens a lot and I am not that kind of person at all. AM afraid to stop taking the Celexa because before I was having HUGE mood swings that were potentially dangerous to me and scary for others. I wish that pharmaceutical companies would research these drugs a lot more before trying them out on a trusting, needy public.
Posted by Noa on February 27, 2000, at 17:13:48
In reply to Celexa...yoyo, posted by Glenda on February 27, 2000, at 11:51:04
You had mood swings before, and what you describe as a yoyo effect also sounds like mood swings. Have you considered a mood stabilizer?
Posted by gail on February 27, 2000, at 20:32:22
In reply to Re: Celexa...yoyo, posted by Noa on February 27, 2000, at 17:13:48
> You had mood swings before, and what you describe as a yoyo effect also sounds like mood swings. Have you considered a mood stabilizer?
Glenda-
sounds so familiar. I've been on Celexa for almost 8 months 20mgs and have the exact same thing. lately i've been feeling depression but nothing like it was before. At first I considered tapering off but I'm so afraid of the heavy depression coming back that I wouldn't dare. I just finished my cycle and I kid you not for the 5 days I have been a depressed bitch. I haven't been like this since before I started the medication. I really think that during a women's cycle either the med's don't work or work in reverse. This is not the first time this has happened. I was looking at other posts about adding Adderall or Tenuate and thought that might help with the lack of motivation. Not sure what to do but this feeling of no motivation, and feeling not happy again is not what I want. does this mean poop out or do I just need a boost. I'm with you Glenda. I'm stumped.
Posted by Paul Jay on February 28, 2000, at 5:58:35
In reply to Celexa...yoyo, posted by Glenda on February 27, 2000, at 11:51:04
You mention snoring badly and tiredness. This suggests the possiblility of sleep apnea. I think it could result from excessive tiredness, especially if there is weakness or fatigue. It also is often a cause of tiredness, oversleeping, etc.
Here is one description of it: http://www.apneanet.org/factsapn.htm
Whether you have sleep apnea or not, a small amount of a stimulant might counteract the side effects you describe.
Posted by Noa on February 28, 2000, at 8:17:18
In reply to Re: Celexa...yoyo, posted by Paul Jay on February 28, 2000, at 5:58:35
Geez, I am surprised I didn't pick up on the snoring thing. Glad Paul Jay did.
You might want to get a consult with a sleep specialist. If you have a bed partner, ask if you snore irregularly, loudly, stop breathing, etc. Apnea can definitely cause fatigue and depression.
Plus, have you had your thyroid levels checked?
Posted by MA on February 29, 2000, at 9:46:05
In reply to Re: Celexa...yoyo, posted by Noa on February 28, 2000, at 8:17:18
I few things I noticed about Celexa.
When I started I was very nauseaous, very sleepy and wasn't sure it would ever work. I wanted to give it up at 20 mg since I felt so crummy.
I started to take it at night which helped with the daytime sleepiness. When I increased my dosage the only way I could tolerate it was splitting the dosage, taking 20 mg in the morning and 20 mg at night. I was finally able to tolerate the side effects but I still have to take 10 mg in the morining and 20 mg at night.
We added Wellbutrin to Celexa to help with the lack of interest, motivation, apathy, you know what I mean...the blahs, not depressed but not living either.
The we added Neurontin. Whatever is helping me it's hard to say but I am feeling good, not great, but happy with the balance I have right now.
My current combination is the following:
AM: Celexa 10 mg, Wellbutrin 150 mg, Neurontin 100mg.
PM: Celexa 20 mg, Neurontin 200 mg.Every now and then I will add Wellbutrin 100 mg and Neurontin 100 mg in the afternoon if I feel overwhelmed. Lately I haven't needed this very often.
P.S. My feeling on the snoring, i.e. sleep apnea issue is that since she did not have these symptoms before the medication, a reduction in the dosage may be indicated. Her doctor should advise her on this problem. I snore too on occasion and feel it is most likely related to the medication and sleeping on my back.
some of these meds work too well on the sleep cycle.
Posted by Carmen on February 29, 2000, at 10:29:08
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by Sally... Please read mine! on December 16, 1999, at 13:48:56
.
I, too, have been on Celexa - for a couple of months now. The first week I experienced nausea and fatigue, but it went away. Really helped w/my reoccurring depression problem. Am also on Neurontin 2X a day at 600 mg daily. I took the Celexa at night so I didn't have to experience those side affects so much during the day. Also take Clonopin 2X day to help w/my anxiety. I was wondering about BuSpar for generalized anxiety? The Clonopin works pretty good, but is habit forming. Am going to talk to Dr. about this. Any input about the results of BuSpar? Thanks.
Posted by Robyn on February 29, 2000, at 14:08:30
In reply to My experience with Celexa, posted by MA on February 29, 2000, at 9:46:05
I started taking Celexa about 12 days ago for stress related depression. After about the 6 or 7th day I started feeling really good, upbeat and positive (I was also invoved in an Intensive Outpatient program). After roughly two days I seemed to level out and had moments throughout the day where I felt sad but I was able to control this. Now, around the 10th day I started crying again throughout the day and am having extended periods of sadness and anxiety. I'm due to start my period in about a week. Does this make a difference in the meds? Or have the meds possibly not kicked in yet and the two really good days were a fluke? Please help.
Posted by Liza on February 29, 2000, at 20:30:18
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa, posted by Robyn on February 29, 2000, at 14:08:30
> I started taking Celexa about 12 days ago for stress related depression. After about the 6 or 7th day I started feeling really good, upbeat and positive (I was also invoved in an Intensive Outpatient program). After roughly two days I seemed to level out and had moments throughout the day where I felt sad but I was able to control this. Now, around the 10th day I started crying again throughout the day and am having extended periods of sadness and anxiety. I'm due to start my period in about a week. Does this make a difference in the meds? Or have the meds possibly not kicked in yet and the two really good days were a fluke? Please help.
I just started taking Celexa for moderately severe PMS. My doctor takes it herself for the same problem and has told me that it works wonders for her. I recently had two friends respond positively to two different medications after years of trying various ones. My feeling is that you shouldn't waste your time with one if it is really not working. Keep looking until you are satisfied with the results. I had a pretty severe reaction to the initial dose (vomiting, dizziness), so after reading the postings, I'm going to cut the dose in 1/2 to 10mg to start. Also, I was told by my doctor that it takes 3-6 weeks for the drug to kick in.
Posted by Carmen on March 1, 2000, at 12:10:34
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa, posted by Liza on February 29, 2000, at 20:30:18
Robyn, hi!
I found w/Celexa that my period was delayed by 2 wks. I'm at the age of menopause so I didn't know if that was the reason or the med. Pharmacist told me that Celexa will cause very light periods(which I experienced) or ammenohrea (sp?) in other words no periods. I have found that it helps w/the depression. Though everyone is different. Hope this helps you. Take care.
Posted by Robyn on March 1, 2000, at 12:59:39
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa, posted by Carmen on March 1, 2000, at 12:10:34
I was just wondering how long it took for the Celexa to start taking effect for you?
Posted by Vicki on March 2, 2000, at 7:02:41
In reply to Re: Celexa...yoyo, posted by Noa on February 28, 2000, at 8:17:18
>I took my 19 year old son to the Dr. 2 days ago for all the symptoms of depression. To name just a few...lack of motivation, tired all the time. inability to concentrate, etc. It was hard enough to get him up and get going before he started taking hte celxa. After reading about all these side effects, I am wondering if this is the answer. I was in hopes for him to become the perosn he once was. I know it is probably too soon to tell, but if he is so tired all the time, how can he get back to normallcy? He has only been taking celexa for 2 days. When he is awake he says he feels good....but he slept ALL day long and does not want to get up in the morning. How can a person expect to get on with a normal life if alls they feel like doing is sleeping?? Of course, when you are asleep you have NO WORRYS, but what kind of life is that?? Alot of what I have read about antidepressants say that you will be back to your old self again soon?? I just hope and pray that this is true, but after reading some of the negatives you all have described I am wondering if this is the right thing?????? I only want what is best for him!!!!!! I guess time will tell ?? Help, MOM
Posted by Cam W. on March 2, 2000, at 7:33:34
In reply to Re: Celexa-How can this be a good thing? MOM, posted by Vicki on March 2, 2000, at 7:02:41
Vicki (aka Mom) - Antidepressants take an average of 4-6 weeks (sometimes longer) to see a therapeutic effect. I would not expect you to see any change for at least two weeks. The antidepressant has to modify some of the serotonin receptor concentrations (as well as other neurotransmitter receptor concentrations) for it to work and this takes about 4-6 weeks. All antidepressants have side effects when they are started, affecting some people more than others. These side effects usually abate after about two weeks as the body adjusts to the drug. The info sheet you saw on Celexa is a lawyer's document, written by lawyers for lawyers. It will include every side effect that happened to someone while taking Celexa (in clinical trials). Give your son some time (another couple weeks) and you should notice some improvement. Your son won't necessarily get all or any of the side effects you have read on this board, everyone's body is unique. The depression didn't occur overnight, so you can't expect it to be resolved as quickly. Full remission will take some time. Also, medication is only one part of the treatment process. Talk therapy is also a useful adjunct. The medication elevates one to a level where they can work on resolving what caused the depression in the first place. Hope this helps and keep us posted on his progress. Sincerely Cam W.
Posted by Liza on March 2, 2000, at 14:55:54
In reply to Re: Liza --- My experience with Celexa, posted by Robyn on March 1, 2000, at 12:59:39
> I was just wondering how long it took for the Celexa to start taking effect for you?
Hi Robyn,
I just started to take Celexa 3 days ago. My doctor told me it will take 3-6 weeks to take effect, and up to 1 year to become fully effective. I'd have to say that I'm feeling pretty other-worldly at the moment, but the side-effects are abating gradually. I can't say yet whether or not it is working. But I feel optimistic that some of the symptoms will be alleviated in time.. I would give yourself some more time on it. You may consider talking to your doctor about increasing the dosage, provided you haven't had bad side effects. I'm pretty drug sensitive myself, so 20mg/day is currently too much for me.
Posted by jamie on March 3, 2000, at 0:54:06
In reply to Re: Celexa-How can this be a good thing? MOM, posted by Vicki on March 2, 2000, at 7:02:41
> >I took my 19 year old son to the Dr. 2 days ago for all the symptoms of depression. To name just a few...lack of motivation, tired all the time. inability to concentrate, etc. It was hard enough to get him up and get going before he started taking hte celxa. After reading about all these side effects, I am wondering if this is the answer. I was in hopes for him to become the perosn he once was. I know it is probably too soon to tell, but if he is so tired all the time, how can he get back to normallcy? He has only been taking celexa for 2 days. When he is awake he says he feels good....but he slept ALL day long and does not want to get up in the morning. How can a person expect to get on with a normal life if alls they feel like doing is sleeping?? Of course, when you are asleep you have NO WORRYS, but what kind of life is that?? Alot of what I have read about antidepressants say that you will be back to your old self again soon?? I just hope and pray that this is true, but after reading some of the negatives you all have described I am wondering if this is the right thing?????? I only want what is best for him!!!!!! I guess time will tell ?? Help, MOM
Even though your son was not diagnosed as ADD or ADHD, I bet a child's dose of a psychostimulant would be miraculous. The mention of 'tired all the time' and 'inability to concentrate' fit perfectly into a scenario where a small dose of an ADD medication will probably produce very pleasing results. With or without celexa. In the interest of achieving remission of symptoms asap, I hope the physician will at least agree to try this briefly just to see.
jamie
Posted by Mark on March 6, 2000, at 14:51:22
In reply to Re: Celexa-How can this be a good thing? MOM, posted by jamie on March 3, 2000, at 0:54:06
I have felt great since I started taking Celexa and dexadrine 5 weeks ago. I am take 20mg Celexa in morning, plus 20 mg dexadrine (for ADHD)in morning, and 10 mg. dexadrine at noon. I have also been exercising an average of 5 times per week, which seems to contribute to my feeling of well-being. My sex drive dropped almost immediately, but it has increased somewhat over the past two weeks. Even when the will is there, it takes much longer to achieve orgasm, but that is improving, too. I used to have a fairly high sex drive, averaging about 5-6 times per week, but now it is difficult to achieve orgasm more than 2-3 times per week. That ability is improving, but I still can't seem to maintain an erection while using a condom. I have not had any sleep problems. I don't really have dry mouth, but I do need to drink more water, although that is improving, too. I don't have any nausea, but my appetite has diminished (to a healthier level!) and have lost interest in junk food. So far the side effects of Celexa have been far fewer than with Prozac.
Posted by John Mazza on March 7, 2000, at 11:56:00
In reply to Celexa Side Effects Going Away, posted by Mark on March 6, 2000, at 14:51:22
Dear readers,
Please learn from my mistakes and stay away from drugs. If you're depressed e-mail me and I'll give you many recommendations. I am a reformed antidepressant user myself and I know the horrors of these drugs. Most importantly, everyone should be aware that the effects of serotonin elevating drugs (like Prozac) are long term and potentially irreversable. Don't Go There! If you do suffer from antidepressant drug brain damage, as I do, then e-mail me and I'll let you know what you should be doing to get better.
Best Wishes,
John
Posted by Veronica on March 7, 2000, at 12:05:01
In reply to Antidepressants Beware!, posted by John Mazza on March 7, 2000, at 11:56:00
> Dear readers,
>
> Please learn from my mistakes and stay away from drugs. If you're depressed e-mail me and I'll give you many recommendations. I am a reformed antidepressant user myself and I know the horrors of these drugs. Most importantly, everyone should be aware that the effects of serotonin elevating drugs (like Prozac) are long term and potentially irreversable. Don't Go There! If you do suffer from antidepressant drug brain damage, as I do, then e-mail me and I'll let you know what you should be doing to get better.
>
> Best Wishes,
>
> JohnI'm curious.
Posted by Fred on March 7, 2000, at 12:36:56
In reply to Re: Antidepressants Beware!, posted by Veronica on March 7, 2000, at 12:05:01
> I'm curious.
so am I. Why can't you post the information?
Posted by Scott L. Schofield on March 8, 2000, at 7:35:20
In reply to Antidepressants Beware!, posted by John Mazza on March 7, 2000, at 11:56:00
John
> > > John Mazza :
Dear readers,
Please learn from my mistakes and stay away from drugs. If you're depressed e-mail me and I'll give you many recommendations. I am a reformed antidepressant user myself and I know the horrors of these drugs. Most importantly, everyone should be aware that the effects of serotonin elevating drugs (like Prozac) are long term and potentially irreversible. Don't Go There! If you do suffer from antidepressant drug brain damage, as I do, then e-mail me and I'll let you know what you should be doing to get better.Best Wishes,
John
> > Veronica: I'm curious.> Fred: so am I. Why can't you post the information?
Hi John.Those are some pretty heavy-duty thoughts that you have shared with us here.
I'm sure that there are many people who will disagree with you with the same passion as you have demonstrated here. However, these people usually detail what experiences they have had, or sources of knowledge they have relied upon, to explain their passions.
So many of us here are stuck and gravely ill. None of our doctors' drugs seem to be helping much. If you are genuinely motivated by an altruistic desire to help change people's lives, you will, of course, share your thoughts and information with us now. I would be horrified to think that it is your intention to sell them.
I want to get better. I don't think you should be afraid of be making youself vulnerable to personal attacks. New and potentially effective alternatives are welcomed by most of us. In any event, I appreciate your providing our community here with your e-mail address.
I am eagerly awaiting your help.
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Scott
Posted by Matt B on March 8, 2000, at 10:47:55
In reply to Antidepressants Beware!, posted by John Mazza on March 7, 2000, at 11:56:00
I agree with John antidepressants that put their main focus on seretonin do pose some dangers. And that risk aint worth taking waiting months and feeling crappy until it decides to kick in. If the drug dont impact the neurotransmitter Dopamine then plan on searching and waiting and U might get lucky. Its too bad so many people abused amphetamine back in the day cause when taken properly more times than not itll get U through some of the difficult times. Ive been taking it for 2 years now at a normal dose taking a few days off here and there. Sure beats waiting months, some of us might not have made it that long.
We all have preferences and opinions
I wish everyone nuttin but the best
Matt B
Posted by Cindy W on March 8, 2000, at 21:16:47
In reply to Re: Antidepressants Beware!, posted by Matt B on March 8, 2000, at 10:47:55
> I agree with John antidepressants that put their main focus on seretonin do pose some dangers. And that risk aint worth taking waiting months and feeling crappy until it decides to kick in. If the drug dont impact the neurotransmitter Dopamine then plan on searching and waiting and U might get lucky. Its too bad so many people abused amphetamine back in the day cause when taken properly more times than not itll get U through some of the difficult times. Ive been taking it for 2 years now at a normal dose taking a few days off here and there. Sure beats waiting months, some of us might not have made it that long.
>
> We all have preferences and opinions
> I wish everyone nuttin but the best
> Matt BJohn and others, I respect your point of view, but have found that taking antidepressants is better than experiencing the profound pain due to OCD and depression. With the antidepressant (Effexor-XR), I feel I have closer to a "normal" life.--Cindy W
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