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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 206. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by torchgrl on February 9, 2000, at 2:46:11
I started taking Celexa about 2 1/2 weeks ago, after tapering off the seemingly ineffective reboxetine. I did about 4 days on 10mg/day, and was tres surprised to notice that it was affecting me somehow almost immediately; then I followed my doctor's instructions to increase to 20mg/day after that for about two weeks, with an intention of continuing to increase the dose to a therapeutic level and keep my fingers crossed :) The main side-effect that I experienced is the apathy...not even apathy, really, just what I referred to in my journal as complacency. Apathy, to me, seems to imply a negative air, and this is/was just an utter lack of...anything. The past couple of weekends, I couldn't even get out of bed on Sunday because I couldn't make any of the necessary minor and basic decisions that that would have entailed (what should I wear? should I even get dressed? should I take a shower now or later or at all? should I leave the house? am I hungry? for what? am I ready to get out of bed? etc etc). Not that I've ever been good at decisions, but when I can't even decide if I'm hungry or not... I think the fact that I managed so sit through 1/2 of "Blood Sport" speaks for itself :) When I saw my therapist on Sat, she immediately remarked on my having a different "energy", and was pretty emphatic at the end of the session that it seemed to her like this wasn't the best of medications for me, and I agreed with her (wouldn't have been able to decide if she hadn't said it, though!). So I called my psych. to tell her I was considering going back to 10 mg, to see if I could get something good from that without the apathy/whatever, although I wasn't optimistic, and she said it probably wouldn't be worth it, since that wasn't even considered enough of a dose to be remotely near therapeutic. So I just said I was going to taper off (same thing!), going back to 10mg for a few days and then off. I don't know if going to 10mg has done much good--I've honestly noticed more of an effect from my new coffee habit, though I suppose it could be Celexa+coffee...
I suppose I should just cross it off the list (if I could decide to stop taking it)... I think that there's a (deeply) underlying fear that if I stop the celexa, I'll plummet back to despair, and that nothingness is somewhat better than crying all the time. However, it would be nice to be functioning at a useful level, rather than having to be on automatic pilot, just going to work and coming home everyday, and spending weekends in bed waiting for it to be time to go to work again. Not mulling anything over, just waiting...
Posted by Noa on February 9, 2000, at 5:50:33
In reply to more Celexa sharing, posted by torchgrl on February 9, 2000, at 2:46:11
Sorry to hear about this disappointing experience. What do you think you'll try next?
the questions/decisions you describe about weekend mornings sound oh so familiar!
Posted by CarolAnn on February 9, 2000, at 9:36:45
In reply to more Celexa sharing, posted by torchgrl on February 9, 2000, at 2:46:11
Torchgirl, I can't remember if you've ever been on Wellbutrin, but I just saw my Pdoc, and he has added Celexa to my 400mgs of Wellbutrin. He seemed to think it a good combination because of the Wellbutrin hitting dopamine and the Celexa hitting serotonin, so sort of "two gun" kind of effect. I don't know if it will work, but these and Adderall are my current mix, so I'll keep you posted.CarolAnn
Posted by Tori on February 9, 2000, at 10:29:49
In reply to more Celexa sharing, posted by torchgrl on February 9, 2000, at 2:46:11
Hi Torchgirl,
Why not give Celexa some more time? I remember having the same reaction when I started taking it a few months ago. I would just sit in my recliner in front of the TV for hours ... not even really watching, just sitting! But after a few weeks, the zombie-like feeling gradually dissipated. I feel so much better today that pre-Celexa -- I'm glad I waited out those weird side-effects.
Good luck to you. I know how frustrating finding the right medication can be.
Tori
Posted by torchgrl on February 9, 2000, at 14:32:17
In reply to Re: more Celexa sharing ( a thought...), posted by CarolAnn on February 9, 2000, at 9:36:45
> Torchgirl, I can't remember if you've ever been on Wellbutrin, but I just saw my Pdoc, and he has added Celexa to my 400mgs of Wellbutrin. He seemed to think it a good combination because of the Wellbutrin hitting dopamine and the Celexa hitting serotonin, so sort of "two gun" kind of effect. I don't know if it will work, but these and Adderall are my current mix, so I'll keep you posted.CarolAnn
CarolAnn,
I have been on Wellbutrin before, and it seems to have been the best of everything I've tried. Unfortunately, I started to notice what I finally realised was probably myoclonus as a side-effect, so I didn't want to go on it again (plus, it's too expensive for me with no insurance!). Of course, I still notice the myoclonus now, and I haven't taken Wellbutrin since September, so I don't know if it matters, although I'd be supremely irritated if it got worse... I'm thinking maybe I should go to a new doctor, get a new perspective.
Posted by Noa on February 9, 2000, at 16:06:26
In reply to Re: more Celexa sharing ( a thought...), posted by torchgrl on February 9, 2000, at 14:32:17
Several meds have given me bad myoclonus. Seems I get it when the serotonin levels are too high for me. Now, one of the things Serzone does for me is counteract the myoclonus from the high dose Effexor XR, so I can fall asleep with out the twitchies.
Posted by torchgrl on February 9, 2000, at 17:47:50
In reply to Re: myoclonus, posted by Noa on February 9, 2000, at 16:06:26
> Several meds have given me bad myoclonus. Seems I get it when the serotonin levels are too high for me. Now, one of the things Serzone does for me is counteract the myoclonus from the high dose Effexor XR, so I can fall asleep with out the twitchies.
I'm fortunate in that, now at least, I don't notice the movements when I'm trying to fall asleep. The main thing I've noticed it that my foot will jerk of its own accord when I'm sitting at my desk, watching TV etc, and it's really annoying; it seemed to be more pronounced when I was on the Wellbutrin, which is why eventually I determined that that was probably the cause. I wonder if Serzone would help me... I remember once during my last round with Wellbutrin, my whole body jerked when I was in bed--I don't think it really counted as a seizure, as it wasn't prolonged or anything, but it did kind of freak me out.
Posted by Amy on February 10, 2000, at 13:58:21
In reply to Re: more Celexa sharing, posted by Noa on February 9, 2000, at 5:49:59
I have recently started taking celexa and I have developed a gag problem. Has this happened to anyone else and do you have any idea why?
Amy
Posted by Cass on February 10, 2000, at 15:47:03
In reply to celexa makes me gag, posted by Amy on February 10, 2000, at 13:58:21
Amy, I've been noticing difficulty swallowing. I wonder if these problems are due to Celexa. I'm not sure.
Posted by Noa on February 10, 2000, at 17:35:39
In reply to Re: celexa makes me gag, posted by Cass on February 10, 2000, at 15:47:03
Interesting...I have had a strong gag reflex over the past few years, concurrent with meds. When I cough I often gag. It is a bit better since starting to use the cpap machine for apnea, because that allowed some tissue swelling to go down. This may sound strange, but how are your thyroid levels? Apparently, hypothyroid can cause the airway--soft tissue--to swell.
Posted by amy on February 11, 2000, at 0:48:32
In reply to Re: celexa makes me gag, posted by Noa on February 10, 2000, at 17:35:39
> Interesting...I have had a strong gag reflex over the past few years, concurrent with meds. When I cough I often gag. It is a bit better since starting to use the cpap machine for apnea, because that allowed some tissue swelling to go down. This may sound strange, but how are your thyroid levels? Apparently, hypothyroid can cause the airway--soft tissue--to swell.
I have never even thought about thyroid problems. What would some of the symptoms be? What is a cpap machine? Thanks for your response.
Amy
Posted by Noa on February 11, 2000, at 5:19:29
In reply to Re: celexa makes me gag, posted by amy on February 11, 2000, at 0:48:32
I have what is refered to as subclinical hypothyroid, with symptoms that are consistent with my depressive disorder: low energy, fatigue, etc. The pdoc suspected it and so I was tested and was slightly hypothyroid per lab tests. So, the pdoc recommended augmenting my ADs with synthroid and cytomel. It did help.
CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. It is a machine that blows air, through a tube to a mask I wear over my nose. The air pressure acts as a sort of "splint" to keep my airway open so I can breathe continuously while I sleep. Otherwise, the soft tissue of my airway slacks and closes off, cause apnea, which is cessation of breathing. I had become a total zombie for a few years because of the apnea. My blood oxygen was cut off and I was getting about a quarter of the required REM sleep and deep sleep. I do not know how I functioned at all.
Posted by Noa on February 11, 2000, at 5:21:10
In reply to Re: celexa makes me gag, posted by amy on February 11, 2000, at 0:48:32
One more thought...I have been so tired lately and am beginning to wonder of I need my cpap adjusted to a slightly higher pressure, because I have gained weight in the year that has passed since getting the cpap. Hmmm..
Posted by Amy on February 11, 2000, at 8:24:42
In reply to Re: celexa makes me gag, posted by amy on February 11, 2000, at 0:48:32
> > Interesting...I have had a strong gag reflex over the past few years, concurrent with meds. When I cough I often gag. It is a bit better since starting to use the cpap machine for apnea, because that allowed some tissue swelling to go down. This may sound strange, but how are your thyroid levels? Apparently, hypothyroid can cause the airway--soft tissue--to swell.
>
> I have never even thought about thyroid problems. What would some of the symptoms be? What is a cpap machine? Thanks for your response.
> AmyThat's very interesting. Did you know you had the apnea when you were having problems sleeping? I mean, would you wake up not being able to catch your breath? If a person had a hypothyroid would they have problems with gaining weight?
Amy
Posted by Noa on February 11, 2000, at 10:33:38
In reply to Re: celexa makes me gag, posted by Amy on February 11, 2000, at 8:24:42
>Did you know you had the apnea when you were having problems sleeping? I mean, would you wake up not being able to catch your breath?
Occasionally--heart racing, etc. More often tho, just thought I had to pee.
I figured it out when I started remembering lots of underwater dreams--not being able to get to the surface to breathe.
If a person had a hypothyroid would they have problems with gaining weight?
If by "problems with gaining weight" you mean difficulty putting on weight when you want to, no. If you mean the opposite, yes. I think it slows the metabolism down.
Posted by Amy on February 11, 2000, at 15:48:51
In reply to Re: celexa makes me gag, posted by Noa on February 11, 2000, at 10:33:38
> >Did you know you had the apnea when you were having problems sleeping? I mean, would you wake up not being able to catch your breath?
>
> Occasionally--heart racing, etc. More often tho, just thought I had to pee.
>
> I figured it out when I started remembering lots of underwater dreams--not being able to get to the surface to breathe.
>
> If a person had a hypothyroid would they have problems with gaining weight?
>
> If by "problems with gaining weight" you mean difficulty putting on weight when you want to, no. If you mean the opposite, yes. I think it slows the metabolism down.WOW, Noa....I get up to pee at least 10 times every night. I don't always have to...but I get up and think I do. I'll have to look into this. Thanks for all of your help! I'm a petite girl and I have never had a weight problem...could you still have hypothroid and not be overweight?
Posted by Noa on February 11, 2000, at 16:56:17
In reply to Re: celexa makes me gag, posted by Amy on February 11, 2000, at 15:48:51
>
> WOW, Noa....I get up to pee at least 10 times every night. I don't always have to...but I get up and think I do. I'll have to look into this. Thanks for all of your help! I'm a petite girl and I have never had a weight problem...could you still have hypothroid and not be overweight?I don't know about the hypothyroid.
As for getting up a lot in the night, it isn't the hypothyroid that did that, it was the sleep apnea. But perhaps this leads to investigating if you have some sort of sleep disorder, too. There are something like 80 different types of sleep disorders.
A thyroid check is not expensive--just a blood test. A sleep eval, on the other hand involves sleeping overnight in a sleep lab, and is costly. But it might be helpful. check out the following site for more info on sleep problems: www.sleepedu.net. Dr. Bob also has a link to the Stanford sleep center website.
Posted by JAN on February 16, 2000, at 7:46:30
In reply to Re: celexa makes me gag, posted by Noa on February 11, 2000, at 16:56:17
My sister has hypothyriod and is very petite. It is a simple test, and is often overlooked because symptoms (tired, irritable) can often be explained away. Jan
Posted by Wendy on March 17, 2000, at 8:51:09
In reply to Re: celexa makes me gag, posted by JAN on February 16, 2000, at 7:46:30
Just started taking celexa yesterday and was interested to see what others thought of it. Wow...could a person start to feel that "thickness" in their throat after just 24-36 hours of being on it? How soon did the "blah" feelings start?
Posted by TOM on March 17, 2000, at 9:47:39
In reply to celexa, posted by Wendy on March 17, 2000, at 8:51:09
> Just started taking celexa yesterday and was interested to see what others thought of it. Wow...could a person start to feel that "thickness" in their throat after just 24-36 hours of being on it? How soon did the "blah" feelings start?
I starte Celexa @ 3 weeks ago mostly for social phobia but also for low level depression. The side effects started right away. I was nauseous, drowsy, had a hard time getting to sleep, and was yawning constantly, among other things. Most of the effects are now gone, with the exception of the yawning & trouble sleeping. Actually, I am not feeling too much of anything and, honestly, i'm starting to get a little impatient. I've heard that it takes at anywhere from 2-5 weeks to kick in so I'm trying to be patient. I'm also a little apprehensive about it's effectiveness in treating social phobia, I've heard mixed reports. Anyone have any input?
Posted by VALLEY GIRL on March 17, 2000, at 14:54:47
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by TOM on March 17, 2000, at 9:47:39
>
I have been on celexa about three weeks now. At first I had terrible chest pains and I felt really out of it, I also had stomach pains and dirreaha. I started at 10mgs and am now at 20mgs. I really don't feel any different. The depression is still there. You know,the bleakness.
Of course I wouldn't know what happy felt like!
> Just started taking celexa yesterday and was interested to see what others thought of it. Wow...could a person start to feel that "thickness" in their throat after just 24-36 hours of being on it? How soon did the "blah" feelings start?
>
> I starte Celexa @ 3 weeks ago mostly for social phobia but also for low level depression. The side effects started right away. I was nauseous, drowsy, had a hard time getting to sleep, and was yawning constantly, among other things. Most of the effects are now gone, with the exception of the yawning & trouble sleeping. Actually, I am not feeling too much of anything and, honestly, i'm starting to get a little impatient. I've heard that it takes at anywhere from 2-5 weeks to kick in so I'm trying to be patient. I'm also a little apprehensive about it's effectiveness in treating social phobia, I've heard mixed reports. Anyone have any input?
Posted by Lisa on March 17, 2000, at 19:34:49
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by VALLEY GIRL on March 17, 2000, at 14:54:47
> >
> I have been on celexa about three weeks now. At first I had terrible chest pains and I felt really out of it, I also had stomach pains and dirreaha. I started at 10mgs and am now at 20mgs. I really don't feel any different. The depression is still there. You know,the bleakness.
> Of course I wouldn't know what happy felt like!
>
>
> > Just started taking celexa yesterday and was interested to see what others thought of it. Wow...could a person start to feel that "thickness" in their throat after just 24-36 hours of being on it? How soon did the "blah" feelings start?
> >
> > I starte Celexa @ 3 weeks ago mostly for social phobia but also for low level depression. The side effects started right away. I was nauseous, drowsy, had a hard time getting to sleep, and was yawning constantly, among other things. Most of the effects are now gone, with the exception of the yawning & trouble sleeping. Actually, I am not feeling too much of anything and, honestly, i'm starting to get a little impatient. I've heard that it takes at anywhere from 2-5 weeks to kick in so I'm trying to be patient. I'm also a little apprehensive about it's effectiveness in treating social phobia, I've heard mixed reports. Anyone have any input?
>> I'm supposed to start taking celexa tonite for the first time. Now I'm not sure if I want to. Some of the things I see here I'm already doing. But most of my depression now is from my niece's cancer. But I was alittle depressed before. Now I don't want to go to work or anything. An I cry alot. Prozac worked for me but I clenched my teeth alot. Just not sure if I want to try this or not.
Posted by gail on March 17, 2000, at 22:19:26
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Lisa on March 17, 2000, at 19:34:49
> > >
> > I have been on celexa about three weeks now. At first I had terrible chest pains and I felt really out of it, I also had stomach pains and dirreaha. I started at 10mgs and am now at 20mgs. I really don't feel any different. The depression is still there. You know,the bleakness.
> > Of course I wouldn't know what happy felt like!
> >
> >
> > > Just started taking celexa yesterday and was interested to see what others thought of it. Wow...could a person start to feel that "thickness" in their throat after just 24-36 hours of being on it? How soon did the "blah" feelings start?
> > >
> > > I starte Celexa @ 3 weeks ago mostly for social phobia but also for low level depression. The side effects started right away. I was nauseous, drowsy, had a hard time getting to sleep, and was yawning constantly, among other things. Most of the effects are now gone, with the exception of the yawning & trouble sleeping. Actually, I am not feeling too much of anything and, honestly, i'm starting to get a little impatient. I've heard that it takes at anywhere from 2-5 weeks to kick in so I'm trying to be patient. I'm also a little apprehensive about it's effectiveness in treating social phobia, I've heard mixed reports. Anyone have any input?
>
>
> >> I'm supposed to start taking celexa tonite for the first time. Now I'm not sure if I want to. Some of the things I see here I'm already doing. But most of my depression now is from my niece's cancer. But I was alittle depressed before. Now I don't want to go to work or anything. An I cry alot. Prozac worked for me but I clenched my teeth alot. Just not sure if I want to try this or not.I believe celexa pulled from the bottom of my depression. The side effects were minimal compared to no depression. The only day I feel out of sorts is the day I start my period. No kidding. I feel like hormone overload. Yikes, the house clears fast. I had the sore throat, horrible sweating, clenched jaw and problem with orgasm. Now after 9 months I only have delayed orgasm which has been good and bad. I believe what I've read on this board that every person's med's are different. Try it and see if it works for you but give it enough time to get you out of the black hole.
gail
Posted by Lisa on March 18, 2000, at 7:48:17
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by gail on March 17, 2000, at 22:19:26
> > > >
> > > I have been on celexa about three weeks now. At first I had terrible chest pains and I felt really out of it, I also had stomach pains and dirreaha. I started at 10mgs and am now at 20mgs. I really don't feel any different. The depression is still there. You know,the bleakness.
> > > Of course I wouldn't know what happy felt like!
> > >
> > >
> > > > Just started taking celexa yesterday and was interested to see what others thought of it. Wow...could a person start to feel that "thickness" in their throat after just 24-36 hours of being on it? How soon did the "blah" feelings start?
> > > >
> > > > I starte Celexa @ 3 weeks ago mostly for social phobia but also for low level depression. The side effects started right away. I was nauseous, drowsy, had a hard time getting to sleep, and was yawning constantly, among other things. Most of the effects are now gone, with the exception of the yawning & trouble sleeping. Actually, I am not feeling too much of anything and, honestly, i'm starting to get a little impatient. I've heard that it takes at anywhere from 2-5 weeks to kick in so I'm trying to be patient. I'm also a little apprehensive about it's effectiveness in treating social phobia, I've heard mixed reports. Anyone have any input?
> >
> >
> > >> I'm supposed to start taking celexa tonite for the first time. Now I'm not sure if I want to. Some of the things I see here I'm already doing. But most of my depression now is from my niece's cancer. But I was alittle depressed before. Now I don't want to go to work or anything. An I cry alot. Prozac worked for me but I clenched my teeth alot. Just not sure if I want to try this or not.
>
> I believe celexa pulled from the bottom of my depression. The side effects were minimal compared to no depression. The only day I feel out of sorts is the day I start my period. No kidding. I feel like hormone overload. Yikes, the house clears fast. I had the sore throat, horrible sweating, clenched jaw and problem with orgasm. Now after 9 months I only have delayed orgasm which has been good and bad. I believe what I've read on this board that every person's med's are different. Try it and see if it works for you but give it enough time to get you out of the black hole.
> gail>> Well I took my first one last nite an the only thing is I was wide awake at 2 A.M an could not go back to sleep. But that's nothing new. Either I sleep to much or not enough. But in the past months I have had a lot of sweating at night and clenching my mouth real bad. Last nite I did drink alot while I was awake. An was up going to the bathroom alot. I'm going to give it a try. An as for sex I'm single and have no interest in it at all. I really hope it pulls me from the bottom to the top. I've been down to long. I'm sure you know what I mean.
>> Lisa
Posted by Nancy on March 18, 2000, at 7:51:21
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by gail on March 17, 2000, at 22:19:26
> > > >
> > > I have been on celexa about three weeks now. At first I had terrible chest pains and I felt really out of it, I also had stomach pains and dirreaha. I started at 10mgs and am now at 20mgs. I really don't feel any different. The depression is still there. You know,the bleakness.
> > > Of course I wouldn't know what happy felt like!
> > >
> > >
> > > > Just started taking celexa yesterday and was interested to see what others thought of it. Wow...could a person start to feel that "thickness" in their throat after just 24-36 hours of being on it? How soon did the "blah" feelings start?
> > > >
> > > > I starte Celexa @ 3 weeks ago mostly for social phobia but also for low level depression. The side effects started right away. I was nauseous, drowsy, had a hard time getting to sleep, and was yawning constantly, among other things. Most of the effects are now gone, with the exception of the yawning & trouble sleeping. Actually, I am not feeling too much of anything and, honestly, i'm starting to get a little impatient. I've heard that it takes at anywhere from 2-5 weeks to kick in so I'm trying to be patient. I'm also a little apprehensive about it's effectiveness in treating social phobia, I've heard mixed reports. Anyone have any input?
> >
> > I have been taking Celexa for 3 months now and can't tell you how it's pulled me out of the deepest black hole I could ever imagine..I went through all of the side effects I'm reading about from all of you and persisted because I was desparate...I hated the idea of taking anything because I think I can "fix it" myself...now I know I've been depressed my whole life...I'm finally happy....I hope it works for you like it does for me...sounds like an advertisement doesn't it....really I wasn't paid to write this.....Nancy
> > >> I'm supposed to start taking celexa tonite for the first time. Now I'm not sure if I want to. Some of the things I see here I'm already doing. But most of my depression now is from my niece's cancer. But I was alittle depressed before. Now I don't want to go to work or anything. An I cry alot. Prozac worked for me but I clenched my teeth alot. Just not sure if I want to try this or not.
>
> I believe celexa pulled from the bottom of my depression. The side effects were minimal compared to no depression. The only day I feel out of sorts is the day I start my period. No kidding. I feel like hormone overload. Yikes, the house clears fast. I had the sore throat, horrible sweating, clenched jaw and problem with orgasm. Now after 9 months I only have delayed orgasm which has been good and bad. I believe what I've read on this board that every person's med's are different. Try it and see if it works for you but give it enough time to get you out of the black hole.
> gail
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