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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by gail on April 7, 2000, at 17:11:11
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa to Eliza, posted by Eliza on April 7, 2000, at 14:54:05
> Hi Gail, Sorry for not responding sooner, I don't check this board every day. I've been on Celexa a little over 6 months, and I think I'm just beginning to see some really positive changes in my life. I thought about going off a couple of months ago, because I was feeling good, too good I thought, in that I wasn't sad all the time, and I said to my psychiatrist that I didn't feel like myself. She said that because of the dysthymia underlying episodes of major depression, I probably didn't know what it was like to feel "normal" and that I should definitely not go off the drug, but stay on and see how my life will change now that I am feeling good. I think I mentioned that I had been on Prozac twice, 4 months each time. I stopped because of the side effects. But since I have no real negative side effects with Celexa, I'm going to give the drug at least two years. That's my plan at this point anyway. Obviously things might change if I start to gain weight (!) about the only side effect I don't think I could live with. It's a tough decision deciding whether to stay on these relatively new drugs, because we really don't know what risks we are exposing ourselves to down the road. I only know that I am willing to take the chance, because I feel like I've accomplished so little in life because of the depression, and I want to give myself a chance to really achieve something.
I am struggling with the issue of wanting to go off because I do feel "normal". My doctor said that I should stay on for a minimum of 1 year and then we'll discuss. I had a major episode that prompted me to get help or who knows how long I would have felt that I was happy yet hollow. My husband feels the change has been wonderful and I react to situations with much less stress and the blues are definitely gone. Sometimes I feel a bit down but can talk (out loud) to myself and recognize where the thoughts are coming from. I know I never want to feel that low again. Thanks for the good words.
gail
Posted by kathy on April 8, 2000, at 19:00:52
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa to Eliza, posted by Eliza on April 7, 2000, at 14:54:05
Dear Eliza and anyone else who can help. Is celexa know to be helpful with panic attacks. I have mild depression, from time to time, that I can deal with. But it's the panic that's really bad for me. Anyone have any comments? Kathy
Posted by Nancy on April 9, 2000, at 9:35:36
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa to Eliza, posted by Eliza on April 7, 2000, at 14:54:05
This is the first time I have found this site and I feel like I have struck Gold I am now on celexa and am thinking that I feel like a piece of wood. I have bee on AD's for almost seven years and sometimes I wonder if there is life out there?.... Right now I am planning on lowering my dose and still seeing my shrink. Can you give me any good questions to ask or any possible solutions to just not feeling quite right Thanks NG
Posted by Greg From Buffalo on April 10, 2000, at 23:13:26
In reply to Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by TomJay on February 2, 1999, at 14:35:58
I started using Celexa in 60mg doses in December, and have noticed mostly a lack of desire, and sleeplesness at night. This affects my daytime routine, for sure. I guess the sexual desire doesnt bother me any, as the reason I am TAKING the stuff is that my partner left me in November. I have noticed, that it takes a LOT of work to achieve orgasm. Does this end?
I started Celexa about a week ago and just increased my
> dose to 40 mg/day. I've had a bit of nausea, but my
> biggest problem by far is sleepiness! I can barely
> keep my eyes open! I also have ADD, and the sleepiness
> isn't going to help. Do the side effects tend to
> subside? About how long does it take? I haven't really
> noticed any difference from the drug otherwise.
>
> Thanks
> Tom
Posted by Rhonda on April 12, 2000, at 2:45:49
In reply to PMS, posted by Beth on April 4, 2000, at 9:14:04
Hi.
It's 3:45 AM, I'm up not feeling too well. My dr. started me on effexor xr today. 1 week of 37.5 mg, then 3 wks of 75 mg. I'm feeling nauseous, and wide awake. He told me to take them at suppertime, unless they keep me up all night. Is this normal for a few days? My heart is racing a bit too. I'm taking them to control my PMS which has spread to most of the month.
Posted by medlib on April 12, 2000, at 3:54:32
In reply to Re: PMS, posted by Rhonda on April 12, 2000, at 2:45:49
> Hi.
>
> It's 3:45 AM, I'm up not feeling too well. My dr. started me on effexor xr today. 1 week of 37.5 mg, then 3 wks of 75 mg. I'm feeling nauseous, and wide awake. He told me to take them at suppertime, unless they keep me up all night. Is this normal for a few days? My heart is racing a bit too. I'm taking them to control my PMS which has spread to most of the month.
Rhonda--Effexor XR should be taken in the morning only--to prevent just the sort of insomnia you're now facing. I find it hard to understand a doc not being aware of this.When I was ramping up on Effexor XR, I would experience a return of side effects every time I increased the dose--the greater the dose, the longer the side effects lasted. For me, the benefits enabled me to hang in; now I'm at 300mg/day w/ no problems.
Hope your side effects subside soon. If insomnia still persists after switching to morning dosing, you might try an OTC like Excedrin PM or ask your doc for some Ambien. Good luck!--medlib
Posted by Eliza on April 12, 2000, at 8:49:29
In reply to Re: PMS, posted by Rhonda on April 12, 2000, at 2:45:49
Do any of you drink at all? My psychiatrist advised me not to, and I believe the pharmacist indicated the same thing, but I do drink occasionally with no negative side effects (a couple glasses of wine once or twice a week). Is this risky? It's hard to imagine not being able to drink at all.
Posted by Eliza on April 12, 2000, at 8:49:30
In reply to Re: PMS, posted by Rhonda on April 12, 2000, at 2:45:49
Do any of you drink at all? My psychiatrist advised me not to, and I believe the pharmacist indicated the same thing, but I do drink occasionally with no negative side effects (a couple glasses of wine once or twice a week). Is this risky? It's hard to imagine not being able to drink at all.
Posted by R. on April 12, 2000, at 9:22:01
In reply to alcohol and celexa, posted by Eliza on April 12, 2000, at 8:49:29
I was on Effexor, and was able to drink alcohol, but on celexa, I find that I cannot tolerate alcohol well, and after about 2 glasses of wine I seem to black out. This would NEVER have happened on Effexor, so I'm guessing it must be the Celexa, and I have decided to try NOT to drink anything until I switch medications. AUGH.
Posted by liz on April 12, 2000, at 9:37:16
In reply to alcohol and celexa, posted by Eliza on April 12, 2000, at 8:49:29
Hi Eliza. I take Celexa and still drink the occasional glass of wine (sometimes more than a glass ;-) My doctor thought my wine drinking would complicate the issue of some of my other complaints, like sleeplessness, and he "suggested" I avoid it for that reason. The documentation I got with Celexa says that alcohol effects might be magnified with the drug, but I have not found that to be the case with me. My sister takes Paxil and her labeling says quite clearly not to use ANY alcohol. Personally, I think that if you seem to tolerate a moderate amount of wine and there is nothing in the literature that does more than caution, I wouldn't let it worry me. Cheers! Liz
Do any of you drink at all? My psychiatrist advised me not to, and I believe the pharmacist indicated the same thing, but I do drink occasionally with no negative side effects (a couple glasses of wine once or twice a week). Is this risky? It's hard to imagine not being able to drink at all.
Posted by Stacey on April 12, 2000, at 10:15:44
In reply to Re: alcohol and celexa, posted by R. on April 12, 2000, at 9:22:01
I have been on celexa 10mg for over a month and my doctor stated it was ok to have a couple of beers a week and I normally do, except it make me more tired. I can't see much result on this medication and I am tired all the time. I have even changed to taking the medicine at night and it has helped somewhat. Does the tiredness ever go away?
I feel like it is hopeless and i will feel this way forever. I was on serzone before the Celexa and it didn't help much but at least I wasn't as tired. I feel I may need to increase my dosage to 20mg of Celexa but will I even be more tired. Any suggestions?
Posted by Eliza on April 12, 2000, at 10:38:25
In reply to Re: alcohol and celexa, posted by Stacey on April 12, 2000, at 10:15:44
Stacy, it's so funny how these medications effect different people differently!!! I've been on Celexa (20 mg) for about 6 months with no noticeable side effects (when I upped the dosage to 40 mg. for about a month, it did make me very sleepy). However, before Celexa, I tried serzone for about 2 weeks. It made me literally a walking ZOMBIE! I couldn't move I was so tired, I couldn't think or even get words out of my mouth. Moreover it gave me a strange sort of feeling in my head, not a headache exactly but a wierd feeling, and some tightness in my chest. I guess in this world of meds it's whatever works. But it is funny how we all have the same so called disease "Depression" and we respond so differently to different treatments. Good luck!!
Posted by liz on April 12, 2000, at 10:41:13
In reply to Re: alcohol and celexa, posted by Stacey on April 12, 2000, at 10:15:44
Hi Stacy. I've been on Celexa a short while and I have the same tiredness as you. (I'm taking 20mg in the morning). If you will take the time to read all the messages in this thread, and back through the archives, you will see a lot of discussion that may be helpful to you. At least it has been helpful to me and has given me some possible solutions to bring up with my doctor at my next visit. I also began Adderall, a stimulant, just recently, but it has not helped as I had hoped. Some of the people who have given responses in this thread suggest that there are more energizing antidepressants out there and that is something I'm seeking, not this tired/ no motivation feeling. I guess the results vary with the intended purpose; a lot of people are reporting good results with Celexa and claim that many of the side effects wear off in time. Hang in there. Liz
I have been on celexa 10mg for over a month and my doctor stated it was ok to have a couple of beers a week and I normally do, except it make me more tired. I can't see much result on this medication and I am tired all the time. I have even changed to taking the medicine at night and it has helped somewhat. Does the tiredness ever go away?
> I feel like it is hopeless and i will feel this way forever. I was on serzone before the Celexa and it didn't help much but at least I wasn't as tired. I feel I may need to increase my dosage to 20mg of Celexa but will I even be more tired. Any suggestions?
Posted by Sally A from Michigan on April 12, 2000, at 14:10:15
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa, posted by megan on April 2, 2000, at 0:05:45
I started taking 20 mg. Celexa 9 days ago. The reason: depression which has increased over the last year. During the past few months I have started to have panic type "attacks" where I cannot seem to start or finish personl type projects without a lot of duress or exhaustion. The first day on Celexa I was very agitated. I had taken it early evening and was awake half the night; on day 2 I took 1/2 a tablet in the morning and the other half in the evening. No more agitation, but very sleepy. I continued this through yesterday; today I decided to wait until late afternoon to take only half a tablet (10 mg) to see if I can lose the sleepiness. long term studies are being done on. I will continued to check in for further comments from others. What I have read so far has been helpful, it is making me rethink why I am taking this and if I want to continue. I have held off for over a year even though my primary care doctor wanted me to try something. I was in counseling and the psychiatrist evaluated me and said he didn't feel I should be on something but if I wanted him to prescribe something he would based on observations of my primary care doc. My depression has increased over the last 6 months to the point that at the end of the day I don't care if I can any thing accomplished at home or not, and all I really want to do is curl up with a blanket, my kittens, a book, music and or TV. The past few months I seem to be having panic type attacks where I can't seem to follow-through on personal type projects. I do put all my energy into my job which is very hectic and requires my brain and body to be "on its toes" at all times! Many thanks for reading this. Comments are welcome.
Posted by Fred Potter on April 12, 2000, at 20:41:08
In reply to Re: alcohol and celexa, posted by Stacey on April 12, 2000, at 10:15:44
Yes I drink with Celexa. The drug info says no interaction was found. Celexa makes me more tired than any drug before except perhaps Paxil. And they all stop working after a bit with me. I think what we need is a dopaminergic drug, but it's a job persuading the experts. My last meeting was with a Gestalt Therapist. I must say I thought they were extinct
Posted by Cindy W on April 12, 2000, at 21:50:52
In reply to Re: serzone, posted by Eliza on April 12, 2000, at 10:38:25
> Stacy, it's so funny how these medications effect different people differently!!! I've been on Celexa (20 mg) for about 6 months with no noticeable side effects (when I upped the dosage to 40 mg. for about a month, it did make me very sleepy). However, before Celexa, I tried serzone for about 2 weeks. It made me literally a walking ZOMBIE! I couldn't move I was so tired, I couldn't think or even get words out of my mouth. Moreover it gave me a strange sort of feeling in my head, not a headache exactly but a wierd feeling, and some tightness in my chest. I guess in this world of meds it's whatever works. But it is funny how we all have the same so called disease "Depression" and we respond so differently to different treatments. Good luck!!
Eliza, it's funny how everyone responds so differently. I really liked Serzone (after the first two weeks). The first two weeks, I felt really weird (angry, moody,spacy, dizzy, tired), then I felt GREAT. Hope someday they figure out why different people respond differently to different AD's!
Posted by Anon on April 13, 2000, at 5:30:12
In reply to Re: alcohol and celexa, posted by liz on April 12, 2000, at 9:37:16
About Celexa and alcohol. It must depend on the individual, I frequently wash my afternoon celexa down with a G and T or glass of wine and have not noticed any side effects or problems with this. I take 1 pill in the morning and half in the afternoon. I don't have any problems with sleepiness at all. If anything it keeps me on the ball and pulling weeds out of the garden. Sometimes I think you can look too much for side effects. To me I would rather put up with some of them rather than have the depression and anxiety.
Posted by Female on April 13, 2000, at 5:35:51
In reply to RE: Sexual side effects from Celexa, posted by Dennis on January 26, 2000, at 13:18:36
> 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
I have taken celexa for one and a half years and the side effects of sexual dysfunction have never gone. Decreased my dose for a short period by 10mg and was at it like a rabbit!!!
Posted by Sexual side effects for Sheryl on April 13, 2000, at 11:46:30
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by Bob on January 24, 2000, at 19:03:48
Wellbutrin is sometimes supplemented to celexa to counteract that and other side effects.
Ginko Baloba (120mg x 3 times daily) also does the trick but you have to be on the stuff 3 months before you see the effects...
;0)
Laura
Posted by JLM on April 13, 2000, at 16:39:58
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa, posted by megan on April 2, 2000, at 0:05:45
> Have you had sleeping problems with Celexa? I have only been on 20mg for one month and keep waking up at night. Will it go away? It's just horrible contsantly waking up all the time.Otherwise. I rather like celexa. It has given my anxious and depressed mind a much needed vacation. Thanks for your help. jlm
> I tried Prozac twice (4 months each time) and while the effects were immediate (the world going from black and white to color type thing) and I liked that kaleidoscopic shift, it made me feel better right away, over the long term, I found Prozac made me sleepy, I gained weight (and didn't care), and, most interestingly, since I know it supposedly kills libido, made me very promiscuous. I stopped taking it each time because it seemed to take the edge off of things after a while, and basically, I just didn't like myself on the drug. After a few years of sort of low-level depression (dysthymia?), I suffered another major depressive incident. I was feeling bleak, hopeless, etc. I started Celexa in October (I've been on it almost six months now). The effects were milder, more subtle than the effects with Prozac. I felt better gradually. Very minimal side effects at 20 mg. When I increased to 40 I got so drowsy (yawning constantly, going to bed at 8:30, not wanting to get out of bed in the morning) I cut myself back. I find my life is better all around, I'm happier, more hopeful, more confident, in a great relationship (since about Thanksgiving). At 20 mg. I don't have any noticable physical side effects. I don't have lowered libido or excessive drowsiness (although I probably sleep 7 to 9 hours on the drug, as opposed to 5 to 7 when I'm not taking anything). Unlike Prozac, I don't feel like a completely different person, and it isn't making me a fat zombie! I bought roller blades and I'm taking kickboxing and doing yoga and all in all just convinced that the pieces are all going to fall into place for me. I don't cry at all (not even watching a film like Life is Beautiful) and that's wierd for me since I've always been so hyper-sensitive (I mean, I'm the kind of person who cries during the Star Spangled Banner), but it's better than crying all the time. I was telling my therapist the other day that I do miss the depressed me at times, it's wierd to feel so good, to be so happy. At this point I know it's not all the Celexa, that it's my relationship, and the exercise, etc., but I do feel so noticably different and so much better than I've felt before, even at times in my life when things were "going well" so to speak, that I can't help thinking the Celexa isn't playing a major role. I'm thrilled with the drug; I'm sorry some of you are having problems with it. (Truth be told, I wanted Welbutrin, and begged my therapist to put me on it, but since I have a history of anorexia she negged that. I know other people who are taking it and they love it, especially as it makes them lose weight!). I do get concerned about long-term side effects (brain damage, etc.) and worry that I might pay a huge price down the road for the happiness I am presently enjoying. Maybe so. But I also know that the people who say it's a spiritual disease don't know what they are talking about. I have two degrees in religion, an MDiv, and I've been in therapy for years. I read and do yoga and listen to music and do all the right things, all well and good, but nothing has turned my life around in so real and visceral a way as this drug. Sorry to be so long, I've never posted anything before and wanted to share some of my thoughts, and some of my experiences with meds.
>
> Thank you, Eliza, I am about to start Celexa after years of trying Prozac, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Paxil (what I am currently on and gaining immense weight). I hope my experience is similar to yours, I'm so tired of the side effects from drugs that are supposed to improve the quality of my life, and yet unable to do without meds because then the quality of life becomes so dreadful in my mind that I want to end it all. Wish me luck on Celexa, I hear mixed reviews. :)
>
> Megan
Posted by Eliza on April 14, 2000, at 11:03:42
In reply to Re: serzone, posted by Cindy W on April 12, 2000, at 21:50:52
Cindy: Maybe I didn't give the serzone enough of a chance. Of course now that I'm doing so well on Celexa, I'm just going to stick with it. Are you still on serzone?
Posted by Cindy W on April 15, 2000, at 10:29:24
In reply to Re: serzone, posted by Eliza on April 14, 2000, at 11:03:42
> Cindy: Maybe I didn't give the serzone enough of a chance. Of course now that I'm doing so well on Celexa, I'm just going to stick with it. Are you still on serzone?
Eliza, I took Serzone for a couple of months but stopped it not because of side effects but because it didn't help with OCD. It made me feel very good, and really decreased my social anxiety and depression, after the first two weeks (when I felt jittery, anxious, and very angry for no reason). I'd still be taking it if it would help with OCD. It definitely had no sexual side effects, which is a real plus!
Posted by Eliza on April 19, 2000, at 8:09:06
In reply to Re: serzone, posted by Cindy W on April 15, 2000, at 10:29:24
Cindy, I wonder if you could take serzone in combination with something else? Are you on celexa now? I have some OCD symptoms but very very mild, nothing I would feel compelled to treat. I find the celexa to be a very subtle drug, not overwhelming in its effects (like Prozac, at least for me). I almost feel like it's really just kicked in in the last month or so (in terms of things really changing in my life, not just feeling better, but actually making tangible and constructive changes, like moving to a nicer place, getting more exercise, etc.). We'll have to see long term. It's hard to accept sometimes how many years of my life I just let pass by!
Posted by Cindy W on April 19, 2000, at 9:21:38
In reply to Re: serzone, posted by Eliza on April 19, 2000, at 8:09:06
> Cindy, I wonder if you could take serzone in combination with something else? Are you on celexa now? I have some OCD symptoms but very very mild, nothing I would feel compelled to treat. I find the celexa to be a very subtle drug, not overwhelming in its effects (like Prozac, at least for me). I almost feel like it's really just kicked in in the last month or so (in terms of things really changing in my life, not just feeling better, but actually making tangible and constructive changes, like moving to a nicer place, getting more exercise, etc.). We'll have to see long term. It's hard to accept sometimes how many years of my life I just let pass by!
Eliza, I tried taking Serzone with the Effexor-XR I'm taking now but discontinued it in favor of upping the Effexor-XR, to try to combat the OCD. I'm so glad to hear you're making positive life changes, such as moving to a better place. That's my next step, trying to make life changes (now that my brain isn't full of useless clutter). Will ask about augmenting the Effexor-XR, when I see my pdoc. I've made a few small steps (not accumulating more stuff, not wasting money at thrift stores, exercising a little more) but still have a lot of small steps and much bigger steps (life changes) to go. Best wishes!
Posted by Harold R. on April 19, 2000, at 16:59:25
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects?? Re: Celexa and side effects?, posted by Bob on December 31, 1999, at 13:18:32
When I was on Celexa for my depression it was the best I have felt in years. After being on it a couple months I started having problems where all I wanted to do was masturbate. I would do this for hours even when I couldn't get an erection. I was loosing sleep something terrible. The masturbation became an obsession. I finally got off the Celexa and the obsession went away.
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