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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Wondering on May 4, 2000, at 13:54:21
In reply to Re: IM SOOOOO CONFUSED! HELP! , posted by Elizabeth on April 19, 2000, at 0:47:10
Going down this board, I've seen a rainbow of side effects, from weight gain to weight loss, sleepiness to insomnia, apathy to renewed vigor. I've taken a few handful of SSRIs over the past 6 years or so and I'm wondering I anyone can offer any comparisons.
The most effective med I've yet taken has been Prozac, specfically when combined with Klonopin. It seemed the perfect match to alleviate my anxiety while boosting me up. I tried Paxil, which I compare to eating peanuts if peanuts gave you sexual side effects. I've also tried Serzone, which was an awful drug for me. It kept me up at nights, gave me twitches and chills that felt like petite mal seizures, and offered no relief from symptoms. Today, after a month of wending through "therapy" (Try breathing differently!?) I finally got to see a doc. He offered this Celexa. Whatever. These SSRIs are all starting to sound like new sedans.
Anyway, the doc gives me the choice between Celexa and some other drug. What can I expect here? By the way, this doc has problems with and won't prescribe Prozac (Too many unmetabolized somethings) or Klonopin (Some people have seizures if they go off it quickly). After having to wait so long to find a doc (I live in NYC and believe me, those sofas are harder to reserve than box seats on Broadway)I just want to start something. I don't want to wait weeks to get what I need. So I'm trying this.
Can anyone respond to this half-question, half-rant post?
Posted by D on May 4, 2000, at 14:15:06
In reply to Re:thanks D, posted by tina on May 1, 2000, at 14:01:50
Tina,
Any side effects that I did have while on Zoloft, seem to be very mild compared to the beneficial effects that I recieved from taking it. Originally, the health professionals said that there were NO withdrawal symptoms. I found otherwise, and now everyone is saying yes there are withdrwal symptoms. Mine were, again, mild compared to the benefits. Just be sure to taper if you come off of it. I did notice a decrease in sex drive----that really wasn't a problem for me, though,since I am not involved with anyone in that way. Also, especially at first,
I felt sleepy a lot. But it was almost kind of nice. Kind of a relaxing feeling. I definitely had an increase in thirst, and dry mouth. Zoloft really put me in a different place mentally, though. Problems that had been on my mind for years, I seemed to be able to not think about (unless I wanted to). Everything about life seemed to take on a whole new color for me. I hope you have good results with Zoloft, or anything else that you decide to try.
Posted by Rictis on May 5, 2000, at 13:18:03
In reply to Just starting Celexa, posted by Wondering on May 4, 2000, at 13:54:21
I had just started taking celexa about 6 days ago.The doc has me taking 20 mgs a day.By the third day it really started to hit me.Then the next day after that I got out of bed, turned on the T.V. and sat on the couch and just laid there all day. For some reason when nite time comes I feel good, alert, and like I have it all together.Just making it through the majority of the day is really hard though.Im kind of wondering if I should stop taking it.I read that men have sexual problems while on celexa. I have noticed the past couple of days when i have become sexually aroused, I dont seem to get a full erection, and it doesnt last very long.I was wondering if this problem will persist while on celexa? If somebody knows the answer to my problem, could you get back to me. thanks Rictis
Posted by D on May 5, 2000, at 13:28:11
In reply to Re: Just starting Celexa, posted by Rictis on May 5, 2000, at 13:18:03
Rictis,
Maybe you need to take the med. at a different time of day. I think sometimes that can make a difference. Also, if you can take it for this long, maybe you could wait another few weeks and see if your body adjust to the new medication. I think a lot of times many of the side effects wear off after awhile. Hope things get better!
D
Posted by harry b. on May 5, 2000, at 17:26:04
In reply to Re: Just starting Celexa, posted by Rictis on May 5, 2000, at 13:18:03
Rictis- I'll start with the usual comment that we
all react differently to any particular med.I've been taking 20mg Celexa for 4 or 5 weeks. The
nausea I experienced has gone away. Sexually, I
have no problem becoming erect. The problem is
that orgasm is inhibited. Lately it has become
worse, I cannot achieve orgasm. If this continues
to be a problem for you, adding Wellbutrin to your
meds is supposed to help.I was staying in bed all day when I began taking
Celexa, but I had been doing that for the past
several months. The Celexa improved my mood but
it did not help with motivation. I recently began
taking Ritalin to help with my lethargy. There has
been some improvement, but not what I had hoped
for. I have forced myself to excercise daily, even
if it's only a 15 minute walk. This has helped.Good Luck
Posted by Kimberly on May 6, 2000, at 10:28:49
In reply to Beginning Celexa, posted by Beth on April 28, 2000, at 12:28:15
I just got off of celexa after being on it for 3 weeks. It was a nightmare. It made my daily tension headaches three times worse and actually turned them to migraines a couple times a week. I could not sleep even with ambien and my neck and shoulders were agonized with muscle tension. I am now on serzone and have big hopes for it. Of course this was only my experience but as far as I am concerned celexa was a nightmare for me and only worsened my headaches.
> >I only took Celexa for a week because it made me so sleepy.
> In fact, I am supposed to be taking this for tension
> headaches. Is anyone taking Celexa as a headache treatment? If
> so, what type of headaches? Is it helping you?I
Posted by Daciana on May 9, 2000, at 16:21:41
In reply to Re: Decisions - To Joy, posted by Cam W. on March 25, 2000, at 11:06:04
thank you Cam for your advice to Joy...it really helped me...I have been on Zoloft for about 2 or so months (started at 25mg and was upped to 100mg/day) and although I did notice a change when I didn't take it one day I also noticed an increased amount of anxiety even as a result of trivial things such as going to the mailroom at work...So today I went to my doctor and was changed to Celexa...My good friend and my sister are also both on Celexa and have been raving about their results...after reading many of the negatives of Celexa I got really nervous and although I will try it out I am not as confident as I was when she first prescribed it to me this morning...your note to Joy renewed my resolve and helped me remember that every medicinal effect is different for every person.
thanks
daciana
Posted by D on May 11, 2000, at 7:44:13
In reply to Re: Decisions - To Joy, posted by Daciana on May 9, 2000, at 16:21:41
Daciana,
I hope that you have really good results with Celexa. I do have to wonder , though, if you were taking to much Zoloft----maybe that's what was causing the anxiety---too much.
It seems like the natural thing, when upping the dose, would be for the doctor to up to 50 mg and gradually increase
to 75 mg and then to 100 if needed. Best wishes, D
Posted by carolyn on May 11, 2000, at 9:53:38
In reply to Just starting Celexa, posted by Wondering on May 4, 2000, at 13:54:21
I, like several of you, am preparing to take my first celexa tonight. Reading all these side effects scares me silly. I had taken Prozac for three years with good results until I began having hyper/nervous spells which Drs attributed to buld-up/intoleralnce (too much too long is my interpretation). I'm in a deep dark hole without meds so I'm trying celexa I guess. I don't like taking pills but desparately want my life back. Thanks for the inputs. Any suggestions?
Posted by Daciana on May 11, 2000, at 13:49:11
In reply to Re: Decisions for Daciana, posted by D on May 11, 2000, at 7:44:13
My dr did start me out with 25 and after a week I was up to 50mg of Zoloft...after a month of no noticeable changes she upped my dose to 100mg. that's when I began to notice more anxiety... so after about 2 weeks I went in and she switched me over to Celexa...I've only been on for 2 days...(today will be my 3rd) but I haven't noticed anything...which I understand is normal for many people...I just hope something starts to happen soon...hopefully not all those nasty side effects I've been reading about...
> I hope that you have really good results with Celexa. I do have to wonder , though, if you were taking to much Zoloft----maybe that's what was causing the anxiety---too much.
> It seems like the natural thing, when upping the dose, would be for the doctor to up to 50 mg and gradually increase
> to 75 mg and then to 100 if needed. Best wishes, D
Posted by Daciana on May 11, 2000, at 13:56:28
In reply to Re: Just starting Celexa, posted by carolyn on May 11, 2000, at 9:53:38
Reading all the messages posted scared me too...but then I realized that it was all worth it to feel good - somethign that I don't think I've ever really experienced...I am willing to experience a little more rain so that I can enjoy the sun. Just remember to keep your dr involved and let them know what the medicine is doing... I have heard that sometimes the side effects will go away after a while so maybe that is what will happen or maybe you will need to hit and miss a couple more times...but once we find the right medicine it will be so worth it...good luck
daciana
> I, like several of you, am preparing to take my first celexa tonight. Reading all these side effects scares me silly. I had taken Prozac for three years with good results until I began having hyper/nervous spells which Drs attributed to buld-up/intoleralnce (too much too long is my interpretation). I'm in a deep dark hole without meds so I'm trying celexa I guess. I don't like taking pills but desparately want my life back. Thanks for the inputs. Any suggestions?
Posted by celexy on May 11, 2000, at 18:54:37
In reply to Re: Just starting Celexa, posted by carolyn on May 11, 2000, at 9:53:38
hi wondering,i was in a big black hole for a long time also.i have never been on any other drugs before because of my depression.my doctor started me on celexa three weeks ago and i feel so much better.i too had read about all the side effects and they scared me too,but i stuck to it and happier now than i was before.sure there are side effects but they were mild.i worked every day ,i yawned a bit more and my stomatch made noises but that was all gone by the first week.so give it a try,its alot better than where your at right now.good luck.hang in there.
Posted by Stephen on May 14, 2000, at 14:47:54
In reply to Re: Celexa Side Effects, posted by Michele Cohen on April 22, 2000, at 16:28:53
When I started taking Celexa the first things I noticed was increased asthma and itchiness/hives. I was really upset because of all the anti's I had taken Celexa put me in the best mental state. Fortunately these inital side effects were transient. However there was more to come. After starting Celexa I also became very constipated. It seemed managable in the beginning, but then one night I experienced severe intestinal pain which lead to diarrhea and vomiting.
Within a couple of hrs. I was in the emergency room getting IV pain killers and liquids. It turns out that I was a bit dehydrated and had some intestinal blockage due to the constipation. I have since begun to drink a lot more and have increased the fiber in my diet. Celexa definitely makes me sweat a lot more so I can understand how I may have become dehydrated. I have been on Celexa for about three months now. Mentally I feel fairly good, although I do suffer
from regular drowsiness and periods of zero motivation. My sex drive is definitely better after having been nearly nonexsistent on other meds.Steve
Posted by trish on May 16, 2000, at 12:07:33
In reply to A painful experience with Celexa, posted by Stephen on May 14, 2000, at 14:47:54
Has anyone experienced blurred vision with Celexa?
My vison is blurry after 3 months on it, and my night vision is particularly bad.
Any advice?
Posted by carolyn on May 19, 2000, at 9:36:04
In reply to Re: Just starting Celexa,to wondering, posted by celexy on May 11, 2000, at 18:54:37
I've now been taking celexa for a week. The only improvement I've noticed is that now I go outside and sit on the deck in the sunshine to enjoy the birds and flowers instead of hibernating in a dark, curtained bedroom. It's an improvement, and I remain patient and hopeful. For the past two nights, I only sleep four hours instead of seven, but maybe that's a transient thing. Reading inputs from those of you in the same situation is helpful. Thanks to all.
Posted by Lyn on May 19, 2000, at 17:20:41
In reply to Re: Just starting Celexa,to wondering, posted by carolyn on May 19, 2000, at 9:36:04
> I've now been taking celexa for a week. The only improvement I've noticed is that now I go outside and sit on the deck in the sunshine to enjoy the birds and flowers instead of hibernating in a dark, curtained bedroom. It's an improvement, and I remain patient and hopeful. For the past two nights, I only sleep four hours instead of seven, but maybe that's a transient thing. Reading inputs from those of you in the same situation is helpful. Thanks to all.
Carolyn - I've also been on Celexa for one week and already feel a bit better, too. I was unable to sleep the first three nights without waking every 30 minutes, but have now started to get back to my normal 7 hours. I'm hopeful that the insomnia was temporary - as well as the sweating that occurs late every afternoon. One positive side effect - it seems to have curbed my appetite. Good luck to all!
Posted by Steph on May 20, 2000, at 20:59:38
In reply to Re: Just starting Celexa, posted by Rictis on May 5, 2000, at 13:18:03
>
I know you posted this a while ago but I was wondering if anyone has experienced a yucky metallic taste in the mouth as a side effect. I have been on Celexa for 6 days now and i am doing okay so far at 10mg. just a little irritability and lethargy. Nothing incapacitating. Today I have some sinus drainage and this very strange taset in my mouth. I didn't read this as one of the side effects so I was curious if it is common. As I have read everyone is different and have individual reactions. I also find that those who actually are better probaly don't read this list anymore because they have better things to do. But as I am new to this AD experience I will perservere. I am lucky not to be is such dire straits that hope is not available. I think that this med will help me out.
Thanks for any comments.
Steph
Posted by carolyn on May 23, 2000, at 20:38:16
In reply to Re: Just starting Celexa, posted by Steph on May 20, 2000, at 21:01:55
I'm in my tenth day of celexa and I too have a bad taste and drainage - I've tried all kinds of tongue scraping, mouthwash and brushing; no help -
Posted by Steph on May 24, 2000, at 19:06:48
In reply to Re: Just starting Celexa, posted by carolyn on May 23, 2000, at 20:38:16
> I'm in my tenth day of celexa and I too have a bad taste and drainage - I've tried all kinds of tongue scraping, mouthwash and brushing; no help -
Amazingly the next day after I posted to the list--it disappeared. Now I am just sleepy---I yawned too much during an important meeting and I didn't feel I was concentrating at my best. I am drinking a bit more coffee. We'll see--I just uped the dose to 20mg.
Steph
Posted by Steph on May 24, 2000, at 19:07:49
In reply to Re: Just starting Celexa, posted by carolyn on May 23, 2000, at 20:38:16
> I'm in my tenth day of celexa and I too have a bad taste and drainage - I've tried all kinds of tongue scraping, mouthwash and brushing; no help -
Amazingly the next day after I posted to the list--it disappeared. Now I am just sleepy---I yawned too much during an important meeting and I didn't feel I was concentrating at my best. I am drinking a bit more coffee. We'll see--I just uped the dose to 20mg.
Steph
Posted by Daciana on May 25, 2000, at 11:10:42
In reply to Re: Just starting Celexa, posted by Steph on May 24, 2000, at 19:06:48
My biggest thing is the sleep...I am way too tired...all the time...my therapist said that I was sleep deprived but it's different now for some reason...no matter how much sleep I get I am still tired...and I can fall to sleep at the drop of a hat...it's ruining my job!
> Amazingly the next day after I posted to the list--it disappeared. Now I am just sleepy---I yawned too much during an important meeting and I didn't feel I was concentrating at my best. I am drinking a bit more coffee. We'll see--I just uped the dose to 20mg.
> Steph
Posted by celexy on May 26, 2000, at 6:14:16
In reply to Re: Just starting Celexa, posted by carolyn on May 23, 2000, at 20:38:16
it`s been a month now since i first started on celexa and i can say it`s the best i felt now in a long time.i still yawn more but all of the other side effects have all gone away.before celexa i would think of suicide every morning and i couldn`t understand why.i have a great home,two wonderful daugthters,and the man anywoman prays for.so i talked to my doctor about the way i was thinking and he told me i was having a depression,and like someone having diabetes needing insuline,i needed celexa to help me .so i can say this drug has saved my life .i no longer have those sick thoughts and look foward to my life with my family.i hope this can help someone out there.let me know .good luck
Posted by Noa on May 26, 2000, at 10:30:15
In reply to Re:one month on celexa, posted by celexy on May 26, 2000, at 6:14:16
Great to hear you are feeling so much better. Enjoy.
Posted by Archangel on May 26, 2000, at 15:30:16
In reply to Re:one month on celexa, posted by celexy on May 26, 2000, at 6:14:16
Celexy, I too am glad you’re feeling better. I recently discontinued Celexa. While taking it I couldn’t honestly say it was helping. Now that I’ve stopped, I realize it was. Depression has descended upon me again. Like you, I’m thinking suicidal thoughts. Like you, I have a life that other, less fortunate people would envy. My therapist/pdoc said she would write a new prescription for Celexa if I want to resume taking it, however she would rather help me uncover the underlying reasons for my depression. I’ve decided to tough it out. Celexa did help me. Obviously it’s helping you, too. Keep taking it, and revel in the joy that it has helped you rediscover. Best wishes, Michael
> it`s been a month now since i first started on celexa and i can say it`s the best i felt now in a long time.i still yawn more but all of the other side effects have all gone away.before celexa i would think of suicide every morning and i couldn`t understand why.i have a great home,two wonderful daugthters,and the man anywoman prays for.so i talked to my doctor about the way i was thinking and he told me i was having a depression,and like someone having diabetes needing insuline,i needed celexa to help me .so i can say this drug has saved my life .i no longer have those sick thoughts and look foward to my life with my family.i hope this can help someone out there.let me know .good luck
Posted by R. on May 28, 2000, at 23:41:40
In reply to Re: celexa makes me gag, posted by JAN on February 16, 2000, at 7:46:30
My husband has been on celexa for the past 8 months. I had never seen someone so depressed, sad, lonely and no longer caring if he lived.I couldn't stand to see him feel this way I begged him to go for help. The doctor put him celexa and within days he started to smile again. D. has tried prozac,zoloft,paxil, this seems to be working the best. At first it was difficult for him to have a orgasm but that is no longer a problem. Those of you that are hearing all the bad things, give it a chance to work, it just might work for you too.
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