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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by jacquie on May 30, 2000, at 20:58:02
In reply to Re:one month on celexa, posted by Archangel on May 26, 2000, at 15:30:16
how are you? Having rough times...contemplating meds again. Prozac maybe? I don't know. Now they say I bruise too easy and should take ssris...ugh. you okay. I haen't hear from you and have wondered alot how you are. I am sorry my message was so brief the other day. I literally could hardly focus I was so beat. my apologies. hope to hear form you...the notify part of th epost doesn;t always notify me. be well, michael.
> 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 kris on May 30, 2000, at 21:30:10
In reply to Re:archangel, posted by jacquie on May 30, 2000, at 20:58:02
>hi..i am starting on celexa for the first time..i have had depression now midly
since i was 16..i have been on paxil for the longest time but recently noticed
that i was sleeping more..having down time more..and just lacking interest in anything
around me...my concern in starting this drug is will it impair my judgement with the
side effects...i am a nurse..so my mind needs to be clear as possible
and what is the best way to deal with some of the above listed side effects..
utterly confused
>
Posted by Archangel on June 1, 2000, at 14:18:58
In reply to Re:archangel, posted by jacquie on May 30, 2000, at 20:58:02
Jacquie,
You have mail :) Thank you so much for thinking about me. I hope your rough times have passed. I'm thinking of you... Michael
>
> how are you? Having rough times...contemplating meds again. Prozac maybe? I don't know. Now they say I bruise too easy and should take ssris...ugh. you okay. I haen't hear from you and have wondered alot how you are. I am sorry my message was so brief the other day. I literally could hardly focus I was so beat. my apologies. hope to hear form you...the notify part of th epost doesn;t always notify me. be well, michael.
Posted by Hermit on June 3, 2000, at 22:10:24
In reply to A painful experience with Celexa, posted by Stephen on May 14, 2000, at 14:47:54
I haven't read this entire message board, so perhaps this topic has already been broached, but I'm wondering whether the depression I suffer is chemical or behavioral. How can you tell the difference? I know that certain unfortunate experiences in my past have exacerbated the depression, but I also know that I sometimes find justifications for feeling low that, when I think it over later, don't seem sufficient reason for, for example, fantasizing about suicide, etc. All I know is that the doctor at my school was pretty adamant about giving me Celexa after I'd taken an absurdly short questionnier (sp?) that revealed I often am self-critical, tired, all the usual symptoms.
I have been taking Celexa for about two days now, after already wanting to sleep all the time.
Posted by Andre Allard on June 4, 2000, at 5:58:49
In reply to chicken or egg, posted by Hermit on June 3, 2000, at 22:10:24
Your depression is likely caused by both chemical and behavioural factors, as are most cases. ADs will take care of the chemical aspect. The rest is up to you. Psychotherapy, cognitive, as well as behavioural therapy can assist you in improving your depression. I have found behavioural therapy to be the most helpful since I can practice it when ever I feel the need. This type of therapy consists of the "ABC" method. A is for the action or the event which has occured. B is for your belief or your perception of what has just occured. C is for the consequences or your feelings (depression) from your perception (belief) of what has happened (action).
For example:
I break up with a girlfriend (action). I think that I cannot be happy without her and that this is a disaster (belief). I feel very sad and depressed (consequence). Now, what behavioural therapy teaches you is to change your beliefs so that you do not become depressed. Remembering that you cannot change the action, this is how I would "rethink" what has happened.I break up with my girlfriend (action). Although it is disapointing that we have broken up, I know that in time I will get over her and that I will find someone else who I can share my life with (belief). I feel SAD and not DEPRESSED (consequence).
Do you see the difference? I have changed my belief and therefore I no longer feel depressed but sad. To get more info on this type of therapy and others, browse the net. Good luck!
Posted by Hermit on June 4, 2000, at 7:58:36
In reply to Re: chicken or egg, posted by Andre Allard on June 4, 2000, at 5:58:49
Andre, thank you for the advice and example. It was an especially useful example for me, since I have a hard time dealing with break-ups. I too have gone to a behavioral therapist and found it useful. I know that the way I think about things certainly effects my mood, although at times I seem unable to control my thoughts. Anyway, best of luck to you too.
Posted by Noa on June 4, 2000, at 13:00:59
In reply to Re: chicken or egg, posted by Hermit on June 4, 2000, at 7:58:36
Hermit, I agree with Andre that it is nearly impossible to pull apart the nurture-nature aspects of depression. They are mutually influential, and often, a multimodal approach to treatment can help--go after the neurotransmitters while also going after the maladaptive thought patterns, emotional experiences, etc.
Posted by JD on June 4, 2000, at 16:50:33
In reply to Re: more Celexa sharing, posted by erin on April 8, 2000, at 14:36:18
> I have been on Clexa for 5 weeks now. Am a little concerned as I am having suicidal thoughts, also am feeling depressed. I am only taking 20mg and must decide if I should increase the dosage or change to another drug. Thing is I don't have as bad a side-effect on these as on effexor. I am scared that my anxiet will increase with uping the dosage. I have read what some of you have written and maybe I should wait a little longer. Is it worth the try? Anyone out there who suffered from the anxiety and suicide thoughts in the beginning?
Posted by forth meg on June 6, 2000, at 1:21:29
In reply to chicken or egg, posted by Hermit on June 3, 2000, at 22:10:24
The ultimate question -
What's caused by our brain vs. what's caused by our mind?
There's no easy answer.
The terms "endogenous," "chemical," "biological" when applied to depression are really fairly meaningless.
Truth is:
1. Life Events and Stresses can trigger a clinical depression that's indistinguishable from depressions which are purely "endogenous" and can be treated the same way. That's why the distinction between "endogenous" and "reactive" depression is now largely obsolete.
2. When you're depressed you tend to magnify negative events (so you think the depression is "caused" by an event, when in fact depression depression is "causing" you to feel much worse about it than you otherwise would)
3. Depression causes depressogenic behaviors. It leads to vicious cycles (oversleeping, overeating, avoidance, procrastination, withdrawal) that make depression worse.
So it really IS the chicken and the egg - it's very hard to know what's "chemical" and what's "environmental."And maybe it doesn't matter.
> I haven't read this entire message board, so perhaps this topic has already been broached, but I'm wondering whether the depression I suffer is chemical or behavioral. How can you tell the difference? I know that certain unfortunate experiences in my past have exacerbated the depression, but I also know that I sometimes find justifications for feeling low that, when I think it over later, don't seem sufficient reason for, for example, fantasizing about suicide, etc. All I know is that the doctor at my school was pretty adamant about giving me Celexa after I'd taken an absurdly short questionnier (sp?) that revealed I often am self-critical, tired, all the usual symptoms.
>
> I have been taking Celexa for about two days now, after already wanting to sleep all the time.
Posted by D on June 7, 2000, at 7:37:35
In reply to Re: more Celexa sharing, posted by JD on June 4, 2000, at 16:50:33
JD,
I would try to see if you can hang in there w/ Celexa for another week or two. If after that point, you still feel bad, I would talk with your doctor about changing meds or upping the dose. I've had good results with Zoloft (50mg), so that may be an option for you. I wish you the best! D
Posted by JD on June 7, 2000, at 21:12:50
In reply to Re: more Celexa sharing, posted by D on June 7, 2000, at 7:37:35
> JD,
> I would try to see if you can hang in there w/ Celexa for another week or two. If after that point, you still feel bad, I would talk with your doctor about changing meds or upping the dose. I've had good results with Zoloft (50mg), so that may be an option for you. I wish you the best! D
D Thanks for the words. I am already feeling a little better. Am having difficultly identifing what are "normal" feelings and drug feelings. Having been in drug fog for a long time, I am finally feeling things. All I need to do now is wait and see if I can handle these new feelings or if I will revert to the extreme depression again. Right now I have some hope and that is good. Thanks again for your response. I did try Zoloft and bounced off the walls. Different strokes huh! Thanks for the input. JD
Posted by D on June 13, 2000, at 8:57:36
In reply to Re: more Celexa sharing, posted by JD on June 7, 2000, at 21:12:50
JD,
It's great to hear that you are feeling better. It IS difficult to distinguish sometimes what are "drug" feelings and what are "normal" feelings. I guess whatever feelings you can deal with are the ones to go for. It's hard to know sometimes. I hope that things continue to get better.D
Posted by celexy on June 15, 2000, at 9:45:46
In reply to Just starting Celexa, posted by Wondering on May 4, 2000, at 13:54:21
i feel alot better about myself now.most side affects were mild and well worth it all.i want to wish you all the courage in dealing with life ups and downs.keep taking your celexa and good luck,everything takes time,have patience,it will pay off.
Posted by RobX on June 22, 2000, at 15:45:31
In reply to Celexa Side Effects, posted by Marie on March 19, 2000, at 18:18:55
>This site is helpful. I was just put on Celexa today and I was a little nervous about taking it. I was on Paxil, but I didn't like the decreased sexual functioning. I noticed some people have this problem with Celexa, but it appears to go away after a while. Is this true? Anything else I should know about Celexa? Any comments (pro or con) are welcome. I'm working on my anxiety in social situations as well as depression. Hope Celexa is the one, living in San Francisco makes it tempting to go to the Golden Gate Bridge one last time and say bye bye. I'm getting so tired of the strain and drain of living. Well, I better take my meds.
Posted by RocLex on August 10, 2000, at 17:04:02
In reply to Re: Celexa Side Effects, posted by Valley Girl on March 20, 2000, at 13:43:12
I was taking 20mg of Celexa since March 2000. A few weeks ago
my doc increased the dosage to 40mg. I felt more irritable, restless,
and just plain bitchy. Now, I'm taking 20mg of Prozac. I am wondering,
how long before I notice any effects? Instant or do I have to wait a few
more weeks. I've been so darn depressed lately...
Posted by RocLex on August 10, 2000, at 17:06:50
In reply to It Works!, posted by R. on May 28, 2000, at 23:41:40
I am so happy it worked for you. Sad to say but it didn't
work for me. I had been on it since March and although it
worked well the first few weeks (perhaps just as a placebo...)
I was feeling so miserable and aggrivated as well as sad and
depressed--so depressed that thoughts of hurting myelf entered
my mind. I am now on 20mg Prozac. Hoping that will help but
only time will tell.
Posted by RPM on August 19, 2000, at 12:48:15
In reply to Re: Celexa Side Effects, posted by Valley Girl on March 20, 2000, at 13:43:12
> > > I started taking anit depressants since 1992. They had beeen given to me by my Medical Doctor Internist. I was on Zoloft at first which made me feel like a robot however, for a short period it worked but always felt disjointed. Then I stopped for a while and went on Efexor which had very bad side effects. Afterwards I was put on Paxil for about 2 years which worked for a while then quit. I always still was in that fog or cloud not knowing why things in my life or those feelings were still there. After Paxil I was on Prozac that was useless and back to Paxil and finally my doctor suggested Wellbutrin which is in a different class. Again, there was some relief for a while like a couple of months or so. Finally my therapist said something is not right here I want you to go get an evaluation and see what meds will work or if the Physciatrist could tweek them for you. Guess what happened? After all those years of suffering and going through those temporary relief periods I was diagnosed with a mild form of Bi Polar. Now that suddenly made so much sense. The point I am making is that one needs to go to a Psyhiatrist to determine the right meds and levels. I learned the hard way. These anti depressants are dispensed today like Pez Candy from doctors. I had been doing all the right things and follwing all the necessay advice that was given. Go to the gym, I did that. Change your enviorment, I did that. change your freinds if need be I did that. I have even been in therapy for about a year with a psychologist. It was I who fought going to the Psychiatrist to tweek my meds thinking that I knew it all. So my point is now I am back on the right road this time and I am on Celexa combining it with another class of drug to get me back into alignment. My feeling on taking medication to helps one self is this. "Suffering is the inevitable but being in pain is an option" I choose not to be in pain or suffer. Therefore, I could care less what others say or think. It is what it is and I just want to feel better even if it means taking a pill once a day or even twice. The side effects that they may occur do not compare to the side effects of the mental anguish and pain one goes through in life which is completely unnecessary. Get over it man it ain't what it use to be were not crazy they just know more about what makes us tick and they can oil that squeeky rusted gear! Good luck to all....... Hope this helps
Posted by Lovebites on August 21, 2000, at 19:03:09
In reply to Re: chicken or egg, posted by Andre Allard on June 4, 2000, at 5:58:49
I really like what Andre said about being sad verses being depressed.
I do have a hard time separating the two, however. Is sadness just depression
with hope?I too recently broke up with my girlfriend. I really thought we'd be together
forever but she broke my heart and I don't know if I'll ever love someone like
I loved her. I've found that two people truly falling in love isn't as common as
most people believe. Then again, maybe that's just me without hope.I started on Prozac three weeks ago but I still hurt to the point that I felt like it
wasn't helping. The doctor put me on Celexa today. I don't mind a few side effects
if it will help me feel less hopeless.
Posted by D on August 22, 2000, at 10:21:40
In reply to Re: chicken or egg, posted by Lovebites on August 21, 2000, at 19:03:09
To Lovebites:
I agree that really special loves don't come along for most people quite as often as many people believe. I hate to hear people say, "You'll find someone better." I just feel priviledged to have felt that special kind of love, because some people NEVER experience it. I think that's why they don't understand. I do feel that time can "dull" some of the pain though. Zoloft REALLY helped me not feel anything for awhile. I needed to kind of feel that way for awhile. I feel so much better these days and can remember the good times, and the special love, and not focus quite so much on the loss. I hope that you'll feel better soon.D
Posted by RobX on August 24, 2000, at 13:29:36
In reply to Re: chicken or egg, posted by Lovebites on August 21, 2000, at 19:03:09
I have to agree that true love seems hard these days ("don't worry, there's other fish, etc." comes off like bullshit most times although the intentions are good). I guess people don't want to invest their trust and such these days. It's unfortunate, because there's nothing better than having that magic between two people.I wish I had that. I'm going through a divorce, so I kinda know how you feel. Imagine having to be roomates with someone you're divorcing because of the unusual high rent in San Francisco. I'm happy we can remain friends, but I gave 6 years of my life, I'm 30 yrs. old, don't know the first thing about the dating game and i feel the clock ticking. Try the Celexa, it may work for you. I've been on it for a month or two and may switch to something else (I'm still having some mighty lows). Good luck and just keep in mind that although you may feel you are in a sinking boat and alone there are others of us out here going through similar crap. take care,
robx
Posted by Kris11 on September 2, 2000, at 15:23:20
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by TOM on March 17, 2000, at 9:47:39
has anyone ever become hypomanic on celexa? last year i was dx'd manic depressive, but some drs. think it was just a severe anxiety disorder. the truth is, no one is really sure. they think the paxil might have precipitated the mania or anxiety or whatever last time. just wondered how long it'd take to know if the celexa could have the same effect.
Posted by Woolley Girl on September 27, 2000, at 20:35:07
In reply to What makes you HAPPY VALLEY GIRL??, posted by Joy on April 4, 2000, at 14:16:25
Hi I just thought I'd write a little something- have read most of these threads for the past hour maybe and want to be involved maybe. I've been taking Celexa for about a week- my first med- and have not noticed ANY side effects (maybe they're really subtle). I'm sort of doubtful this will help me, partly because it's my first antidepressant and also because I've had a problem in general of not feeling anything- I mean not expressing strong feelings of any sort. So how will I be able to tell if Celexa is working? Am I making sense? I've had to write this a few times because i had to register and i'm not OVERly computor-literate so i got lost, plus I can't look back at what I just wrote in this little box. But does anyone relate ? Anyone that's benefitted from Celexa, how long did it take? Thanks (whoever).
woolleygirl
Posted by stjames on September 28, 2000, at 11:59:47
In reply to FEElings... or lack thereof, posted by Woolley Girl on September 27, 2000, at 20:35:07
You will not get any antidepressant effect for at least 4 weeks, till then you will get side effects, if any. Once the AD kicks in and levels out (4-8 weeks) side effects tend to decrease.
james
Posted by Dave66 on October 23, 2000, at 19:18:53
In reply to Re: more Celexa sharing ( a thought...), posted by torchgrl on February 9, 2000, at 14:32:17
Hey guys,
I've been taking celexa for one week for anxiety and sleep problems and I have noticed symptoms right away. Symptoms include a swollen throat and difficulty swalling, excessive hand sweating, reduction in sexual function, dizziness and general wierdness. I can't believe it. I'm told these things go away. Anybody have similar experiences? The hand sweating is particularily wierd.
Posted by D on October 24, 2000, at 14:12:42
In reply to Celexa -- Wierd symptoms, posted by Dave66 on October 23, 2000, at 19:18:53
I think many of the symptoms you may be experiencing when you first start taking the AD will go away in a week or so. They did for me on Zoloft. One thing I had was jaw clenching----kind of a weird feeling, but kind of a good feeling too. It wasn't anything bad. If your throat is really swollen or you're having much trouble swallowing, I would talk to a pharmacist or medical professional. Just to be sure you weren't having a bad reaction to the drug. Every side effect I've ever experienced has gone away once I stopped taking the med. I think the sexual disfunction can remain as long as you are taking the med---although lowering your dose could help. of course i wouldn't lower the dose with out talking to your doctor. But I think many of the other side-effects will go away. Best wishes.
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