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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Josa on July 9, 2001, at 21:20:27
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by Loquesea on July 9, 2001, at 21:01:36
I for one have been eating less, but sleeping more, although i'm not less active than before. I'm in a physically demanding job now, but i've still gained about 3 pounds in a month, which isn't actually that bad, considering some of the horror stories....
-Josa
> Hi,
>
> I'm wondering if those with weight-gain side effects from Celexa (or any other antidepressant) can correlate their weight gain with their eating patterns.
>
> In other words, tales of weight gain are scaring me! I have been on Celexa for a few months now, but my weight has been stable. I am wondering if this is because I adhere to a good diet and run about 5 miles a day. I asked my doctor if it's possible that weight gain is a side effect whether or not you increase your food intake, and he said he didn't know, although it might be possible that SSRIs do "something" that changes the metabolism such that weight gain can occur even without a change in eating or exercise.
>
> So I'd be really curious to know if any of you attribute your weight gain to a desire for fats/carbohydrates and your intake of them, or if it just happened on its own.
>
> Thanks!
> -Loquesea
Posted by KB on July 10, 2001, at 9:09:10
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by E_Canuck on July 9, 2001, at 4:37:32
This is different from what happens to many people, but I've been losing weight on Celexa - being depressed made me eat a lot and do nothing.
Celexa has restored my energy and taken away the constant desire to eat - I still get hungry and eat meals, just not all the time and not as much junk. Having the energy to cook instead of eating stuff from boxes probably helps, too.
I do have an almost irrestistable urge to nap in the late afternoon, though.
Posted by MB on July 10, 2001, at 10:43:26
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by KB on July 10, 2001, at 9:09:10
> This is different from what happens to many people, but I've been losing weight on Celexa - being depressed made me eat a lot and do nothing.
> Celexa has restored my energy and taken away the constant desire to eat - I still get hungry and eat meals, just not all the time and not as much junk. Having the energy to cook instead of eating stuff from boxes probably helps, too.
> I do have an almost irrestistable urge to nap in the late afternoon, though.
How long have you been on the Celexa? Thats great that it's working for you!!
Posted by Amy Blue on July 10, 2001, at 11:35:45
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by E_Canuck on July 9, 2001, at 4:37:32
I was on Celexa for about 4 months and didn't gain weight. When I first started I had cravings for junk food, and put on a few pounds, but after about 8 weeks that went away and I lost the weight. My weight was completely stable, or rather the same as it always is without meds.
I lost a great deal of weight when I took each of these drugs: prozac, paxil and effexor. But none worked on my depression/anxiety. Only Celexa worked for me in that regard.
Posted by KB on July 10, 2001, at 20:31:53
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain » KB, posted by MB on July 10, 2001, at 10:43:26
> How long have you been on the Celexa? Thats great that it's working for you!!I've been taking it for about a month now. I'm hoping that the nap thing will pass in time - the other day I fell asleep changing the rabbit cage, and woke up covered in fur with the rabbit and two cats sitting on me!
Posted by MB on July 11, 2001, at 1:16:25
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain » MB, posted by KB on July 10, 2001, at 20:31:53
>
> > How long have you been on the Celexa? Thats great that it's working for you!!
>
> I've been taking it for about a month now. I'm hoping that the nap thing will pass in time - the other day I fell asleep changing the rabbit cage, and woke up covered in fur with the rabbit and two cats sitting on me!HAHAHA!! LOL! That is funny! Of course, naps are kind of nice if you feel like taking them...but *having* to take them when you don't want to is no fun. Have you ever tried taking inositol with the Celexa? I had a pdoc suggest this combo to avoid fatigue and poop-out (supposed to help with carb cravings too). However, I couldn't tolerate the creepy-crawlees I got when I started the medication, so I never got to that point. Since you're already doing well on the Celexa, maybe adding inositol would help you. You can buy it at the health food store in a powder. It is pleasant tasting. I think it's one of the B vitimins (B-8?). Probably should tell your doctor first, just in case. Good luck.
Posted by Josa on July 12, 2001, at 21:16:59
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by Loquesea on July 9, 2001, at 21:01:36
i think i read about someone having a rash on one of these posts...i have developed a blister like rash on my legs--does this sound familiar to anyone? i'm not prone to random skin problems, so perhaps it's a side affect?
Posted by pzyok on July 14, 2001, at 0:27:46
In reply to Re: fatigue, posted by MB on July 3, 2001, at 16:42:25
> > hey,
> >
> > I've been on celexa for almost two weeks now, and I am *exhausted*--I can't get enough sleep. I sleep about 11-12 hours a night, and then have to take 2 or 3 hour long naps during the day. The quality of my sleep is poor; i frequently wake and my muscles feel very restless, as if i need to stretch. I've heard a lot of people complain about the fatigue, but not too many people say anything about it subsiding. I am on 30 milligrams and have little change in my mood...increased irritability at times, but less depression, but not so much of a decrease in depression that i feel i can lower my dosage (at this point anyway...it has only been two weeks).
> >
> > is there anything i can do about the amount of sleep i need? will it go away eventually?
> > i'm afraid of weight gain and had been going to a gym, but now i have no energy to go. but from what i hear, exercise doesn't help gain on this drug....
> >
> > thanks!
>
>
> Hey, I'm glad someone has mentioned the restless muscles with the "need to stretch." I had this *really* bad as a kid, and it went away in my teens. It was mostly in my legs. I was an incessant foot-wiggler. *All* the SSRIs have made this condition come back to haunt me. I feel like I have to tense up my thigh muscles as tight as I can (as if it will make the horrible sensation go away). This always gives me tachycardia. I know it's strange, but the sensation is as if toxins are storing up in my leg muscles (making them restless), and when I squeeze them, the toxins are released into my blood, giving me tachycardia. I know it seems ridiculous, but that's what it feels like.
>
> But to answer your question (sorry about the long ramble about legs), SSRIs give me really bad fatigue I *think.* I've been off of SSRIs for 8 months now. At first the fatigue went away, it was great. Now it's back. I FORCE myself to excercise so I don't crash and/or get fat, but the fatigue is unbearable. I think it's just a somatic symptom of depresion...(somatic? did I use that word correctly?)Fatigue is a sysmptom of depression, but a lot of the anti-depressants have fatigue as a side effect. I have just started Celexa today and I am tapering off of Effexor (which did not cause the fatigue, but the other side effects were insane). I have been on about 5 or 6 anti depressants and all of them except the Effexor made me feel fatigued most of the time. The best thing I found was to eat correctly and exercise regularly, it will help. If you are having the irritability, you need to talk to your doctor, Celexa may not be the medicine you need.
Good Luck and hang in there, you will find the right medicine, just don't give up, it all gets better -- I promise :)
Sarah
Posted by Will Baker on July 17, 2001, at 11:59:52
In reply to Re: fatigue, posted by pzyok on July 14, 2001, at 0:27:46
> > > I've been on celexa for almost two weeks now, and I am *exhausted*--I can't get enough sleep. I sleep about 11-12 hours a night, and then have to take 2 or 3 hour long naps during
I just started taking Celexa a week ago, so I can't yet speak to the quality of the drug as an antidepressant, but of course one gets all the side effects right away. I too have been very drowsy since I started taking it. But then, my depression is always accompanied by serious sleep disruptions, so while I'm a little spacey during the day, it's a blessing to be able to sleep at night.I have also felt a little forgetful, but then at the depth of depression I was barely able to concentrate enough to follow what people were saying to me...so I'm not sure if the concentration/memory issues are produced by the Celexa, or just an ongoing symptom of depression.
Peace,
will
Posted by bluegirl on July 18, 2001, at 20:55:40
In reply to Re: fatigue, posted by Will Baker on July 17, 2001, at 11:59:52
Hi, this website is the greatest! I've been trying to post a new thread, but it's just not working so I'm gonna hijack this one... I just tried a round of Celexa and it made my insomnia worse! (early morning wakening and then sleep onset problems). Are there any antidepressants that absolutely, positively will not cause insomnia? I have given up coffee, chocolate (boo-hoo) and sugar in evening, work hard, etc... I was using Flourazepam now and then until I figured out it was making me more depressed, and doctor said any of the sleeping pills would have same effect. Have tried Trazadone (wide awake all night, goopy eyed in morning), was on imipramine (18 years off and on,low dose) and desipramine, but those seem to be making things worse now. 5-htp--very groggy but no sleep. What else--melatonin (nothing), buspar (no help), OTCs-help for a couple nights. All the SSRI's give me insomnia. Nardil was a wonder drug but eventually pooped-out. I am taking SJWort now, seems to help just a tiny bit, but NO SIDE EFFECTS (rah!) Am thinking of adding Sam-E as has been suggested here, does Sam-E ever cause insomnia?? Can't decide which is worse, being a sleep-deprived Zombie, or being depressed!
Sarah
Posted by Loquesea on July 18, 2001, at 21:14:29
In reply to Re: fatigue, insomnia, new thread not working!, posted by bluegirl on July 18, 2001, at 20:55:40
I know this doesn't answer the pharmaceutical side of the equation, but have you considered meditation? Or listening to tapes? I had your same problem and found that by monitoring my eating, making sure to exercise daily, and listening to a few audiotapes made all the difference! Now I can drink coffee, eat chocolate--in short, all the things that I thought were the culprits--and I am still able to sleep soundly.
On those rare occasions when I can't, I try a nice, aromatic bath.
I have found that working on my behavior maximizes the good effects of Celexa (and other SSRIs that I've taken).
Hope this helps!
Posted by Dr. Bob on July 19, 2001, at 11:27:51
In reply to Re: fatigue, insomnia, new thread not working!, posted by bluegirl on July 18, 2001, at 20:55:40
> I've been trying to post a new thread, but it's just not working...
FYI:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#new
Bob
Posted by KB on July 20, 2001, at 10:09:51
In reply to Re: HELP!! Questions about Celexa - new user, posted by Calamity on June 11, 2001, at 8:57:38
I"ve been taking Celexa for about six weeks now, and in the last couple of days I've started having brief hot flashes in one foot. The first time it happened I thought I'd stepped on a vent or something so hot that the heat was coming through the bottom of my shoe, but there was nothing there. Has anybody else experienced something like this or heard of it?
Posted by marcello on July 24, 2001, at 9:50:38
In reply to Hot foot, posted by KB on July 20, 2001, at 10:09:51
Hi all...I was on Paxil for almost 3 years. Let me tell you, getting off it was pure hell. I was an emotional wreck. Sobbing constantly, depressed, severe anxiety attacks, insomnia, lack of appetite and went through a divorce. By the way, I did this cold turkey. I must be a sadist. Not to mention the sexual side effects of Paxil. They were horrendous! Had to get off. Talk about tettering on the brink of insanity! But, I did it. 3 weeks of hell, But it was done. I suffer from Post Traumatic Stress. I started having severe anxiety again, but refused to get back with the devil (Paxil)My therapist suggested getting back on a SSRI. I had to think about it. Then my Doctor talked about Celexa and after reading up on it, I will chance it. I just started and will keep my fingers crossed. I will post my feelings and symptoms as they come.
Posted by Danielle on July 26, 2001, at 7:08:17
In reply to From Paxil to Celexa, posted by marcello on July 24, 2001, at 9:50:38
Hey Marcello...thanks for writing in. I thought that I was the only one...I tried about a month ago to go off of my Paxil because my husband and I were wanting to have another baby. I know what you felt like. I was on the medication for anxiety and anxiousness; but when I tried to go off of it, I felt more anxiety than I ever did and I was severely depressed (which I never was to begin with). I cried all the time for absolutely no reason; I was extrememly short with my husband and kid (I won't mention what my husband called me, but you could probably guess). I couldn't concentrate; I felt hot all the time like I was getting ready to burst; I would go somewhere and cry my eyes out and then I would feel a little better. I didn't go cold turykey either...I took a half a pill for 1 week, and then a half a pill every other day for a week...that didn't help at all. Well...the other day I was feeling very overwhelmed after trying to be off of the Paxil for 2 weeks and I couldn't take it anymore...I took another. I just can't seem to get over it...it took too much out of me. I see where you wrote that it took you 3 weeks...any suggestions for me: my email is dgreenlee@rcvideo.com
And I know about the sexual side effects. Let me tell you about the celexa though...my husband is on it and there are sexual side effects with it as well...worse for men than women...he has great difficutly in reaching climax...his suggestion...take the medicine late at night before you "go to sleep"; this is the way that we have gotten over that hurdle. Other than that, he sweats quite a lot, but he feels great. They put him on the medicine because he was depressed because he got skin cancer about a year ago. I just took a half of his pill last night...going to switch over to celexa...maybe we can stay in touch and see how things are going.
Posted by marcello on July 26, 2001, at 8:23:40
In reply to Re: From Paxil to Celexa » marcello, posted by Danielle on July 26, 2001, at 7:08:17
Danielle
I must say, it will not get any easier to get off Paxil, if we run back to it, just when you are about to clear the hump. 2 weeks off? You almost made it. I almost did the same thing a few times. I refused to take another one of those pink, devil in disguise pills. It truly was difficult. I did it because, I wanted to see if I could function without it. I did and I can. So can you. Do not cave in! Hang tough. Who's stronger? You or the little devil disguised as a pink pill? Yes, you are stronger. Just keep your mind busy.
When you feel as if you will blow a gasket at lifes little trivialities, take a deep breath and count to ten. All the while saying, think, before you speak. We hurt the ones we love the most, during these trying times. Stop. Think, then say it with an even tone of voice.
In the scheme of things, life is good and we are blessed with otherwise good health and have our loved ones near.
Celexa, seems to be kicking in. Rather fast too. I started on Monday, the 23rd. Although, I have been waking up at 2 in the morning lately, I will deal with this minor side effect with a smile. I have been sweating alot too, could be due to the muggy and humid weather we are having here in ew York City. The other, ahem...side effect does not seem to be affecting me. I arise as any man does, yes...that way. More importatly, I has not affected my intimate nights with my fiance. So, all in all, I'd say, I'm very satisfied with the results so far. Then again, it is too early to jump for joy.
I am back on an AD, because my emotions were so overwhelming. Cried alot and felt very confused about myself. Not to mention the anxiety attacks came back with a vengence. My shrink, who has had this role with me for 2 years, says all of my repressed emotions are now resurfacing and it will pass.To think, I pay him good money for that assesment! I personally think, he needs to see his shrink.
Yes, let's stay in touch. We can share the emotional roller coaster of being happily medicated and life's little adventures. Good luck to you both. Hang tough.
Posted by marcello on July 30, 2001, at 8:30:18
In reply to Hot foot, posted by KB on July 20, 2001, at 10:09:51
Hello again...
Well, I have been on Celexa for 8 days now. I've been feeling progressively better...But, there have been a few annoying side effects. My appetite is next to nothing. I have trouble sleeping the whole night through and I have some neck discomfort. I have been taking 2 Benadryls before I go to sleep lately and they have prolonged my sleep. Not by much, but any little bit helps.My biggest concern is my appetite. I'm very active and do burn calories by the tons. I'm 6ft tall and usually weigh around 205lbs, I feel comfortable with that weight, but now I cannot seem to eat as usual. This troubles me. When forcing myself to eat, I get nauseous. I do hope these side-effects are not long term. In regards to my libido, well no change there, thank GOD. I will keep posting as I progress. Hopefully, things will improve.
Posted by KB on July 30, 2001, at 9:48:09
In reply to Re: Update, posted by marcello on July 30, 2001, at 8:30:18
> Hello again...
> Well, I have been on Celexa for 8 days now. I've been feeling progressively better...But, there have been a few annoying side effects. My appetite is next to nothing. I have trouble sleeping the whole night through and I have some neck discomfort. I have been taking 2 Benadryls before I go to sleep lately and they have prolonged my sleep. Not by much, but any little bit helps.
>
> My biggest concern is my appetite. I'm very active and do burn calories by the tons. I'm 6ft tall and usually weigh around 205lbs, I feel comfortable with that weight, but now I cannot seem to eat as usual. This troubles me. When forcing myself to eat, I get nauseous. I do hope these side-effects are not long term. In regards to my libido, well no change there, thank GOD. I will keep posting as I progress. Hopefully, things will improve.I didn't feel like eating much at first, either, but that went away pretty quickly. The sleep took several weeks to improve - I took Ambien at first.
Posted by marcello on July 30, 2001, at 10:47:48
In reply to Re: Update, posted by KB on July 30, 2001, at 9:48:09
Thanks KB for the info...A few weeks? Well, in retrospect, it beats the anxiety and depression. But sleep? I will continue to use the Benadryl, although it does not have the same effect as a few days ago. What's Ambien?
Posted by KB on July 30, 2001, at 11:45:51
In reply to Re: Update, posted by marcello on July 30, 2001, at 10:47:48
> Thanks KB for the info...A few weeks? Well, in retrospect, it beats the anxiety and depression. But sleep? I will continue to use the Benadryl, although it does not have the same effect as a few days ago. What's Ambien?
Ambien is a sleeping medication - my ex and I have both taken it and it seems to really knock you out but doesn't cause much morning-grogginess (unless you try to get up before 8 hours or so!) I wouldn't want to take it long-term, but for the first couple weeks it was useful.
Posted by KB on July 30, 2001, at 11:49:25
In reply to Re: Update, posted by marcello on July 30, 2001, at 10:47:48
> Thanks KB for the info...A few weeks? Well, in retrospect, it beats the anxiety and depression. But sleep? I will continue to use the Benadryl, although it does not have the same effect as a few days ago. What's Ambien?
Ambien is a sleeping medication - my ex and I have both taken it and it seems to really knock you out but doesn't cause much morning-grogginess (unless you try to get up before 8 hours or so!) I wouldn't want to take it long-term, but for the first couple weeks it was useful.
Posted by gldngodess on July 30, 2001, at 13:08:21
In reply to Re: Celexa-Tomjay, posted by gldngodess on April 11, 2001, at 10:53:51
> > I don't take Celexa anymore.
I started this holistic medicine and it works better than anything prescrip and it has no side effects.
gldngodess :)
Posted by marcello on July 30, 2001, at 13:47:01
In reply to Re: Celexa-Tomjay, posted by gldngodess on July 30, 2001, at 13:08:21
Hi...
Can you elaborate on the Holistic medicine you are taking?
Posted by marcello on July 30, 2001, at 13:53:37
In reply to Re: Update, posted by KB on July 30, 2001, at 11:49:25
> > Thanks KB for the info...A few weeks? Well, in retrospect, it beats the anxiety and depression. But sleep? I will continue to use the Benadryl, although it does not have the same effect as a few days ago. What's Ambien?
>
>
> Ambien is a sleeping medication - my ex and I have both taken it and it seems to really knock you out but doesn't cause much morning-grogginess (unless you try to get up before 8 hours or so!) I wouldn't want to take it long-term, but for the first couple weeks it was useful.
My normal sleep pattern is 6-7 hours tops. Bad habit I picked up in the service many years ago. I would be willing to try it. Will read alittle more about it. I'm luck if I get 8 hours of sleep in 3 days! Ahh, sleep. Forgot what it feels like to sleep a solid few hours. I do not want to take Klonopin, as suggested by my Doctor. Nor, do I want to get back on Nortryptilyne. I just want one pill. That's all. I Refuse to go back on 2-3 tabs of different medications to keep me functioning normally. Guess, I'll have to just deal with some discomforts for now.
Posted by marcello on August 5, 2001, at 10:26:09
In reply to Re: Update, posted by marcello on July 30, 2001, at 13:53:37
Hi all...
Well, the Benadryl has stopped having the effects I needed. So, I now am taking 10mg of Klonopin. Yesterday was my first night on it. Thank you GOD! I had a full, uninterupted 7 hours of sleep! The first good sleep in a month! Hallelujah!!!! Celexa has kicked in nicely and I am feeling much much better. Just wish my appettite came back. I have lost 8lbs. Down to 195. Well, I'd rather work on gaining some weight, than dealing with the anxiety. Hope all is well with you all.
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