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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Alicia on August 20, 2000, at 15:36:25
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Steph on May 18, 2000, at 8:30:34
I began taking Celexa two months ago. The 20 mg/day dose I've been on isn't working. How soon should I see results. I've asked my doctor to increase the dose to 40 mg/day, but he is reluctant to do so. I thought I would see some improvement by now, but there hasn't been any. Any advise on increasing doses or switching to a new medicine? Thanks
Posted by martha McClelland on August 21, 2000, at 5:18:41
In reply to Re: celexa, good stuff, posted by connie ann on May 31, 2000, at 20:33:51
> Has anyone noticed that they felt relief within 10 days.
I am just starting out on Celexa, and hope you can support me in this venture as no one else I know is on the stuf. in fact, it seems to be quite new to Ireland. I have been on Effexor for 4 years, generally 150mg XR. It was great at first but this summer I slipped into a chronic depression again. On Friday and Sat. I took half the usual dose, 75mg, then Sunday nothing, and this morning 20 mg Celexa. Let's hope for the best
in fear and trembling (with a hearty measure of hope),
Martha in Derry
Posted by CarolAnn on August 22, 2000, at 8:13:58
In reply to Re: celexa, good stuff, posted by martha McClelland on August 21, 2000, at 5:18:41
Hi Martha, I've been on Celexa for almost nine months, and have been helped quite a bit by it. I do want to tell you, though, that it was not effective for me until my dosage was raised to 40 mgs. per day. Good luck! CarolAnn
Posted by adniL on August 22, 2000, at 20:41:03
In reply to Re: celexa to Martha in derry, posted by CarolAnn on August 22, 2000, at 8:13:58
> Hi Martha, I've been on Celexa for almost nine months, and have been helped quite a bit by it. I do want to tell you, though, that it was not effective for me until my dosage was raised to 40 mgs. per day. Good luck! CarolAnn
Celexa didn't work for me (I've been on it about 6 months and am switching to Effexor), but it didn't have any sexual side effects for me like Paxil did (though Paxil worked). I hope it works out for you. I think all we can do is keep trying.
Posted by T~ on August 23, 2000, at 13:08:19
In reply to Re: celexa, good stuff, posted by connie ann on May 31, 2000, at 20:33:51
i am new to posting and also new to taking an antidepressants. Doctor has put me on celexa 20 mg once a day at night and have been on it about a week now. i have felt somewhat better but still feel tired an a tad 'blue'. just need support and others experience and opinion that take celexa.
why this RX and not another?
thanks
:-)
Posted by emily on August 23, 2000, at 17:01:10
In reply to Re: celexa to Martha in derry, posted by adniL on August 22, 2000, at 20:41:03
Hi. I started celexa 2 1/2 weeks ago and am much more functional and much less desperate. I am still feeling blah, but at least not desperate... The only physical side effect I've noticed is yawning...
I am new to meds and wonder what I can expect--will it just take away the crisis, or will it really help me to feel hopeful again?
--emily
Posted by T~ on August 24, 2000, at 7:32:47
In reply to Re: celexa , posted by emily on August 23, 2000, at 17:01:10
> Hi. I started celexa 2 1/2 weeks ago and am much more functional and much less desperate. I am still feeling blah, but at least not desperate... The only physical side effect I've noticed is yawning...
> I am new to meds and wonder what I can expect--will it just take away the crisis, or will it really help me to feel hopeful again?
> --emilyhi Em,
i can say that this celexa for me anyhow has deadened the crisis, i do not feel 'whole' as of yet but i am 'hopeful'
side effects i have felt this past week being on celexa are yawning and being tired if i dont keep going...I just stop, so to conqure THAT i keep on the go during the day. cotton mouth and drinking alot more and having to use the bathroom because of that is also a side effect. rocky road still ahead but w/ encouragment from others and doctors help we can see the sunshine again.
Posted by LouAnn on August 25, 2000, at 16:51:05
In reply to Re: celexa , posted by emily on August 23, 2000, at 17:01:10
I've been on Celexa for about 5 months without previous AD use. A crisis sent me to the doctor for some relief. I don't think I even knew I was depressed until I started feeling better. I just thought my lack of interest in life came with being a "grown up". After one week I could see a difference - even the sun seemed a little brighter. I felt like making changes and things that used to bother me just rolled off my back. I used to have really bad mornings (I've since found that that is a classical sign of depression), but now I look forward to my days and my husband doesn't get yelled at on my way out the door. He loves the difference in me. I get a little dry mouth and drink a lot of water, but that's good for you anyway, right? So does anybody know why the ban on any alcohol use? Like I said, I'm pretty new. Good luck everybody.
Posted by emily on August 27, 2000, at 17:35:45
In reply to Re: celexa , posted by LouAnn on August 25, 2000, at 16:51:05
LouAnn, that is amazing that you are feeling so much better. Thanks for the bit of hope!
I'm new to AD also. I wonder why the difference in response for different people? Like T~, it has deadened the crisis, but I am still pretty grey...
I'm also curious about the alcohol issue--never drink, or only a small amount, or within a certain number of hours of dosage?
Posted by Laura Denson on August 28, 2000, at 1:20:46
In reply to Re: celexa to Martha in derry, posted by adniL on August 22, 2000, at 20:41:03
I am 23 and have been taking 20 mg. of Celexa for 1 yr and 8 mos. This is my first battle with depression and Celexa has really helped. I noticed results in one week. I did try to go off after 1 yr but experienced a relapse after 2 weeks so I started up again.
I have actually lost weight with Celexa and am no longer obsessed with dieting. I don't know if it's the drug or the fact that I'm not depressed that helped me shed the pounds.
The only adverse side-effect that I have experienced is the inability to achieve orgasm. This is horrible. My desire and libido is still the same, I just can't climax and I hate it. My doctor has recommended Viagra (yes, even for a woman) to be taken before intercourse. This didn't work. He also recommended taking a low dose of Wellbutrin in conjunction with Celexa. This didn't work either. I really don't like the idea of switching medications as Celexa is working just fine other than the fact that it's really a bummer for my sex-life! Has anyone else had this problem? Any advice?
Sincerely,
Laura
Posted by T~ on August 28, 2000, at 8:48:16
In reply to Celexa and sexual side effects, posted by Laura Denson on August 28, 2000, at 1:20:46
> I am 23 and have been taking 20 mg. of Celexa for 1 yr and 8 mos. This is my first battle with depression and Celexa has really helped. I noticed results in one week. I did try to go off after 1 yr but experienced a relapse after 2 weeks so I started up again.
> I have actually lost weight with Celexa and am no longer obsessed with dieting. I don't know if it's the drug or the fact that I'm not depressed that helped me shed the pounds.
> The only adverse side-effect that I have experienced is the inability to achieve orgasm. This is horrible. My desire and libido is still the same, I just can't climax and I hate it. My doctor has recommended Viagra (yes, even for a woman) to be taken before intercourse. This didn't work. He also recommended taking a low dose of Wellbutrin in conjunction with Celexa. This didn't work either. I really don't like the idea of switching medications as Celexa is working just fine other than the fact that it's really a bummer for my sex-life! Has anyone else had this problem? Any advice?
> Sincerely,
> Laurahi Laura,
i too have this problem w/ taking celexa. i have no sex drive what so ever now, wonderful to be feeling outta the 'bottomless pit' we call depression, but now my sex life, if one can call it that, is now totally gone.
help, advice or just someone that is going thru the same thing ??? would be wonderful to hear from.
T~
Posted by Cindy W on August 28, 2000, at 8:51:51
In reply to Re: Celexa and sexual side effects » Laura Denson, posted by T~ on August 28, 2000, at 8:48:16
> > I am 23 and have been taking 20 mg. of Celexa for 1 yr and 8 mos. This is my first battle with depression and Celexa has really helped. I noticed results in one week. I did try to go off after 1 yr but experienced a relapse after 2 weeks so I started up again.
> > I have actually lost weight with Celexa and am no longer obsessed with dieting. I don't know if it's the drug or the fact that I'm not depressed that helped me shed the pounds.
> > The only adverse side-effect that I have experienced is the inability to achieve orgasm. This is horrible. My desire and libido is still the same, I just can't climax and I hate it. My doctor has recommended Viagra (yes, even for a woman) to be taken before intercourse. This didn't work. He also recommended taking a low dose of Wellbutrin in conjunction with Celexa. This didn't work either. I really don't like the idea of switching medications as Celexa is working just fine other than the fact that it's really a bummer for my sex-life! Has anyone else had this problem? Any advice?
> > Sincerely,
> > Laura
>
> hi Laura,
> i too have this problem w/ taking celexa. i have no sex drive what so ever now, wonderful to be feeling outta the 'bottomless pit' we call depression, but now my sex life, if one can call it that, is now totally gone.
> help, advice or just someone that is going thru the same thing ??? would be wonderful to hear from.
> T~
Laura and T, I've had the same problem with Prozac, Luvox, and Zoloft...my pdoc changed me to Serzone and later Effexor-XR which have fewer sexual side effects, for me. Talk to your pdoc and see if you can change to a different medication. --Cindy W
Posted by D on September 3, 2000, at 0:24:10
In reply to Re: celexa , posted by emily on August 27, 2000, at 17:35:45
Many drugs are never to be mixed with alcohol because of effects that can occur from mixing the two. Alcohol can increase the effects of many drugs. Alcohol is a depressant drug. When mixed with antidepressants harmful things could occur. It's my understanding that alcohol should never be used while a person is taking antidepressants. I've seen friends of mine, who thought they were "only drinking a small amount" while on antidepressants, end up in the emergency room because they wouldn't wake up. Also, since alcohol is a depressant, it will only increase the depressive mental state someone is already in-----may not seem like it at first, but it makes sense. I think that's why you're not supposed to mix the two.
Posted by Hilary on September 29, 2000, at 14:25:17
In reply to Re: celexa , posted by D on September 3, 2000, at 0:24:10
>I have just started taking celexa and am finding it amazingly helpful for depression. The only thing is a strange sensation I have of constant hunger. I am worried because I don't want to gain weight and, too, I don't want to have to give up this drug, now that I finally found one that works. Anyone else experience this side effect?
Posted by Allison Clements on October 2, 2000, at 8:57:21
In reply to Re: Celexa and sexual side effects » Laura Denson, posted by T~ on August 28, 2000, at 8:48:16
> > I am 23 and have been taking 20 mg. of Celexa for 1 yr and 8 mos. This is my first battle with depression and Celexa has really helped. I noticed results in one week. I did try to go off after 1 yr but experienced a relapse after 2 weeks so I started up again.
> > I have actually lost weight with Celexa and am no longer obsessed with dieting. I don't know if it's the drug or the fact that I'm not depressed that helped me shed the pounds.
> > The only adverse side-effect that I have experienced is the inability to achieve orgasm. This is horrible. My desire and libido is still the same, I just can't climax and I hate it. My doctor has recommended Viagra (yes, even for a woman) to be taken before intercourse. This didn't work. He also recommended taking a low dose of Wellbutrin in conjunction with Celexa. This didn't work either. I really don't like the idea of switching medications as Celexa is working just fine other than the fact that it's really a bummer for my sex-life! Has anyone else had this problem? Any advice?
> > Sincerely,
> > Laura
>
> hi Laura,
> i too have this problem w/ taking celexa. i have no sex drive what so ever now, wonderful to be feeling outta the 'bottomless pit' we call depression, but now my sex life, if one can call it that, is now totally gone.
> help, advice or just someone that is going thru the same thing ??? would be wonderful to hear from.
> T~Hello Laura and T,
I too have just started using Celexa. I've been on it for about three weeks and have been amazed by it positive affects on my mood swings and feelings of anxiety. However, I do know that a common side affect of antidrepressants is a lack in sex drive; I have already experienced this in the short time I have been on this medication. Do either of you, or anyone else, know whether or not this a side effect that will diminish once I have been on this medication for any given amount of time. I would hate to give up the peacefullness I have finally acheived. Any feedback would be greatly appreicated - Allie
Posted by Aubrey on October 2, 2000, at 19:32:08
In reply to Re: celexa and hunger pangs, posted by Hilary on September 29, 2000, at 14:25:17
> >I have just started taking celexa and am finding it amazingly helpful for depression. The only thing is a strange sensation I have of constant hunger. I am worried because I don't want to gain weight and, too, I don't want to have to give up this drug, now that I finally found one that works. Anyone else experience this side effect?
I did experience the same side effect but it did lessen with time for me. The first two months were the worst. I still experience it sometimes but I feel that it takes the same amount of discipline as it did when I was not on Celexa to not gain weight.
Posted by daree on February 28, 2001, at 10:32:12
In reply to Celexa and sexual side effects, posted by Laura Denson on August 28, 2000, at 1:20:46
> I am 23 and have been taking 20 mg. of Celexa for 1 yr and 8 mos. This is my first battle with depression and Celexa has really helped. I noticed results in one week. I did try to go off after 1 yr but experienced a relapse after 2 weeks so I started up again.
> I have actually lost weight with Celexa and am no longer obsessed with dieting. I don't know if it's the drug or the fact that I'm not depressed that helped me shed the pounds.
> The only adverse side-effect that I have experienced is the inability to achieve orgasm. This is horrible. My desire and libido is still the same, I just can't climax and I hate it. My doctor has recommended Viagra (yes, even for a woman) to be taken before intercourse. This didn't work. He also recommended taking a low dose of Wellbutrin in conjunction with Celexa. This didn't work either. I really don't like the idea of switching medications as Celexa is working just fine other than the fact that it's really a bummer for my sex-life! Has anyone else had this problem? Any advice?
> Sincerely,
> LauraI am 33 and have also been taking 20 mg. of celexa only for a week. I am also unable to achieve orgasm I am also very frustrated with this side effect.
Has your doctor recommended viagra? If so have you tried it and has it worked?
Posted by roo on February 28, 2001, at 12:20:10
In reply to Re: Celexa and sexual side effects, posted by daree on February 28, 2001, at 10:32:12
Have you tried taking drug holidays yet? I had
success with this on celexa. Also my sexual side
effects decreased a bunch when I decreased my dose
to 10 mg's. It's a very low dose, but it worked
for me.
Posted by Sanzio on March 1, 2001, at 2:54:03
In reply to Re: Celexa and sexual side effects, posted by daree on February 28, 2001, at 10:32:12
> > I am 23 and have been taking 20 mg. of Celexa for 1 yr and 8 mos. This is my first battle with depression and Celexa has really helped. I noticed results in one week. I did try to go off after 1 yr but experienced a relapse after 2 weeks so I started up again.
> > I have actually lost weight with Celexa and am no longer obsessed with dieting. I don't know if it's the drug or the fact that I'm not depressed that helped me shed the pounds.
> > The only adverse side-effect that I have experienced is the inability to achieve orgasm. This is horrible. My desire and libido is still the same, I just can't climax and I hate it. My doctor has recommended Viagra (yes, even for a woman) to be taken before intercourse. This didn't work. He also recommended taking a low dose of Wellbutrin in conjunction with Celexa. This didn't work either. I really don't like the idea of switching medications as Celexa is working just fine other than the fact that it's really a bummer for my sex-life! Has anyone else had this problem? Any advice?
> > Sincerely,
> > Laura
>
> I am 33 and have also been taking 20 mg. of celexa only for a week. I am also unable to achieve orgasm I am also very frustrated with this side effect.
> Has your doctor recommended viagra? If so have you tried it and has it worked?
>
I am involved with a man on celexa who can never have an orgasism. Wellbutrin did not help. As a person going to bed with a person who cannot complete the full circle of the sex act i find frustrating from the other side of the coin. Indirectly these drugs are effecting my life. I wonder if pray and meditation and more acknowledgement of feelings will reduce depression in a healtier way than covering with a chemical. I must face life on its terms not cover the terms with chemical. I feel if feelings are addressed rather covered depression can be dealt with. Maybe saying we are depressed is cunning way to get a fix.
Posted by Bill L on March 1, 2001, at 7:48:17
In reply to Re: Celexa and sexual side effects, posted by daree on February 28, 2001, at 10:32:12
For men, Viagra should work very well. For woman- some ideas are:
1) After a few months of taking Celexa, the side effect may ease up (it did for me)
2) drug holiday (don't take the Celexa one or 2 days before having sex). Since Celexa has a short half life, the drug holiday might work. Or try half the dosage 2 days before and skip 1 day before.
3) Reduce dosage. Celexa works well for a number of people at only 10 mg per day. Sometimes people start drugs like Celexa at too high a dose thinking they need a high dose when really it's just that it can take a month or 2 for the drug to reach it's full effect.
4) try Yohimbine (monitor blood pressure since it can raise it)
5) try Ginko - may take a few weeks to have an effect
6) try Benedryl (at night since it will make you drowsy)
7) add Wellbutrin, Remeron, or Serzone to the Celexa. If Remeron is added, the dosage of Celexa could possibly be reduced. Remeron does not have a negative impact on sex.If the Celexa is working, I would advise that you keep taking it. As bad as the sexual side effects are, depression is worse.
> > I am 23 and have been taking 20 mg. of Celexa for 1 yr and 8 mos. This is my first battle with depression and Celexa has really helped. I noticed results in one week. I did try to go off after 1 yr but experienced a relapse after 2 weeks so I started up again.
> > I have actually lost weight with Celexa and am no longer obsessed with dieting. I don't know if it's the drug or the fact that I'm not depressed that helped me shed the pounds.
> > The only adverse side-effect that I have experienced is the inability to achieve orgasm. This is horrible. My desire and libido is still the same, I just can't climax and I hate it. My doctor has recommended Viagra (yes, even for a woman) to be taken before intercourse. This didn't work. He also recommended taking a low dose of Wellbutrin in conjunction with Celexa. This didn't work either. I really don't like the idea of switching medications as Celexa is working just fine other than the fact that it's really a bummer for my sex-life! Has anyone else had this problem? Any advice?
> > Sincerely,
> > Laura
>
> I am 33 and have also been taking 20 mg. of celexa only for a week. I am also unable to achieve orgasm I am also very frustrated with this side effect.
> Has your doctor recommended viagra? If so have you tried it and has it worked?
>
Posted by Bill L on March 1, 2001, at 7:54:09
In reply to Re: Celexa and sexual side effects, posted by daree on February 28, 2001, at 10:32:12
I forgot to mention a small amount if Ritalin 30 minutes before sex as a possibility to counteract sexual side effects. See Loraine's post below.
Posted by D on March 10, 2001, at 0:46:56
In reply to Re: Celexa and sexual side effects, posted by Sanzio on March 1, 2001, at 2:54:03
It doesn't sound like you have experienced the deep, long-lasting depression that many people have. I definitely believe in prayer, and believe that it works wonders. Many times the hormone serotonin is low in people with depression and many antidepressants help to get this hormone level up. I empathize with your problem with your boyfriend. Maybe he won't have to be on the antidepressant for good. If he would ever be able to lower his dose that may help too. I hope that he can get the problem worked out. But in the meantime, I would try to read some books on depression---maybe some on loving someone with a depressive illness.
> >
> I am involved with a man on celexa who can never have an orgasism. Wellbutrin did not help. As a person going to bed with a person who cannot complete the full circle of the sex act i find frustrating from the other side of the coin. Indirectly these drugs are effecting my life. I wonder if pray and meditation and more acknowledgement of feelings will reduce depression in a healtier way than covering with a chemical. I must face life on its terms not cover the terms with chemical. I feel if feelings are addressed rather covered depression can be dealt with. Maybe saying we are depressed is cunning way to get a fix.
Posted by glaive on May 1, 2001, at 6:50:22
In reply to Re: Celexa and sexual side effects, posted by D on March 10, 2001, at 0:46:56
> It doesn't sound like you have experienced the deep, long-lasting depression that many people have. I definitely believe in prayer, and believe that it works wonders. Many times the hormone serotonin is low in people with depression and many antidepressants help to get this hormone level up. I empathize with your problem with your boyfriend. Maybe he won't have to be on the antidepressant for good. If he would ever be able to lower his dose that may help too. I hope that he can get the problem worked out. But in the meantime, I would try to read some books on depression---maybe some on loving someone with a depressive illness.
>
>
> > >
> > I am involved with a man on celexa who can never have an orgasism. Wellbutrin did not help. As a person going to bed with a person who cannot complete the full circle of the sex act i find frustrating from the other side of the coin. Indirectly these drugs are effecting my life. I wonder if pray and meditation and more acknowledgement of feelings will reduce depression in a healtier way than covering with a chemical. I must face life on its terms not cover the terms with chemical. I feel if feelings are addressed rather covered depression can be dealt with. Maybe saying we are depressed is cunning way to get a fix.
> >
> >
I am a 36 year old male and I have been taking Celexa for over 1 year and I have the completely opposite sexual side effect which is an increased libido. My libido was high before taking the drug and now it is even higher. Of course my wife's libido decreased after having our daughter and has gotten worse with my onset of depression. I am very frustrated because I don't know what to do.
Posted by missliz on May 1, 2001, at 15:13:59
In reply to Re: Celexa and sexual side effects, posted by Allison Clements on October 2, 2000, at 8:57:21
> > > I am 23 and have been taking 20 mg. of Celexa for 1 yr and 8 mos. This is my first battle with depression and Celexa has really helped. I noticed results in one week. I did try to go off after 1 yr but experienced a relapse after 2 weeks so I started up again.
> > > I have actually lost weight with Celexa and am no longer obsessed with dieting. I don't know if it's the drug or the fact that I'm not depressed that helped me shed the pounds.
> > > The only adverse side-effect that I have experienced is the inability to achieve orgasm. This is horrible. My desire and libido is still the same, I just can't climax and I hate it. My doctor has recommended Viagra (yes, even for a woman) to be taken before intercourse. This didn't work. He also recommended taking a low dose of Wellbutrin in conjunction with Celexa. This didn't work either. I really don't like the idea of switching medications as Celexa is working just fine other than the fact that it's really a bummer for my sex-life! Has anyone else had this problem? Any advice?
> > > Sincerely,
> > > Laura
> >
> > hi Laura,
> > i too have this problem w/ taking celexa. i have no sex drive what so ever now, wonderful to be feeling outta the 'bottomless pit' we call depression, but now my sex life, if one can call it that, is now totally gone.
> > help, advice or just someone that is going thru the same thing ??? would be wonderful to hear from.
> > T~
>
> Hello Laura and T,
> I too have just started using Celexa. I've been on it for about three weeks and have been amazed by it positive affects on my mood swings and feelings of anxiety. However, I do know that a common side affect of antidrepressants is a lack in sex drive; I have already experienced this in the short time I have been on this medication. Do either of you, or anyone else, know whether or not this a side effect that will diminish once I have been on this medication for any given amount of time. I would hate to give up the peacefullness I have finally acheived. Any feedback would be greatly appreicated - Allie
I took Celexa for 14 months and hate it hate it. I haven't been in the least bit interested in sex for that whole time, don't even want to play with myself, which is not me. I've also experienced a "rubber room" effect; Don't think well, can't come up with words. I'm an artist, a painter by proffession and the drug affected my visual ability in some subtle but upsetting ways. I'm in the proccess of getting off it and I feel like my self again, but this proves that different people need different drugs. I'd call Celexa disastrous for me but some people just love it. Don't be afraid to want a change of meds; no orgasms is a very poor quality of life.
Posted by A67auto on May 2, 2001, at 13:17:30
In reply to Re: Celexa and sexual side effects, posted by glaive on May 1, 2001, at 6:50:22
I am a 24 year old man on Celexa. I have been on it for around 10 months. The sexual side effects are cool for me. I look at the bright side. I can work it night long and not worry about finishing too early. If I concentrate on orgasm I can get one, but I like being able to go forever and so do the ladies.
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