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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 12 to 36 of 36. Go back in thread:
Posted by maybelle on April 12, 1999, at 1:16:38
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Cindy on April 11, 1999, at 20:23:34
It is SUCH a relief to find this forum. I am about to switch from Zoloft to Celexa and all these personal accounts make me feel more secure about what I could expect.
Incidentally, I have had dry mouth with every antidepressant I've tried. I found it helpful to tell my dentist about my dry mouth problems because he recommended some products. I knew dry mouth was annoying, but I'd never realized what it could mean for oral health.
Posted by Nancy on April 12, 1999, at 16:00:56
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Cindy on April 11, 1999, at 20:23:34
> > I want to add my endorsement both of celexa and of citrucel which has allowed me to control the constipation (actually I hadn't made the association to the med until you mentioned it)
> > I've been on celexa for about 6 weeks and have felt some lifting of the depression. It is always a subtle process where it suddenly occurs to you that things are not feeling so bad.
> > I'm afraid to get my hopes up as a number of times I've had the experience of responding to a medication and having the response go away after a few months. I'd like to hear from someone on celexa who has been on it for awhile.
> >
> > > cindy,
> > > I drink lots and lots of water or I get constipated myself. One silly thing I did was once I started to feel better, I started exercising more and lost some weight and I squeezed into some pants I had grown out of and caused myself to be constipapted. TPS(tight pants syndrome). I'm sure that this isn't your problem but don't give up hope, you will find something that works.
>
> Thanks guys. I am sure I still have some citrucel on the shelf from my Pamelor days (the great constipator for me). I love coming here and discussing my constipation. lol I will continue to drink my jugs of Poland, walk, eat right, down citrucel and hope for the best. Wish me luck and thanks again.LOL...LOL...LOL
Thanks for the humor! Nancy
Posted by Rebecca on April 12, 1999, at 16:04:06
In reply to celexa, posted by maybelle on April 12, 1999, at 1:16:38
My psychiatrist is talking about switching me from Prozac to Celexa. I have finally lost my excess weight and absolutely do not want to gain weight back. Does Celexa cause weight gain or increase appetite?
Posted by Andrea on April 16, 1999, at 15:09:32
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Ruth on April 11, 1999, at 16:44:21
Hi everyone
I have read all your posts with interest. What
suprises me is that it seems some are getting
tired from celexa others are having insomnia..
very interesting.I have a weird side effect after about 6 weeks
at 40mg (this after 10 yrs on prozac 20-60mg):
not physical tiredness so much but mental
lethargy and apathy. I just cannot bring myself
to move out of the chair sometimes. I fall asleep
out of boredom. Things that made me happy, even
during my depressive states before, now don't
affect me in the least. I feel like I've had
an emotional lobotomy. Sex drive is also nil, but
no changes in appetite aside from the fact
that I am having trouble dieting since I just don't
even CARE enough to do it.Oddly i even miss the actual "feeling" of sadness
at least it was a real, tactile experience for my
mind. I have to really talk with my dr. this week,
i don't think she realizes how bad this is.Please write if you have had similar experience
and or suggestions.Take good care!
Andrea
Posted by James on April 17, 1999, at 0:16:40
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Andrea on April 16, 1999, at 15:09:32
I have also experience apathy and sleepiness
at times, as well as difficulty w/sleep.
On Celexa about 8 wks, 20mg, then 30, recently
40 some days. I have also been taking Trazadone
before bed to help w/ sleep and sex. Lots of ambivalence about staying with it vs. quitting
and relying on natural alternatives.
I am an alternative health care provider (acupuncturist) and had alot of resistance to resorting to meds, but was so depressed in late Dec. and Jan. that I felt I had to try them to
avoid the collapse of my life.Today I had a much better, pretty good in fact, day, after several days of 40mg. took only 20mg
along with Andrew Weil's DLPA+Vits.B6, C for the
last 2 days. I have also been taking a supplement
to lower homocysteine, which reacts in the body
to produce/release SAMe.
The arrival of spring, increase in sunshine has
also helped alot! I'm looking forward to being
med-free, but am grateful for their help in lifting me out of the pit.
> Hi everyone
> I have read all your posts with interest. What
> suprises me is that it seems some are getting
> tired from celexa others are having insomnia..
> very interesting.
>
> I have a weird side effect after about 6 weeks
> at 40mg (this after 10 yrs on prozac 20-60mg):
> not physical tiredness so much but mental
> lethargy and apathy. I just cannot bring myself
> to move out of the chair sometimes. I fall asleep
> out of boredom. Things that made me happy, even
> during my depressive states before, now don't
> affect me in the least. I feel like I've had
> an emotional lobotomy. Sex drive is also nil, but
> no changes in appetite aside from the fact
> that I am having trouble dieting since I just don't
> even CARE enough to do it.
>
> Oddly i even miss the actual "feeling" of sadness
> at least it was a real, tactile experience for my
> mind. I have to really talk with my dr. this week,
> i don't think she realizes how bad this is.
>
> Please write if you have had similar experience
> and or suggestions.
>
> Take good care!
>
> Andrea
Posted by Peter on April 17, 1999, at 0:23:47
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by James on April 17, 1999, at 0:16:40
James,
I have been taking SAMe along with Celexa and I think it is helping (I'm not totally sure). You mention taking a supplement to increase SAMe; what is it and how does it do it? Is it cheaper than SAMe? Where can I get more info? Thanks for any help you can give!
Peter
Posted by James on April 18, 1999, at 20:40:25
In reply to Re: celexa/SAMe James, posted by Peter on April 17, 1999, at 0:23:47
There is a another thread about SAMe on this
page with a pointer to a site:http://www.energywave.com/nightmar.htm
I've been using a product called "Homocysteine
Factors" sold by Pure Encapsulations.(from the label):
Two capsules contain:pyridoxal 5' phosphate (activated B6) 75mg.
folic acid 800mcg.
hydroxocobalamin (acitivated B12) 400mcg.
trimethylglycine (TMG) 1000mcg.I have no idea what dose of SAMe this is equivalent to, but it's MUCH less expensive and
has other benefits as well.
You can probably find an equivalent product in a
health food store. Pure Encapsulations only sell
to health care practitioners.
You can email me if you want more info or if you
want me to get it for you.Jim
Posted by Andrea on April 18, 1999, at 22:42:35
In reply to Re: celexa/SAMe James, posted by James on April 18, 1999, at 20:25:17
Hi Peter, James ..
Can you guys tell me what SAMe is? It is probably
painfully obvious and i'm missing it.
Is this something I should
be trying? I started Gingko yesterday and will
give it a few weeks to see if there is any improvement
with the sleepiness -I absolutely believe that herbal remedies can
balance, boost, and complement regular meds but of
course it's so different for everyone!Andrea
Posted by Peter on April 18, 1999, at 23:36:36
In reply to Re: celexa/SAMe James, posted by Andrea on April 18, 1999, at 22:42:35
> Hi Peter, James ..
>
> Can you guys tell me what SAMe is? It is probably
> painfully obvious and i'm missing it.
> Is this something I should
> be trying? I started Gingko yesterday and will
> give it a few weeks to see if there is any improvement
> with the sleepiness -
>
> I absolutely believe that herbal remedies can
> balance, boost, and complement regular meds but of
> course it's so different for everyone!
>
> Andrea
Andrea, I can tell you a little about SAMe- I don't know a huge amount. SAMe stands for S-adenosyl methionine. It is a naturally occuring substance. According to a Newsweek article (3-22-99), it has been used for decades in Europe to treat arthritis and depression. When combined with B vitamins it donates a methyl group and boosts the production of dopamine and serotonin. It apparently can work very quickly (within a couple of days) to relieve depression. There tend to be few or no side effects. SAMe just recently became available in drug and natural food stores. I'm still trying to find the cheapest place to get it. Hope this helps. Anyone with more info?
Peter
Posted by Jim on April 19, 1999, at 11:27:32
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Ruth on April 11, 1999, at 16:44:21
I'm a 49 year old male. Went into full depression in January, 1999. Began Cognitivie Therapy which I feel did little good in relation to cost in February.
Began taking Celexa on March 4th at 20mg daily. At first had unpleasant side effects, waking up confused, dry mouth, very sleepy. Scaled back to 10mg daily which did no good the gradually increased to 40 mg daily
before bed. Improvement was slow but, finally last week it really began to work and I cut back to 30mg daily. Only problem now is uncomfortable sleep but I do get rested and am not tired the next day!
Ever since starting to take the stuff, I would check this site to learn of others experience.
My advise would be to stick with it. Don't let anybody tell you it is going to begin working in one week! That is what my doctor told me and I almost gave up waiting!
I think it is really great stuff!
Posted by Steve on April 21, 1999, at 7:36:31
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Ruth on April 11, 1999, at 16:44:21
I've just begun taking Celexa a week ago. Side effects include slight headache, upset stomach, and groginess. This is my first exoerience with this type of medication. My Dr. prescribed it for a variety of symptoms: moderate depression, anxiety, iritability, difficulty concentrating, anger management. So far so good. It's too early to determine if it's effective.
Posted by Jerry on April 21, 1999, at 16:19:07
In reply to Celexa, posted by Steve on April 21, 1999, at 7:36:31
> I've just begun taking Celexa a week ago. Side effects include slight headache, upset stomach, and groginess. This is my first exoerience with this type of medication. My Dr. prescribed it for a variety of symptoms: moderate depression, anxiety, iritability, difficulty concentrating, anger management. So far so good. It's too early to determine if it's effective.
I have been taking celexa for about 3 months for depression and have encountered several side effects mentioned by others here: lethargy, lack of focus, forgetfulness, tiredness, reduced libido and orgasm delay. I am taking 40 mg/day but considering dropping down to 20 mg to try to reduce some of the side effects. Celexa has been very helpful with the depression but the side effects are becoming a problem. Any input? In addition, I am taking neurontin and doxopin for pain control and they add to the sedation and memory problems.
Posted by Raelyn on April 21, 1999, at 19:51:36
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Andrea on April 16, 1999, at 15:09:32
I have been on Celexa for the last 6 months, and it has been a blessing. Started with 20mg and the side effects were scarey. Then was increased to 40mg. That was the pits, fell asleep during work and just couldn't concentrate during everyday activities. So I went back down to 20mg, I don't drop to the old lows I used to have, and I feel some of the down stuff, but I am able to make it through the day with a little more umpf! Just be very careful when you change doses on any medicine, I had a little trouble driving my car for a week after changing my dosage.
Don't give up....... you just have to
> Hi everyone
> I have read all your posts with interest. What
> suprises me is that it seems some are getting
> tired from celexa others are having insomnia..
> very interesting.
>
> I have a weird side effect after about 6 weeks
> at 40mg (this after 10 yrs on prozac 20-60mg):
> not physical tiredness so much but mental
> lethargy and apathy. I just cannot bring myself
> to move out of the chair sometimes. I fall asleep
> out of boredom. Things that made me happy, even
> during my depressive states before, now don't
> affect me in the least. I feel like I've had
> an emotional lobotomy. Sex drive is also nil, but
> no changes in appetite aside from the fact
> that I am having trouble dieting since I just don't
> even CARE enough to do it.
>
> Oddly i even miss the actual "feeling" of sadness
> at least it was a real, tactile experience for my
> mind. I have to really talk with my dr. this week,
> i don't think she realizes how bad this is.
>
> Please write if you have had similar experience
> and or suggestions.
>
> Take good care!
>
> Andrea
Posted by Lindsey on April 23, 1999, at 11:20:41
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Ms. D. on April 23, 1999, at 6:01:11
> > > I started on a small dose, only 5 mgs. The first week I felt very surreal, sort of not caring about things and feeling disconnected from job, friends, family. However after the first week I have really started feeling like myself again--the reason I started taking it is that for some reason my Desipramine levels had dropped really low, below a therapeutic dose even though I was taking 250mgs. So the celexa seems to have kicked in and done its job quite well--I feel good, have energy, and can get motivated. Stick out the Celexa and try to start on a low dose and then gradually increase so that any discomfort at the beginning is minimal. Good luck!
> > >
> > > > Hi I am scared to take this med. I have been off 100mg of zoloft for 3 weeks just felf like it leveled out
> > > > I dont want to be sleepy all day I go to shool and heve two kids some help need advice
> > > >
> > > > Theresa
> >
> > Hey,
> > I started taking Celexa a month ago, and as soon as I started taking it, I could feel it. The reason my doctor prescribed it was because I was on Paxil; 30mg a day; I had been on it for five years, and it just wasn't working anymore. I tried Prozac, and that made me want to kill people. My advice is to stay on Celexa. My only side-effects
> > are headache, and insomnia. Being someone that is extremely not motivated, this med really works. Another piece of advice would be to take it in the morning.
> > Sarah.I have experienced sexual side effects on all SSRIs as well as on a Wellbutrin+Prozac combination. I've heard that Celexa has a lower incidence of sexual dysfunction (anorgasmia) than the other SSRIs, and I am wondering if anyone has found this to be the case. I'm also wondering if there are any women out there who have tried adding Viagra prn to their SSRIs for relief of this same side effect.
--Lindsey
Posted by Sheryl on April 23, 1999, at 14:17:08
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Lindsey on April 23, 1999, at 11:20:41
> > > > I started on a small dose, only 5 mgs. The first week I felt very surreal, sort of not caring about things and feeling disconnected from job, friends, family. However after the first week I have really started feeling like myself again--the reason I started taking it is that for some reason my Desipramine levels had dropped really low, below a therapeutic dose even though I was taking 250mgs. So the celexa seems to have kicked in and done its job quite well--I feel good, have energy, and can get motivated. Stick out the Celexa and try to start on a low dose and then gradually increase so that any discomfort at the beginning is minimal. Good luck!
> > > >
> > > > > Hi I am scared to take this med. I have been off 100mg of zoloft for 3 weeks just felf like it leveled out
> > > > > I dont want to be sleepy all day I go to shool and heve two kids some help need advice
> > > > >
> > > > > Theresa
> > >
> > > Hey,
> > > I started taking Celexa a month ago, and as soon as I started taking it, I could feel it. The reason my doctor prescribed it was because I was on Paxil; 30mg a day; I had been on it for five years, and it just wasn't working anymore. I tried Prozac, and that made me want to kill people. My advice is to stay on Celexa. My only side-effects
> > > are headache, and insomnia. Being someone that is extremely not motivated, this med really works. Another piece of advice would be to take it in the morning.
> > > Sarah.
>
> I have experienced sexual side effects on all SSRIs as well as on a Wellbutrin+Prozac combination. I've heard that Celexa has a lower incidence of sexual dysfunction (anorgasmia) than the other SSRIs, and I am wondering if anyone has found this to be the case. I'm also wondering if there are any women out there who have tried adding Viagra prn to their SSRIs for relief of this same side effect.
> --LindseyHi:
My doctor just put me on Celexa 3 days ago. My only complaint besides a little grogginess and upset stomach is that I am a little shakey also. Has
anyone experienced this? Otherwise, I hope to stay on it and have it work.
Thanks, Sheryl
Posted by suzee5 on April 28, 1999, at 9:16:04
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by michelle on April 27, 1999, at 21:44:44
> >Hi - also been taking Celexa for about 3 months (20mg) and have found something that might help a little bit. I was also feeling so sleepy I could just put my head on my desk and sleep at a minute's notice. I switched to taking it before I go to bed and have found that I am sleeping more soundly. I had been taking it in the morning. It has not solved the overall fatigue and Wellbutrin has now been added to try to combat that, but the sleepiness (different from fatigue) does seem to be better. And I am in a better mood although I, too, don't care enough to try to be careful about diet. Nice to know I'm not alone. Hope we find solutions soon!
Posted by sheryl on April 28, 1999, at 14:13:17
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by suzee5 on April 28, 1999, at 9:16:04
> > >Hi - also been taking Celexa for about 3 months (20mg) and have found something that might help a little bit. I was also feeling so sleepy I could just put my head on my desk and sleep at a minute's notice. I switched to taking it before I go to bed and have found that I am sleeping more soundly. I had been taking it in the morning. It has not solved the overall fatigue and Wellbutrin has now been added to try to combat that, but the sleepiness (different from fatigue) does seem to be better. And I am in a better mood although I, too, don't care enough to try to be careful about diet. Nice to know I'm not alone. Hope we find solutions soon!
Hi, since I last wrote I had to go off of the Celexa because I had a very scarey side effect last Saturday. It was an anxiety attack, could not breathe, and felt like I was burning up inside from head to toe. I had to call the doctor at 12:30 am to make sure I was not dying, which it seemed like.
Anyway, my doctor took me off and put me back on Paxil at 10mg to start off with.
Since Celexa is such a new drug, maybe some side effects have not been documented yet.
Anyone else hear of such a thing?thanks,
Sheryl
Posted by laura on April 29, 1999, at 18:20:09
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by sheryl on April 28, 1999, at 14:13:17
Hi -- I've been on Celexa for two weeks -- at 20mg, and since I started I've had an upset stomach and loose bowel movements. Anyone else experience this?
Posted by Scott Bonner on April 29, 1999, at 20:16:51
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Cindy on April 9, 1999, at 0:32:20
> I was on Celexa 20 mgs for about 4 months and was doing great except for dry nose and mouth. Then my depression got worse and I went up to 30 mgs. Immediately I experienced severe constipation. After a very long week, I went back to 20 mgs. but the constipation is not gone. I am so miserable I am close to stopping the meds altogether (not wise for me). I am extremely sensitive to the medication side affects. This is the last of so many meds I have tried. I am at my wits end. Any advice would be most appreciated. I have tried making changes in an already good diet and exercise routine.
One word: Metamucil
Posted by jen on November 6, 1999, at 11:04:09
In reply to Celexa and upset stomach/loose bowels, posted by laura on April 29, 1999, at 18:20:09
> Hi -- I've been on Celexa for two weeks -- at 20mg, and since I started I've had an upset stomach and loose bowel movements. Anyone else experience this?
Okay, i've had the opposite problem. holy constipation! but generally it is making less depressed so that's good. what if you take it at a different time of day: with or apart from food?
ho[pe that helps! good luck!
Posted by jen on November 6, 1999, at 11:04:16
In reply to Celexa and upset stomach/loose bowels, posted by laura on April 29, 1999, at 18:20:09
> Hi -- I've been on Celexa for two weeks -- at 20mg, and since I started I've had an upset stomach and loose bowel movements. Anyone else experience this?
Okay, i've had the opposite problem. holy constipation! but generally it is making less depressed so that's good. what if you take it at a different time of day: with or apart from food?
ho[pe that helps! good luck!
Posted by Adell on November 6, 1999, at 22:01:21
In reply to Re: Celexa and upset stomach/loose bowels, posted by jen on November 6, 1999, at 11:04:09
I've seen everybody's experiences thus far. Please, please, tell me this. Has anybody experienced ITCHING or HIVING? What about the dreaded, disgusting, never-ending,soaking SWEATS?
I am constantly looking to avoid these, and am searching for the "perfect AD." Is it really out there? Thanks. Adell
Posted by Barbara on December 22, 1999, at 14:52:45
In reply to Re: Celexa and upset stomach/loose bowels, posted by Adell on November 6, 1999, at 22:01:21
> I've seen everybody's experiences thus far. Please, please, tell me this. Has anybody experienced ITCHING or HIVING? What about the dreaded, disgusting, never-ending,soaking SWEATS?
> I am constantly looking to avoid these, and am searching for the "perfect AD." Is it really out there? Thanks. AdellI have not had a good hair day since I started Celexa 7 weeks ago - and I dont care which is one of the problems I am having with Celexa. I am tired, apathetic, unmotivated, forgetful, and constantly sweating - my scalp is always wet. So I guess we are going to cut the dosage for now - any suggestions - I also take wellbutrin and cytomel for depression and dexedrine for ADD. What a life!
Posted by Andrea on December 22, 1999, at 23:49:57
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by sheryl on April 28, 1999, at 14:13:17
Greetings & Happy Holidays!
Sheryl, I also switched to night dosing with good results. Less sleepiness. Still some grogginess, but less sleepiness. Also I can report that my headaches, which were SEVERE with prozac, have mostly gone away. The only symptoms i have now are actually less of symptoms and more of a lack of effect!! Does that make sense?
I'm on 50mg daily now, but the depression is creeping back. I'm also having blowups and anger more out of control the last few weeks. If prozac didn't have so many bad effects, I would switch back in a heartbeat.
Does anyone have ANY info on mixing SSRI'S? My doc is very conservative, but I would like something that maybe gives a kick in the pants to the Celexa. What about social anxiety...are any SSRI's better than others, or is this still a gray area?
Thank you again, as always. Take care,
Andrea> > > >Hi - also been taking Celexa for about 3 months (20mg) and have found something that might help a little bit. I was also feeling so sleepy I could just put my head on my desk and sleep at a minute's notice. I switched to taking it before I go to bed and have found that I am sleeping more soundly. I had been taking it in the morning. It has not solved the overall fatigue and Wellbutrin has now been added to try to combat that, but the sleepiness (different from fatigue) does seem to be better. And I am in a better mood although I, too, don't care enough to try to be careful about diet. Nice to know I'm not alone. Hope we find solutions soon!
>
> Hi, since I last wrote I had to go off of the Celexa because I had a very scarey side effect last Saturday. It was an anxiety attack, could not breathe, and felt like I was burning up inside from head to toe. I had to call the doctor at 12:30 am to make sure I was not dying, which it seemed like.
> Anyway, my doctor took me off and put me back on Paxil at 10mg to start off with.
> Since Celexa is such a new drug, maybe some side effects have not been documented yet.
> Anyone else hear of such a thing?
>
> thanks,
> Sheryl
Posted by lndsmith on March 3, 2003, at 11:29:21
In reply to celexa, posted by maybelle on April 12, 1999, at 1:16:38
I have been taking Celexa since Nov. 2001. I started out on a small dosage, 10mg and last year was upped to 20mg. I never wanted to tak any anti-depressants in the first place--never thought it was depression that I suffered from, but rather high-stress. I guess in the psycho-world, they are pretty much one and the same. In any case, it worked for me. My husband and children DEFINITELY noticed the difference within the first month. I was a lot nicer, less bitchy and not as loud. In retrospect, I guess I am.
It's just unfortunate that I have to be born with the deficiencies (seratonin) because it’s admitting that I need to take medication in order to be a ‘nicer’ person as opposed to the monster I truly am without the medication. I never used to be that way and I’m guessing age, marriage, parenting and working has created new stresses and its something I just couldn’t handle on my own (unmedicated), which is sad, I think. I may just still be in my denial stages.
Nonetheless, Celexa works…for now. I hate to think that I may possibly be dependent on it for years to come. Although medication for depression is commonplace nowadays, I wonder how people used to cope without it!
Now, 2 ½ years later, I’m still on 20 mg and it calms me. I don’t get easily irritated, I notice that I always find the good in people and situations and that it’s always ‘okay’ in the end. But…my biggest complaint now (in the last month) is that it has made me nauseous and sick to my stomach 20 minutes after I take the pill (in the morning). I’m wondering if it’s because my body’s rejecting it and maybe I need to lower my dosage. Need to check with my physician. If anyone has experienced these symptoms this far into it, please let me know how you remedied it.
Thanks for listening!
This is the end of the thread.
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