Posted by michellemintz on November 21, 2000, at 11:32:44
In reply to SCARED TO DEATH to take this med..HELP!!!!, posted by Kristie S. on November 10, 2000, at 12:58:40
Kristie:
I felt the same way before I started taking Celexa. I am 30 yrs. old and this is the first time I've dealt with depression serious enough that I've had to take any medication. I notice that when I first started taking Celexa, I had some pretty strong side effects including: yawning (which I thought was definitely strange), severe insomnia (which I take Ambien 5-10mg at night), anxiety (feeling like I was taking amphetamines), but then strangely enough I also felt mentally lethargic (like I didn't want to get out of the house and do the things I would normally do), and loss of sex drive and inorgasmia (which is extremely strange for me because I've always have a high sex drive and relatively little difficulty with orgasm). Also, some minor side effects such as dry mouth and thirst. Personally, I have not yet experienced weight gain. I've taken Celexa for almost 2 months and I've lost a couple of pounds. My treatment includes visits to a therapist who suggested I read a landmark book about antidepressants called "Listening to Prozac". This book has been on the bestsellers list for four years and covers the subject of taking antidepressants and your sense of "self". It talks about the ways that taking antidepressants can change your personality and how you really become aware of what you're true "self" is. It is quite a remarkable book and great for anyone who is taking medication to fight depression. I must say that my side effects have decreased over time. Believe me, there is hope. Some of the side effects are short term and will subside over time (my sex drive has increased, less anxious, better sleep habits, etc.). There are many books available on naturally off-setting the side effects of antidepressants with vitamins and exercise. I thought the antidepressant (Celexa) would be a "cure all" for my depression. I have found that I have to put forth a lot of time and effort to battle this illness. Staying knowledgeable about your medication, it's side effects, and how to combat them can help you to take Celexa very successfully. Good luck. Michelle
poster:michellemintz
thread:3323
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001115/msgs/49176.html