![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 38 to 62 of 72. Go back in thread:
Posted by Oola on December 5, 2000, at 19:35:44
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by Cam W. on January 29, 2000, at 23:56:30
I have taken Celexa for over a year now. I was set to graduate in Dec 1999 with by bachelors. I began taking Celexa in Oct 1999. I ended up taking three incomplete grades and was set to graduate whenever I completed these courses. I still have not begun to complete them. Since taking Celexa I have had much less anxiety and depression, but this has come at the cost of all of my motivation. I have attempted to discontinue Celexa several times, however, I have found that each time I do I become extremely agitated, my boyfriend says that I become completely airheaded and indifferent to everything. He says he does not recognize this part of me and feels that his fear of this part of me would be the undoing to our relationship if it were to end. I find that I am frightened of going off of it and yet I am also frightened of staying on it. I cannot live a life with no motivation, it is as though my lack of progression this past 14 months has become a digression. Help!
Posted by ducky on December 5, 2000, at 22:32:39
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by Cam W. on January 29, 2000, at 23:56:30
I'm 16 and I just started Celexa about 5 days ago. The first dose I took at night and a couple of hours later started to feel this strange sensation in my head, along with slight nausea. The next day at school, I found I wasn't as moody and a bit more cheerful and bubbly. At the same time I was asking myself if I was the same person because I felt different. Within the past few days it's been a little difficult to concentrate. I blank out and think about absolutely nothing. Today and yesterday I've been heavily yawning, but a few days ago I couldn't sleep (it might have just been my day). Along with the heavy yawning, I had random fits of crying. I also switched to taking it in the morning yesterday, so perhaps that explains it. It's very frustrating because the medication apparently doesn't have any real effects until about 2-3 weeks after you start taking it. I talked to a psych teacher who's familiar with antidepressants, and she says that the side effects are different for each person and that the reaction time is different as well. I did research on the side effects of Celexa, and they include dry mouth, nausea, tremor (another one i experienced while trying to write..), headache, sleepiness, and insomnia. Sleepiness and insomnia...make up your mind!! Actually, serotonin is important in sleep-waking cycles, so that might explain why it's different from case to case. If anyone has any more information on the side effects of Celexa, or what it does exactly, please let me know. Thanks!
Posted by ccass on December 6, 2000, at 11:43:38
In reply to side effects of celexa, posted by Oola on December 5, 2000, at 19:35:44
You know what...this is how I was feeling for the last 5 months (out of a year on celexa) and I went to my doctor to discuss it and even though I was a bit leary and scared to up my dose I did from 20mg to 40mg! The first 2 weeks at 40mg I was tired and really wasn't feeling better but then I woke up one morning and felt great it was very odd but I've been feeling alot better since!
I come to the conclusion that if these drugs can make me feel so much better I want to take them its better to feel good and happy then sad and scared, irrated and just not feeling well. So maybe you should consider taking a higher dose and stay with it there is nothing wrong with needing these drugs to help us along and maybe one day after you've accomplished some major hurdles and life seems a bit easier we can be taken off the drugs 2 or 3 or more years from now!
the best of luck to you and hang in there!
Posted by Bill L on December 7, 2000, at 7:16:45
In reply to side effects of celexa, posted by Oola on December 5, 2000, at 19:35:44
Oola - It sounds like you are in a difficult situation. Your anxiety and depression must have been pretty bad to motivate you to take the Celexa in the first place. So it sounds like you probably don't want to just quit the Celexa and go back to feeling the way you did before.
Maybe you could lower the dose of Celexa. Maybe that would give you some of your motivation back.
On the other hand, CCASS responded to your post and said that increasing the dose from 20 mg to 40 mg helped in his or her case.
So it's hard to figure out. Do you have a doctor that you feel comfortable with? That would be the best thing to sit down and talk to a good competent doctor about your options. Good luck!
> I have taken Celexa for over a year now. I was set to graduate in Dec 1999 with by bachelors. I began taking Celexa in Oct 1999. I ended up taking three incomplete grades and was set to graduate whenever I completed these courses. I still have not begun to complete them. Since taking Celexa I have had much less anxiety and depression, but this has come at the cost of all of my motivation. I have attempted to discontinue Celexa several times, however, I have found that each time I do I become extremely agitated, my boyfriend says that I become completely airheaded and indifferent to everything. He says he does not recognize this part of me and feels that his fear of this part of me would be the undoing to our relationship if it were to end. I find that I am frightened of going off of it and yet I am also frightened of staying on it. I cannot live a life with no motivation, it is as though my lack of progression this past 14 months has become a digression. Help!
Posted by lina on February 22, 2001, at 0:01:24
In reply to Re: Hormone Replacement Therapy, posted by Melissa on January 30, 2000, at 2:05:39
Dear doctor.
I have been on HRT for the past 5 years following an operation to remove both my ovaries. Since then I have put on weight by 2 Stone's and have hot sweats. I have had problems finding the write one for me. The dosage is the right one for me wich is 100 Estraderm Patches wich I am on at the moment I have tried to go lower my dosage by 50 even tried 75 but my joints start to ache badly. Could you please advise.lina
Posted by jczpt on December 10, 2001, at 10:27:26
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by Sally on May 4, 1999, at 18:55:54
> > I'm curious to know what side effects go along with the antidepressant drug, celexa. I recently went to the doctor in reference to a weight problem. I am 2 pounds below state regulations for phentermine. He explained to me that when I take care of my anxiety and depression, that my weight problem would take care of itself. I've searched the web for these side effects, but I only find dry mouth, nausea and sleepiness. I'm definitely sleepy and have nausea. I don't think I can work and take this drug.
>
> I would like to know if there is anyone out there that is taking Celexa has gained any weight. I am on Wellbutrin, and have been doing well, then the doctor put me on Celexa also to take care of my attention. I am 49 years old and I do not act or look like it. I love doing sports, and I have two jobs. I was just having trouble remembering everything, I am going thru the change also. Please anyone out there please let me know about the weight gain. Thank you. SallyHi, I'm 48 male and have been on celexa for about 1 1/2 years, just discovered this site. my side effects have been the lathargy and weight gain, plus tired during the day, I take my med in the morning (30mg)and might try at night.
Posted by deeanne on March 4, 2002, at 14:35:39
In reply to ::brain does flips::, posted by ducky on December 5, 2000, at 22:32:39
Your post about "brain does flip flops" caught my attention. This was a symptom I was having prior to taking Celexa. It has continued, though to a lesser degree while taking Celexa. I have been on Celexa for 27 days now.
I started Celexa (20 mg) as treatment for depression. When I went to my doctor, my symptoms were insomnia (less than 4 hrs a night for 2 years!), crying for no reason, lack of interest in hobbies, family activities, etc., lack of interest in my job, difficulty focusing, hopelessness and inability to lose weight. I am taking the Celexa at night and have never slept better in my life! I am a little groggy in the morning, but it wears off by about 8 am. I still exercise every day. I have started to enjoy my hobbies again, life feels good again -- finally. I'm not scared to go to bed at night...no more nightmares, panic attacks or staring at the ceiling. I do get the occasional "brain quake" -- that's the only way to describe it. It feels like a little electronic earthquake in my head, for about 2 seconds and is gone. It's frightening, but doesnt last long. The other side effect I've noticed is gastrointestinal. (gas & constipation). It has to be the celexa because that is the only thing I've changed. I can live with this, no problem. I'm just thankful for Celexa because I can sleep again, and I am starting to feel like my "old" self again. Happy to be alive!
Posted by Zo on March 6, 2002, at 0:00:11
In reply to Re: ::brain does flips::, posted by deeanne on March 4, 2002, at 14:35:39
Seems like I post this a lot, but people don't know, those flip-flops are mini---or not so mini--seizures. Nothing to be overly concerned about unless they bother you or happen regularly.
Best,
Zo
Posted by Automated Lady on March 6, 2002, at 6:45:09
In reply to Re: ::brain does flips:: » deeanne, posted by Zo on March 6, 2002, at 0:00:11
Actually, I AM concerned. I was taking efexor for two months and it was turning me into a zombie, so I stopped it. I have a stupid doctor who told me just to stop - no tail-off or anything. About 24 hours after I stopped my head started doing those weird "shock" things and two days later it was happening approximately every few minutes. It would get particularly bad if I was feeling anxious and would seem to settle down as I fell asleep.
It is now happening much less (five days later) but I'm actually really worried about the damage they might have done to my brain if they are mini-seizures. Why do they happen? I went to see the doctor about them yesterday because I was so worried. I'm at university and they don't let you have an emergency appointment without seeing a nurse first. I saw her and she said she thought it was just an anxiety thing and sent me away.
Posted by Zo on March 7, 2002, at 1:50:28
In reply to Re: ::brain does flips:: » Zo, posted by Automated Lady on March 6, 2002, at 6:45:09
ESPECIALLY if they just quit an AD cold turkey! I had a turkey of a doctor do that to me once--once is enough.
Really, I wouldn't worry if it's not an ongoing thing with you. . .and no, mini-seizures aren't particularly destructive. Think of them as the electricity going a little static-y from the sudden change.
And you think getting depression dxed correctly is tough. . .don't even THINK about neuroligists.
Zo
Posted by sue doe on March 7, 2002, at 7:10:42
In reply to Re: ::brain does flips:: » Zo, posted by Automated Lady on March 6, 2002, at 6:45:09
I'm at university and they don't let you have an emergency appointment without seeing a nurse first. I saw her and she said she thought it was just an anxiety thing and sent me away.
University Nurse! To make decisions on mental illnesses! That's INSANE!!
We better put all of our brains in padded baskets and hide them away!!
On the real side. There must be a connection between bi-polar syndrome and epilepsy. Afterall, they are both treated with the same drug (depakote, valproic acid.)
As for me, I'm tired of assuming any competance on the side of medical "professionals". Just let them reside in our brains for 20 minutes and see if they survive!!
It's tough going off my meds. But I guess it's no tougher than trusting a university nurse to recognize the significance of our brain storms.
I can see this (day five, drug free) is going to be a tough one. But I have learned to observe my behaviors better. I can see when I'm "swinging," (mood swings that is) And I think i'll just go with the flow. Please excuse me all you babblers and let me babble. I need to get through this journey! With psycho-babble I'm never alone!
Sue Doe (Nym)
Posted by sue doe on March 7, 2002, at 7:12:12
In reply to Flippant brain? Who needs nerves anyway? » Automated Lady, posted by sue doe on March 7, 2002, at 7:10:42
forgot to x the "notify of later follow-ups" button. Sorry.
Day 5.
Posted by NikkiT2 on March 7, 2002, at 9:20:31
In reply to Re: ::brain does flips:: » deeanne, posted by Zo on March 6, 2002, at 0:00:11
I asked my doc about this, and he said ti was rubbish.. its all just chemicals re-adjusting...
I didn;t cold turkey, and I still had these symptoms...
Posted by deeanne on March 7, 2002, at 15:08:40
In reply to Re: ::brain does flips:: » deeanne, posted by Zo on March 6, 2002, at 0:00:11
Seizures? Like a stroke, maybe? Hmm...I DO have migraines, matter of fact I had one yesterday. I want to think this is all related...i have had such severe migraine before that they called it "migraine stroke"...couldn't walk, left side of body wouldn't function, etc. I do have the aura with the migraines, temporary blindness, etc.
> Seems like I post this a lot, but people don't know, those flip-flops are mini---or not so mini--seizures. Nothing to be overly concerned about unless they bother you or happen regularly.
>
> Best,
> Zo
Posted by Zo on March 8, 2002, at 1:33:36
In reply to Re: ::brain does flips:: » Zo, posted by NikkiT2 on March 7, 2002, at 9:20:31
And did you like it when your doctor said that?
I don't.
Zo
Posted by NikkiT2 on March 8, 2002, at 8:30:08
In reply to Re: ::brain does flips:: » NikkiT2, posted by Zo on March 8, 2002, at 1:33:36
What do you mean did I like it?? I felt he wa stelling me the truth, he is always very open and honest with me.
Nikki
Posted by Automated Lady on March 10, 2002, at 17:27:55
In reply to Re: anybody can have seizures » Automated Lady, posted by Zo on March 7, 2002, at 1:50:28
Hi - just found this on the board.. thanks for your reassurance! The "shock" things have totally stopped now.. and it's making a good story to tell to all the people I know who've never gone through the experience of being a guinea pig for the drug companies. Now trying Celexa.. let's see what happens..
AL x
Posted by Jan on March 12, 2002, at 15:17:21
In reply to Re: ::brain does flips:: » Zo, posted by Automated Lady on March 6, 2002, at 6:45:09
I'm off Effexor for three days and on Prozac for two. I feel awful. Brain zaps, chest pain, nausea, cry cry cry, headache. Would somebody please reply to this and let me know there's an end to it?
Posted by E. Anne on March 13, 2002, at 10:29:10
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by David K. on January 14, 1999, at 5:03:24
Hi- I am a 44 year old female and I was just started on Celexa 10 days ago. I am now 7 days late for my period and I have taken 2 pregnancies tests- both negative. I understand that there may be menstrual changes but has anyone experienced any? It is very hard to find any info on this and I am frustrated. I have also gained 5 pounds just since I started the medication. I am on 20mg in the am. Thanks to anyone who has any thoughts on this.
Posted by Bill L on March 14, 2002, at 9:02:38
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by E. Anne on March 13, 2002, at 10:29:10
I don't think that menstrual changes are a common major side effect of Celexa or the other antidepressants. Maybe it can have an inital effect in some people but it probably would not be a long term problem. It's rare to see someone post about a menstrual problem with Celexa.
As for the weight gain, give it some more time. Celexa can cause a weight gain but in most people it does not. My guess is that this side effect should also subside after you take it longer.
Posted by Sue Doe on March 14, 2002, at 9:10:14
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by E. Anne on March 13, 2002, at 10:29:10
> I understand that there may be menstrual changes but has anyone experienced any?
I know, as a mother of nine who had a hysterectomy at age 40, that our cycles can, indeed be influenced by other bodily changes.
I wonder whether, since you have been on Celexa for such a short time, that the reason you went on Celexa may have also been influential on your female cycle.
Menopause sometimes begins, i understand, with irregular and unusual periods. I know, from the other side, that extreme stress caused one of my daughters to bleed quite profusely, this corrected itself when we removed her from the source of the stress.
I hope maybe this is worth the letters taken to write it!
sincerely, and good luck!
Sue Doe (Nym)
Posted by Ashyton on March 14, 2002, at 19:39:00
In reply to Re: menopause? or side effect? » E. Anne, posted by Sue Doe on March 14, 2002, at 9:10:14
> > I understand that there may be menstrual changes but has anyone experienced any?
>
> I know, as a mother of nine who had a hysterectomy at age 40, that our cycles can, indeed be influenced by other bodily changes.
> I wonder whether, since you have been on Celexa for such a short time, that the reason you went on Celexa may have also been influential on your female cycle.
> Menopause sometimes begins, i understand, with irregular and unusual periods. I know, from the other side, that extreme stress caused one of my daughters to bleed quite profusely, this corrected itself when we removed her from the source of the stress.
> I hope maybe this is worth the letters taken to write it!
> sincerely, and good luck!
> Sue Doe (Nym)Sue Doe I don't have any answers for you,but it had me wonder too, about my upcoming period with taking Paxil 10 mgs for one week then this week 20 mgs...will I be late??Heavy?Will I have it not at all??Will i have it shorter or longer...if anyone knows or remember what there first month or two on it that would be helpful..thanks....
Posted by Bekka H. on March 14, 2002, at 20:36:11
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by E. Anne on March 13, 2002, at 10:29:10
> Hi- I am a 44 year old female and I was just started on Celexa 10 days ago. I am now 7 days late for my period and I have taken 2 pregnancies tests- both negative. I understand that there may be menstrual changes but has anyone experienced any? It is very hard to find any info on this and I am frustrated. I have also gained 5 pounds just since I started the medication. I am on 20mg in the am. Thanks to anyone who has any thoughts on this.
************************************************Hi E. Anne,
Yes, Celexa has wreaked havoc with my menstrual cycle. My PMS is worse, although SSRIs are supposed to help PMS. The irritability and tension are lessened with Celexa, but the fatigue and depression are MUCH WORSE! Celexa also causes my PMS to last longer, my periods are later and several other problems. I'm sure it's the Celexa and not something else because I've stopped and started Celexa several times over the past couple of years, and each time I go off it, my cycle goes back to "normal" (a relative term!). When I go back on Celexa, the problems I described above resume. Woe is me!!! I think the interplay between hormones and neurotransmitters is a lot more complex than even the researchers understand.
Posted by Sue Doe Nym on March 14, 2002, at 20:40:54
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by Bekka H. on March 14, 2002, at 20:36:11
Posted by spiroll on March 16, 2002, at 20:08:02
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by Bill L on March 14, 2002, at 9:02:38
HA-I gained 30 pounds in two months ... my panic doc said we'd try to switch off of Paxil due to the weight gain (a total of 40 pounds!) so I went to Celexa and wham! Another 30. Celexa is well known for weight gain. My depression is still bad and my anxiety is still bad. Feeling kind of hopeless and running out of different meds to try that won't add weight (thus more depression). Thank God for Xanax.
> As for the weight gain, give it some more time. Celexa can cause a weight gain but in most people it does not. My guess is that this side effect should also subside after you take it longer.
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.