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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 44 to 68 of 206. Go back in thread:
Posted by Linda on March 22, 2000, at 21:41:19
In reply to Re: Celexa Side Effects, posted by Valley Girl on March 20, 2000, at 13:43:12
> > >I've been taking Celexa 20mg. for 2 months now. Initially, I felt really in control. I also had no appetite (which I loved, lost 8 lbs) had diarreha (sp?) and was SO sleepy. The first week I spent 4 days staring and sleeping. Then I felt really in control for the next 2 weeks or so. Now and for the past 5 weeks or so, I feel calmer and not as fretful as I was before. I don't worry now and I was a chronic worrier. I also have OCD and that is the main reason I saught help. It hasn't helped much with that. I do have decreased libido. I handle negative emotions more calmly. I don't know how I feel about the whole thing since it took a lot for me to ask for help and I'm not a drug taker by nature. I am always sleepy. I can sleep any time. I have very vivid dreams. Anyone else experience any of this?
>
> I haven't noticed anything different in the sex department. I do wake up with a headache and I am sweating alot. Also dry mouth, drinking lots of water. I have been on 20mgs for about 2 weeks, I do not feel any different except the headaches and sweating. I did try Paxil and Zoloft, nothing. I don't think I had any side effects with Paxil, Zoloft made me feel like a zombie!
> Maybe I am clenching my teeth at night because my ears and neck hurt, like a ringing in my ears. I have no desire to take medication. My therapist issued an ultimatum. Take something or I won't work with you anymore. The insurance also pushed me into it. It doesn't seem to be working. It has been three weeks.
> I started taking Celexa in December, and almost immediately noticed a drop in libido. It happened suprisingly quickly, and even on a minimal dose (10mg). I must say, though, that I wanted to get away from some side effects of other meds that I tried (namely Serzone, and Wellbutrin) that made me feel like I could not concentrate, or remember anything. That was terribly frustrating, and made matters even worse.
> > > The decreased libido is a fair exchange - right now - for being able to stay on an even level and to think clearly.
> > >
> > > > I've been taking Celexa now for 12 days and find when I wake in the morning I am very anxious. I take the celexa and it does go away after a few hours. I also experience lack of motivation, and sleepiness. I was on Serzone prior to this and found it worked great up to 2 months ago when I had an excess amount of stress and I guess it just stopped working. I probably should have asked my doctor about increasing the dosage of Serzone instead of him changing me to Celexa. Also, is sexual disfunction a common side effect with Celexa. I've read info that it is with men; how about women? Would love to hear your comments. Thanks.
> >
> > I have taken Celexa (20mg./day) for almost 6 months and LOVE it. I used to cry at the drop of a hat. (I was one of those that would probably cry at K-Mart openings.) But since being on Celexa, I have not cried at all at two funerals, but still experience sadness. I don't think it appears as apathetic. I was just under control. I was much better able to function than fall apart, which was a tremendous help to others who needed a supportive shoulder. I was helping others instead of them helping me for a change. No one knows I am taking Celexa, but I know they have noticed my emotions are on more of what looks to them, as a more stable and mature level. As far as libido, yes.. a big drop at first. Sexual function: there is little feeling in those IMPORTANT areas. :( A patient and loving partner is a must. It seems as though the nerves have been numbed.... It gets there, but takes longer. (oh.. I am a WOMAN) Nausea: eat something with it. It goes away.. You should be exercising anyway, in case you're wondering about the food thing. And it doesn't take that much food. In fact, I feel more like exercising now, and have lost 20 pounds. Before, I couldn't even make myself get out and exercise. Hang in there. The side affects DO decrease. I DO believe it helps with social phobia, also. In fact, I've begun liking people I thought impossible to get along with. In case you're wondering... NO. I do not work for the company who makes Celexa! :)
Posted by Marie on March 23, 2000, at 10:46:24
In reply to Re:withdrawl from celexa, posted by Joy on March 22, 2000, at 21:07:59
There are natural homeopathic remedies to try and that is where I am headed once this recent depression has lifted. I hear St. John's Wart acts the same way as the MAO inhibitors do, but less harshly. Kava kava helps to keep you calm but can cause drowsiness, just reduce dosage. I've also read that the artificial sweetners like aspartame, etc., play havoc with anyone with depression and anxiety. I'm 10 years now going, off and on, to the pdoc. I know many people who are using natural remedies for other illnesses, and have had good results. I think it's something to seriously look into. I know there are many naturopathic and homeopathic doctors around. Good luck. These past two days I'm a completely different person than I was the past two weeks on Celexa. I guess it just wasn't agreeing with me. Take care.
> Okay. Now I know my decision to get off these anti-depressant drugs is the right thing to do.
> I have read all of the posty's and THAT is depressing. I have been taking zoloft..and it helped
> for awhile.....then after 6 mo's. I was back where I started. I was back to my old anxiety and
> feeling as though my life were being lived under a dark cloud.
>
> I went back to my dr. and he is slowly taking me off zoloft and has prescribed 10mg. celexa.
> I have taken the celexa for 5 days..my neck hurts and I feel like I am unable to concentrate
> and feeling "drugged" (I guess I am).
>
> Well..I am quitting the celexa tonight and will continue to taper off the zoloft.
>
> I just don't like drugs.
>
> Any NATURAL ways of dealing with anxiety/depression?
Posted by Valley Girl on March 23, 2000, at 11:41:32
In reply to Re:withdrawl from celexa, posted by Marie on March 23, 2000, at 10:46:24
I have been fortunate enought to be dealing with a therapist and Holistic psychiatric practitioner. I tried EMD (Rapid Eye Movement therapy)I disassociate way too much for that. I tried St. Johns Wort, it worked for awhile, there are problems with it too. Now I am taking a Reiki course. I had a treatment. Wow! It really worked. I also went to a therapist that does energy core work, but as you all know, it is scarey to think you may get better. I may try it. Let's see if the Celexa with its nasty side affects helps to push me into helping myself. I really hate taking medications. But, as my doc has told me, you would take insulin if you were diabetic.
Valley Girl>
There are natural homeopathic remedies to try and that is where I am headed once this recent depression has lifted. I hear St. John's Wart acts the same way as the MAO inhibitors do, but less harshly. Kava kava helps to keep you calm but can cause drowsiness, just reduce dosage. I've also read that the artificial sweetners like aspartame, etc., play havoc with anyone with depression and anxiety. I'm 10 years now going, off and on, to the pdoc. I know many people who are using natural remedies for other illnesses, and have had good results. I think it's something to seriously look into. I know there are many naturopathic and homeopathic doctors around. Good luck. These past two days I'm a completely different person than I was the past two weeks on Celexa. I guess it just wasn't agreeing with me. Take care.
>
>
> > Okay. Now I know my decision to get off these anti-depressant drugs is the right thing to do.
> > I have read all of the posty's and THAT is depressing. I have been taking zoloft..and it helped
> > for awhile.....then after 6 mo's. I was back where I started. I was back to my old anxiety and
> > feeling as though my life were being lived under a dark cloud.
> >
> > I went back to my dr. and he is slowly taking me off zoloft and has prescribed 10mg. celexa.
> > I have taken the celexa for 5 days..my neck hurts and I feel like I am unable to concentrate
> > and feeling "drugged" (I guess I am).
> >
> > Well..I am quitting the celexa tonight and will continue to taper off the zoloft.
> >
> > I just don't like drugs.
> >
> > Any NATURAL ways of dealing with anxiety/depression?
Posted by Robyn on March 23, 2000, at 12:54:46
In reply to Re:withdrawl from celexa, posted by Valley Girl on March 23, 2000, at 11:41:32
I have been taking 40 mg. of Celexa in the morning for about 3 weeks, 20 mg. of Celexa a day the three weeks before that. I reduced my dosage by 10 mg. two days ago because of waking up with headaches and I seem to be having a slight bit of tremoring in my hands. Is this normal?
Posted by Cam W. on March 23, 2000, at 19:55:38
In reply to Re:withdrawl from celexa -- for Cam W., posted by Robyn on March 23, 2000, at 12:55:08
Robyn - Headaches and tremor are symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Maybe the Celexa at 40mg was overloading your system with serotonin. If the headaches and tremor are just recent (eg within the last week), suddenly getting them after 3 weeks at 40mg is a bit unusual as Celexa is unlikely to build up because of its fairly short half life. A drop by 10mg was probably warranted (tell your doctor). You should expect the headaches and tremor to dissipate within the next week. You are probably just sensitive to the effects of SSRIs (this is not a bad thing). Good luck and keep us posted on your progress - Cam W.
Posted by Joy on March 23, 2000, at 21:16:08
In reply to Celexa dosing - Robyn, posted by Cam W. on March 23, 2000, at 19:55:38
Thanks Cam.
I am thinking about therapy (doc. wants me to go).
But the drugs are o-u-t.In fact tomorrow I'll make an appt.
This is just too scary..side effects,withdrawl,...
I feel like a guinie pig.
I feel like my life isn't my own.
That the drug is in control..not me.
Posted by saint james on March 24, 2000, at 16:17:29
In reply to Re:withdrawl from celexa, posted by Joy on March 22, 2000, at 21:07:59
> I just don't like drugs.
>
> Any NATURAL ways of dealing with anxiety/depression?James here....
"Natural" meds are drugs too and there is no difference between a drug from natural source
and a synthetic source at the molecular level.james
Posted by Chris A. on March 24, 2000, at 22:38:27
In reply to Re:withdrawl from celexa, posted by saint james on March 24, 2000, at 16:17:29
I'm planning on keeping a copy of your statement handy for when well meaning people ask why I don't try a "natural remedy." I have been known to remind them that lithium is natural - not that it is effective for me.
This is the best I've ever seen this put.Chris A.
> James here....
>
> "Natural" meds are drugs too and there is no difference between a drug from natural source
> and a synthetic source at the molecular level.
Posted by Joy on March 25, 2000, at 2:56:32
In reply to Well put, James, posted by Chris A. on March 24, 2000, at 22:38:27
Aren't you two a pair?
The whole bunch of you on this site sound very
"happy? up? feeling good?" due to drugs.
HA! That's a joke! You sound like dependent druggies
that the pharmacutical industry just loves to
make money off!You can't possibly believe dr's.!
I had no intention of taking any synthetic drugs.
Good luck
Posted by Phil on March 25, 2000, at 7:09:06
In reply to James..Chris A., posted by Joy on March 25, 2000, at 2:56:32
You asked the question, James, as usual, gave the correct answer, and someone agreed with him.
So now everyone on this site is a dependent druggie taking their docs word at face value?Have you really read what many people here have gone through with mental illness? Do you understand that nobody here, given the choice, would choose to take drugs if it wasn't necessary?
Joy? I don't think so.
Posted by Phil on March 25, 2000, at 7:17:57
In reply to Re: James..Chris A., posted by Phil on March 25, 2000, at 7:09:06
I'm no fan of the pharm industry, either. But, many so called natural practitioners, and I go to some, can suck money out of your life like no pharm industry ever has.
To each his/her own.
Posted by Cam W. on March 25, 2000, at 11:06:04
In reply to Re: ps, posted by Phil on March 25, 2000, at 7:17:57
Joy - Almost everyone has a right to choose there own treatment, but that choice needs to be an informed one. We are all adults, capable of making our own decisions ("most of the time"). Sometimes we do not understand how sick we really are or even that we are sick. This is where medication (conventional or herbal - though less proven) come in.Medication can help someone realize how sick they are when it works. It can uncloud the mind and allow us to see just how wrong our thinking can be at times (eg psychotic delusions, feelings of hopelessness, etc). As has been so eloquently stated on this site,"Medicines put the floor under your feet."
This is when the real healing can begin and psychotherapy (self-induced or with the help of a professional) either resolves the mental problem (eg as in most depressions) or, if the mental disorder is chronic, allows us to deal with it better and more productively (eg as in schizophrenia or bipolar disorder).
Medications alone are not the key to recovery, the are only the 'bandage'. One must also work at helping themselves to live with their afflictions; be they mental or physical (or both). You cannot take a "magic pill" and have all your troubles disappear. The road to recovery or remittance is very hard and one must work very hard to attain the recovery goals that they have set out to achieve.
Unfortunately, we are not scientifically advanced enough to be able to tell you, "Yes, this is the medication you will need to aid in your recovery." Our medicine is still very much 'hit and miss'. All of our medications have inherent problems (side effects, toxic effects, etc.). As my daddy use to say (but in a different context), "You must kiss a lot of frogs before you find your princess" (or prince, as the case may be).
So, one should not totally abandon one proven therapy (eg conventional medication) outright. All therapies must be understood within their context. An informed choice must be made by you and only you, after all options have been considered in a rational way.
Hope this helps - Cam W.
Posted by Linda on March 25, 2000, at 13:59:51
In reply to Re: Celexa Side Effects, posted by Linda on March 22, 2000, at 21:41:19
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Posted by saint james on March 25, 2000, at 14:25:52
In reply to Well put, James, posted by Chris A. on March 24, 2000, at 22:38:27
> I'm planning on keeping a copy of your statement handy for when well meaning people ask why I don't try a "natural remedy." I have been known to remind them that lithium is natural - not that it is effective for me.
> This is the best I've ever seen this put.
>
> Chris A.
>
James here...Well thanks ! What really bothers me is that some people will search for hours for good and bad info on meds, but if it is "natural" no proof is looked for and no questions asked. In general herbs have few side effects because they are dilute and therefor are better suited to lifes minor complaints. Meds tend to be very concentrated, making them very specific and powerful, but more likely to have sideeffects.
I like herbs, I take Ginko as I live up in the mountains and often hike or travel above 8,000 ft.
I've tried several herbs for my allergys but none was strong enough. We all feel better when taking natural things, myself included, but it is important to hold all things we take to a high standard.Joy, this is a place for adult discussion. If you do not agree with a persons points you can disagree w/o making it personal. Most of us learned this in kindergarten; to play well with others.
j
Posted by saint james on March 25, 2000, at 14:33:51
In reply to Unsubscribe, posted by Linda on March 25, 2000, at 13:59:51
> UNSUBSCRIBE
James here....
Linda, you don't subscribe to this, it is not a list serv. If you don't want to read the posts anymore then don't load this web page again !
JAMES
Posted by Scott L. Schofield on March 25, 2000, at 14:42:04
In reply to Re: Decisions - To Joy, posted by Cam W. on March 25, 2000, at 11:06:04
> As my daddy use to say (but in a different context), "You must kiss a lot of frogs before you find your princess" (or prince, as the case may be).
Dear Cam,I know this is a waste of bandwidth, but I had to tell you that I find your daddy's aphorism to be precious.
Also, while we're not on the subject (this doesn't pertain to you), I just want to say that I'm not too crazy about the way the term "homeopathy" is used nowadays. It makes it seem as if there is something intrinsically safe about using a substance derived from a naturally occurring object - that this practice is somehow in concert with nature, and therefore healthier.
This is a bunch of crap.
It is also dangerous.
Perhaps I am unaware of, or don't understand some crucial principles regarding homeopathy. Perhaps there is a definition of the word "homeopathy" other than the one I find in the dictionary.
Semantics aside, what's the difference between injecting synthetic atropine and drinking an herbal tea made from the leaves of a plant named belladonna? Do they not both dilate the pupil and make women beautiful? Are not excessive amounts of both lethal? Do I not just like to read myself talk?
The "homeopathic" remedies I see most often cited are those that are used allopathically.
St. John's Wart and kava kava are not homeopathic remedies. They are allopathic.
----------------------------------------------HOMEOPATHY
American Heritage Dictionary:
ho·me·op·a·thy (hm-p-th)
n.A system for treating disease based on the administration of minute doses of a drug that in massive amounts produces symptoms in healthy individuals similar to those of the disease itself.
-----------------------------------------------
ALLOPATHY
American Heritage Dictionary:
al·lop·a·thy (-lp-th)
n.A method of treating disease with remedies that produce effects different from those caused by the disease itself.
-----------------------------------------------
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 25, 2000, at 14:48:04
In reply to Unsubscribe, posted by Linda on March 25, 2000, at 13:59:51
> UNSUBSCRIBE
The FAQ addresses the question, "How can I stop the notifications I asked for?":
http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/extras.pl
Bob
Posted by saint james on March 25, 2000, at 15:40:21
In reply to Re: Decisions - To Cam and others, posted by Scott L. Schofield on March 25, 2000, at 14:42:04
>
> The "homeopathic" remedies I see most often cited are those that are used allopathically.
>
> St. John's Wart and kava kava are not homeopathic remedies. They are allopathic.
>
>
James here...Here here ! Living in New Mexico, the land of enchantment and the alternative, everyone knows the difference. There have been several clinical trials to test the theory behind homeopathic treatments, i.e the theory of likes, and all of the trials disproved this theory.
j
Posted by Jen Hill on March 27, 2000, at 18:09:48
In reply to Re: Decisions - To Cam and others, posted by saint james on March 25, 2000, at 15:40:21
I'm from New Mexico. Land of entrapment. Home of the flea, land of the plague.
Just wanted to say hi to a fellow New Mexican.Jen
Posted by Sandy on March 27, 2000, at 20:29:44
In reply to Re: Saint James (somewhat off topic), posted by Jen Hill on March 27, 2000, at 18:09:48
> Hi, I've been taking Celexa for only one week now and am almost over the weird side effects, euphoria, insomnia, upset stomach, I am still sweating a lot but can handle that. This is my first time ever using any medication and it' only because I've ran out of options and like most people would like to enjoy life to the fullest without undue sadness or being tired all the time. I'm already feeling better and would like to hear from some of the long time users. Thank-you, SandyI'm from New Mexico. Land of entrapment. Home of the flea, land of the plague.
>
>
> Just wanted to say hi to a fellow New Mexican.
>
> Jen
Posted by Dennis on March 27, 2000, at 21:02:35
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by TOM on March 17, 2000, at 9:47:39
> Started taking Celexa about six weeks ago and was trying to be patient and wait for things to work.
Honestly, the anxiety went away rather quickly and
I was on the 10mg dosage.But the drowsiness is still with me...can't go anywhere without a struggle to get out of the house.
Dragging thru the days is not a pretty prospect.
And supposedly, 4-6 weeks is the time to begin
reaping the bennies...not much so far. My Pdoc
suggested we try this for a year and then get off
the wagon. I don't think I can sleep for a whole
year.One thing I did notice was that I did have a
return of the normal sexual urges after a couple
of weeks (very reduced intensity tho).Debating a switch. Opinions???
Posted by Alex on March 28, 2000, at 4:37:48
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Dennis on March 27, 2000, at 21:02:54
I have taken celexa for nearly a year and a half. I found it worked really well and made me feel normal again except for the sexual dysfunction which I do find a problem. Initially I had difficulty sleeping, but counteracted this with a sleeping med and had no problems.
I have not felt in a dreamy state or had problems with gagging. When I have forgotten a dose for 2 days I get small brief shocks in the brain, but this passes after a couple of days.
My problem is that I keep on thinking I am cured and stop taking the medication, and after a year of consistent med taking and then reducing, my symptoms return which is very disheartening as i thought I was cured!!!I guess it works only like aspirin...relieves symptoms but doesn't cure the problem.
I don't know what to do now as I don't fancy the option of long term drug taking.I will probably try counselling now, and of corse I should make changes in my life to reduce stress. Sometimes of course it is easier to carry on and take a pill.
I found this drug to be superior to other SSRI's currently around.
Posted by Valley Girl on March 28, 2000, at 8:56:54
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Alex on March 28, 2000, at 4:37:48
Hi All!
I must say that I have found this site informative and supportive. When depressed, we feel alone, like no one else knows how you feel or think. People tell you to "snap out of it". Don't they know if we could we would.
Medication is not the cure all for depression. I must say I do not notice any difference with my depression and I am taking 20 mgs of Celexa going on a month now. The side effects did not last long, about two weeks. I still am thirsty and I am so tired. But is the tiredness depression? I think so.
Holistic, and traditional treatment has helped me. Loving, gentle, caring people in your life, professionally and personally go a long way with helping get on with your life. Every day is a struggle not to kill myself. I have been like this my whole life. I don't know what it is like to be happy or not miserable, but I get up everyday and go to two jobs. Emotionally crippled, I can't cry or have fun. I am in survival mode. It has to be better than this. I keep hoping. I hope medications can help. >
I have taken celexa for nearly a year and a half. I found it worked really well and made me feel normal again except for the sexual dysfunction which I do find a problem. Initially I had difficulty sleeping, but counteracted this with a sleeping med and had no problems.
> I have not felt in a dreamy state or had problems with gagging. When I have forgotten a dose for 2 days I get small brief shocks in the brain, but this passes after a couple of days.
> My problem is that I keep on thinking I am cured and stop taking the medication, and after a year of consistent med taking and then reducing, my symptoms return which is very disheartening as i thought I was cured!!!I guess it works only like aspirin...relieves symptoms but doesn't cure the problem.
> I don't know what to do now as I don't fancy the option of long term drug taking.
>
> I will probably try counselling now, and of corse I should make changes in my life to reduce stress. Sometimes of course it is easier to carry on and take a pill.
> I found this drug to be superior to other SSRI's currently around.
Posted by Kathy on March 28, 2000, at 14:03:36
In reply to Re: Celexa Side Effects, posted by Marie on March 22, 2000, at 18:13:06
I just went through this entire message board and am on the brink of a panic attack just reading about Celexa. I was just presribed Celexa after having had undesirable effects from Sinequan. I had been taking quite a miniscule dose (80 mg) in comparison to the average adult dosage (350mg). I experienced palpitations (like described in the message board-----"feeling your heart beating (pounding) throughout your entire body at all hours of the night). This was a major deciding factor for a change in med. It is torture and unbearable at 3:00 AM when this is occurring and you want it to just STOP. I also experienced a noticable weight gain, which never was an issue prior to being on Sinequan. Now I have my Dr. swithching me to Celexa and am quite apprehnsive about starting it. I am fearful of another bout with side effects. I also know I can never BE in that despair of depression that I never knew existed until I was THERE. This entire "experimentation" with meds. is totally anxiety provoking. I find it difficult to weigh the positive attributes of the med. with the horrible side-effects (namely, the heart racing/palpitations). As I am writing, I am in the process of weaning myself from the Sinequan. I am to start the Celexa in 2 days and am fearful. Anyone "been there, done that"? Would love to hear some feedback.
Posted by Alex on March 28, 2000, at 14:14:49
In reply to CELEXA or Not to CELEXA...???, posted by Kathy on March 28, 2000, at 14:03:36
Kathy, I found Celexa really good. 40mg made the world look good to live in again. It was okay to get up in the morning and face the day.Little things no longer sent me over the top. I was also able to make use of some cognitive behavioural therapy which also helped, especially thought stopping and reframing negative thoughts ie looking at the glass as though it is half full, not half empty.
Pills can take away the responsibility for making changes to ones own life, it is important to find the right coach to help with this.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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