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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Sexual side effects for Sheryl on April 13, 2000, at 11:46:30
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by Bob on January 24, 2000, at 19:03:48
Wellbutrin is sometimes supplemented to celexa to counteract that and other side effects.
Ginko Baloba (120mg x 3 times daily) also does the trick but you have to be on the stuff 3 months before you see the effects...
;0)
Laura
Posted by JLM on April 13, 2000, at 16:39:58
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa, posted by megan on April 2, 2000, at 0:05:45
> Have you had sleeping problems with Celexa? I have only been on 20mg for one month and keep waking up at night. Will it go away? It's just horrible contsantly waking up all the time.Otherwise. I rather like celexa. It has given my anxious and depressed mind a much needed vacation. Thanks for your help. jlm
> I tried Prozac twice (4 months each time) and while the effects were immediate (the world going from black and white to color type thing) and I liked that kaleidoscopic shift, it made me feel better right away, over the long term, I found Prozac made me sleepy, I gained weight (and didn't care), and, most interestingly, since I know it supposedly kills libido, made me very promiscuous. I stopped taking it each time because it seemed to take the edge off of things after a while, and basically, I just didn't like myself on the drug. After a few years of sort of low-level depression (dysthymia?), I suffered another major depressive incident. I was feeling bleak, hopeless, etc. I started Celexa in October (I've been on it almost six months now). The effects were milder, more subtle than the effects with Prozac. I felt better gradually. Very minimal side effects at 20 mg. When I increased to 40 I got so drowsy (yawning constantly, going to bed at 8:30, not wanting to get out of bed in the morning) I cut myself back. I find my life is better all around, I'm happier, more hopeful, more confident, in a great relationship (since about Thanksgiving). At 20 mg. I don't have any noticable physical side effects. I don't have lowered libido or excessive drowsiness (although I probably sleep 7 to 9 hours on the drug, as opposed to 5 to 7 when I'm not taking anything). Unlike Prozac, I don't feel like a completely different person, and it isn't making me a fat zombie! I bought roller blades and I'm taking kickboxing and doing yoga and all in all just convinced that the pieces are all going to fall into place for me. I don't cry at all (not even watching a film like Life is Beautiful) and that's wierd for me since I've always been so hyper-sensitive (I mean, I'm the kind of person who cries during the Star Spangled Banner), but it's better than crying all the time. I was telling my therapist the other day that I do miss the depressed me at times, it's wierd to feel so good, to be so happy. At this point I know it's not all the Celexa, that it's my relationship, and the exercise, etc., but I do feel so noticably different and so much better than I've felt before, even at times in my life when things were "going well" so to speak, that I can't help thinking the Celexa isn't playing a major role. I'm thrilled with the drug; I'm sorry some of you are having problems with it. (Truth be told, I wanted Welbutrin, and begged my therapist to put me on it, but since I have a history of anorexia she negged that. I know other people who are taking it and they love it, especially as it makes them lose weight!). I do get concerned about long-term side effects (brain damage, etc.) and worry that I might pay a huge price down the road for the happiness I am presently enjoying. Maybe so. But I also know that the people who say it's a spiritual disease don't know what they are talking about. I have two degrees in religion, an MDiv, and I've been in therapy for years. I read and do yoga and listen to music and do all the right things, all well and good, but nothing has turned my life around in so real and visceral a way as this drug. Sorry to be so long, I've never posted anything before and wanted to share some of my thoughts, and some of my experiences with meds.
>
> Thank you, Eliza, I am about to start Celexa after years of trying Prozac, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Paxil (what I am currently on and gaining immense weight). I hope my experience is similar to yours, I'm so tired of the side effects from drugs that are supposed to improve the quality of my life, and yet unable to do without meds because then the quality of life becomes so dreadful in my mind that I want to end it all. Wish me luck on Celexa, I hear mixed reviews. :)
>
> Megan
Posted by Eliza on April 14, 2000, at 11:03:42
In reply to Re: serzone, posted by Cindy W on April 12, 2000, at 21:50:52
Cindy: Maybe I didn't give the serzone enough of a chance. Of course now that I'm doing so well on Celexa, I'm just going to stick with it. Are you still on serzone?
Posted by Cindy W on April 15, 2000, at 10:29:24
In reply to Re: serzone, posted by Eliza on April 14, 2000, at 11:03:42
> Cindy: Maybe I didn't give the serzone enough of a chance. Of course now that I'm doing so well on Celexa, I'm just going to stick with it. Are you still on serzone?
Eliza, I took Serzone for a couple of months but stopped it not because of side effects but because it didn't help with OCD. It made me feel very good, and really decreased my social anxiety and depression, after the first two weeks (when I felt jittery, anxious, and very angry for no reason). I'd still be taking it if it would help with OCD. It definitely had no sexual side effects, which is a real plus!
Posted by Eliza on April 19, 2000, at 8:09:06
In reply to Re: serzone, posted by Cindy W on April 15, 2000, at 10:29:24
Cindy, I wonder if you could take serzone in combination with something else? Are you on celexa now? I have some OCD symptoms but very very mild, nothing I would feel compelled to treat. I find the celexa to be a very subtle drug, not overwhelming in its effects (like Prozac, at least for me). I almost feel like it's really just kicked in in the last month or so (in terms of things really changing in my life, not just feeling better, but actually making tangible and constructive changes, like moving to a nicer place, getting more exercise, etc.). We'll have to see long term. It's hard to accept sometimes how many years of my life I just let pass by!
Posted by Cindy W on April 19, 2000, at 9:21:38
In reply to Re: serzone, posted by Eliza on April 19, 2000, at 8:09:06
> Cindy, I wonder if you could take serzone in combination with something else? Are you on celexa now? I have some OCD symptoms but very very mild, nothing I would feel compelled to treat. I find the celexa to be a very subtle drug, not overwhelming in its effects (like Prozac, at least for me). I almost feel like it's really just kicked in in the last month or so (in terms of things really changing in my life, not just feeling better, but actually making tangible and constructive changes, like moving to a nicer place, getting more exercise, etc.). We'll have to see long term. It's hard to accept sometimes how many years of my life I just let pass by!
Eliza, I tried taking Serzone with the Effexor-XR I'm taking now but discontinued it in favor of upping the Effexor-XR, to try to combat the OCD. I'm so glad to hear you're making positive life changes, such as moving to a better place. That's my next step, trying to make life changes (now that my brain isn't full of useless clutter). Will ask about augmenting the Effexor-XR, when I see my pdoc. I've made a few small steps (not accumulating more stuff, not wasting money at thrift stores, exercising a little more) but still have a lot of small steps and much bigger steps (life changes) to go. Best wishes!
Posted by Harold R. on April 19, 2000, at 16:59:25
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects?? Re: Celexa and side effects?, posted by Bob on December 31, 1999, at 13:18:32
When I was on Celexa for my depression it was the best I have felt in years. After being on it a couple months I started having problems where all I wanted to do was masturbate. I would do this for hours even when I couldn't get an erection. I was loosing sleep something terrible. The masturbation became an obsession. I finally got off the Celexa and the obsession went away.
Posted by Laura from Seattle on April 20, 2000, at 11:55:33
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa, posted by Sally A from Michigan on April 12, 2000, at 14:10:15
Megan:
I came across this and thought you might be interested... GABA is an amino acid that has the exact same results as depakote only its all natural... no side effects... Perhaps this is for you.... Good luck... Laura from Seattle
__________________________________________________
Gamma-amniobutyric acid (GABA) is a nonessential amino acid that functions as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system by decreasing neuron activity.In their book Prescription for Nutritional Healing, James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., state that GABA can be taken to calm the body in much the same way as valium, librium, and other tranquilizers without the fear of addiction. They recommend taking 750 milligrams of GABA for its tranquilizing effect. They go on to mention that combining GABA with niacinamide and inositol prevents anxiety and stress-related messages from reaching the motor centers of the brain by filling its receptor site.
In his book, Dr. Whitaker's Guide to Natural Healing, he describes GABA as the brain's natural calming agent. He has used GABA as a natural tranquilizer with much success. One case he mentions in his book is that of a woman whose high pressure job was causing frequently intense episodes of anxiety. The woman began taking GABA at the first signs of an anxiety attack to feel calmer. He recommends taking 750 to 1,000 milligrams per day for anxiety.
Posted by Sean on April 20, 2000, at 12:53:48
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa for Megan, posted by Laura from Seattle on April 20, 2000, at 11:55:33
Hello,
This GABA dicussion is very interesting. It does
suprise me, however, because it doesn't jive with
what I've read. Here's what I've read about GABA:GABA is not thought to pass the blood-brain barrier
so it is difficult - if not impossible - to elevate
the levels of GABA in the brain by oral consumption
of GABA. Maybe the combination of GABA with these
other agents is allowing it to sneak through.But even if we could elevate GABA by direct consumption,
it is hard to beleive that it would not result in
some sort of homeostatic change in GABA production
in the brain itself. When you stopped taking the
oral GABA, you might have a deficit due to down
regulated production of your own GABA.The substance progabide pases the blood brain barrier
and is subsequently metabolized into GABA. This is
a different way on increasing GABA than the benzo
class of anxiolytics which allow more endogenous GABA to
to reach receptors. Oh it's so confusing!Anyway, I don't think taking oral GABA will hurt,
but it may not help all that much either...Sean.
> Megan:
>
> I came across this and thought you might be interested... GABA is an amino acid that has the exact same results as depakote only its all natural... no side effects... Perhaps this is for you.... Good luck... Laura from Seattle
>
> __________________________________________________
> Gamma-amniobutyric acid (GABA) is a nonessential amino acid that functions as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system by decreasing neuron activity.
>
> In their book Prescription for Nutritional Healing, James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., state that GABA can be taken to calm the body in much the same way as valium, librium, and other tranquilizers without the fear of addiction. They recommend taking 750 milligrams of GABA for its tranquilizing effect. They go on to mention that combining GABA with niacinamide and inositol prevents anxiety and stress-related messages from reaching the motor centers of the brain by filling its receptor site.
>
> In his book, Dr. Whitaker's Guide to Natural Healing, he describes GABA as the brain's natural calming agent. He has used GABA as a natural tranquilizer with much success. One case he mentions in his book is that of a woman whose high pressure job was causing frequently intense episodes of anxiety. The woman began taking GABA at the first signs of an anxiety attack to feel calmer. He recommends taking 750 to 1,000 milligrams per day for anxiety.
Posted by Megan on April 20, 2000, at 19:02:24
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa for Megan, posted by Sean on April 20, 2000, at 12:53:48
Thanks guys... I was taking Neurontin for a while there (Gabapentin.. works on the same area as GABA) and now with the Celexa 40 mg for the past 3 weeks I'm doing much better. I don't have to take the Neurontin. My sexual life has returned, my appetite is normal and I have only the usual "run of the mill" emotional ups and downs. I feel good for the first time in a long time. The only problem is insomnia now but I take 0.5 mg of Ativan at night and I konk out. Taking a magnesium supplement also helps, so I can keep my use of Ativan to a minimum.
Posted by tina on April 28, 2000, at 13:45:34
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa, posted by Eliza on March 14, 2000, at 8:32:35
> i was on manerix but it had no effect. It also had no side effects that i noticed. I've since revisited my doctor and she has just prescribed celexa. I took one 20 mg pill last night and had THE
WORST NIGHT of my life. The nausea was out of control, my heart palpitated, my joints ached, i couldn't breathe. It was like one long sustained severe panic attack AND I was woken out of a sound sleep to experience all this. What's the deal??
This stuff is supposed to have mild side effects, I think I was better off depressed.
Posted by Suzie on April 30, 2000, at 0:58:28
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects?? Re: Celexa and side effects?, posted by Harold R. on April 19, 2000, at 16:59:25
> Does anyone have any kind of skin sensitivity? I've been on Celexa for 8 months, and started getting rashes and allergic reactions to sun, bug bites, and adhesives.
Posted by tina on May 1, 2000, at 13:53:16
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects?? Re: Celexa and side effects?, posted by Suzie on April 30, 2000, at 0:58:28
I've been taking celexa for a week now and I'm suffering anxiety attacks in my sleep. If I'm not being rudely awakened in the middle of the night with a racing heart, tremors, nausea and headache, I can't sleep at all. What kind of meds are these, how can something that is supposed to make you feel better, feel so awful. I could function as a human being when I was depressed but these anxiety attacks are really wreaking havoc with my life,work etc. Has anyone got any advice? Different meds, new anxiety control drugs, anything. I need help!!!!!!!!
> > Does anyone have any kind of skin sensitivity? I've been on Celexa for 8 months, and started getting rashes and allergic reactions to sun, bug bites, and adhesives.
Posted by Sandra on May 2, 2000, at 17:02:47
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects?? Re: Celexa and side effects?, posted by Suzie on April 30, 2000, at 0:58:28
Harold,
Yes, I noticed sensitivity in my skin as well, namely my more sensitive areas to start with and I have had some skin rash slightly... it could also be an interraction with any other meds or sun? We all react so differently, isn't it confusing?> > Does anyone have any kind of skin sensitivity? I've been on Celexa for 8 months, and started getting rashes and allergic reactions to sun, bug bites, and adhesives.
Posted by Doug on May 22, 2000, at 17:00:22
In reply to RE: Sexual side effects from Celexa, posted by Dennis on January 26, 2000, at 13:18:36
I just started celexa today.. I was taking Zoloft, but was having very bad side effects includeing shakes,headace,memory loss,couldn't concentrate,feeling spacy all the time, couldnt sleep a wink, and problems with ogasim and sexual sensitivity... Hopefully this celexa will be better..
Now I have done some research on some natural alternitives for SSRI's and if I still am having problems with Celexa.. Im going to try the following natural alternitives...(without side effects) which are,...
St. Johns Wort: This herb works just like all SSRI's ( Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor, Paxil, Luvox, Serzone, Anafranil and Celexa ) in that it increases the availability of serotonin in synapses (junctions between neurons) by blocking their reuptake but also increases the availibility of norepinephrine, which increases energy and alertness, and dopamine, which increases the feeling of well being....
5-HTP: This works by increasing the cells output of serotonin
Anybody else try these?
Posted by Danny on May 24, 2000, at 1:19:00
In reply to SSRI Natrual alternitive with no side effects, posted by Doug on May 22, 2000, at 17:00:22
I've tried St. John's and SAM-e. Both increased energy, SAM-e worked a little better on my depression. Unfortunately, I have a very bad GI/insomnia problem and SAM-e made that a little worse. I think they are worth a try. It's great to not have the usual side efx.
> I just started celexa today.. I was taking Zoloft, but was having very bad side effects includeing shakes,headace,memory loss,couldn't concentrate,feeling spacy all the time, couldnt sleep a wink, and problems with ogasim and sexual sensitivity... Hopefully this celexa will be better..
>
> Now I have done some research on some natural alternitives for SSRI's and if I still am having problems with Celexa.. Im going to try the following natural alternitives...(without side effects) which are,...
>
> St. Johns Wort: This herb works just like all SSRI's ( Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor, Paxil, Luvox, Serzone, Anafranil and Celexa ) in that it increases the availability of serotonin in synapses (junctions between neurons) by blocking their reuptake but also increases the availibility of norepinephrine, which increases energy and alertness, and dopamine, which increases the feeling of well being....
>
> 5-HTP: This works by increasing the cells output of serotonin
>
> Anybody else try these?
Posted by Theresa Pye on May 24, 2000, at 8:54:39
In reply to SSRI Natrual alternitive with no side effects, posted by Doug on May 22, 2000, at 17:00:22
I got tired of the guessing game with medications. I've been on Prozac, ELavil, Zoloft, Imipramine, Effexor, Effexor XR, Wellbutrin, and Trazodone. I got off all meds. Now I am currently take St. John's Wort and also add Ginko Biloba complex and I'm having good results.
Theresa Pye> I just started celexa today.. I was taking Zoloft, but was having very bad side effects includeing shakes,headace,memory loss,couldn't concentrate,feeling spacy all the time, couldnt sleep a wink, and problems with ogasim and sexual sensitivity... Hopefully this celexa will be better..
>
> Now I have done some research on some natural alternitives for SSRI's and if I still am having problems with Celexa.. Im going to try the following natural alternitives...(without side effects) which are,...
>
> St. Johns Wort: This herb works just like all SSRI's ( Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor, Paxil, Luvox, Serzone, Anafranil and Celexa ) in that it increases the availability of serotonin in synapses (junctions between neurons) by blocking their reuptake but also increases the availibility of norepinephrine, which increases energy and alertness, and dopamine, which increases the feeling of well being....
>
> 5-HTP: This works by increasing the cells output of serotonin
>
> Anybody else try these?
Posted by SmilyAngl on September 12, 2000, at 22:23:26
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by sheryl on January 24, 2000, at 18:23:10
I read in the Celexa package insert that the percentage of people who experienced decreased sex drive may be incorrect due to people being uncomfortable in talking about with their Doctor...
Posted by Rieel on September 14, 2000, at 14:50:09
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by Sexual side effects for Sheryl on April 13, 2000, at 11:46:30
> Wellbutrin is sometimes supplemented to celexa to counteract that and other side effects.
>
> Ginko Baloba (120mg x 3 times daily) also does the trick but you have to be on the stuff 3 months before you see the effects...
>
> ;0)
> LauraI've been on Celexa for a month and a half now and have had decreased sex drive and no orgasms. My doctor tried Bu-Spar and that didn't work. Now he's put me on Wellbutrin. Has anyone had any luck with this?
Posted by sinata on September 22, 2000, at 20:24:43
In reply to to Tom,Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by Laura on February 3, 1999, at 2:47:24
my daughter has been on celexa for 3 weeks now almost 4 ....she is only 8....I'm worried about her being on meds and really cant tell it's done anything....she is known for stomach aches and the celexa has made them worse....should I stop meds and just keep helping her deal with anxietys....I'm worried about side effects with a child this young....any advice out there? Thanks
Posted by Leigh on October 9, 2000, at 16:51:29
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa, posted by tina on April 28, 2000, at 13:45:34
Help!! My 16 yr old daughter was just prescribed celexa 20 mg a day by her pediatrician. This was for chronic headaches not depression...has anyone had experience with this drug for headaches? I am a little worried as I took celexa, (am now back on paxil) and experienced drowsiness and increased depression. Any input....thanks so much.
Posted by SC on October 11, 2000, at 19:36:36
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa, posted by Leigh on October 9, 2000, at 16:51:29
This is more in reply to the thread than the question above. Heres my experience with Celexa. My doctor gave it to me and i did get very sleepy for a number of days. Some headaches and quesy stomach but i felt so much better mentally. I am also disabled with asthma and rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia, so have to deal with pain and inability to do so much of what I used to, just about everything in fact. Anyway i was feeling much better but I ended up with my eyes hurting a real lot. After about a month I went to the eye doctor and he thought it was allergy and gave me expensive drops which helped but didnt clear it up. I started suspecting it was the Celexa as it does list this in not too common side effects. Anyway after a couple days off of it my eyes would get well. I tried about five different times and sure enough it was the Celexa. By this time i was feeling worse than before or maybe it was that now I was realizing what it was like to feel contented and not angry and depressed all the time and recognizing how bad I was really getting. Then I decided that as low cholesterol is being linked to depression I would stop taking my cholesterol meds and see if that helped. I told my doc I would rather go with a heart attack than live feeling like i was and he said ok, the less meds you can get by with the better. I also at this time decided to quit everything that i didnt know for sure was helping me and wasnt life threatening. This included guaifenisen which is an expectorant being used for Fibromyalgia now. The gaifenisen did stop all the muscle spasms i used to have and helped with asthma. Anyway to the end of the story...it was the combination of guaifenisen and Celexa that was causing the severe eye pain. I have now been on the Celexa at least three weeks and feeling so much better. I have absolutely no side effects that I can tell. Due to my arthritis I have fatigue so hard to tell about that. I am not angry and aggitated all the time anymore. I dont go to sleep and wake up with morose thoughts about death running through my head and not being able to stop them. Also one of the first things i noticed as wrong with me was that I literally saw the world different. My vision and other sences seemed dull and I was very aware of it. Now things look sharp and bright, the wind on my skin feels good again. I dont get as upset and down over my disabilities as I did before altho I dont think I will ever really accept them. I am now taking 40mg a day. I am treated by my regular GP so i end up on the net finding all i can about things and share them with him. He is open to this sort of thing, luckily.
As to someone mentioning getting sick from serotonin overload or whatever it is called, I have read that that can happen, and wish they had answered everyones questions about it. On the rxlist.com I read that Celexa is usually given 8 to 12 weeks and can be stopped for up the 8 months. Has anyone else heard of this?
I was also given Effexor after the first Celexa try and it made my eyes bother to but it also made me feel lousy. Strangely after the first month on Celexa after I went off and would try it again it would only take a day or two to feel much better. It is so wonderful to feel at ease in my mind and dont give up as they say the different meds are all different in who they help or dont. I guess I was lucky that the first one I was given did help even tho its taken months to figure out why I was reacting to it. I just hope it doesnt turn out to have some awful side effects like so many new drugs. I have in past tried St Johns Wort but it wasnt strong enough, I guess, to make much difference.
Posted by skitdles on October 17, 2000, at 0:05:28
In reply to Re: alcohol and celexa, posted by Stacey on April 12, 2000, at 10:15:44
hello out there to the world ...
I have been taking (2) celexa for about 3 mounths off and on I don't really drink but the other night I went to a friends house for a few drinks and had more then a few I was drunk ..sad, Anyways I now have been in pain on my left side by the biniki line sents then. wounder if anyone knew what was there to cuz so much pain
I have had a total historectomy done
I take estrogen (2) and vitmin b(2) with c in them, a puffer, flonaze, and eye drop
I feel as if the celexa is not working myself, and wounder also if anyone had any sugustion about if I should change the medthanks to every one
skitdles
Posted by Garvin on October 19, 2000, at 13:41:08
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa, posted by Leigh on October 9, 2000, at 16:51:29
I have been on celexa for about three months now and had been doing quite well on 20 mg. About a week ago I started to experinence delayed side effects like dizziness, teeth clinching, and a feeling of being generally out of it. My doctor is now reducing the dosage to 10 mg. Anyone else had this kind of reaction later in their therapy?
Posted by Mary LameBull on October 24, 2000, at 16:10:53
In reply to My experience with Celexa, posted by MA on February 29, 2000, at 9:46:05
I recently began taking Celexa. A question that I have is in reference to drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this drug. What will happen to me and my body if I drink an alcoholic beverage? I've read all the warnings on internet sites searching for an answer. My doctor did not give me a lot of information on this drug and I was curious of any side effects this may have on me.
Thank you to anyone who knows the answer to my question.
-Mary
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