![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 227 to 251 of 297. Go back in thread:
Posted by jackiels on June 10, 2001, at 13:27:08
In reply to Re: HELP!! Questions about Celexa - new user, posted by JBill on May 30, 2001, at 18:05:13
I have just finished two weeks of celexa 20 mg to alleviate PMS, including migraines. I found that it worked really well for PMS, no bitchiness, no cramps, no breast tenderness. I did have a migraine on day two, but not the day before migraine. As with most, I have no sexual desire, but my spouse says that is nothing unusual! (He is confusing time with desire!)
My doctor has perscribed it for two weeks and go off for two weeks according to my menstrual cycle. Has anyone had experience with this?
I also have ADD for which I take Dexedrine or ritalin. I have read that SSRIs have been used effectively for some with ADD, but as it is such a frustrating condition (I am trying to finish a master's degree, but its pretty challenging when you're a space cadet!) Has anyone used celexa for ADD without stimulants? I only ask because I really do hate taking meds, and there is a stigma about taking stims or admitting you're ADD, not to mention the fact that the triple prescriptions for Ritalin make me feel somehow criminal.
I look forward to you're experiences/responses.
J.
Posted by Wendy B. on June 10, 2001, at 23:08:32
In reply to Re: HELP!! Questions about Celexa - new user, posted by 2behealthy on June 5, 2001, at 15:05:51
> Hiya,
> My doctor just prescribed this for me yesterday, so today is only my second day. What scares me is the weight gain. My depression stems mostly because of me being 75 pounds overweight (I informed the doc of this). He gave this to me because of my irritability and mood swings. I had a baby 11 months ago and I sleep well but get very little as it is with a baby. So far I have had uncontrollable yawns and feel very tired, but I cannot afford to be sleepy all the time either with a baby. I only get on average 7 hours per night on the weekends too. I am 32 and have never been on AD's before. Sorry this is so long but need advice.
> Regina
Regina,
I started reading this thread because my mother is on Celexa, and she hasn't gained weight (not from what I can see), so it's not a given that you will.
But some questions: when did you gain the weight? over time? or after the baby was born and you couldn't lose it?
I wonder if your depression is the post-partum kind? Did it just recently crop up on you, or has it been there for some time? Post-partum depression is really much more common than people realize, and just as bothersome, and can predispose women to further bouts in the future. (Yes, I know, but don't shoot the messenger...!)
Also, if you don't like the Celexa, I found that Wellbutrin helped me lose most of the 30 pounds I gained when I was on Zoloft for 4 years...
I wish you well, and let us know how it goes for you...Wendy B.
Posted by Bill L on June 11, 2001, at 7:29:37
In reply to Celexa for PMS- what about ADD, posted by jackiels on June 10, 2001, at 13:27:08
Giving these type of drugs for PMS is not unusual at all. Prozac, which is similar to Celexa, was recently approved for PMS. It's marketed under the name Serafam- but it is actually Prozac. The manufacturer uses the name Serafam due to the stigma associated with the name Prozac.
I didn't know that one would go 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off when using an AD for PMS, but maybe that is how it's often done. I know that when prescribed for depression, one takes these drugs continuously.
I understand your concerns about the ADD stigma. The stigma is less than it used to be since so many people are using stimulants such as Ritalin for that condition. If it is helping you to get your degree, stay with it. Try not to worry about what other people think. If you are not comfortable telling people that you have ADD and take Ritalin, then don't tell them.
Celexa helps me concentrate since it calms me down. But I was never diagnosed with ADD. But if you want to experiment with Celexa only for ADD, I guess that's fine since you can always go back to taking the Ritalin. But base your decisions on what helps you, not on the "stigma" part of it. Also, the best time to experiment might be AFTER you get your degree.
> I have just finished two weeks of celexa 20 mg to alleviate PMS, including migraines. I found that it worked really well for PMS, no bitchiness, no cramps, no breast tenderness. I did have a migraine on day two, but not the day before migraine. As with most, I have no sexual desire, but my spouse says that is nothing unusual! (He is confusing time with desire!)
>
> My doctor has perscribed it for two weeks and go off for two weeks according to my menstrual cycle. Has anyone had experience with this?
>
> I also have ADD for which I take Dexedrine or ritalin. I have read that SSRIs have been used effectively for some with ADD, but as it is such a frustrating condition (I am trying to finish a master's degree, but its pretty challenging when you're a space cadet!) Has anyone used celexa for ADD without stimulants? I only ask because I really do hate taking meds, and there is a stigma about taking stims or admitting you're ADD, not to mention the fact that the triple prescriptions for Ritalin make me feel somehow criminal.
>
> I look forward to you're experiences/responses.
>
> J.
Posted by 2behealthy on June 11, 2001, at 8:07:19
In reply to Re: HELP!! Questions about Celexa - new user » 2behealthy, posted by Wendy B. on June 10, 2001, at 23:08:32
> > Hiya,
> > My doctor just prescribed this for me yesterday, so today is only my second day. What scares me is the weight gain. My depression stems mostly because of me being 75 pounds overweight (I informed the doc of this). He gave this to me because of my irritability and mood swings. I had a baby 11 months ago and I sleep well but get very little as it is with a baby. So far I have had uncontrollable yawns and feel very tired, but I cannot afford to be sleepy all the time either with a baby. I only get on average 7 hours per night on the weekends too. I am 32 and have never been on AD's before. Sorry this is so long but need advice.
> > Regina
>
>
> Regina,
> I started reading this thread because my mother is on Celexa, and she hasn't gained weight (not from what I can see), so it's not a given that you will.
> But some questions: when did you gain the weight? over time? or after the baby was born and you couldn't lose it?
> I wonder if your depression is the post-partum kind? Did it just recently crop up on you, or has it been there for some time? Post-partum depression is really much more common than people realize, and just as bothersome, and can predispose women to further bouts in the future. (Yes, I know, but don't shoot the messenger...!)
> Also, if you don't like the Celexa, I found that Wellbutrin helped me lose most of the 30 pounds I gained when I was on Zoloft for 4 years...
> I wish you well, and let us know how it goes for you...
>
> Wendy B.Wendy,
Thanks for your response. I found that I started the irratibility when i was pregnant, I had high blood pressure and got pg induced hiper tension, and was taken off work.
After that it just never left. i don't seem to be that way with the baby, just everyone else. I think it all stress related. I month before the baby was born (my first), my 11 year
old step son came to live with us full time also. Everything changed in my live so fast. I have been on celexa 1 week now and took my first 20mg yest. I haven't been able to
tell much difference yet. Hopefully i will. I think alot of the irritibility would go away if i lost the weight and was happier with myself. I was about 40 pounds overweight
when i got pg and gained 60 during pg. i have only lost 30 of that so i am 70 over now. argh!!! thanks for listening.
Regina
Posted by Calamity on June 11, 2001, at 8:57:38
In reply to Re: HELP!! Questions about Celexa - new user, posted by 2behealthy on June 5, 2001, at 15:05:51
I'm also a new user of Celexa. Is the weight gain from SSRI's due to an increased appetite or is it from a metabolic issue caused by the drug? I can't stand the thought of gaining any more weight.
Posted by Josa on June 19, 2001, at 20:34:38
In reply to Re: Celexa for PMS- what about ADD, posted by Bill L on June 11, 2001, at 7:29:37
hey,
I've been on celexa for almost two weeks now, and I am *exhausted*--I can't get enough sleep. I sleep about 11-12 hours a night, and then have to take 2 or 3 hour long naps during the day. The quality of my sleep is poor; i frequently wake and my muscles feel very restless, as if i need to stretch. I've heard a lot of people complain about the fatigue, but not too many people say anything about it subsiding. I am on 30 milligrams and have little change in my mood...increased irritability at times, but less depression, but not so much of a decrease in depression that i feel i can lower my dosage (at this point anyway...it has only been two weeks).
is there anything i can do about the amount of sleep i need? will it go away eventually?
i'm afraid of weight gain and had been going to a gym, but now i have no energy to go. but from what i hear, exercise doesn't help gain on this drug....thanks!
Posted by SalArmy4me on June 19, 2001, at 22:48:37
In reply to fatigue, posted by Josa on June 19, 2001, at 20:34:38
Eventually you will develop a tolerance to Celexa where you won't have any more drowsiness.
Weight gain can be combatted with Wellbutrin or better, Topamax.
Posted by terra miller on June 20, 2001, at 14:55:22
In reply to Re: fatigue, posted by SalArmy4me on June 19, 2001, at 22:48:37
> Eventually you will develop a tolerance to Celexa where you won't have any more drowsiness.
>
> Weight gain can be combatted with Wellbutrin or better, Topamax.Sal or CamW,
Do you know? I've recently upped my wellbutrin to 400mg (i.r. 100mgtabs4x/dy) .... I don't take any other SSRI/etc....... and I'm pretty tired. When I was at 300mg (i.r. 75mgtabs4x/dy), I was energized for the whole day (not overenergized; just productive). I don't feel that "overenergized-productivity" feeling anymore; just tired! Am I too high in my dose? or will this wear off?
Thanks. Terra
Posted by Jane D on June 20, 2001, at 17:29:05
In reply to fatigue, posted by Josa on June 19, 2001, at 20:34:38
> i'm afraid of weight gain and had been going to a gym, but now i have no energy to go. but from what i hear, exercise doesn't help gain on this drug....
Josa -
If you can force yourself to go it will probably help. Whether it will help enough you will have to wait and see. Good luck.Jane
Posted by Trista M. on June 29, 2001, at 17:53:24
In reply to Re: Celexa , posted by Dawn on March 14, 1999, at 8:28:25
well,i am now among the many that use celexa,today is my first day.i was prescribed this paticular drug because i was diagnosed with anxiety depressive disorder(add)i hope it does well.i feel better just knowing that i will get better.i haven't much to say,yet,but in time i will.sorry if this is odd,but its nice to know their are other people have this thing too,thta you aren't alone in your fight,thnx again.i am sooo happy to have found this strand
Posted by Trista M. on June 29, 2001, at 17:53:32
In reply to Re: Celexa , posted by Dawn on March 14, 1999, at 8:28:25
well,i am now among the many that use celexa,today is my first day.i was prescribed this paticular drug because i was diagnosed with anxiety depressive disorder(add)i hope it does well.i feel better just knowing that i will get better.i haven't much to say,yet,but in time i will.sorry if this is odd,but its nice to know their are other people have this thing too,thta you aren't alone in your fight,thnx again.i am sooo happy to have found this strand
Posted by Josa on June 29, 2001, at 20:35:28
In reply to fatigue, posted by Josa on June 19, 2001, at 20:34:38
hey everyone,
one thing after another is happening--friends with HIV, fired from my job (perhaps because of the total absentmindedness i experience from celexa)...so in other words, after more than a month, i'm feeling worse, but i don't know if it's simply because the medicine isn't working or if it's because things arent that great right now...i don't think things could get worse...
what do you all think? if i change meds, what has good rep?
thanks
-josa
Posted by Trista M. on June 30, 2001, at 7:52:37
In reply to Re: Celexa , posted by Trista M. on June 29, 2001, at 17:53:24
i don't have ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER.i left the first word of the name of.i have MIX ANXIETY DEPRESSIVE DISORDER(MADD)but in the last post i left mix off,there for it looked like the ADD.sorry about the misunderstanding.anyway,it seems as if i can already feel a difference.i don't have the nagging anxious feeling in my chest,i can actually think straight,and i don't feel like my heart is pounding.i also wanted to ask a queston,i had noticed something,i can't cry at all,this is part of the med,right?
Posted by Calamity on June 30, 2001, at 12:12:21
In reply to Re: Celexa , posted by Trista M. on June 30, 2001, at 7:52:37
> i don't have ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER.i left the first word of the name of.i have MIX ANXIETY DEPRESSIVE DISORDER(MADD)but in the last post i left mix off,there for it looked like the ADD.sorry about the misunderstanding.anyway,it seems as if i can already feel a difference.i don't have the nagging anxious feeling in my chest,i can actually think straight,and i don't feel like my heart is pounding.i also wanted to ask a queston,i had noticed something,i can't cry at all,this is part of the med,right?
Trista -- I've been on Celexa for about 4 weeks. I wasn't able to cry either for the first 3 weeks.
That passed.
Posted by Bijou on June 30, 2001, at 21:56:37
In reply to Re: Celexa , posted by Trista M. on June 29, 2001, at 17:53:24
> well,i am now among the many that use celexa,today is my first day.i was prescribed this paticular drug because i was diagnosed with anxiety depressive disorder(add)i hope it does well.i feel better just knowing that i will get better.i haven't much to say,yet,but in time i will.sorry if this is odd,but its nice to know their are other people have this thing too,thta you aren't alone in your fight,thnx again.i am sooo happy to have found this strand
> I just started to take Celexa too,and I haven't experienced the weight gain or fatigue,but I do have a red rash on my chest and neck that itches like crazy! Anyone ever heard of this?
Posted by di on July 1, 2001, at 8:04:40
In reply to fatigue, posted by Josa on June 19, 2001, at 20:34:38
> hey,
>
> I've been on celexa for almost two weeks now, and I am *exhausted*--I can't get enough sleep. I sleep about 11-12 hours a night, and then have to take 2 or 3 hour long naps during the day. The quality of my sleep is poor; i frequently wake and my muscles feel very restless, as if i need to stretch. I've heard a lot of people complain about the fatigue, but not too many people say anything about it subsiding. I am on 30 milligrams and have little change in my mood...increased irritability at times, but less depression, but not so much of a decrease in depression that i feel i can lower my dosage (at this point anyway...it has only been two weeks).
>
> is there anything i can do about the amount of sleep i need? will it go away eventually?
> i'm afraid of weight gain and had been going to a gym, but now i have no energy to go. but from what i hear, exercise doesn't help gain on this drug....
>
> thanks!i am celexa 20 mg since march i to was very tired slept for a whole weekend and was not refresed when got up want ed to sleep more it did get better not as tired but still can sleep if i give in to it. Have to say i have put on a few lbs not alot but enough to be concerned have no energy to get to the gym and no desire to just added 100mg wellbutrin sr to see if it will give me a boost and help with weight gain its only been a week i'll let you know but the celexa has helped alot and the side effects evcept for being tired were mininal
Posted by MB on July 3, 2001, at 16:42:25
In reply to fatigue, posted by Josa on June 19, 2001, at 20:34:38
> hey,
>
> I've been on celexa for almost two weeks now, and I am *exhausted*--I can't get enough sleep. I sleep about 11-12 hours a night, and then have to take 2 or 3 hour long naps during the day. The quality of my sleep is poor; i frequently wake and my muscles feel very restless, as if i need to stretch. I've heard a lot of people complain about the fatigue, but not too many people say anything about it subsiding. I am on 30 milligrams and have little change in my mood...increased irritability at times, but less depression, but not so much of a decrease in depression that i feel i can lower my dosage (at this point anyway...it has only been two weeks).
>
> is there anything i can do about the amount of sleep i need? will it go away eventually?
> i'm afraid of weight gain and had been going to a gym, but now i have no energy to go. but from what i hear, exercise doesn't help gain on this drug....
>
> thanks!
Hey, I'm glad someone has mentioned the restless muscles with the "need to stretch." I had this *really* bad as a kid, and it went away in my teens. It was mostly in my legs. I was an incessant foot-wiggler. *All* the SSRIs have made this condition come back to haunt me. I feel like I have to tense up my thigh muscles as tight as I can (as if it will make the horrible sensation go away). This always gives me tachycardia. I know it's strange, but the sensation is as if toxins are storing up in my leg muscles (making them restless), and when I squeeze them, the toxins are released into my blood, giving me tachycardia. I know it seems ridiculous, but that's what it feels like.But to answer your question (sorry about the long ramble about legs), SSRIs give me really bad fatigue I *think.* I've been off of SSRIs for 8 months now. At first the fatigue went away, it was great. Now it's back. I FORCE myself to excercise so I don't crash and/or get fat, but the fatigue is unbearable. I think it's just a somatic symptom of depresion...(somatic? did I use that word correctly?)
Posted by MB on July 3, 2001, at 16:50:42
In reply to Re: fatigue, posted by SalArmy4me on June 19, 2001, at 22:48:37
> Eventually you will develop a tolerance to Celexa where you won't have any more drowsiness.
>
> Weight gain can be combatted with Wellbutrin or better, Topamax.My personal experience is that SSRIs make me agitated, give me insomnia, and cure my depression *at first.* Then, as I build a tolerance, the fatigue, carbo-cravings and recurrant depression set in (let's say after 3-4 weeks of being on the SSRI). I've tried SSRI therapy for up to a year, and after the first few weeks, the SSRIs stop working, and the efficacy never comes back, I'm just a zombie. I don't understand what is wrong with me because everyone else has to wait 3-4 weeks for the drugs to work not *stop working* as in my case. It must be genetic (or, at least, the psychobiological pattern is genetic) because my dad has *the same* reaction to these meds as I, and when unmedicated, our neuroses are identical.
Posted by Josa on July 3, 2001, at 21:23:22
In reply to Re: fatigue, posted by MB on July 3, 2001, at 16:50:42
> My personal experience is that SSRIs make me agitated, give me insomnia, and cure my depression *at first.* Then, as I build a tolerance, the fatigue, carbo-cravings and recurrant depression set in (let's say after 3-4 weeks of being on the SSRI). I've tried SSRI therapy for up to a year, and after the first few weeks, the SSRIs stop working, and the efficacy never comes back, I'm just a zombie. I don't understand what is wrong with me because everyone else has to wait 3-4 weeks for the drugs to work not *stop working* as in my case. It must be genetic (or, at least, the psychobiological pattern is genetic) because my dad has *the same* reaction to these meds as I, and when unmedicated, our neuroses are identical.a friend of mine had the same problem...he went on an AD, i don't know which one, and within about three weeks his *severe* depression had returned. he gave up on ADs right then and there---figured it wasn't worth the "trouble" i guess.
after about a month on celexa, i don't feel a bit better, so i'm thinking of changing prescriptions...i felt pretty good for about a week, and now i'm back to the same old thing. also, although i'm less tired now, i have gained about 2 pounds.
Posted by L.Marie on July 5, 2001, at 19:59:47
In reply to Re: fatigue, posted by MB on July 3, 2001, at 16:50:42
I have the same reaction to anti depressants. They work really well (more energy, no depression, no appetite) for the first few weeks, then they just make me really tired.
This has happened with Celexa (I turned into slug woman after 3 weeks). Recently started taking Zoloft, increasing the dosage when I start to feel the "poop out."
I wonder why this happens....
Posted by JaneB on July 5, 2001, at 23:46:16
In reply to Re: fatigue, posted by L.Marie on July 5, 2001, at 19:59:47
> I have the same reaction to anti depressants. They work really well (more energy, no depression, no appetite) for the first few weeks, then they just make me really tired.
>
> This has happened with Celexa (I turned into slug woman after 3 weeks). Recently started taking Zoloft, increasing the dosage when I start to feel the "poop out."
>
> I wonder why this happens....
>
I wish I knew. How can we tell if the tiredness is from depression or ADs? My pdoc added Wellbutrin to Celexa to counteract the tiredness. At first I was wired and now I am tired again. So he will probably up the dose. Does this make sense?
Confused,
JaneB
Posted by maureenMc on July 6, 2001, at 9:39:21
In reply to fatigue or depression, posted by JaneB on July 5, 2001, at 23:46:16
I found a site that is all about Celexa Side Effects..
Posted by E_Canuck on July 9, 2001, at 4:37:32
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by ladyme on May 26, 2001, at 23:46:14
(previous posts not re-quoted: ...weight gain, sleepiness etc. mentioned most frequently.)
Egad, I found my way to this newsgroup as I'm supposed begin my free trial packet of Celexa tomorrow. I'm hoping the adage about everyone being different holds true, since so many people posting here seem certain they've gained weight owing to the drug.
I've wondered about side effects of Wellbutrin, mentioned by a number of people as a benign alternative drug. I've certainly attained my heaviest lifetime weight in the several years I've been on Wellbutrin, and I've also suffered nausea, mainly in the mornings. In fact, I've never enjoyed much of a mood lift on Wellbutrin and I've been more withdrawn and less active in all life spheres. I've kept going with it for 2 years in a more or less superstitious mode, fearing I'd be worse without anything. (already tried and ruled out other SSRIs and MOA inhibitors for side effects reasons, too. Wellbutrin, at least, DOESN'T seem to invade the bedroom and confiscate the twinkle in one's eye.)
I'm going to hope that the weight gain I've seen before now is owing to other non-drug causes (such as reduced physical activity level.) I'm in a mood to get out on my bike more often and peddle myself into a better mood, and I'm certain I can. If I hadn't a stressful work environment (whose isn't?) I'd thumb my nose at the multinational drug companies and snip my antidepressant umbilical cord, but, as I said, I'm superstitious :-)
Posted by Pattisun on July 9, 2001, at 5:48:48
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by E_Canuck on July 9, 2001, at 4:37:32
I hope the Celexa works for you. It is not encouraging to hear about weight gain no matter what we take. But, lack of sex in my marriage--didn't even occur to me that it could be the Paxil until I started reading this board. I am trying to wean off, but finding it (just this first week), damn hard.
Good luck and repost and let us know how you do with the Celexa.
Pattisun> I've wondered about side effects of Wellbutrin, mentioned by a number of people as a benign alternative drug. I've certainly attained my heaviest lifetime weight in the several years I've been on Wellbutrin, and I've also suffered nausea, mainly in the mornings. In fact, I've never enjoyed much of a mood lift on Wellbutrin and I've been more withdrawn and less active in all life spheres. I've kept going with it for 2 years in a more or less superstitious mode, fearing I'd be worse without anything. (already tried and ruled out other SSRIs and MOA inhibitors for side effects reasons, too. Wellbutrin, at least, DOESN'T seem to invade the bedroom and confiscate the twinkle in one's eye.)
>
> I'm going to hope that the weight gain I've seen before now is owing to other non-drug causes (such as reduced physical activity level.) I'm in a mood to get out on my bike more often and peddle myself into a better mood, and I'm certain I can. If I hadn't a stressful work environment (whose isn't?) I'd thumb my nose at the multinational drug companies and snip my antidepressant umbilical cord, but, as I said, I'm superstitious :-)
Posted by YMN on July 9, 2001, at 20:44:44
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by E_Canuck on July 9, 2001, at 4:37:32
I too gained weight on Celexa, about 15 pounds the first month. I went to the doc and asked to switch to Wellbutrin...well folks, gained on that too. I have decided to quit this stuff all together. Wondering if there is any info on quitting the Wellbutrin. I was just going to stop cold turkey, since I have only been on it for about 2 months, and a whole bunch of pounds later!
Any input? so far I have been 2 days without it, I feel a little spacey, and slightly headachy, but other than that, not much else!
> (previous posts not re-quoted: ...weight gain, sleepiness etc. mentioned most frequently.)
>
> Egad, I found my way to this newsgroup as I'm supposed begin my free trial packet of Celexa tomorrow. I'm hoping the adage about everyone being different holds true, since so many people posting here seem certain they've gained weight owing to the drug.
>
> I've wondered about side effects of Wellbutrin, mentioned by a number of people as a benign alternative drug. I've certainly attained my heaviest lifetime weight in the several years I've been on Wellbutrin, and I've also suffered nausea, mainly in the mornings. In fact, I've never enjoyed much of a mood lift on Wellbutrin and I've been more withdrawn and less active in all life spheres. I've kept going with it for 2 years in a more or less superstitious mode, fearing I'd be worse without anything. (already tried and ruled out other SSRIs and MOA inhibitors for side effects reasons, too. Wellbutrin, at least, DOESN'T seem to invade the bedroom and confiscate the twinkle in one's eye.)
>
> I'm going to hope that the weight gain I've seen before now is owing to other non-drug causes (such as reduced physical activity level.) I'm in a mood to get out on my bike more often and peddle myself into a better mood, and I'm certain I can. If I hadn't a stressful work environment (whose isn't?) I'd thumb my nose at the multinational drug companies and snip my antidepressant umbilical cord, but, as I said, I'm superstitious :-)
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.