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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by JeffJ on January 30, 2002, at 9:13:59
Hi:
My wife, who has been suffering from anxiety for years and who has been on a number of medications on and off for years, was recently prescribed celexa for her anxiety and depression. She will begin taking it today.
I was wondering if anyone could share their experiences with the drug. Has it been effective? What sort of side-effects can my wife expect? Her biggest worry is that it will actually INCREASE her anxiety and prevent her from sleeping. Has anyone experienced this sort of reaction?
Thanks much.
Posted by Anyuser on January 30, 2002, at 11:22:34
In reply to thoughts on celexa, posted by JeffJ on January 30, 2002, at 9:13:59
You and your wife should be very hopeful about the benefits of Celexa. It was very effective in alleviating my depression and anxiety. The benefits can be profound. Instead of only masking symptoms, the causes of mood disorder are removed.
However, starting an SSRI can be frightening. Your wife may indeed be more anxious at first, and sleep disturbance is a side effect that never goes away for some. She should have tranquilizers on hand in case things get too weird. Acute weirdness should fade away within days. Benefits don't kick in for weeks. Your wife's doctor should be knowledgeable and sympathetic about side effects, or else she's got the wrong doctor.
Posted by Roo on January 30, 2002, at 12:20:43
In reply to Re: thoughts on celexa, posted by Anyuser on January 30, 2002, at 11:22:34
Based on my experience, she should experience
an eliviation of anxiety....but I couldn't sleep
very well on the stuff. I also had sexual side
effects. Other than that, it was good for my
depression and anxiety and I felt very peaceful
on it.
Posted by IsoM on January 30, 2002, at 13:16:49
In reply to thoughts on celexa, posted by JeffJ on January 30, 2002, at 9:13:59
Both my son & I were prescribed Celexa. Before, all other ADs took about 3 weeks to start working. But with Celexa, both of us noticed a change in just under a week. At around 2 weeks, we both felt euphoric, not quite hypomanic. After another week or so, it leveled off to simply feeling good.
After 2 months, it started losing effect. Our dose was bumped up to 40 mg from the initial 20 mg. I responded well, my son didn't. He opted to quit it & I'm still taking it. Neither of us noticed any side-effects at all, but others have had some.
I hope it works well for your wife. I've found for me that anxiety & depression are closely tied. Treat my depression & the anxiety gets much better.
Posted by niecsey on February 1, 2002, at 7:34:14
In reply to thoughts on celexa, posted by JeffJ on January 30, 2002, at 9:13:59
> Hi:
>
> My wife, who has been suffering from anxiety for years and who has been on a number of medications on and off for years, was recently prescribed celexa for her anxiety and depression. She will begin taking it today.
>
> I was wondering if anyone could share their experiences with the drug. Has it been effective? What sort of side-effects can my wife expect? Her biggest worry is that it will actually INCREASE her anxiety and prevent her from sleeping. Has anyone experienced this sort of reaction?
>
> Thanks much.hi ive been on that for 14 month and now im weaning myself off it, anxiety is or can b experienced more when u first start taking them, my doc decided for me to half my dose till my body got used to it because i was drowsy having non stop panic attacks headaches feeling sick shaking, i did what he said and im glad i took them, i feel loads better than b4 i took them there worth a try,takecare x
Posted by Calamity on February 1, 2002, at 19:28:05
In reply to thoughts on celexa, posted by JeffJ on January 30, 2002, at 9:13:59
Jeff -- I've been on Celexa (40mg) for 7 months. The side effect that I have at this point is that I can go to sleep, but can't stay asleep during the night. For me, it's a minor tradeoff from depression.
At the beginning of celexa I had very tense jaw and muscles. I yawned ALL the time. I could not cry (much to everyone's pleasure). And I was sleepy much of the time. I've leveled off well, feel okay. (And crying at appropriate things, rather than at everything.)
Hope this helps. We all seem to have different reactions to AD's. Your wife's lucky to have a supportive husband!
Calamity
Posted by petters on February 3, 2002, at 1:55:22
In reply to Re: thoughts on celexa, posted by niecsey on February 1, 2002, at 7:34:14
> > Hi:
> >
> > My wife, who has been suffering from anxiety for years and who has been on a number of medications on and off for years, was recently prescribed celexa for her anxiety and depression. She will begin taking it today.
> >
> > I was wondering if anyone could share their experiences with the drug. Has it been effective? What sort of side-effects can my wife expect? Her biggest worry is that it will actually INCREASE her anxiety and prevent her from sleeping. Has anyone experienced this sort of reaction?
> >
> > Thanks much.
>
> hi ive been on that for 14 month and now im weaning myself off it, anxiety is or can b experienced more when u first start taking them, my doc decided for me to half my dose till my body got used to it because i was drowsy having non stop panic attacks headaches feeling sick shaking, i did what he said and im glad i took them, i feel loads better than b4 i took them there worth a try,takecare xHi...
I really recommend her to add a small amount of Remeron 15-30mg or Serzone 200-300mg at night. This is a very good combo and will eliminate the insomnia from Celexa. It will also boost the antidepressant effect.
Ask the doctor for this combo, and you have an exellent med combo.
Sincerely...//Petters
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