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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Melissa on January 30, 2000, at 2:05:39
In reply to Re: Hormone Replacement Therapy, posted by Margo on January 29, 2000, at 19:12:53
> > I also took celexia for 6 mo. I agree that it helped but as others the exaustion and weight gain where to much of a trade off. I'm going to take Melissa's advice and try the hormone replacement theapy. I gained 20 lbs on celexia in just 6 mo. after I stopped taking the celexia I had very strange head rushes a tingeling feeling for about a week or two and then a severe headache that lasted for about 3 or 4 days. I feel more normal now and think it did help me through a rough spot, But with my age 41 soon to be 42 I will try the hormones. My doctor had suggested I try them but after the weight gain I've had I really thought I would just gain more. I beleive with the increased energy though I could get back to my normal routine and hoopefully loose the extra weight. I've always been thin so I'm not taking being a size 10 to well. I hope you all find the perfect answer for yourselves. Just don't give up and beleive in yourself in the mean time!
I have been taking HRT for a couple of years now, and I have been steadily, slowly taking off the weight. THe weight I gained from Celexa came of relatively quickly (less than a month) and though I go through bouts of stress when I eat inappropriately and gain some weight, afterwards it does come off. Amd I continute to be happier and healthier and stronger than I have ever been. I do wish I had started taking it in my early 40's. I think I was in the very early stages of menopause that is not yet medically acknowledged. Doctors wait too long before sarting it. I would be very curious as to how your results are. I do want to strongly recommend the natural HRT's that are still presciption required. The best is the brand name estrace. If your prescription plan will only pay for the genric, pay the difference out of your pocket. I tried the genric for a while and lost a lot of the benefits. My doctor who is literally one of the world's leading researchers in HRT (and the related field of fertility) says that his experience is that the generics fail for many women under many circumstances (including fertility issues.) FOr the progesterone (which you must take to avoid the risk of uterine cancer) it is important to get the "methodized" progesterone (that is not quite the right term but your doctor should know or you can look it up)
because your body won't assimilate it. You can get these drugs through the WOmen's international Pharmacy in WIsconsin (call 800 info for phone number), your doctor can phone in a prescription, if you do not have a local pharmacy that will do compounding. (that is critical, because you will find you will need to make minute changes indoeses to find the right one for you and as you are i your early forties you will find the right dose will change over time.) WOmen's INternational pharmacy also will send you a booklet on the latest info on HRT naturals. I strongly recommend against the synthetics, which most women take. Most women I know have pretty bad side effects, the degree of which aries from women to woman. (And no, the fact that the synthetics are made from pregnat mares' urine does nto mean it is natural. It is not.) Progestin, the synthetic for progesterone, is the drug that seems to cause the worst side effects, bringing on symptoms of PMS even in women who never had PMS and also causes weight gain. (My understanding is that one theory for women who suffer from PMS is that their body produces too much progesterone during that part of the cylce which causes the PMS symptoms.) I know that just in the last week a study has been published in one of the major medical journals that indicates that the combo of estrogen and progesterone (actually it was the eynthetics, progestin in particular) which are taken together to eliminate the increased risk of uterine cancer that taking estrogine alone causes, the study indicates that the combo increase the risk of breast cancer over taking estrogen alone. However, I would still suggest taking the two combined. Because there are other studies coming out that show there is no correlation between HRT and breast cancer. It has to do with the data analysis and how the tests are set up. (I have this knowledge because my doctor is a researcher and I myself am an academic and have a good deal of knowledge about data studies.) So the results re: breast cancer are too inconclsive and the increased risk indicated if true is only 8% a year on a very small numbe to begin with, whereas with uterine cancer it is over 25% and that is established as a certainty and known for several decades.) So good luck and I hope to see a post here about your experience.Melissa
Posted by Alyson Flicher on October 12, 2000, at 18:36:03
In reply to Re: side effects of celexa, posted by RUTH PEREZ on January 28, 2000, at 14:51:43
Does anyone have experience with taking celexa for relief of severe PMS symptoms?
Posted by Snowie on October 18, 2000, at 22:40:17
In reply to Re: celexa for PMS, posted by Alyson Flicher on October 12, 2000, at 18:36:03
Alyson,
I did try Celexa a while back, and I really liked it. As for relief from severe PMS symptoms, I have no idea. I don't think I took it long enough to find out. I've heard that some of the benzos can help with PMS symptoms since they have muscle relaxant properties. Valium in particular comes to mind. You probably wouldn't have a dependency problem with it if you only took it p.r.n. (as needed). I'm not trying to get rid of you here, but below is a site for women that deals with OB-GYN questions. I've posted several times there, and the doctors are very knowledgeable about almost everything to do with women's issues.
http://forums.obgyn.net/womens-health/
Snowie
> Does anyone have experience with taking celexa for relief of severe PMS symptoms?
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....
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