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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Nancy on December 30, 1998, at 12:05:01
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Dave on December 28, 1998, at 21:45:56
> > I've been taking celexa for 12 days at 20 mg doses
> > I don't feel any effects just a little drowsiness
> > the first few days thats it will my doctor increase
> > the dosage or is their a reason it is this low.
Hi Dave,
That's a good question. How have you previously reacted to SSRIS. No complications or unmanageable side-effects? If not, then I would expect your pdoc to increase Celexa 20mgs every few days until therapeutic range is achieved. The manufacturers recommended max dose of Celexa is 80mgs/day. I expect that the dopey feelings will diminish soon. I can say for myself the dopeys don't pester me.
Good Luck on Your New Program,
Nancy
Posted by Erin on December 30, 1998, at 14:09:15
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by oop on November 6, 1998, at 20:26:06
> > > I haven't heard of this drug and was wondering if anybody has tried it. It will be used in conjunction with Effexor. Any help is appreciated. Thanks
> >
> > I am looking into Celexa. So far, info has been difficult to come by. Combining it with Effexor sounds dangerous. I hope your DR. knows what s/he is doing. I would seek a second opnion before combining two SSRI's. Isn't Effexor working for your? It's supposed to be great!
> **I took celexa, or tried celexa rather, for about two weeks, two weeks ago. It made my emotional state all around better, but I was so sick at my stomach I had to take myself off of it. That's the only draw back I seem to have against it. I wasn't able to work for the nausea.
Posted by Patty on December 30, 1998, at 14:46:00
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by steve on December 26, 1998, at 22:45:06
I tried Serzone breifly. I was tired all of the time but my sexual libido was fine.
Posted by Nancy on December 30, 1998, at 18:21:09
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Erin on December 30, 1998, at 14:09:15
> > > > I haven't heard of this drug and was wondering if anybody has tried it. It will be used in conjunction with Effexor. Any help is appreciated. Thanks
> > >
> > > I am looking into Celexa. So far, info has been difficult to come by. Combining it with Effexor sounds dangerous. I hope your DR. knows what s/he is doing. I would seek a second opnion before combining two SSRI's. Isn't Effexor working for your? It's supposed to be great!
> > **I took celexa, or tried celexa rather, for about two weeks, two weeks ago. It made my emotional state all around better, but I was so sick at my stomach I had to take myself off of it. That's the only draw back I seem to have against it. I wasn't able to work for the nausea.
I would take the chance of combining the low dose of each of the ADs. First of all, there will be fewer and less troublesome side-effects, because you are on a low dose. Adding an additional AD, you form a cocktail that's tough on depression, but, easy on your system.Perhaps, we should ask Dr. Bob?
Nancy
Posted by Erin on December 30, 1998, at 20:26:29
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Erin on December 30, 1998, at 14:09:15
> > > > My Dr. is considering Celexa for me since I have had a 20 pound weight gain with Zoloft. Although Zoloft has worked well for me with depression and anxiety. Has anyone experienced weight gain with Celexa so far? How about headaches? Thanks!
Posted by Toni on December 30, 1998, at 22:25:42
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Erin on December 30, 1998, at 20:26:29
> > > > > My Dr. is considering Celexa for me since I have had a 20 pound weight gain with Zoloft. Although Zoloft has worked well for me with depression and anxiety. Has anyone experienced weight gain with Celexa so far? How about headaches? Thanks!
I started Celexa a couple of weeks ago in addition to
Deseryl, both taken at night. Does anybody else itch
on this? Otherwise I haven't noticed if it is doing
anything - I seem to be high one day and low the next.
I did have nausea today but hope it wasn't caused by
the new AD. I'm tired of trying different drugs.
Posted by Nancy on December 31, 1998, at 10:27:43
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Erin on December 30, 1998, at 20:26:29
> > > > > My Dr. is considering Celexa for me since I have had a 20 pound weight gain with Zoloft. Although Zoloft has worked well for me with depression and anxiety. Has anyone experienced weight gain with Celexa so far? How about headaches? Thanks!
Hello Erin,
I've been taking Celexa, since the middle of September. It has been very gentle to my body. I don't get headaches or GI distress. But best of all, Celexa has helped me to begin reducing the weight I'd gained while on Lithium (it should be outlawed) and Depakote (about as useless a drug as Lithium).
Also, I'm taking Seroquel(a fabulous antimanic/antipsychotic) and Wellbutrin (another good AD that also helps you lose weight). Plus, I take Clonazepam (it helps keep the lid on when I get manicy, which is often since I'm an ultra-rapid cycler). This cocktail of meds only causes me to have dry mouth. That's it. No serious or distressing side-effects.
I think you'll be very pleased with your results on Celexa.
Happy New Year,
Nancy
Posted by Nancy on December 31, 1998, at 10:42:56
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Toni on December 30, 1998, at 22:25:42
> I started Celexa a couple of weeks ago in addition to
> Deseryl, both taken at night. Does anybody else itch
> on this?Hi Toni,
Yeah, I tried Deseryl. Then, I immediately threw it away. I consider it another garbage drug in the same sorry class as Lithium, Depakote and Tegretol. They all have aweful side-effects, but not much going for them in the way of therapeutic functionality.I tell it like it is...
Happy New Year,
Nancy
Posted by Erin on December 31, 1998, at 11:16:30
In reply to Re: celexa, good stuff, posted by Nancy on December 31, 1998, at 10:27:43
> > > > > > My Dr. is considering Celexa for me since I have had a 20 pound weight gain with Zoloft. Although Zoloft has worked well for me with depression and anxiety. Has anyone experienced weight gain with Celexa so far? How about headaches? Thanks!
> Hello Erin,
> I've been taking Celexa, since the middle of September. It has been very gentle to my body. I don't get headaches or GI distress. But best of all, Celexa has helped me to begin reducing the weight I'd gained while on Lithium (it should be outlawed) and Depakote (about as useless a drug as Lithium).
> Also, I'm taking Seroquel(a fabulous antimanic/antipsychotic) and Wellbutrin (another good AD that also helps you lose weight). Plus, I take Clonazepam (it helps keep the lid on when I get manicy, which is often since I'm an ultra-rapid cycler). This cocktail of meds only causes me to have dry mouth. That's it. No serious or distressing side-effects.
> I think you'll be very pleased with your results on Celexa.
> Happy New Year,
> NancyThanks for the positive note on Celexa. Does it make you sleepy? Should I take it @ night or in the morning? I'm hopeful this will be a positive change for me as well! Many Thanks! Erin
Posted by shelley on December 31, 1998, at 17:14:24
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by racey Nancy on December 30, 1998, at 9:33:32
I just finished my first week on Celexa. I titrated my own dose slowly, increasing to one 20 mg. pill per day. (I had early and severe side effects when I tried Zoloft, probably because my doctor started me on a high dose). Initially, I felt a faint twinge of nausea with Celexa, but it passed very quickly. I will keep increasing my dose to the standard 40mg/day within the next month. It's taking longer to get a response this way, but it is minimizing any side effects I may have encountered and therefore I am more likely to stick with it.
I have noticed only a very small delay reaching orgasm -- with Zoloft, I was totally anorgasmic from fairly early on. I am a 32 year-old female.
I'm open to talking to anyone about Celexa, or SSRIs.
Posted by Nancy on December 31, 1998, at 17:32:00
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Erin on December 31, 1998, at 11:16:30
> > > > > > > My Dr. is considering Celexa for me since I have had a 20 pound weight gain with Zoloft. Although Zoloft has worked well for me with depression and anxiety. Has anyone experienced weight gain with Celexa so far? How about headaches? Thanks!
> > Hello Erin,
> > I've been taking Celexa, since the middle of September. It has been very gentle to my body. I don't get headaches or GI distress. But best of all, Celexa has helped me to begin reducing the weight I'd gained while on Lithium (it should be outlawed) and Depakote (about as useless a drug as Lithium).
> > Also, I'm taking Seroquel(a fabulous antimanic/antipsychotic) and Wellbutrin (another good AD that also helps you lose weight). Plus, I take Clonazepam (it helps keep the lid on when I get manicy, which is often since I'm an ultra-rapid cycler). This cocktail of meds only causes me to have dry mouth. That's it. No serious or distressing side-effects.
> > I think you'll be very pleased with your results on Celexa.
> > Happy New Year,
> > Nancy
> Thanks for the positive note on Celexa. Does it make you sleepy? Should I take it @ night or in the morning? I'm hopeful this will be a positive change for me as well! Many Thanks! Erin
Well, if given a choice, I would always prefer taking meds at bedtime. That's the time of day that my body isn't harried and busy doing active things. It gives the meds a chance to work uninterrupted. But, that's just me giving personality to inanimate objects. But, as a manic I feel a special connection to all things. Can you believe I was a research associate of neuroscience? Hard to imagine an honors student as a lunatic, eh? Anyway, I take Celexa three times a day. Actually, I take all my meds three times a day. I'm one of your hard-core bipolars.Happy New Healthy Year,
Nancy
Posted by Nancy on December 31, 1998, at 17:44:03
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by shelley on December 31, 1998, at 17:14:24
> I just finished my first week on Celexa. I titrated my own dose slowly, increasing to one 20 mg. pill per day. (I had early and severe side effects when I tried Zoloft, probably because my doctor started me on a high dose). Initially, I felt a faint twinge of nausea with Celexa, but it passed very quickly. I will keep increasing my dose to the standard 40mg/day within the next month. It's taking longer to get a response this way, but it is minimizing any side effects I may
have encountered and therefore I am more likely to stick with it.
> I have noticed only a very small delay reaching orgasm -- with Zoloft, I was totally anorgasmic from fairly early on. I am a 32 year-old female.
> I'm open to talking to anyone about Celexa, or SSRIs.I think you're wise, titrating to the recommended dosage very slowly. I think it's so wise, because that's exactly the way I do it. And I pride myself on always being the one who does things the right way. HA HA HA HA
You'll have to forgive me I keep getting these wild upward manic swings. So, I guess that I think myself funny. I'm taking 80mgs/day Celexa, 450mgs/day Wellbutrin and 600mgs/day Seroquel. I'm happy that I have upward turns in my mood. For so long, I've been suicidally depressed.
The Best Of Luck In This New Year,
Nancy
Posted by ruth on February 16, 1999, at 8:26:47
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by shelley on December 31, 1998, at 17:14:24
>Shelly,
So Celexa has had less of a sexual
side effect for you than others?
This is the reason I am trying it, b/c
prozac was great for my depression, not
so good for my sex life. sex is really
important to me, but so is my mental health. I
am tired, however, of having to sacrifice one
for the other. If you have any updates on this
particular side effect, let me know...
Posted by heather on February 20, 1999, at 13:48:44
In reply to Re: celexa, good stuff, posted by Nancy on December 31, 1998, at 10:27:43
I have just started taking celexa and remeron after nine years of Tegretol. Anyone else taking those two together?
Posted by Shelley in Seattle on February 20, 1999, at 21:26:57
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by ruth on February 16, 1999, at 8:26:47
Hi, Ruth:
Yes, I can honestly say that Celexa has been much kinder to my sex life. It was kind of iffy through the first month or 6 weeks, but then one day that numbness went away and it didn't take me hours & hours! I totally understand the dilemma between having a decent sex life and needing to be mentally stable.
We all respond so differently to drugs. It seems that Celexa's side effects do tend to diminish among most of the friends I know who are on it... but when I am feeling depressed, a month seems like forever to wait. It took a full month for the Celexa to kick in! It was hard to wait! But I suppose that patience really is a virtue with the SSRIs.
Here's hoping it'll work for you :-)
Shelley
Posted by carol on February 20, 1999, at 22:53:29
In reply to Re: celexa, good stuff, posted by heather on February 20, 1999, at 13:48:44
After 10 yrs of depression and battling it with St. John's wort, Oct I started 20mg Celexa. 2 weeks brought no effect. Dr. added 37.5 mg. Effexor and 250 mg. Depakote. Side effects: dry mouth, yawning, sleeplessness, weight loss. By Dec side effects went away. Dr. added upped the Depakote to 500mg because of cont'd weight loss. Now my weight is maintained and I have no side effect except for weird dreams at night. I don't like having any medication but this is working great for me.
Posted by Matt on February 22, 1999, at 23:28:20
In reply to Re: celexa, good stuff, posted by heather on February 20, 1999, at 13:48:44
I was taking Celexa and Remeron together, but I found the combo to be too sedating for me (well, I'm also on Klonopin, which was part of the problem, too). Remeron is terrific on anxiety, though, IME, and looks to be a great a-d.
Matt
Posted by Sue on February 23, 1999, at 18:21:43
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Amy on November 14, 1998, at 20:09:20
> I will be starting Celexa very soon and would like to know if anyone has had any problems with sexual side effects. I have been on Prozac and Zoloft, both ruined an otherwise perfect sex life. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
I just started taking Celexa 1 1/2 weeks ago. I was on Zoloft for about 9 months before I switched. I am taking it for panic/anxiety. So far, I love it. It definitely has less side effects than Zoloft and whereas I had no sex drive with Zoloft, I'm already experiencing better sex and a much stronger desire.
Hope that helps
Posted by ellen on February 27, 1999, at 22:38:19
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by candy on November 3, 1998, at 19:36:31
>I took it it was the best thing I ever tried but it took away my sex drive, I mean I hated sex when I usually love it so I dropped it. Now I love it again. I am now on neurontin. It's pretty good.
Posted by Heidi on April 1, 1999, at 19:21:06
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Toni on December 30, 1998, at 22:25:42
Posted by yun on November 23, 1999, at 23:58:51
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by shelley on December 31, 1998, at 17:14:24
Shelley, I just started celexa five days ago. I am little scared about switching from zoloft. Celexa is such a new drug. My sister who is a nurse told me that Celexa is a "crap" drug. However, I want to do my own research. Are you having any severe side effects such as decreased libido, neck pains, night sweat, memory loss and weight gain? Sorry for so many questions! How are you doing?
> I just finished my first week on Celexa. I titrated my own dose slowly, increasing to one 20 mg. pill per day. (I had early and severe side effects when I tried Zoloft, probably because my doctor started me on a high dose). Initially, I felt a faint twinge of nausea with Celexa, but it passed very quickly. I will keep increasing my dose to the standard 40mg/day within the next month. It's taking longer to get a response this way, but it is minimizing any side effects I may have encountered and therefore I am more likely to stick with it.
> I have noticed only a very small delay reaching orgasm -- with Zoloft, I was totally anorgasmic from fairly early on. I am a 32 year-old female.
> I'm open to talking to anyone about Celexa, or SSRIs.
Posted by LD on November 24, 1999, at 10:00:33
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by yun on November 23, 1999, at 23:58:51
I have been on Celexa for 2.5 months and am very happy with it. It had brought me to a place I didnt know existed anymore. I went through several meds before Celexa finally worked for me. I had nausea at first, which quickly subsided. The sexual side effects lasted about a month, and now everything is fine, even my drive is coming back. I do have nights sweats, but its not that bad. A little weight gain, but I also quit smoking so it may be that. I'd love to answer any questions I can, and I hope Celexa works for you!
Posted by yun on November 24, 1999, at 22:47:54
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by LD on November 24, 1999, at 10:00:33
>Thanks for responding LD!
I am a little skepical about Celexa. I am just beginning to realize all the weird feelings that I have been enduring are connected to zoloft. I have had tingling sensations, light-headness, night sweat, decreased libido and (irritability due to lowering the dosage).
Lately I want to give up on taking antidepressants;however, I know what it would be like without the medicine. I have to remind myself that despite the side effects, it is better than self-hate and suffocating sadness.I am keeping my fingers crossed about Celexa. It's good to hear that you are handling it fine. Keep me posted on any changes. I'll be keeping my eyes open for any new messages.
Thanks a lot again! Happy Thanksgiving!! Yun
I have been on Celexa for 2.5 months and am very happy with it. It had brought me to a place I didnt know existed anymore. I went through several meds before Celexa finally worked for me. I had nausea at first, which quickly subsided. The sexual side effects lasted about a month, and now everything is fine, even my drive is coming back. I do have nights sweats, but its not that bad. A little weight gain, but I also quit smoking so it may be that. I'd love to answer any questions I can, and I hope Celexa works for you!
Posted by LD on November 26, 1999, at 11:42:58
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by yun on November 24, 1999, at 22:47:54
Yun,
I know what if feels like to want to give up on antidepressants, its very frustrating when one after another doesnt work. But there is one out there for you, just keep trying, it is so worth the wait. It took me 6 months of trials before celexa worked for me. I was lucky, it takes some people alot longer. Just please keep trying, and good luck with the Celexa! Let me know if you have any questions.
Posted by Ben on March 1, 2000, at 23:43:32
In reply to Re: celexa yes, deseryl yuck., posted by Nancy on December 31, 1998, at 10:42:56
> >I have been on Celexa 20 mg combo w/ Deseryl 100mg for a couple of months. The Celexa showed great signs of working at first, but now things are starting to degenerate again. As for Deseryl, it was prescribed to fight insomnia that accompanied major depression, and it is virtually worthless both as an antidepressant, and a sleep aid. Also, I have developed rashes around my neck and arms, which I belive is from the medication.
BenI started Celexa a couple of weeks ago in addition to
> > Deseryl, both taken at night. Does anybody else itch
> > on this?
> Hi Toni,
> Yeah, I tried Deseryl. Then, I immediately threw it away. I consider it another garbage drug in the same sorry class as Lithium, Depakote and Tegretol. They all have aweful side-effects, but not much going for them in the way of therapeutic functionality.
> I tell it like it is...
> Happy New Year,
> Nancy
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