Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 3323

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Re: Celexa

Posted by Tammy on June 21, 1999, at 12:30:20

In reply to Re: Celexa, posted by Sally on June 21, 1999, at 7:55:24

Thanks alot Sally....I was wondering just how expensive it was.........But that isn't bad.

The prescription for Celexa that my mother has is for one month and cost only a little over $11.00 (we were worried!). That cost is
> without insurance, but I do know that most insurance plans seem to cover Paxil, so I would think that Celexa shouldn't be any
> different.
>
>
> > I just started Celexa yesterday ( June 18th )I have had one side effect already and that is dry mouth.But I feel alot better ALREADY!!!! I seem to just not care about my probs anymore and let things go...I have never been able to do that before!!
> >
> > Also I have read that Celexa was expensive...can someone post how much it is and how many the Dr. usually gives you at a time.
> > My Dr. gave me a 4 week supply of samples to see it this is going to work for me.So if does I want to prepared if I have to buy them.
> > Does Ins. usually pay for it or pay part of it?
> >
> > I would also like to add that i would rather have weight lose than gain!! Which is more common?
> >
> > I would also like to have a "Celexa" pen pal....feel free to email me or my Im is tamy269

 

Re: Celexa in pregnancy

Posted by Teresa on June 21, 1999, at 16:40:24

In reply to Re: Celexa, posted by Pam on March 2, 1999, at 3:40:02

Hi, i was wondering if anyone had any info on celexa in pregnancy? I can't seem to find any info on it, since it is new to the US. I was on Celexa and it worked perfect, now i am pregnant and need to go back on meds and would really like to go back on celexa but can't seem to find how it affects pregnancys??

 

Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain

Posted by Lisa on June 22, 1999, at 2:49:06

In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by Tammy on June 20, 1999, at 21:31:00

I spent 3 months on Celexa and lost 12 pounds!!!
I do know that some people gain weight but others
do lose on this drug. I was finally able to come off
celexa after I lifted from my depression. Losing the
weight sure did help a LOT! :) Good luck to all
concerned. I wanted to share my experience with
the drug.

 

Re: Celexa in pregnancy

Posted by lindsey on June 22, 1999, at 15:42:51

In reply to Re: Celexa in pregnancy, posted by Teresa on June 21, 1999, at 16:40:24

> Hi, i was wondering if anyone had any info on celexa in pregnancy? I can't seem to find any info on it, since it is new to the US. I was on Celexa and it worked perfect, now i am pregnant and need to go back on meds and would really like to go back on celexa but can't seem to find how it affects pregnancys??

Unfortunately, I don't have any info on Celexa in pregnancy, but I wanted to suggest that you call the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Celexa and ask them to send you some materials. I know that Eli Lilly publishes a comprehensive report on Prozac during all trimesters, complete with all of the data it cites. I would think that other companies may do this as well. Best of luck and congratulations.

 

Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain

Posted by michele on June 22, 1999, at 16:20:16

In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by Lisa on June 22, 1999, at 2:49:06

my son started on celexa two and a half weeks ago.
He seems to be gaining weight quickly. don't know
if it's from the drug or the inactivity from being
so sleepy. if anyone has any info please respond.


 

Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain

Posted by tammy on June 22, 1999, at 16:26:42

In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by michele on June 22, 1999, at 16:20:16

> I started on Celexa just the 18th ( june ) and I have lost 2 pounds.I have not been hungry and very sleepy.I slept over 13 hours last night!!! When I do eat I feel very nauseas.
I also have had a headache over my left temple.Has anyone else?LMK--------Thanks!!


my son started on celexa two and a half weeks ago.
> He seems to be gaining weight quickly. don't know
> if it's from the drug or the inactivity from being
> so sleepy. if anyone has any info please respond.

 

Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain

Posted by gail on June 24, 1999, at 8:28:35

In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by tammy on June 22, 1999, at 16:26:42

> > I started on Celexa just the 18th ( june ) and I have lost 2 pounds.I have not been hungry and very sleepy.I slept over 13 hours last night!!! When I do eat I feel very nauseas.
> I also have had a headache over my left temple.Has anyone else?LMK--------Thanks!!
>

I have been on Celexa for 4 weeks. I am over weight and find I am not eating at all like I use to. I was told this drug is also give to people with Compusive Obsessive. Maybe that explains alot. I've had the headache's in the temple's but not severe and now do not seem as tired as the first few weeks. My prescription cost was $30, a dollar a pill.

Gail
>
>
>
>
>
> my son started on celexa two and a half weeks ago.
> > He seems to be gaining weight quickly. don't know
> > if it's from the drug or the inactivity from being
> > so sleepy. if anyone has any info please respond.

 

Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain

Posted by Tammy on June 24, 1999, at 11:34:33

In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by gail on June 24, 1999, at 8:28:35

Hi Gail,
Does your Ins. cover the Celexa?I had gotten a month sample pack from my Dr.But I am sure when I go back and if he gives me more I will have to buy them..which really doesn't matter..I just would like to know before I get there.....heehee
My headache has not been to bad yesterday and today so that is good.I do I hope I don't gain any weight!! Thanks,Tammy

I started on Celexa just the 18th ( june ) and I have lost 2 pounds.I have not been hungry and very sleepy.I slept over 13 hours last night!!! When I do eat I feel very nauseas.
> > I also have had a headache over my left temple.Has anyone else?LMK--------Thanks!!
> >
>
> I have been on Celexa for 4 weeks. I am over weight and find I am not eating at all like I use to. I was told this drug is also give to people with Compusive Obsessive. Maybe that explains alot. I've had the headache's in the temple's but not severe and now do not seem as tired as the first few weeks. My prescription cost was $30, a dollar a pill.
>
> Gail
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > my son started on celexa two and a half weeks ago.
> > > He seems to be gaining weight quickly. don't know
> > > if it's from the drug or the inactivity from being
> > > so sleepy. if anyone has any info please respond.

 

Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain

Posted by gail on June 24, 1999, at 15:15:03

In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by Tammy on June 24, 1999, at 11:34:33

>
Tammy- Sounds like you have a great attitude! It's part of being successful. My insurance does pay for my prescription. I only had to pay the co pay. I was so tired for the first week or so that I couldn't get my housework done and didn't really care either. Now I function normally with out the depression. I feel much better and I'm on my 4th week. Keep in touch.

Gail


Hi Gail,
> Does your Ins. cover the Celexa?I had gotten a month sample pack from my Dr.But I am sure when I go back and if he gives me more I will have to buy them..which really doesn't matter..I just would like to know before I get there.....heehee
> My headache has not been to bad yesterday and today so that is good.I do I hope I don't gain any weight!! Thanks,Tammy
>
>
>
>
>
> I started on Celexa just the 18th ( june ) and I have lost 2 pounds.I have not been hungry and very sleepy.I slept over 13 hours last night!!! When I do eat I feel very nauseas.
> > > I also have had a headache over my left temple.Has anyone else?LMK--------Thanks!!
> > >
> >
> > I have been on Celexa for 4 weeks. I am over weight and find I am not eating at all like I use to. I was told this drug is also give to people with Compusive Obsessive. Maybe that explains alot. I've had the headache's in the temple's but not severe and now do not seem as tired as the first few weeks. My prescription cost was $30, a dollar a pill.
> >
> > Gail
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > my son started on celexa two and a half weeks ago.
> > > > He seems to be gaining weight quickly. don't know
> > > > if it's from the drug or the inactivity from being
> > > > so sleepy. if anyone has any info please respond.

 

Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain

Posted by Tammy on June 24, 1999, at 15:33:35

In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by gail on June 24, 1999, at 15:15:03

> >Gail.....I have been tired to..I sleep at least 13 hours a night since I have started taking the Celexa.We are going on Vacation next week and I reaaly don't feel like going,but think if I do It will help me some.The reason I started taking the Celexa was because I have alot of family probs and seem to worry about EVERYTHING!!
I really wasn't to depressed..I think it is my nerves mostly.I guess is suppose to help that to,or he wouldn't have gave it to me.I have however not been worry about anything,I feel really peaceful and just don't seem to care about anything....Housework included...LOL
I wish you all the luck and keep in touch also.
feel free to email me ANYTIME! Catch ya later,Tammy~

> Tammy- Sounds like you have a great attitude! It's part of being successful. My insurance does pay for my prescription. I only had to pay the co pay. I was so tired for the first week or so that I couldn't get my housework done and didn't really care either. Now I function normally with out the depression. I feel much better and I'm on my 4th week. Keep in touch.
>
> Gail
>
>
> Hi Gail,
> > Does your Ins. cover the Celexa?I had gotten a month sample pack from my Dr.But I am sure when I go back and if he gives me more I will have to buy them..which really doesn't matter..I just would like to know before I get there.....heehee
> > My headache has not been to bad yesterday and today so that is good.I do I hope I don't gain any weight!! Thanks,Tammy
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > I started on Celexa just the 18th ( june ) and I have lost 2 pounds.I have not been hungry and very sleepy.I slept over 13 hours last night!!! When I do eat I feel very nauseas.
> > > > I also have had a headache over my left temple.Has anyone else?LMK--------Thanks!!
> > > >
> > >
> > > I have been on Celexa for 4 weeks. I am over weight and find I am not eating at all like I use to. I was told this drug is also give to people with Compusive Obsessive. Maybe that explains alot. I've had the headache's in the temple's but not severe and now do not seem as tired as the first few weeks. My prescription cost was $30, a dollar a pill.
> > >
> > > Gail
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > my son started on celexa two and a half weeks ago.
> > > > > He seems to be gaining weight quickly. don't know
> > > > > if it's from the drug or the inactivity from being
> > > > > so sleepy. if anyone has any info please respond.

 

Re: Celexa--Dawn

Posted by nina on June 24, 1999, at 16:44:55

In reply to Re: Celexa--Dawn, posted by ruth on March 2, 1999, at 7:42:21

> > Dawn, did you experience negative
> sexual side effects with celexa?
I have been on celexa for two weeks and have experienced a great amount of fatigue. I had to stop taking it due to my inability to function throughout the day. Has anyone else experienced such a great amount of fatigue and sleepiness?

 

Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain

Posted by Alice on June 25, 1999, at 13:03:47

In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by tammy on June 22, 1999, at 16:26:42


> I have been on Celexa since the 14th of June,only 10 mg. day. I feel drowsy, I still don't sleep very much and I am up before the sun.
I haven't noticed any lift in depression or anxiety. Do you think I need more?

Alice
>
>
>
>


 

Re: Celexa/side effects

Posted by Kelley on June 26, 1999, at 14:38:48

In reply to Re: Celexa/side effects, posted by Terry on May 8, 1999, at 5:50:28

> > i am just starting celexa, without much info on the side effects. mainly, i am concerned with sexual
> > dyfunction, sleepiness, and memory loss. i have
> > been on various other meds (prozac, zoloft,
> > wellbutrin, serzone, luvox). one thing that i have
> > noticed is an absentmindedness or memory loss when
> > i increased the dosage (10 to 20). i haven't noticed
> > any fatigue or sleepiness problems. but about the
> > sexual dysfunction... from reading your notes, my
> > sex drive might actually return?
> > anyone with info?
> > dina
>
> I just started Celexa 2 days ago (20mg). Have been on Wellbutrin for about 6 weeks. Prior to that was on Zoloft for 3 months. Prior to that, Paxil for 3 months. Didn't like the weight gain, lethargy and sexuallly side effects of Paxil. Didn't like sexual side effects of Zoloft. Thus the change to Wellbutrin. Wellbutrim has made me very anxious. Celexa helped alleviate the anxiety beginning on day 1. Still taking 125mg of Wellbutrin.
>
> My original reason for going on ADs was because of poor concentration and memory loss. Was depressed as well, but could handle it.
> The concentration and memory loss aspects, however, effect my job. So I began the eternal search for the "perfect" AD.
>
> After reading several of these postings, I am concerned about the concentration/memory thing. The reason I got on this rollercoaster! Does it improve over time? Would decreasing to 10 mg. help? Is it ever perscribed for improving concentration? Even Wellbutrin has not totally brought back my mental faculties. The best I felt was when I was weaning off of Zoloft and taking Wellbutrin simultaneoulsy. But because of the sexually side effect of Zoloft, I asked to try a different SSRI. Enter Celexa!
>
> So far I have had no sexually side effects (Thank God!}, but may be too soon to tell. Or, maybe I just can't remember...
>
> Any thoughts?

I was recently prescribed Celexa (10 mg/day) lowest dosage for severe anxiety. I had been on Zoloft about 2-3 years ago for depression and it "kicked in " for me in about 2 days. I was fine for the first 3-4 months (with the exception of sexual dysfunction, which was not a high price to pay consindering that state of my mind at that time) , until it really made me jittery and slowly got off of it.The depression never returned. Along with the Celexa, I have been presecribed Klonopin. After reading these things about the memory loss, I am really concerned as I really can't afford to have any diminishment with regard to it-- due to my work, etc. Anyway, the low dose of Celexa was presribed for my ANXIETY, not depression. Also, my doc indicated at medium doses it addresses depression and at high dosages,it is presribed for OCD disorder. Also, I am concerned about the "sleepiness" that I've been reading about. Can anyone comment?

 

Re: Celexa after 6mos. off Zoloft

Posted by Kelley on June 26, 1999, at 15:10:54

In reply to Re: Celexa after 6mos. off Zoloft, posted by Tom on May 27, 1999, at 21:34:25

> I am struck by the variety of responses and side effects of these medications. I went on zoloft five years ago and after a few months stabilized at 37.5 mg/day. It really helped me first with a depressing time in my life (major business project failure). I definitely began to feel better although the detached sense of unreality that may of us are familiar with was there. I had some anxiety with it but that passed after a few months. Tried to stop a couple of times and after a few days would get this anxious feeling in the pit of my stomach over something, and think "Oh, hello. I can do without THIS feeling, thank you. I'll stick with the zoloft." So you might say I went on for the anti-depressant effect and stayed on for the anxiety reduction--a sort of armoring from the vicissitudes of day to day emotional life. In four years, I note in retrospect, such armoring also allowed my natural defenses to atrophy. During that time I got into a great relationship, got married to a wonderful woman, and was happy, although increasingly bothered by missing the "top 10" (but not the "bottom 20%") that zoloft seemed to "clip" off of experience. I went to an Indian music concert and felt almost nothing (odd for me). On my first wedding anniversary I stopped zoloft. I felt fine at first, was a little more uptight at times, but basically OK until I ran up against a serious personality/territorial conflict with a neighbor and former (and perhaps future) friend. It flipped me back into serious depression and extreme anxiety. I tried going back on zoloft (I had stopped without consulting my shrink, which I DO NOT recommend) but couldn't deal with the anxiety it caused this time. Go figure. SO I switched to celexa in January, worked my way up to 30 mg by March. I have one serious side-effect which is different from most I have seen here: great anxiety and insomnia. Too much energy and often nowhere to go with it! I take 1 to 2.5 xanax a day (.25 mg) and benadryl and ambien on alternate nights to sleep. When I tried to go back on the zoloft I didn't try tranquilizers to offset it, and I'm considering switching back to Z. As I say, I went on originally for depression--which is real--but stayed on for the "armoring." I feel more with celexa, don't get that "clipping," which is important to me as I am an architect and paid to feel and interpret, in effect. Yet the side effects of celexa are for me--the anxiety--not receding, perhaps actually increasing, as is the (albeit small) dose of xanax I need creeping up. Weight gain--other than gaining back what I lost when I didn't have any appetite while depressed--hasn't been a problem, nor libido. But feeling like I'm in a horror movie and the monster is perpetually about to jump out from behind the door isn't fun. The xanax dumbs me down a bit, but generally is a relief. The yawning--YES--that does happen to me, although I usually chalk it up to not breathing. I guess I’d say in conclusion that I've always been a nervous, perhaps fearful person, and zoloft helped me to get to where that wasn't an issue. I was more assertive without being obnoxious, more confident, and, frankly, emotionally stable enough to commit to a marriage. On celexa thus far (do have a lot of gas and--uncharacteristically for me--stomach unease) I feel a lot of the old anxiety,. I am considering going back to zoloft. Anyone out there have any experiences similar to mine, thoughts on this long posting, etc? They would be most appreciated.

I was on Zoloft for about 6 months for both severe depression and anxiety. It took effect in literally 2 days and I immediately experienced a 'lifting" of the depression, without anxiety. After being on it for about 4 months, I had increased anxiety/jittery and a little of the sexual dysfunction-- but no depression. Also, seemed to address and stabilize my moods. In some ways, I think it diluted my emotions, which may have not been healthy, but necessary at that time in my life. (As you know, some say depression is anger turned inward..) But Zoloft did lift the paralytic effects of the depression so that I could manage my life at that time (I was in medical school.) As one of my other responses indicates, I was recently prescribed (but am not yet taking) the Celexa (10 mg/day) to reduce my anxiety because apparently at the medium doses, it is supposed to address depression and at high doses-- for Obsessive/Compulsive Disorders. In addition to the Celexa, my doc also prescribed Klonopin, a long half-life benzo with mild muscle relaxant. It (klonopin) is wonderful. Addresses the anxiety-- but then again, i don't have the depression this time around. I am considering sticking with the Klonopin without starting the Celexa. I am still a big proponent of Zoloft for depression after reading a lot of these side-effects of Celexa. I am a researcher/technical writer-- so I can't afford the forgetfulness and "addled" feeling from the Celexa. I don't think I could deal with that professionally or personally. Also, the sleepiness probs. I am reading about would interfere with my lifestyle-- (I work full-time and am mother to a walking 9-month old son). I don't have that much time to sleep to begin with. I hope my comments help..
Good luck and let me know of your experience with Celexa..

 

Re: Celexa/side-effects

Posted by Kelley on June 26, 1999, at 15:18:29

In reply to Celexa/side-effects, posted by dina on June 1, 1999, at 9:32:57

> jessie- the dose for 5-htp (from what i've read)
> 100mg 3x a day on an empty stomach. and to take it
> with a carbo like juice or a piece of fruit. anyway,
> i can relate to what you are going through, i seem
> to have a lot of dizziness, and am a little achy
> and irritable. i am somewhat forgetful, but not
> completely absentminded as i was while on the drug.
> i am also losing weight that i had gained while on
> celexa. sorry about my prattle, good luck and stay
> safe.
> dina

DINA:
What is 5-htp?

 

Re: New to Celexa

Posted by Kelley on June 26, 1999, at 15:25:36

In reply to New to Celexa, posted by Eve on June 3, 1999, at 22:25:51

> I'm rather confused by this medication. I went to the doctor for fatigue and muscle pain. They tell me it's either depression or fibra myalgia(sp?). I've been getting extra sleep at night (up to ten hours) because they told me to. I was told that I was being given Celexa to "help you sleep at night". I've yet to see anything saying it does that. Besides, why sleep MORE? Then... I hear it can cause you to be sleepy. How do I know I'm getting better? Should I take it when they aren't even sure that it's what is wrong with me? As soon as they learned my family had a history of depression, they assumed that's what was wrong. Am I just being a scardy cat? I'm only 18, and I don't want to think about being depressed (I was a mutilator at fifteen).. Blah.>I guess I'm just overreacting.
> Evelyn.

EVE:
It sounds like you need to get some second opinions re: your Psych/Physical problems and if/how they are interrelated. Also, is Celexa the first anti-dep. you have ever taken?

 

Re: Celexa/side effects

Posted by OFFENBAKER, JENNY on March 5, 2000, at 2:47:24

In reply to Re: Celexa/side effects, posted by Terry on May 8, 1999, at 5:50:28

About sexual side effects..... I am female but I read men have ejaculatory problems. (that could be a potential plus for women JK)

 

New to Celexa!

Posted by Lexie on March 5, 2000, at 19:33:33

In reply to Re: Celexa --Shelley, posted by Dawn on March 3, 1999, at 19:22:43

I have just been prescribed Celexa and have been taking it for a few days.
I have been a little depressed (irritable more than anything) and anxious lately
and this is my first AD! I have experienced dry-mouth, headaches, and sleepiness.
I am been taking it in the mid-afternoon only to realize how sleepy I was after!
I am starting to take it at night. (My first time taking it I experienced insomnia!)
How long before I start to feel calm and happy again!?

 

Re: New to Celexa

Posted by Athena on March 9, 2000, at 17:02:35

In reply to Re: New to Celexa, posted by Kelley on June 26, 1999, at 15:25:36

> > I'm rather confused by this medication. I went to the doctor for fatigue and muscle pain. They tell me it's either depression or fibra myalgia(sp?). I've been getting extra sleep at night (up to ten hours) because they told me to. I was told that I was being given Celexa to "help you sleep at night". I've yet to see anything saying it does that. Besides, why sleep MORE? Then... I hear it can cause you to be sleepy. How do I know I'm getting better? Should I take it when they aren't even sure that it's what is wrong with me? As soon as they learned my family had a history of depression, they assumed that's what was wrong. Am I just being a scardy cat? I'm only 18, and I don't want to think about being depressed (I was a mutilator at fifteen).. Blah.>I guess I'm just overreacting.
> > Evelyn.
>
> EVE:
> It sounds like you need to get some second opinions re: your Psych/Physical problems and if/how they are interrelated. Also, is Celexa the first anti-dep. you have ever taken?


Check into the possiblity of Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome. Most doctors ignore its existence as a medical disorder, but I have it, and I can tell you that the average doctor's first thought is usually depression. I went through 5 doctors in four years complaining of the same problem. The frustration ended up giving me panic attacks and made my fatigue extremely worse. Before these severe attacks, I refused to believe that I was depressed. Now I know that I WASN'T, but do to medical ignorance, I now need to be on Paxil in order to function from day to day. Get this looked into asap so you don't end up as severely frustrated as I. Check out the CFIDS Association web page at: www.cfids.org If you do have this, extra sleep will not help you. One of the major symptoms is unrestful sleep. Others are mild fever, muscle weakness and/or pain, headaches, joint pain, sore throat, and abdominal discomfort. Fibromyalgia is also related to CFIDS. Feel free to email me if you have any questions.

Athena

 

Re: New to Celexa

Posted by Pollie on March 9, 2000, at 22:22:15

In reply to Re: New to Celexa, posted by Athena on March 9, 2000, at 17:02:35

I certainly think a side effect of Celexa is weight gain--took me a while to figure on it. Was up to 60 mg three months ago. I decided it wasn't helping me and dropped back to 40 (told my doctor). Then, the weight gain is driving me crazier, so this week I dropped back to 20 so that I can give it up. Can't say I feel any better although my doctor thinks I am--what does he know!

I'm glad to hear Celexa is helping some of us. I STILL have no spirit to clean house, do my hair or the laundry, go to work. But I drag myself in there and RUSH home to get back in my bed. Years ago I didn't think 80 mg of Prozac (over a few years) was helping any. But then I started to wonder how much worse I might have been without it. Best wishes to all who are having better results with Celexa. Take care.

 

Rash and tenderness from Celexa?

Posted by Kelli on April 17, 2000, at 12:09:18

In reply to Re: New to Celexa, posted by Athena on March 9, 2000, at 17:02:35

I started taking Celexa almost 2 weeks ago. I switched over from Zoloft because it killed my sex drive and I didn't think it was helping. The first 3 days on Celexa I felt nauseaus and had slight headaches. Then 2 days ago I developed a rash all over my body that looks similar to hives/chicken pox. I'm going to the doctor today and I'm hoping the two aren't related. My eye sockets and ears are so tender that raising my eyebrows or holding the phone against my ears just kills. It feels like someone punched me in both those places and now I'm bruised. I don't know if that's related to Celexa as well, or not.

Let me know if anyone has insight.

 

Re: Rash and tenderness from Celexa?

Posted by Cam W. on April 17, 2000, at 22:45:30

In reply to Rash and tenderness from Celexa?, posted by Kelli on April 17, 2000, at 12:09:18


Kelli - Call your doctor and let him know that you are having these reactions as soon as he/she opens in the morning. Sounds like it could be an allergic reaction. It may or may not be the Celexa causing it. You would expect the Celexa to have caused a rash about a week ago if you were allergic to it (usually).

Think of and write down any new foods you have eaten in the past few days. Also, have you changed laundry soap brands, are you wearing new clothes, drinking any new sodas, swimming in any new pools, etc.? Have you started any other new medications at the same time? Try to think of anything you have changed in your life since starting the Celexa and write it down. Take the list (even if it is very short) into your doctor. That way your doctor can try to eliminate any other causes than the Celexa. Good luck and let us know how it goes. - Cam W.

 

Re: Celexa after 6mos. off Zoloft

Posted by Debbie Lambert on May 30, 2000, at 15:23:24

In reply to Re: Celexa after 6mos. off Zoloft, posted by Tom on May 27, 1999, at 21:34:25

>I have been on 20 mg of Prozac for over 5 years. My doctor recently switched me to Celexa, 20 mg a day. I was on it for about 2 and a half weeks when I started noticing waves of heat with flushing to the face. A few days ago, I was so dizzy and flushed, when I turned my head around to look at something while standing, I nearly fainted. I was taken to the ER at the local hospital. The doc said it was probably the new medication that I was on. Either that or the beginnings of menopause. (I'm 38.) I have been taking Prozac and Trazadone at bedtime to counteract the insomnia I've experienced from Prozac. I did feel the Celexa helped me feel more relaxed and almost sleepy which was a welcome relief from the jitteriness and low level anxiety that the Prozac seemed to have caused. My primary diagnosis is panic disorder with anxiety, although I've had bouts of moderate depression. For the most part, the Prozac helped these symptoms. My psychiatrist said that Celexa is better for treating people with anxiety and panic disorder than Prozac. That is the main reason he switched me to Celexa. I am upset that I experienced these strange side effects. My psychiatrist said that I might be allergic to the ingredients in Celexa, rather than the drug itself causing the flushing and dizziness. I've been back on Prozac for 3 days and feel jittery and anxious though no dizziness or flushing. Any feedback anyone can share with me on my experiences would be most appreciated. Thanks and good luck to you all.

I am struck by the variety of responses and side effects of these medications. I went on zoloft five years ago and after a few months stabilized at 37.5 mg/day. It really helped me first with a depressing time in my life (major business project failure). I definitely began to feel better although the detached sense of unreality that may of us are familiar with was there. I had some anxiety with it but that passed after a few months. Tried to stop a couple of times and after a few days would get this anxious feeling in the pit of my stomach over something, and think "Oh, hello. I can do without THIS feeling, thank you. I'll stick with the zoloft." So you might say I went on for the anti-depressant effect and stayed on for the anxiety reduction--a sort of armoring from the vicissitudes of day to day emotional life. In four years, I note in retrospect, such armoring also allowed my natural defenses to atrophy. During that time I got into a great relationship, got married to a wonderful woman, and was happy, although increasingly bothered by missing the "top 10" (but not the "bottom 20%") that zoloft seemed to "clip" off of experience. I went to an Indian music concert and felt almost nothing (odd for me). On my first wedding anniversary I stopped zoloft. I felt fine at first, was a little more uptight at times, but basically OK until I ran up against a serious personality/territorial conflict with a neighbor and former (and perhaps future) friend. It flipped me back into serious depression and extreme anxiety. I tried going back on zoloft (I had stopped without consulting my shrink, which I DO NOT recommend) but couldn't deal with the anxiety it caused this time. Go figure. SO I switched to celexa in January, worked my way up to 30 mg by March. I have one serious side-effect which is different from most I have seen here: great anxiety and insomnia. Too much energy and often nowhere to go with it! I take 1 to 2.5 xanax a day (.25 mg) and benadryl and ambien on alternate nights to sleep. When I tried to go back on the zoloft I didn't try tranquilizers to offset it, and I'm considering switching back to Z. As I say, I went on originally for depression--which is real--but stayed on for the "armoring." I feel more with celexa, don't get that "clipping," which is important to me as I am an architect and paid to feel and interpret, in effect. Yet the side effects of celexa are for me--the anxiety--not receding, perhaps actually increasing, as is the (albeit small) dose of xanax I need creeping up. Weight gain--other than gaining back what I lost when I didn't have any appetite while depressed--hasn't been a problem, nor libido. But feeling like I'm in a horror movie and the monster is perpetually about to jump out from behind the door isn't fun. The xanax dumbs me down a bit, but generally is a relief. The yawning--YES--that does happen to me, although I usually chalk it up to not breathing. I guess I’d say in conclusion that I've always been a nervous, perhaps fearful person, and zoloft helped me to get to where that wasn't an issue. I was more assertive without being obnoxious, more confident, and, frankly, emotionally stable enough to commit to a marriage. On celexa thus far (do have a lot of gas and--uncharacteristically for me--stomach unease) I feel a lot of the old anxiety,. I am considering going back to zoloft. Anyone out there have any experiences similar to mine, thoughts on this long posting, etc? They would be most appreciated.

 

Re: celexa/weightgain

Posted by barbara on June 7, 2000, at 21:26:37

In reply to Re: Celexa/side effects, posted by trina on May 5, 1999, at 12:00:38

>I've been on celexa for 2 mo. and have seen an increase in my weight and sugar cravings are intense. I do seem to have more energy and can focus more. does anyone have any experience with celexa and ADD?

 

Re: celexa/weightgain » barbara

Posted by ssassy on July 20, 2000, at 7:55:41

In reply to Re: celexa/weightgain, posted by barbara on June 7, 2000, at 21:26:37

Hi
I've gained weight (~30lbs) since being on celexa for 10 months now. But I must admit I'm a tootally different person thanks to the drug! I've found that all my depressive symptoms anxiety, fustration, inability to concentrate, shyness, unable to make decisions and my inability to socialize are behind me now! I'm definatley happier. It shocks me when I think of how I was and how I am now! The weight gain did bother me but now that I'm in a happier state I can deal with it I've asked my doctor to refer me to a dietician and I just finished my first week on her diet plan and lost 2 lbs, its a start!


> >I've been on celexa for 2 mo. and have seen an increase in my weight and sugar cravings are intense. I do seem to have more energy and can focus more. does anyone have any experience with celexa and ADD?


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