![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 8 to 32 of 197. Go back in thread:
Posted by Pam on February 8, 1999, at 2:21:01
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by Tess on February 4, 1999, at 5:45:18
> After trying more than a dozen AD and suffering the side effects, I tried Celexa and have been on 20mg for about 2 months. If I have had any side effects, they were too mild to notice. Celexa has helped with my severe depression, gives me energy, lets me sleep well at night, and has not interfered with my sex life at all. I hope that those who have not had much luck with Celexa might consider trying it by starting at a very very low dose and slowly working up. My psychiatrist has told me that they have discovered that doing it this way helps to diminish the side effects. It take patience but is well worth it.
>
>
> > Hi Jody,
> >
> > I think the symptoms you felt from the withdrawal are what I felt when I stopped taking it for couple of days. Why did you stop taking it? I'm still taking mine, but was taking way too much at first. The side effects have gone way down for me now. Yet, the side effects are much better than when I came off of Effexor! I thought I was losing my mind...
> >
> > Anyway, hang in there. The effects will go away with time, I think. Good luck to you, and I hope you feel better! Hang in there,
> >
> > Laura
> >
> >
> > > Hi all...my name is Jody and I was on Celexa for about a month and a half. I quit taking it about 3 weeks ago. I was having really bad side effects...my anger got worse, diarrhea, dry mouth, I was constantly clinching my teeth, very tired and my sex drive went downhill. I am just now losing the side effects after 3 weeks of being off the medicine. My questions are...1) My doctor told me that Celexa is the same thing as Prozac but without the side effects. Is this true?? I felt like I was worse on the meds than off of them. I am now finding myself having really bad mood swings...one minute really giddy and happy, the next angry and (what I think is) mildly depressed. Right now I don't know how I feel and what I should feel like.
> > >
> > > Just felt like sharing. Thanks for the ear.
> > >
> > > -Jody
> > >
> > >
> > > > > Hi, Tom:
> > > > >
> > > > > My experience with Celexa has been different, but it does seem that the side effects are getting milder. I didn't have the drowsiness problem (in fact, just the opposite!) I did have slight nausea but only for the first 3 days or so. I am just noticing that the constipation is clearing up, but the dry mouth is ever-present so I just drink a lot of water! The sexual delay is also still there -- but getting better.
> > > > > My doctor, and the MD I work for, both seem to think that these side effects will decrease. So far, they seem to be right.
> > > > >
> > > > > Good luck, Tom!
> > > > >
> > > > > Shelley
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > >I've been on celexa for around 2 months. The side effects do go away eventually. Although I still do have an upset stomach occassionally. My sex drive has gone down (I am a female.) and it sucks. I still have sex often, but my 'drive' has decreased. Celexa has helped with some depression and anxiety, but I am still quite anxious. Hope this has helped.>>>>> Been on Celexa almost 5 months. Had some
stomach problems in the beginning. My doc says
that it was probably not the Celexa causing the
problems, but my withdrawal from Paxil. Takes
time for the body to get used to a new med and realize the old one is not around anymore. Don't know if any of this is correct - but the stomach
problems went away in a few weeks. Now, it seems that Celexa, for me, is the best AD I have
ever taken. Really no side effects except some
lack of appetite. Can you hang in there and
see if the problems go away?
Posted by Cindy on December 14, 1999, at 23:24:56
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by Pam on February 8, 1999, at 2:21:01
> > After trying more than a dozen AD and suffering the side effects, I tried Celexa and have been on 20mg for about 2 months. If I have had any side effects, they were too mild to notice. Celexa has helped with my severe depression, gives me energy, lets me sleep well at night, and has not interfered with my sex life at all. I hope that those who have not had much luck with Celexa might consider trying it by starting at a very very low dose and slowly working up. My psychiatrist has told me that they have discovered that doing it this way helps to diminish the side effects. It take patience but is well worth it.
> >
> >
> > > Hi Jody,
> > >
> > > I think the symptoms you felt from the withdrawal are what I felt when I stopped taking it for couple of days. Why did you stop taking it? I'm still taking mine, but was taking way too much at first. The side effects have gone way down for me now. Yet, the side effects are much better than when I came off of Effexor! I thought I was losing my mind...
> > >
> > > Anyway, hang in there. The effects will go away with time, I think. Good luck to you, and I hope you feel better! Hang in there,
> > >
> > > LauraHi, just wondering from you guys, have any of you heard if Celexa is hard to withdraw from when stopping its use. Prozac turned me into a suicidal idiot that had my family sick with worry and it took me from April/99 to Oct/99 to get completely off it. My doctor predicts a 3-month (from not being on Prozac) crash. But hopefully this will not happen. You think that Celexa will be as detrimental to my mental health if I were to start and get off it later? Please let me know, I'm supposed to start tonite but will wait for any of your feed back, til then
Bye and thank, hope all you guys take care, do well and keep happy!Sincerely,
Cindy
> > >
> > >
> > > > Hi all...my name is Jody and I was on Celexa for about a month and a half. I quit taking it about 3 weeks ago. I was having really bad side effects...my anger got worse, diarrhea, dry mouth, I was constantly clinching my teeth, very tired and my sex drive went downhill. I am just now losing the side effects after 3 weeks of being off the medicine. My questions are...1) My doctor told me that Celexa is the same thing as Prozac but without the side effects. Is this true?? I felt like I was worse on the meds than off of them. I am now finding myself having really bad mood swings...one minute really giddy and happy, the next angry and (what I think is) mildly depressed. Right now I don't know how I feel and what I should feel like.
> > > >
> > > > Just felt like sharing. Thanks for the ear.
> > > >
> > > > -Jody
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > > Hi, Tom:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > My experience with Celexa has been different, but it does seem that the side effects are getting milder. I didn't have the drowsiness problem (in fact, just the opposite!) I did have slight nausea but only for the first 3 days or so. I am just noticing that the constipation is clearing up, but the dry mouth is ever-present so I just drink a lot of water! The sexual delay is also still there -- but getting better.
> > > > > > My doctor, and the MD I work for, both seem to think that these side effects will decrease. So far, they seem to be right.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Good luck, Tom!
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Shelley
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > >I've been on celexa for around 2 months. The side effects do go away eventually. Although I still do have an upset stomach occassionally. My sex drive has gone down (I am a female.) and it sucks. I still have sex often, but my 'drive' has decreased. Celexa has helped with some depression and anxiety, but I am still quite anxious. Hope this has helped.
>
> >>>>> Been on Celexa almost 5 months. Had some
> stomach problems in the beginning. My doc says
> that it was probably not the Celexa causing the
> problems, but my withdrawal from Paxil. Takes
> time for the body to get used to a new med and realize the old one is not around anymore. Don't know if any of this is correct - but the stomach
> problems went away in a few weeks. Now, it seems that Celexa, for me, is the best AD I have
> ever taken. Really no side effects except some
> lack of appetite. Can you hang in there and
> see if the problems go away?
Posted by Sheila on December 15, 1999, at 11:12:39
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by Cindy on December 14, 1999, at 23:24:56
> > > After trying more than a dozen AD and suffering the side effects, I tried Celexa and have been on 20mg for about 2 months. If I have had any side effects, they were too mild to notice. Celexa has helped with my severe depression, gives me energy, lets me sleep well at night, and has not interfered with my sex life at all. I hope that those who have not had much luck with Celexa might consider trying it by starting at a very very low dose and slowly working up. My psychiatrist has told me that they have discovered that doing it this way helps to diminish the side effects. It take patience but is well worth it.
> > >
> > >
> > > > Hi Jody,
> > > >
> > > > I think the symptoms you felt from the withdrawal are what I felt when I stopped taking it for couple of days. Why did you stop taking it? I'm still taking mine, but was taking way too much at first. The side effects have gone way down for me now. Yet, the side effects are much better than when I came off of Effexor! I thought I was losing my mind...
> > > >
> > > > Anyway, hang in there. The effects will go away with time, I think. Good luck to you, and I hope you feel better! Hang in there,
> > > >
> > > > Laura
>
> Hi, just wondering from you guys, have any of you heard if Celexa is hard to withdraw from when stopping its use. Prozac turned me into a suicidal idiot that had my family sick with worry and it took me from April/99 to Oct/99 to get completely off it. My doctor predicts a 3-month (from not being on Prozac) crash. But hopefully this will not happen. You think that Celexa will be as detrimental to my mental health if I were to start and get off it later? Please let me know, I'm supposed to start tonite but will wait for any of your feed back, til then
> Bye and thank, hope all you guys take care, do well and keep happy!
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Cindy
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > Hi all...my name is Jody and I was on Celexa for about a month and a half. I quit taking it about 3 weeks ago. I was having really bad side effects...my anger got worse, diarrhea, dry mouth, I was constantly clinching my teeth, very tired and my sex drive went downhill. I am just now losing the side effects after 3 weeks of being off the medicine. My questions are...1) My doctor told me that Celexa is the same thing as Prozac but without the side effects. Is this true?? I felt like I was worse on the meds than off of them. I am now finding myself having really bad mood swings...one minute really giddy and happy, the next angry and (what I think is) mildly depressed. Right now I don't know how I feel and what I should feel like.
> > > > >
> > > > > Just felt like sharing. Thanks for the ear.
> > > > >
> > > > > -Jody
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > > > Hi, Tom:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > My experience with Celexa has been different, but it does seem that the side effects are getting milder. I didn't have the drowsiness problem (in fact, just the opposite!) I did have slight nausea but only for the first 3 days or so. I am just noticing that the constipation is clearing up, but the dry mouth is ever-present so I just drink a lot of water! The sexual delay is also still there -- but getting better.
> > > > > > > My doctor, and the MD I work for, both seem to think that these side effects will decrease. So far, they seem to be right.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Good luck, Tom!
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Shelley
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > >I've been on celexa for around 2 months. The side effects do go away eventually. Although I still do have an upset stomach occassionally. My sex drive has gone down (I am a female.) and it sucks. I still have sex often, but my 'drive' has decreased. Celexa has helped with some depression and anxiety, but I am still quite anxious. Hope this has helped.
> >
> > >>>>> Been on Celexa almost 5 months. Had some
> > stomach problems in the beginning. My doc says
> > that it was probably not the Celexa causing the
> > problems, but my withdrawal from Paxil. Takes
> > time for the body to get used to a new med and realize the old one is not around anymore. Don't know if any of this is correct - but the stomach
> > problems went away in a few weeks. Now, it seems that Celexa, for me, is the best AD I have
> > ever taken. Really no side effects except some
> > lack of appetite. Can you hang in there and
> > see if the problems go away?From SHeila
I am finding that Paxil is wonderful for treating the depression. Except for some mild nausea at first (I have taken it 30 days), it was great for the depression. REALLY GREAT. I find, however, that I have no desire for sex, AND if I force it..no way to reach orgasm..WHAT ELSE is there that is good for depression, AND not a downer for sex drive and enjoyment? PLEASE HELP
sheilabaker@aol.com
Posted by Sally... Please read mine! on December 16, 1999, at 13:48:56
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by Dawn on February 2, 1999, at 19:39:41
> > I was wondering if anybody has noticed an increase in headaches. I have been on celexa now for one week. I have also noticed quite a bit of fatigue. I read somewhere that someone said they got tired around mid-afternoon but I seem to be tired all the time. Does anybody else feel like this? Did anybody else experience new side effects after their 1st week? How long do the side effects last? I feel like such a rookie! Please help me- I am tired of reading Celexas homepage- I believe it has been sugarcoated a bit.
Posted by Dana on December 16, 1999, at 18:48:17
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by Cindy on December 14, 1999, at 23:24:56
> > > After trying more than a dozen AD and suffering the side effects, I tried Celexa and have been on 20mg for about 2 months. If I have had any side effects, they were too mild to notice. Celexa has helped with my severe depression, gives me energy, lets me sleep well at night, and has not interfered with my sex life at all. I hope that those who have not had much luck with Celexa might consider trying it by starting at a very very low dose and slowly working up. My psychiatrist has told me that they have discovered that doing it this way helps to diminish the side effects. It take patience but is well worth it.
> > >
> > >
> > > > Hi Jody,
> > > >
> > > > I think the symptoms you felt from the withdrawal are what I felt when I stopped taking it for couple of days. Why did you stop taking it? I'm still taking mine, but was taking way too much at first. The side effects have gone way down for me now. Yet, the side effects are much better than when I came off of Effexor! I thought I was losing my mind...
> > > >
> > > > Anyway, hang in there. The effects will go away with time, I think. Good luck to you, and I hope you feel better! Hang in there,
> > > >
> > > > Laura
>
> Hi, just wondering from you guys, have any of you heard if Celexa is hard to withdraw from when stopping its use. Prozac turned me into a suicidal idiot that had my family sick with worry and it took me from April/99 to Oct/99 to get completely off it. My doctor predicts a 3-month (from not being on Prozac) crash. But hopefully this will not happen. You think that Celexa will be as detrimental to my mental health if I were to start and get off it later? Please let me know, I'm supposed to start tonite but will wait for any of your feed back, til then
> Bye and thank, hope all you guys take care, do well and keep happy!
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Cindy
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > Hi all...my name is Jody and I was on Celexa for about a month and a half. I quit taking it about 3 weeks ago. I was having really bad side effects...my anger got worse, diarrhea, dry mouth, I was constantly clinching my teeth, very tired and my sex drive went downhill. I am just now losing the side effects after 3 weeks of being off the medicine. My questions are...1) My doctor told me that Celexa is the same thing as Prozac but without the side effects. Is this true?? I felt like I was worse on the meds than off of them. I am now finding myself having really bad mood swings...one minute really giddy and happy, the next angry and (what I think is) mildly depressed. Right now I don't know how I feel and what I should feel like.
> > > > >
> > > > > Just felt like sharing. Thanks for the ear.
> > > > >
> > > > > -Jody
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > > > Hi, Tom:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > My experience with Celexa has been different, but it does seem that the side effects are getting milder. I didn't have the drowsiness problem (in fact, just the opposite!) I did have slight nausea but only for the first 3 days or so. I am just noticing that the constipation is clearing up, but the dry mouth is ever-present so I just drink a lot of water! The sexual delay is also still there -- but getting better.
> > > > > > > My doctor, and the MD I work for, both seem to think that these side effects will decrease. So far, they seem to be right.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Good luck, Tom!
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Shelley
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > >I've been on celexa for around 2 months. The side effects do go away eventually. Although I still do have an upset stomach occassionally. My sex drive has gone down (I am a female.) and it sucks. I still have sex often, but my 'drive' has decreased. Celexa has helped with some depression and anxiety, but I am still quite anxious. Hope this has helped.
> >
> > >>>>> Been on Celexa almost 5 months. Had some
> > stomach problems in the beginning. My doc says
> > that it was probably not the Celexa causing the
> > problems, but my withdrawal from Paxil. Takes
> > time for the body to get used to a new med and realize the old one is not around anymore. Don't know if any of this is correct - but the stomach
> > problems went away in a few weeks. Now, it seems that Celexa, for me, is the best AD I have
> > ever taken. Really no side effects except some
> > lack of appetite. Can you hang in there and
> > see if the problems go away?
Hi,The only side-effects that I have had so far on 20 mg a day is very vivid dreams. I still can't tell if my mood and anxiety are improving. I am also taking Klonopin at night for panic attacks and that is making me really drowsy. I have been taking both for about 2 weeks now after going thru about a dozen other meds.
Posted by Barbara on December 22, 1999, at 10:29:36
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by Dana on December 16, 1999, at 18:48:17
So the Celexa is the reason I cant get enough sleep! I have been on 20mgs for about 7 weeks and find
that I am tired all the time. I thought either (1) I was working too hard and not getting enough sleep (a good possibility a month ago) or
(2) the depression was worsening (not a good possibility but who knows with depression what is going to happen next - its not as if I am in charge of the program here!)
so its the Celexa - my feeling is that if I am going to be this tired and listless (I dont sleep I go into a coma!),
I might as well be depressed. I am ADD and the tiredness from the Celexa has negated the effect of the Dexedrine thereby
exacerbating the ADD. DOes this effect from the Celexa diminish with time. The sexual dysfunction is also a tremendous amount of fun too.
Posted by Rachel on December 28, 1999, at 10:54:35
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by Barbara on December 22, 1999, at 10:29:36
hi, i'm 21 and in college... i just started taking celexa last week after a battery of other anti-depressants. i read the stats for sexual side effects in men (6% problems with ejaculation, 3% impotence) but i can't find any for women. i already have 'problems' having an orgasm -- something i am starting to think really contributes to my depression at times, and my main concern is whether i will be experiencing sexual side effects from celexa.
it really pisses me off that there isn't some drug yet that doesn't interfere with your sex drive. Basically, i'm looking for some advice from other women. Thanks.
Posted by Cindy W on December 29, 1999, at 10:46:24
In reply to Sexual side effects?? Re: Celexa and side effects?, posted by Rachel on December 28, 1999, at 10:54:35
> hi, i'm 21 and in college... i just started taking celexa last week after a battery of other anti-depressants. i read the stats for sexual side effects in men (6% problems with ejaculation, 3% impotence) but i can't find any for women. i already have 'problems' having an orgasm -- something i am starting to think really contributes to my depression at times, and my main concern is whether i will be experiencing sexual side effects from celexa.
> it really pisses me off that there isn't some drug yet that doesn't interfere with your sex drive. Basically, i'm looking for some advice from other women. Thanks.Rachel, I've tried Prozac, Serzone, Luvox, Zoloft, and now Effexor. I had trouble with desire, arousal, and reaching orgasm with Prozac, Luvox, and Zoloft, but no problem with Serzone and none (so far!) with Effexor. The SSRI's are infamous for sexual dysfunction. Serzone and Effexor are newer non SSRI type antidepressants. Hope this helps.--Cindy W
Posted by Doug on December 30, 1999, at 8:53:38
In reply to Sexual side effects?? Re: Celexa and side effects?, posted by Rachel on December 28, 1999, at 10:54:35
> hi, i'm 21 and in college... i just started taking celexa last week after a battery of other anti-depressants. i read the stats for sexual side effects in men (6% problems with ejaculation, 3% impotence) but i can't find any for women. i already have 'problems' having an orgasm -- something i am starting to think really contributes to my depression at times, and my main concern is whether i will be experiencing sexual side effects from celexa.
> it really pisses me off that there isn't some drug yet that doesn't interfere with your sex drive. Basically, i'm looking for some advice from other women. Thanks.
Hi Rachel,
I tried Celexa, Luvox, and Paxil. All caused anorgasmia. I think the sexual side effect numbers reported by the drug manufacturers are way lower than the actual numbers. I tried Serzone with no sexual side effects, also my girlfriend was taking Effexor(3 yrs) with no sexual side effects.
Posted by Laurie on December 30, 1999, at 15:20:18
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects?? Re: Celexa and side effects?, posted by Doug on December 30, 1999, at 8:53:38
Hi All,
Well, here's what happened to me. I started out on 20 mg of Celexa, had horrible headaches, anorgasmia, etc., and then started skipping a day here and there. i talked to my pdoc about this, and insisted that I was super-sensitive to most meds. I cut myself down to 5 mg a day, and if the headaches reappeared, I'd skip a day. It took me a month or so to take 5 mg for the whole week. I incresed it up from there, but very slowly. After almost a year, I'm up to only 15 mg a day, which I do quite well on. I only had problems with anorgasmia for about 4-5 weeks. So far, so good! I'm not condoning that everyone take such a small amount, but I think it's important to start on a small amount, and work up from there.
I have no need to even think about getting off of this stuff. For those that had problems getting off, I hope everything is better for you now! The trials will pay off! Hang in there!
Good luck & good health to all!
Laurie
Posted by Bob on December 31, 1999, at 13:18:32
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects?? Re: Celexa and side effects?, posted by Laurie on December 30, 1999, at 15:20:18
> Hi All,
>
> Well, here's what happened to me. I started out on 20 mg of Celexa, had horrible headaches, anorgasmia, etc., and then started skipping a day here and there. i talked to my pdoc about this, and insisted that I was super-sensitive to most meds. I cut myself down to 5 mg a day, and if the headaches reappeared, I'd skip a day. It took me a month or so to take 5 mg for the whole week. I incresed it up from there, but very slowly. After almost a year, I'm up to only 15 mg a day, which I do quite well on. I only had problems with anorgasmia for about 4-5 weeks. So far, so good! I'm not condoning that everyone take such a small amount, but I think it's important to start on a small amount, and work up from there.
>
> I have no need to even think about getting off of this stuff. For those that had problems getting off, I hope everything is better for you now! The trials will pay off! Hang in there!
>
> Good luck & good health to all!
>
> LaurieHello,
I have been on Celexa for about 18 days and have experienced all the side effects that have been described, but only mildly. I have increased from 20 to 30 and have noticed no increase in all of them except for the dry mouth. I have pretty bad seasonal affective disorder, or the winter blues. Celexa has totally eliminated this condition for which I am very grateful. I would enjoy hearing from anyone else out there that suffers from SAD.
The sexual side effects had me concerned at first but am still able to enjoy sex, thank you, but have noticed a decrease in the old libido.
Bob
Posted by Rich on January 4, 2000, at 16:47:06
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by Laura on February 3, 1999, at 3:02:06
> Does anyone know about celexa and arm or chest pain both on and after d/c the drug?>
> for about a month and a half. I quit taking it about 3 weeks ago. I was having really bad side effects...my anger got worse, diarrhea, dry mouth, I was constantly clinching my teeth, very tired and my sex drive went downhill. I am just now losing the side effects after 3 weeks of being off the medicine. My questions are...1) My doctor told me that Celexa is the same thing as Prozac but without the side effects. Is this true?? I felt like I was worse on the meds than off of them. I am now finding myself having really bad mood swings...one minute really giddy and happy, the next angry and (what I think is) mildly depressed. Right now I don't know how I feel and what I should feel like.
> >
> > Just felt like sharing. Thanks for the ear.
> >
> > -Jody
> >
> >
> > > > Hi, Tom:
> > > >
> > > > My experience with Celexa has been different, but it does seem that the side effects are getting milder. I didn't have the drowsiness problem (in fact, just the opposite!) I did have slight nausea but only for the first 3 days or so. I am just noticing that the constipation is clearing up, but the dry mouth is ever-present so I just drink a lot of water! The sexual delay is also still there -- but getting better.
> > > > My doctor, and the MD I work for, both seem to think that these side effects will decrease. So far, they seem to be right.
> > > >
> > > > Good luck, Tom!
> > > >
> > > > Shelley
> > >
> > >
> > > >I've been on celexa for around 2 months. The side effects do go away eventually. Although I still do have an upset stomach occassionally. My sex drive has gone down (I am a female.) and it sucks. I still have sex often, but my 'drive' has decreased. Celexa has helped with some depression and anxiety, but I am still quite anxious. Hope this has helped.
Posted by Manny on January 17, 2000, at 9:59:35
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by Sally... Please read mine! on December 16, 1999, at 13:48:56
Has anybody read the information on increased carcinogenic incidence in rats (small intestine) at relatively low doses of Celexa? It is in all the drug literature, but nobody seems to talk about it. Sorry to point this out. Since I have OCD, this is a recurring concern. I am now on Celexa (having switched from Prozac). What do the rest of you OCD people think that are now on Celexa or contemplating same? I'd like to stay on Celexa, but now I have to worry about something else, as well. Ideas?
Posted by Darby on January 20, 2000, at 21:08:13
In reply to Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by TomJay on February 2, 1999, at 14:35:58
I've been on Celexa for about a week at 20mg. First three days were great... relaxed, more confident, etc. Some yawning. After a week I see a definite link to muscle aches and pains, chest pain, nausea, irritability. If I wait till mid morning to take the 20 mg, I feel great... until I take the pill. Then in about 2 hours I feel pukey and painful. I think I'll cut back to 10mg. Does that make sense? If I stay at 20mg, will these side-effects eventually go away?
Thanks, Darby
Posted by Emily on January 24, 2000, at 13:31:47
In reply to Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by TomJay on February 2, 1999, at 14:35:58
I have read all of the postings and have quite a few of the same side effects as others. After only being on Celexa about a couple of weeks, I have had horrible headaches (the kind where I can't even get out of bed!). I have muscle and joint pain, sexual desire is gone and am very sleepy. I get about 10 hours of sleep every night but it doesn't seem to be enough. Also I have been having rather unpleasant dreams but do not consider them nightmares. I can remember every detail in my dreams when I wake up! Seems as if the medication is causing problems that I never had before I went on it.
The websites list the less common side effects as headaches, muscle and joint pain, etc. Has anyone else had a combination of these symptoms after only being on the medication for a couple of weeks?
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Emily
Posted by sheryl on January 24, 2000, at 18:23:10
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by Emily on January 24, 2000, at 13:31:47
Just curious how many people have experienced the lack of a sex drive? I have been on Celexa for seven months and have found that I have no interest in sex whatsoever. It's becoming a big problem for me. Otherwise I am doing great on my 20 mg daily. But there is not a lot of info about the drug. If anyone has any insight, I would sure love to know. Thanks, sheryl
Posted by Bob on January 24, 2000, at 19:03:48
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by sheryl on January 24, 2000, at 18:23:17
> Just curious how many people have experienced the lack of a sex drive? I have been on Celexa for seven months and have found that I have no interest in sex whatsoever. It's becoming a big problem for me. Otherwise I am doing great on my 20 mg daily. But there is not a lot of info about the drug. If anyone has any insight, I would sure love to know. Thanks, sheryl
Going on about 40 days now and the sex drive has not improved
much. Am able to have orgasms but have to work at it, my partner
likes that part. I do not even think about sex unless prompted
by her, which seems totally out of character for a male. I have
been taking my 30 mg's at night right before bed and this seems
to help the drowsy's during the day and I don't notice some of the
other side affects this way.
Bob
Posted by Manny on January 25, 2000, at 8:02:15
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by Bob on January 24, 2000, at 19:03:48
The product label for Celexa says the following under "carcinogenesis": Citalopram was administered in the diet to ....strain mice and ...strain rats for 18 and 24 months, respectively. There was no evidence of carcinogeneicity of citalopram in mice receiving up to 240 mg/kg/day ,which is 20 times the maximum recommended human daily dose of 60 mg ... THERE WAS AN INCREASED INCIDENCE OF SMALL INTESTINE CARCINOMA IN RATS RECEIVING 8 OR 24 MG/KG/DAY, DOSES WHICH ARE APPROXIMATELY 1.3 AND 4 TIMES MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED HUMAN DAILY DOSE ... A NO EFFECT DOSE FOR THIS FINDING WAS NOT ESTABLISHED. THE RELEVANCE OF THESE FINDINGS TO HUMANS IS UNKNOWN.
What do you people feel about this (the part in caps)? What do your Dr's say. I am on the drug but concerned. Please share your thoughts.
Posted by Dennis on January 26, 2000, at 13:18:36
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by Bob on January 24, 2000, at 19:03:48
To all who are experiencing sexual side effects from Celexa... I too am experiencing the same thing - mostly a lack of desire - Big Time!!! And an orgasm takes a lot of work - very depressing in inself - I'm fortunate to have a girlfriend who's very understanding! Though I don't know how much longer I'll be able to endure this "lobotomized" sexual state of being... Prior to this drug and other AD's in the past couple of years, I felt quite healthy regarding this aspect of my life.... I've read a little bit about people taking Ginseng to counteract this... Anyone know of any supplements/herbs, etc... that would counteract the negative sexual side effects from Celexa? I'd be very appreciative! Dennis
> > Just curious how many people have experienced the lack of a sex drive? I have been on Celexa for seven months and have found that I have no interest in sex whatsoever. It's becoming a big problem for me. Otherwise I am doing great on my 20 mg daily. But there is not a lot of info about the drug. If anyone has any insight, I would sure love to know. Thanks, sheryl
>
> Going on about 40 days now and the sex drive has not improved
> much. Am able to have orgasms but have to work at it, my partner
> likes that part. I do not even think about sex unless prompted
> by her, which seems totally out of character for a male. I have
> been taking my 30 mg's at night right before bed and this seems
> to help the drowsy's during the day and I don't notice some of the
> other side affects this way.
> Bob
Posted by CarolAnn on February 9, 2000, at 10:05:19
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- read this , posted by Manny on January 25, 2000, at 8:02:15
Hey Manny, I can understand your worry, but I just started Celexa after years of non-effective treatments, and if it *does* turn out to be "The Thing", I'm not going to let the "studies" worry me. After all, there are so many carcinagens(sp?)floating around that life is pretty much a crap shoot anyway. And, if I can have a better life with Celexa...well, it's like the quote from "Steel Magnolias"...(not sure of exact words) "I'd rather have one moment of wonderful, then a whole lifetime of nothing special"...or worse, a whole lifetime of depression.CarolAnn
Posted by Manny on February 10, 2000, at 10:36:59
In reply to Re: Celexa and Manny's cancer fear..., posted by CarolAnn on February 9, 2000, at 10:05:19
Thanks CarolAnn. You are correct about not obsessing about this. I realize that mine is an overreaction and that it has been tested and approved by the FDA. So I too will take it and try to feel better, rather than worry about far-fetched possibilities.
I appreciate your thoughts and wish you well.
Posted by Glenda on February 27, 2000, at 11:51:04
In reply to Re: Celexa and Manny's cancer fear..., posted by Manny on February 10, 2000, at 10:36:59
I was checking these pages to see if anyone was having the side effects that I am having...after 6 months on 20 mg which i increase as needed...I feel like a yoyo...sometimes really wonderful and full of energy and other times in the deepest funk imaginable. Have been on other anti's which gave me headaches or diminished my sexual drive. Celexa makes me tired...soon after I take it I am ready to go into a deep sleep...yes sort of coma like.....and that feels good except that getting up for work is NOT EASY! My partner says my sleeping is so deep that I snore badly and I have never had that problem before now. When I am feeling myself get depressed I will increase dosage on the advice of my psychiatric nurse....and so then i end up tired and not caring whether or not I do anything. I find that not caring about this or that happens a lot and I am not that kind of person at all. AM afraid to stop taking the Celexa because before I was having HUGE mood swings that were potentially dangerous to me and scary for others. I wish that pharmaceutical companies would research these drugs a lot more before trying them out on a trusting, needy public.
Posted by Noa on February 27, 2000, at 17:13:48
In reply to Celexa...yoyo, posted by Glenda on February 27, 2000, at 11:51:04
You had mood swings before, and what you describe as a yoyo effect also sounds like mood swings. Have you considered a mood stabilizer?
Posted by gail on February 27, 2000, at 20:32:22
In reply to Re: Celexa...yoyo, posted by Noa on February 27, 2000, at 17:13:48
> You had mood swings before, and what you describe as a yoyo effect also sounds like mood swings. Have you considered a mood stabilizer?
Glenda-
sounds so familiar. I've been on Celexa for almost 8 months 20mgs and have the exact same thing. lately i've been feeling depression but nothing like it was before. At first I considered tapering off but I'm so afraid of the heavy depression coming back that I wouldn't dare. I just finished my cycle and I kid you not for the 5 days I have been a depressed bitch. I haven't been like this since before I started the medication. I really think that during a women's cycle either the med's don't work or work in reverse. This is not the first time this has happened. I was looking at other posts about adding Adderall or Tenuate and thought that might help with the lack of motivation. Not sure what to do but this feeling of no motivation, and feeling not happy again is not what I want. does this mean poop out or do I just need a boost. I'm with you Glenda. I'm stumped.
Posted by Paul Jay on February 28, 2000, at 5:58:35
In reply to Celexa...yoyo, posted by Glenda on February 27, 2000, at 11:51:04
You mention snoring badly and tiredness. This suggests the possiblility of sleep apnea. I think it could result from excessive tiredness, especially if there is weakness or fatigue. It also is often a cause of tiredness, oversleeping, etc.
Here is one description of it: http://www.apneanet.org/factsapn.htm
Whether you have sleep apnea or not, a small amount of a stimulant might counteract the side effects you describe.
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