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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 69 to 93 of 197. Go back in thread:
Posted by DC on April 2, 2000, at 23:54:34
In reply to Re: Agree with Alan about Trazodone, posted by christi on April 2, 2000, at 18:23:01
I have taken Trazodone for several years. But it took me a long time to discover why I was avoiding going to bed. It was because the trazodone made me feel so weird. Yes, it is very sedating, but it makes your whole head spin. The drug feels terrible if you are still awake. There are other drugs that don't make me feel so strange when they start working. It doesn't just make you sleepy. I tried Sonata and found that much better, though not always effective because it's short acting. The sonata just makes you fall asleep without making you feel like a drugged-up zombie first.
Posted by John on April 3, 2000, at 8:40:35
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa, posted by megan on April 2, 2000, at 0:05:45
Megan, when do you take your celexa am or pm?
> > I tried Prozac twice (4 months each time) and while the effects were immediate (the world going from black and white to color type thing) and I liked that kaleidoscopic shift, it made me feel better right away, over the long term, I found Prozac made me sleepy, I gained weight (and didn't care), and, most interestingly, since I know it supposedly kills libido, made me very promiscuous. I stopped taking it each time because it seemed to take the edge off of things after a while, and basically, I just didn't like myself on the drug. After a few years of sort of low-level depression (dysthymia?), I suffered another major depressive incident. I was feeling bleak, hopeless, etc. I started Celexa in October (I've been on it almost six months now). The effects were milder, more subtle than the effects with Prozac. I felt better gradually. Very minimal side effects at 20 mg. When I increased to 40 I got so drowsy (yawning constantly, going to bed at 8:30, not wanting to get out of bed in the morning) I cut myself back. I find my life is better all around, I'm happier, more hopeful, more confident, in a great relationship (since about Thanksgiving). At 20 mg. I don't have any noticable physical side effects. I don't have lowered libido or excessive drowsiness (although I probably sleep 7 to 9 hours on the drug, as opposed to 5 to 7 when I'm not taking anything). Unlike Prozac, I don't feel like a completely different person, and it isn't making me a fat zombie! I bought roller blades and I'm taking kickboxing and doing yoga and all in all just convinced that the pieces are all going to fall into place for me. I don't cry at all (not even watching a film like Life is Beautiful) and that's wierd for me since I've always been so hyper-sensitive (I mean, I'm the kind of person who cries during the Star Spangled Banner), but it's better than crying all the time. I was telling my therapist the other day that I do miss the depressed me at times, it's wierd to feel so good, to be so happy. At this point I know it's not all the Celexa, that it's my relationship, and the exercise, etc., but I do feel so noticably different and so much better than I've felt before, even at times in my life when things were "going well" so to speak, that I can't help thinking the Celexa isn't playing a major role. I'm thrilled with the drug; I'm sorry some of you are having problems with it. (Truth be told, I wanted Welbutrin, and begged my therapist to put me on it, but since I have a history of anorexia she negged that. I know other people who are taking it and they love it, especially as it makes them lose weight!). I do get concerned about long-term side effects (brain damage, etc.) and worry that I might pay a huge price down the road for the happiness I am presently enjoying. Maybe so. But I also know that the people who say it's a spiritual disease don't know what they are talking about. I have two degrees in religion, an MDiv, and I've been in therapy for years. I read and do yoga and listen to music and do all the right things, all well and good, but nothing has turned my life around in so real and visceral a way as this drug. Sorry to be so long, I've never posted anything before and wanted to share some of my thoughts, and some of my experiences with meds.
>
> Thank you, Eliza, I am about to start Celexa after years of trying Prozac, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Paxil (what I am currently on and gaining immense weight). I hope my experience is similar to yours, I'm so tired of the side effects from drugs that are supposed to improve the quality of my life, and yet unable to do without meds because then the quality of life becomes so dreadful in my mind that I want to end it all. Wish me luck on Celexa, I hear mixed reviews. :)
>
> Megan
Posted by megan on April 4, 2000, at 0:19:24
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa, posted by John on April 3, 2000, at 8:40:35
Hi John. I started the Celexa today (4/3) and was directed to take it in the morning. I am wide awake now, like with all of the things I've tried but I have a few weeks yet before I feel the full effects of the Celexa. How 'bout you?
Posted by Beth on April 4, 2000, at 9:14:04
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa: to John, posted by megan on April 4, 2000, at 0:19:24
Hi!
I just started taking Celexa because of severe mood swings due to my whacky hormones. Has anyone been precribed this drug for PMS? I have only been on it for one day.
Posted by Jessica on April 4, 2000, at 10:31:28
In reply to PMS, posted by Beth on April 4, 2000, at 9:14:04
If Celexa doesn't work, try the birth control pill. It gives me complete relief of PMS. Jessica
Posted by Megan on April 4, 2000, at 19:47:16
In reply to Re: PMS, posted by Jessica on April 4, 2000, at 10:31:28
I hope you have good results for the PMS thing. Only Prozac helped me and what a boon it would be if not only did Celexa help my depression but also helped me with the PMS!! I've been on two days now, too soon to tell anything much. Keep me posted!
Posted by Liza on April 5, 2000, at 17:33:32
In reply to PMS, posted by Beth on April 4, 2000, at 9:14:04
Hi Beth,
I was told by my doctor that Celexa works very well for her own PMS (she takes it herself). I had to discontinue it due to severe side effects. I agree with Jessica that the pill does help to reduce some of the symptoms. I experience less intense highs/lows during the month. I had given up on the idea of being able to take an antidepressant due to my extreme drug sensitivity, but my doctor gave me Effexor XR and I find it much better initially than Celexa. Much fewer side-effects and an almost immediate sense of well-being within hours of taking it... I'm kind of surprised actually, but also very pleased.
- Liza
Posted by Scott L. Schofield on April 6, 2000, at 9:54:40
In reply to PMS, posted by Beth on April 4, 2000, at 9:14:04
> Hi! I just started taking Celexa because of severe mood swings due to my whacky hormones. Has anyone been precribed this drug for PMS? I have only been on it for one day.
Some of the SSRIs are often used successfully for treating PMS. Drugs in this class include Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Luvox, and Celexa. I have seen Zoloft to be the more often chosen drug over the last few years, but I have not been keeping up with the current prescribing trends. Since Celexa is an SSRI, I would look forward to the possibility that it might help you.
The suggestion by Jessica to use birth-control pills is probably the other major treatment used for premenstrual changes in mood and cognition. It is important that you seek a doctor who is educated in the use of hormones as a psychiatric treatment. I know of gynecologists who are quite expert in this area and psychiatrists who don't have a clue.
1. Which pill formulation is best?
3. What dosages are best?
2. What schedule for taking these pills is best?I don't know.
Good Luck.
- Scott
Posted by stacey on April 6, 2000, at 11:26:51
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa, posted by megan on April 2, 2000, at 0:05:45
> > I tried Prozac twice (4 months each time)while the effects were immediate (the world going from black and white to color type thing) and I liked that kaleidoscopic shift, it made me feel better right away, over the long term, I found Prozac made me sleepy, I gained weight (and didn't care), and, most interestingly, since I know it supposedly kills libido, made me very promiscuous. I stopped taking it each time because it seemed to take the edge off of things after a while, and basically, I just didn't like myself on the drug. After a few years of sort of low-level depression (dysthymia?), I suffered another major depressive incident. I was feeling bleak, hopeless, etc. I started Celexa in October (I've been on it almost six months now). The effects were milder, more subtle than the effects with Prozac. I felt better gradually. Very minimal side effects at 20 mg. When I increased to 40 I got so drowsy (yawning constantly, going to bed at 8:30, not wanting to get out of bed in the morning) I cut myself back. I find my life is better all around, I'm happier, more hopeful, more confident, in a great relationship (since about Thanksgiving). At 20 mg. I don't have any noticable physical side effects. I don't have lowered libido or excessive drowsiness (although I probably sleep 7 to 9 hours on the drug, as opposed to 5 to 7 when I'm not taking anything). Unlike Prozac, I don't feel like a completely different person, and it isn't making me a fat zombie! I bought roller blades and I'm taking kickboxing and doing yoga and all in all just convinced that the pieces are all going to fall into place for me. I don't cry at all (not even watching a film like Life is Beautiful) and that's wierd for me since I've always been so hyper-sensitive (I mean, I'm the kind of person who cries during the Star Spangled Banner), but it's better than crying all the time. I was telling my therapist the other day that I do miss the depressed me at times, it's wierd to feel so good, to be so happy. At this point I know it's not all the Celexa, that it's my relationship, and the exercise, etc., but I do feel so noticably different and so much better than I've felt before, even at times in my life when things were "going well" so to speak, that I can't help thinking the Celexa isn't playing a major role. I'm thrilled with the drug; I'm sorry some of you are having problems with it. (Truth be told, I wanted Welbutrin, and begged my therapist to put me on it, but since I have a history of anorexia she negged that. I know other people who are taking it and they love it, especially as it makes them lose weight!). I do get concerned about long-term side effects (brain damage, etc.) and worry that I might pay a huge price down the road for the happiness I am presently enjoying. Maybe so. But I also know that the people who say it's a spiritual disease don't know what they are talking about. I have two degrees in religion, an MDiv, and I've been in therapy for years. I read and do yoga and listen to music and do all the right things, all well and good, but nothing has turned my life around in so real and visceral a way as this drug. Sorry to be so long, I've never posted anything before and wanted to share some of my thoughts, and some of my experiences with meds.
>
> Thank you, Eliza, I am about to start Celexa after years of trying Prozac, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Paxil (what I am currently on and gaining immense weight). I hope my experience is similar to yours, I'm so tired of the side effects from drugs that are supposed to improve the quality of my life, and yet unable to do without meds because then the quality of life becomes so dreadful in my mind that I want to end it all. Wish me luck on Celexa, I hear mixed reviews. :)
>
> MeganI have been on Celexa (10mg) about 4 weeks and really
haven't felt much better (maybe a little). How long
did it take you to start feeling better? I am so tire
d all the time, does that go away? I just wish I
could feel normal again, this has been going on for
almost 2 years.
Posted by megan on April 6, 2000, at 17:32:42
In reply to Re: Question to Megan, posted by stacey on April 6, 2000, at 11:26:51
> I have been on Celexa (10mg) about 4 weeks and really
> haven't felt much better (maybe a little). How long
> did it take you to start feeling better? I am so tire
> d all the time, does that go away? I just wish I
> could feel normal again, this has been going on for
> almost 2 years.Hi Stacey,
I started right on 40 mg every morning because I was on 30 mg of Paxil and the dr. wanted to avoid withdrawal symptoms from the Paxil, which I get badly if sudden changes occur in dosage. So far so good in the transition from Paxil to Celexa. I'm sadder and I get mad more easily, but I'm thinking it's because I haven't got the full Celexa level in me yet... I have been taking it now for 4 days. My PMS certainly wasn't as horrible as it usually is, so it must be working. My insomnia is harder to control though, and I am tired a lot. I've heard through here that the side effects wear off for some people but it can take a couple of months. I wonder, too, if 10 mg is too low a dose, and if you're tired all the time maybe take it at night, instead, if you're taking it in the a.m.? I'd chat with your doctor.
Posted by Liza on April 7, 2000, at 7:49:55
In reply to Re: Question to Megan, posted by megan on April 6, 2000, at 17:32:42
>
> > I have been on Celexa (10mg) about 4 weeks and really
> > haven't felt much better (maybe a little). How long
> > did it take you to start feeling better? I am so tire
> > d all the time, does that go away? I just wish I
> > could feel normal again, this has been going on for
> > almost 2 years.
>
> Hi Stacey,
>
> I started right on 40 mg every morning because I was on 30 mg of Paxil and the dr. wanted to avoid withdrawal symptoms from the Paxil, which I get badly if sudden changes occur in dosage. So far so good in the transition from Paxil to Celexa. I'm sadder and I get mad more easily, but I'm thinking it's because I haven't got the full Celexa level in me yet... I have been taking it now for 4 days. My PMS certainly wasn't as horrible as it usually is, so it must be working. My insomnia is harder to control though, and I am tired a lot. I've heard through here that the side effects wear off for some people but it can take a couple of months. I wonder, too, if 10 mg is too low a dose, and if you're tired all the time maybe take it at night, instead, if you're taking it in the a.m.? I'd chat with your doctor.Hi Stacey,
I mentioned in my other post that I couldn't take Celexa because of the side effects. I was so tired I couldn't get out of bed and I was very dizzy too. I am a single parent, so I couldn't tolerate that situation for very long. I have been on Effexor XR 37.5 mg in the morning for 4 days and have noticed an immediate difference. The tiredness comes for a short period but then goes away, otherwise I feel pretty energetic. I think my doctor tried this because of its extended release properties. If the tiredness doesn't go away, this might be an alternative for you.
- Liza
Posted by Eliza on April 7, 2000, at 14:54:05
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa to Eliza, posted by gail on April 2, 2000, at 22:31:30
Hi Gail, Sorry for not responding sooner, I don't check this board every day. I've been on Celexa a little over 6 months, and I think I'm just beginning to see some really positive changes in my life. I thought about going off a couple of months ago, because I was feeling good, too good I thought, in that I wasn't sad all the time, and I said to my psychiatrist that I didn't feel like myself. She said that because of the dysthymia underlying episodes of major depression, I probably didn't know what it was like to feel "normal" and that I should definitely not go off the drug, but stay on and see how my life will change now that I am feeling good. I think I mentioned that I had been on Prozac twice, 4 months each time. I stopped because of the side effects. But since I have no real negative side effects with Celexa, I'm going to give the drug at least two years. That's my plan at this point anyway. Obviously things might change if I start to gain weight (!) about the only side effect I don't think I could live with. It's a tough decision deciding whether to stay on these relatively new drugs, because we really don't know what risks we are exposing ourselves to down the road. I only know that I am willing to take the chance, because I feel like I've accomplished so little in life because of the depression, and I want to give myself a chance to really achieve something.
Posted by gail on April 7, 2000, at 17:11:11
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa to Eliza, posted by Eliza on April 7, 2000, at 14:54:05
> Hi Gail, Sorry for not responding sooner, I don't check this board every day. I've been on Celexa a little over 6 months, and I think I'm just beginning to see some really positive changes in my life. I thought about going off a couple of months ago, because I was feeling good, too good I thought, in that I wasn't sad all the time, and I said to my psychiatrist that I didn't feel like myself. She said that because of the dysthymia underlying episodes of major depression, I probably didn't know what it was like to feel "normal" and that I should definitely not go off the drug, but stay on and see how my life will change now that I am feeling good. I think I mentioned that I had been on Prozac twice, 4 months each time. I stopped because of the side effects. But since I have no real negative side effects with Celexa, I'm going to give the drug at least two years. That's my plan at this point anyway. Obviously things might change if I start to gain weight (!) about the only side effect I don't think I could live with. It's a tough decision deciding whether to stay on these relatively new drugs, because we really don't know what risks we are exposing ourselves to down the road. I only know that I am willing to take the chance, because I feel like I've accomplished so little in life because of the depression, and I want to give myself a chance to really achieve something.
I am struggling with the issue of wanting to go off because I do feel "normal". My doctor said that I should stay on for a minimum of 1 year and then we'll discuss. I had a major episode that prompted me to get help or who knows how long I would have felt that I was happy yet hollow. My husband feels the change has been wonderful and I react to situations with much less stress and the blues are definitely gone. Sometimes I feel a bit down but can talk (out loud) to myself and recognize where the thoughts are coming from. I know I never want to feel that low again. Thanks for the good words.
gail
Posted by kathy on April 8, 2000, at 19:00:52
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa to Eliza, posted by Eliza on April 7, 2000, at 14:54:05
Dear Eliza and anyone else who can help. Is celexa know to be helpful with panic attacks. I have mild depression, from time to time, that I can deal with. But it's the panic that's really bad for me. Anyone have any comments? Kathy
Posted by Nancy on April 9, 2000, at 9:35:36
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa to Eliza, posted by Eliza on April 7, 2000, at 14:54:05
This is the first time I have found this site and I feel like I have struck Gold I am now on celexa and am thinking that I feel like a piece of wood. I have bee on AD's for almost seven years and sometimes I wonder if there is life out there?.... Right now I am planning on lowering my dose and still seeing my shrink. Can you give me any good questions to ask or any possible solutions to just not feeling quite right Thanks NG
Posted by Greg From Buffalo on April 10, 2000, at 23:13:26
In reply to Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by TomJay on February 2, 1999, at 14:35:58
I started using Celexa in 60mg doses in December, and have noticed mostly a lack of desire, and sleeplesness at night. This affects my daytime routine, for sure. I guess the sexual desire doesnt bother me any, as the reason I am TAKING the stuff is that my partner left me in November. I have noticed, that it takes a LOT of work to achieve orgasm. Does this end?
I started Celexa about a week ago and just increased my
> dose to 40 mg/day. I've had a bit of nausea, but my
> biggest problem by far is sleepiness! I can barely
> keep my eyes open! I also have ADD, and the sleepiness
> isn't going to help. Do the side effects tend to
> subside? About how long does it take? I haven't really
> noticed any difference from the drug otherwise.
>
> Thanks
> Tom
Posted by Rhonda on April 12, 2000, at 2:45:49
In reply to PMS, posted by Beth on April 4, 2000, at 9:14:04
Hi.
It's 3:45 AM, I'm up not feeling too well. My dr. started me on effexor xr today. 1 week of 37.5 mg, then 3 wks of 75 mg. I'm feeling nauseous, and wide awake. He told me to take them at suppertime, unless they keep me up all night. Is this normal for a few days? My heart is racing a bit too. I'm taking them to control my PMS which has spread to most of the month.
Posted by medlib on April 12, 2000, at 3:54:32
In reply to Re: PMS, posted by Rhonda on April 12, 2000, at 2:45:49
> Hi.
>
> It's 3:45 AM, I'm up not feeling too well. My dr. started me on effexor xr today. 1 week of 37.5 mg, then 3 wks of 75 mg. I'm feeling nauseous, and wide awake. He told me to take them at suppertime, unless they keep me up all night. Is this normal for a few days? My heart is racing a bit too. I'm taking them to control my PMS which has spread to most of the month.
Rhonda--Effexor XR should be taken in the morning only--to prevent just the sort of insomnia you're now facing. I find it hard to understand a doc not being aware of this.When I was ramping up on Effexor XR, I would experience a return of side effects every time I increased the dose--the greater the dose, the longer the side effects lasted. For me, the benefits enabled me to hang in; now I'm at 300mg/day w/ no problems.
Hope your side effects subside soon. If insomnia still persists after switching to morning dosing, you might try an OTC like Excedrin PM or ask your doc for some Ambien. Good luck!--medlib
Posted by Eliza on April 12, 2000, at 8:49:29
In reply to Re: PMS, posted by Rhonda on April 12, 2000, at 2:45:49
Do any of you drink at all? My psychiatrist advised me not to, and I believe the pharmacist indicated the same thing, but I do drink occasionally with no negative side effects (a couple glasses of wine once or twice a week). Is this risky? It's hard to imagine not being able to drink at all.
Posted by Eliza on April 12, 2000, at 8:49:30
In reply to Re: PMS, posted by Rhonda on April 12, 2000, at 2:45:49
Do any of you drink at all? My psychiatrist advised me not to, and I believe the pharmacist indicated the same thing, but I do drink occasionally with no negative side effects (a couple glasses of wine once or twice a week). Is this risky? It's hard to imagine not being able to drink at all.
Posted by R. on April 12, 2000, at 9:22:01
In reply to alcohol and celexa, posted by Eliza on April 12, 2000, at 8:49:29
I was on Effexor, and was able to drink alcohol, but on celexa, I find that I cannot tolerate alcohol well, and after about 2 glasses of wine I seem to black out. This would NEVER have happened on Effexor, so I'm guessing it must be the Celexa, and I have decided to try NOT to drink anything until I switch medications. AUGH.
Posted by liz on April 12, 2000, at 9:37:16
In reply to alcohol and celexa, posted by Eliza on April 12, 2000, at 8:49:29
Hi Eliza. I take Celexa and still drink the occasional glass of wine (sometimes more than a glass ;-) My doctor thought my wine drinking would complicate the issue of some of my other complaints, like sleeplessness, and he "suggested" I avoid it for that reason. The documentation I got with Celexa says that alcohol effects might be magnified with the drug, but I have not found that to be the case with me. My sister takes Paxil and her labeling says quite clearly not to use ANY alcohol. Personally, I think that if you seem to tolerate a moderate amount of wine and there is nothing in the literature that does more than caution, I wouldn't let it worry me. Cheers! Liz
Do any of you drink at all? My psychiatrist advised me not to, and I believe the pharmacist indicated the same thing, but I do drink occasionally with no negative side effects (a couple glasses of wine once or twice a week). Is this risky? It's hard to imagine not being able to drink at all.
Posted by Stacey on April 12, 2000, at 10:15:44
In reply to Re: alcohol and celexa, posted by R. on April 12, 2000, at 9:22:01
I have been on celexa 10mg for over a month and my doctor stated it was ok to have a couple of beers a week and I normally do, except it make me more tired. I can't see much result on this medication and I am tired all the time. I have even changed to taking the medicine at night and it has helped somewhat. Does the tiredness ever go away?
I feel like it is hopeless and i will feel this way forever. I was on serzone before the Celexa and it didn't help much but at least I wasn't as tired. I feel I may need to increase my dosage to 20mg of Celexa but will I even be more tired. Any suggestions?
Posted by Eliza on April 12, 2000, at 10:38:25
In reply to Re: alcohol and celexa, posted by Stacey on April 12, 2000, at 10:15:44
Stacy, it's so funny how these medications effect different people differently!!! I've been on Celexa (20 mg) for about 6 months with no noticeable side effects (when I upped the dosage to 40 mg. for about a month, it did make me very sleepy). However, before Celexa, I tried serzone for about 2 weeks. It made me literally a walking ZOMBIE! I couldn't move I was so tired, I couldn't think or even get words out of my mouth. Moreover it gave me a strange sort of feeling in my head, not a headache exactly but a wierd feeling, and some tightness in my chest. I guess in this world of meds it's whatever works. But it is funny how we all have the same so called disease "Depression" and we respond so differently to different treatments. Good luck!!
Posted by liz on April 12, 2000, at 10:41:13
In reply to Re: alcohol and celexa, posted by Stacey on April 12, 2000, at 10:15:44
Hi Stacy. I've been on Celexa a short while and I have the same tiredness as you. (I'm taking 20mg in the morning). If you will take the time to read all the messages in this thread, and back through the archives, you will see a lot of discussion that may be helpful to you. At least it has been helpful to me and has given me some possible solutions to bring up with my doctor at my next visit. I also began Adderall, a stimulant, just recently, but it has not helped as I had hoped. Some of the people who have given responses in this thread suggest that there are more energizing antidepressants out there and that is something I'm seeking, not this tired/ no motivation feeling. I guess the results vary with the intended purpose; a lot of people are reporting good results with Celexa and claim that many of the side effects wear off in time. Hang in there. Liz
I have been on celexa 10mg for over a month and my doctor stated it was ok to have a couple of beers a week and I normally do, except it make me more tired. I can't see much result on this medication and I am tired all the time. I have even changed to taking the medicine at night and it has helped somewhat. Does the tiredness ever go away?
> I feel like it is hopeless and i will feel this way forever. I was on serzone before the Celexa and it didn't help much but at least I wasn't as tired. I feel I may need to increase my dosage to 20mg of Celexa but will I even be more tired. Any suggestions?
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