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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Daciana on May 11, 2000, at 13:49:11
In reply to Re: Decisions for Daciana, posted by D on May 11, 2000, at 7:44:13
My dr did start me out with 25 and after a week I was up to 50mg of Zoloft...after a month of no noticeable changes she upped my dose to 100mg. that's when I began to notice more anxiety... so after about 2 weeks I went in and she switched me over to Celexa...I've only been on for 2 days...(today will be my 3rd) but I haven't noticed anything...which I understand is normal for many people...I just hope something starts to happen soon...hopefully not all those nasty side effects I've been reading about...
> I hope that you have really good results with Celexa. I do have to wonder , though, if you were taking to much Zoloft----maybe that's what was causing the anxiety---too much.
> It seems like the natural thing, when upping the dose, would be for the doctor to up to 50 mg and gradually increase
> to 75 mg and then to 100 if needed. Best wishes, D
Posted by Daciana on May 11, 2000, at 13:56:28
In reply to Re: Just starting Celexa, posted by carolyn on May 11, 2000, at 9:53:38
Reading all the messages posted scared me too...but then I realized that it was all worth it to feel good - somethign that I don't think I've ever really experienced...I am willing to experience a little more rain so that I can enjoy the sun. Just remember to keep your dr involved and let them know what the medicine is doing... I have heard that sometimes the side effects will go away after a while so maybe that is what will happen or maybe you will need to hit and miss a couple more times...but once we find the right medicine it will be so worth it...good luck
daciana
> I, like several of you, am preparing to take my first celexa tonight. Reading all these side effects scares me silly. I had taken Prozac for three years with good results until I began having hyper/nervous spells which Drs attributed to buld-up/intoleralnce (too much too long is my interpretation). I'm in a deep dark hole without meds so I'm trying celexa I guess. I don't like taking pills but desparately want my life back. Thanks for the inputs. Any suggestions?
Posted by celexy on May 11, 2000, at 18:54:37
In reply to Re: Just starting Celexa, posted by carolyn on May 11, 2000, at 9:53:38
hi wondering,i was in a big black hole for a long time also.i have never been on any other drugs before because of my depression.my doctor started me on celexa three weeks ago and i feel so much better.i too had read about all the side effects and they scared me too,but i stuck to it and happier now than i was before.sure there are side effects but they were mild.i worked every day ,i yawned a bit more and my stomatch made noises but that was all gone by the first week.so give it a try,its alot better than where your at right now.good luck.hang in there.
Posted by Stephen on May 14, 2000, at 14:47:54
In reply to Re: Celexa Side Effects, posted by Michele Cohen on April 22, 2000, at 16:28:53
When I started taking Celexa the first things I noticed was increased asthma and itchiness/hives. I was really upset because of all the anti's I had taken Celexa put me in the best mental state. Fortunately these inital side effects were transient. However there was more to come. After starting Celexa I also became very constipated. It seemed managable in the beginning, but then one night I experienced severe intestinal pain which lead to diarrhea and vomiting.
Within a couple of hrs. I was in the emergency room getting IV pain killers and liquids. It turns out that I was a bit dehydrated and had some intestinal blockage due to the constipation. I have since begun to drink a lot more and have increased the fiber in my diet. Celexa definitely makes me sweat a lot more so I can understand how I may have become dehydrated. I have been on Celexa for about three months now. Mentally I feel fairly good, although I do suffer
from regular drowsiness and periods of zero motivation. My sex drive is definitely better after having been nearly nonexsistent on other meds.Steve
Posted by trish on May 16, 2000, at 12:07:33
In reply to A painful experience with Celexa, posted by Stephen on May 14, 2000, at 14:47:54
Has anyone experienced blurred vision with Celexa?
My vison is blurry after 3 months on it, and my night vision is particularly bad.
Any advice?
Posted by carolyn on May 19, 2000, at 9:36:04
In reply to Re: Just starting Celexa,to wondering, posted by celexy on May 11, 2000, at 18:54:37
I've now been taking celexa for a week. The only improvement I've noticed is that now I go outside and sit on the deck in the sunshine to enjoy the birds and flowers instead of hibernating in a dark, curtained bedroom. It's an improvement, and I remain patient and hopeful. For the past two nights, I only sleep four hours instead of seven, but maybe that's a transient thing. Reading inputs from those of you in the same situation is helpful. Thanks to all.
Posted by Lyn on May 19, 2000, at 17:20:41
In reply to Re: Just starting Celexa,to wondering, posted by carolyn on May 19, 2000, at 9:36:04
> I've now been taking celexa for a week. The only improvement I've noticed is that now I go outside and sit on the deck in the sunshine to enjoy the birds and flowers instead of hibernating in a dark, curtained bedroom. It's an improvement, and I remain patient and hopeful. For the past two nights, I only sleep four hours instead of seven, but maybe that's a transient thing. Reading inputs from those of you in the same situation is helpful. Thanks to all.
Carolyn - I've also been on Celexa for one week and already feel a bit better, too. I was unable to sleep the first three nights without waking every 30 minutes, but have now started to get back to my normal 7 hours. I'm hopeful that the insomnia was temporary - as well as the sweating that occurs late every afternoon. One positive side effect - it seems to have curbed my appetite. Good luck to all!
Posted by Steph on May 20, 2000, at 20:59:38
In reply to Re: Just starting Celexa, posted by Rictis on May 5, 2000, at 13:18:03
>
I know you posted this a while ago but I was wondering if anyone has experienced a yucky metallic taste in the mouth as a side effect. I have been on Celexa for 6 days now and i am doing okay so far at 10mg. just a little irritability and lethargy. Nothing incapacitating. Today I have some sinus drainage and this very strange taset in my mouth. I didn't read this as one of the side effects so I was curious if it is common. As I have read everyone is different and have individual reactions. I also find that those who actually are better probaly don't read this list anymore because they have better things to do. But as I am new to this AD experience I will perservere. I am lucky not to be is such dire straits that hope is not available. I think that this med will help me out.
Thanks for any comments.
Steph
Posted by carolyn on May 23, 2000, at 20:38:16
In reply to Re: Just starting Celexa, posted by Steph on May 20, 2000, at 21:01:55
I'm in my tenth day of celexa and I too have a bad taste and drainage - I've tried all kinds of tongue scraping, mouthwash and brushing; no help -
Posted by Steph on May 24, 2000, at 19:06:48
In reply to Re: Just starting Celexa, posted by carolyn on May 23, 2000, at 20:38:16
> I'm in my tenth day of celexa and I too have a bad taste and drainage - I've tried all kinds of tongue scraping, mouthwash and brushing; no help -
Amazingly the next day after I posted to the list--it disappeared. Now I am just sleepy---I yawned too much during an important meeting and I didn't feel I was concentrating at my best. I am drinking a bit more coffee. We'll see--I just uped the dose to 20mg.
Steph
Posted by Steph on May 24, 2000, at 19:07:49
In reply to Re: Just starting Celexa, posted by carolyn on May 23, 2000, at 20:38:16
> I'm in my tenth day of celexa and I too have a bad taste and drainage - I've tried all kinds of tongue scraping, mouthwash and brushing; no help -
Amazingly the next day after I posted to the list--it disappeared. Now I am just sleepy---I yawned too much during an important meeting and I didn't feel I was concentrating at my best. I am drinking a bit more coffee. We'll see--I just uped the dose to 20mg.
Steph
Posted by Daciana on May 25, 2000, at 11:10:42
In reply to Re: Just starting Celexa, posted by Steph on May 24, 2000, at 19:06:48
My biggest thing is the sleep...I am way too tired...all the time...my therapist said that I was sleep deprived but it's different now for some reason...no matter how much sleep I get I am still tired...and I can fall to sleep at the drop of a hat...it's ruining my job!
> Amazingly the next day after I posted to the list--it disappeared. Now I am just sleepy---I yawned too much during an important meeting and I didn't feel I was concentrating at my best. I am drinking a bit more coffee. We'll see--I just uped the dose to 20mg.
> Steph
Posted by celexy on May 26, 2000, at 6:14:16
In reply to Re: Just starting Celexa, posted by carolyn on May 23, 2000, at 20:38:16
it`s been a month now since i first started on celexa and i can say it`s the best i felt now in a long time.i still yawn more but all of the other side effects have all gone away.before celexa i would think of suicide every morning and i couldn`t understand why.i have a great home,two wonderful daugthters,and the man anywoman prays for.so i talked to my doctor about the way i was thinking and he told me i was having a depression,and like someone having diabetes needing insuline,i needed celexa to help me .so i can say this drug has saved my life .i no longer have those sick thoughts and look foward to my life with my family.i hope this can help someone out there.let me know .good luck
Posted by Noa on May 26, 2000, at 10:30:15
In reply to Re:one month on celexa, posted by celexy on May 26, 2000, at 6:14:16
Great to hear you are feeling so much better. Enjoy.
Posted by Archangel on May 26, 2000, at 15:30:16
In reply to Re:one month on celexa, posted by celexy on May 26, 2000, at 6:14:16
Celexy, I too am glad you’re feeling better. I recently discontinued Celexa. While taking it I couldn’t honestly say it was helping. Now that I’ve stopped, I realize it was. Depression has descended upon me again. Like you, I’m thinking suicidal thoughts. Like you, I have a life that other, less fortunate people would envy. My therapist/pdoc said she would write a new prescription for Celexa if I want to resume taking it, however she would rather help me uncover the underlying reasons for my depression. I’ve decided to tough it out. Celexa did help me. Obviously it’s helping you, too. Keep taking it, and revel in the joy that it has helped you rediscover. Best wishes, Michael
> it`s been a month now since i first started on celexa and i can say it`s the best i felt now in a long time.i still yawn more but all of the other side effects have all gone away.before celexa i would think of suicide every morning and i couldn`t understand why.i have a great home,two wonderful daugthters,and the man anywoman prays for.so i talked to my doctor about the way i was thinking and he told me i was having a depression,and like someone having diabetes needing insuline,i needed celexa to help me .so i can say this drug has saved my life .i no longer have those sick thoughts and look foward to my life with my family.i hope this can help someone out there.let me know .good luck
Posted by R. on May 28, 2000, at 23:41:40
In reply to Re: celexa makes me gag, posted by JAN on February 16, 2000, at 7:46:30
My husband has been on celexa for the past 8 months. I had never seen someone so depressed, sad, lonely and no longer caring if he lived.I couldn't stand to see him feel this way I begged him to go for help. The doctor put him celexa and within days he started to smile again. D. has tried prozac,zoloft,paxil, this seems to be working the best. At first it was difficult for him to have a orgasm but that is no longer a problem. Those of you that are hearing all the bad things, give it a chance to work, it just might work for you too.
Posted by jacquie on May 30, 2000, at 20:58:02
In reply to Re:one month on celexa, posted by Archangel on May 26, 2000, at 15:30:16
how are you? Having rough times...contemplating meds again. Prozac maybe? I don't know. Now they say I bruise too easy and should take ssris...ugh. you okay. I haen't hear from you and have wondered alot how you are. I am sorry my message was so brief the other day. I literally could hardly focus I was so beat. my apologies. hope to hear form you...the notify part of th epost doesn;t always notify me. be well, michael.
> Celexy, I too am glad you’re feeling better. I recently discontinued Celexa. While taking it I couldn’t honestly say it was helping. Now that I’ve stopped, I realize it was. Depression has descended upon me again. Like you, I’m thinking suicidal thoughts. Like you, I have a life that other, less fortunate people would envy. My therapist/pdoc said she would write a new prescription for Celexa if I want to resume taking it, however she would rather help me uncover the underlying reasons for my depression. I’ve decided to tough it out. Celexa did help me. Obviously it’s helping you, too. Keep taking it, and revel in the joy that it has helped you rediscover. Best wishes, Michael
>
>
> > it`s been a month now since i first started on celexa and i can say it`s the best i felt now in a long time.i still yawn more but all of the other side effects have all gone away.before celexa i would think of suicide every morning and i couldn`t understand why.i have a great home,two wonderful daugthters,and the man anywoman prays for.so i talked to my doctor about the way i was thinking and he told me i was having a depression,and like someone having diabetes needing insuline,i needed celexa to help me .so i can say this drug has saved my life .i no longer have those sick thoughts and look foward to my life with my family.i hope this can help someone out there.let me know .good luck
Posted by kris on May 30, 2000, at 21:30:10
In reply to Re:archangel, posted by jacquie on May 30, 2000, at 20:58:02
>hi..i am starting on celexa for the first time..i have had depression now midly
since i was 16..i have been on paxil for the longest time but recently noticed
that i was sleeping more..having down time more..and just lacking interest in anything
around me...my concern in starting this drug is will it impair my judgement with the
side effects...i am a nurse..so my mind needs to be clear as possible
and what is the best way to deal with some of the above listed side effects..
utterly confused
>
Posted by Archangel on June 1, 2000, at 14:18:58
In reply to Re:archangel, posted by jacquie on May 30, 2000, at 20:58:02
Jacquie,
You have mail :) Thank you so much for thinking about me. I hope your rough times have passed. I'm thinking of you... Michael
>
> how are you? Having rough times...contemplating meds again. Prozac maybe? I don't know. Now they say I bruise too easy and should take ssris...ugh. you okay. I haen't hear from you and have wondered alot how you are. I am sorry my message was so brief the other day. I literally could hardly focus I was so beat. my apologies. hope to hear form you...the notify part of th epost doesn;t always notify me. be well, michael.
Posted by Hermit on June 3, 2000, at 22:10:24
In reply to A painful experience with Celexa, posted by Stephen on May 14, 2000, at 14:47:54
I haven't read this entire message board, so perhaps this topic has already been broached, but I'm wondering whether the depression I suffer is chemical or behavioral. How can you tell the difference? I know that certain unfortunate experiences in my past have exacerbated the depression, but I also know that I sometimes find justifications for feeling low that, when I think it over later, don't seem sufficient reason for, for example, fantasizing about suicide, etc. All I know is that the doctor at my school was pretty adamant about giving me Celexa after I'd taken an absurdly short questionnier (sp?) that revealed I often am self-critical, tired, all the usual symptoms.
I have been taking Celexa for about two days now, after already wanting to sleep all the time.
Posted by Andre Allard on June 4, 2000, at 5:58:49
In reply to chicken or egg, posted by Hermit on June 3, 2000, at 22:10:24
Your depression is likely caused by both chemical and behavioural factors, as are most cases. ADs will take care of the chemical aspect. The rest is up to you. Psychotherapy, cognitive, as well as behavioural therapy can assist you in improving your depression. I have found behavioural therapy to be the most helpful since I can practice it when ever I feel the need. This type of therapy consists of the "ABC" method. A is for the action or the event which has occured. B is for your belief or your perception of what has just occured. C is for the consequences or your feelings (depression) from your perception (belief) of what has happened (action).
For example:
I break up with a girlfriend (action). I think that I cannot be happy without her and that this is a disaster (belief). I feel very sad and depressed (consequence). Now, what behavioural therapy teaches you is to change your beliefs so that you do not become depressed. Remembering that you cannot change the action, this is how I would "rethink" what has happened.I break up with my girlfriend (action). Although it is disapointing that we have broken up, I know that in time I will get over her and that I will find someone else who I can share my life with (belief). I feel SAD and not DEPRESSED (consequence).
Do you see the difference? I have changed my belief and therefore I no longer feel depressed but sad. To get more info on this type of therapy and others, browse the net. Good luck!
Posted by Hermit on June 4, 2000, at 7:58:36
In reply to Re: chicken or egg, posted by Andre Allard on June 4, 2000, at 5:58:49
Andre, thank you for the advice and example. It was an especially useful example for me, since I have a hard time dealing with break-ups. I too have gone to a behavioral therapist and found it useful. I know that the way I think about things certainly effects my mood, although at times I seem unable to control my thoughts. Anyway, best of luck to you too.
Posted by Noa on June 4, 2000, at 13:00:59
In reply to Re: chicken or egg, posted by Hermit on June 4, 2000, at 7:58:36
Hermit, I agree with Andre that it is nearly impossible to pull apart the nurture-nature aspects of depression. They are mutually influential, and often, a multimodal approach to treatment can help--go after the neurotransmitters while also going after the maladaptive thought patterns, emotional experiences, etc.
Posted by JD on June 4, 2000, at 16:50:33
In reply to Re: more Celexa sharing, posted by erin on April 8, 2000, at 14:36:18
> I have been on Clexa for 5 weeks now. Am a little concerned as I am having suicidal thoughts, also am feeling depressed. I am only taking 20mg and must decide if I should increase the dosage or change to another drug. Thing is I don't have as bad a side-effect on these as on effexor. I am scared that my anxiet will increase with uping the dosage. I have read what some of you have written and maybe I should wait a little longer. Is it worth the try? Anyone out there who suffered from the anxiety and suicide thoughts in the beginning?
Posted by forth meg on June 6, 2000, at 1:21:29
In reply to chicken or egg, posted by Hermit on June 3, 2000, at 22:10:24
The ultimate question -
What's caused by our brain vs. what's caused by our mind?
There's no easy answer.
The terms "endogenous," "chemical," "biological" when applied to depression are really fairly meaningless.
Truth is:
1. Life Events and Stresses can trigger a clinical depression that's indistinguishable from depressions which are purely "endogenous" and can be treated the same way. That's why the distinction between "endogenous" and "reactive" depression is now largely obsolete.
2. When you're depressed you tend to magnify negative events (so you think the depression is "caused" by an event, when in fact depression depression is "causing" you to feel much worse about it than you otherwise would)
3. Depression causes depressogenic behaviors. It leads to vicious cycles (oversleeping, overeating, avoidance, procrastination, withdrawal) that make depression worse.
So it really IS the chicken and the egg - it's very hard to know what's "chemical" and what's "environmental."And maybe it doesn't matter.
> I haven't read this entire message board, so perhaps this topic has already been broached, but I'm wondering whether the depression I suffer is chemical or behavioral. How can you tell the difference? I know that certain unfortunate experiences in my past have exacerbated the depression, but I also know that I sometimes find justifications for feeling low that, when I think it over later, don't seem sufficient reason for, for example, fantasizing about suicide, etc. All I know is that the doctor at my school was pretty adamant about giving me Celexa after I'd taken an absurdly short questionnier (sp?) that revealed I often am self-critical, tired, all the usual symptoms.
>
> I have been taking Celexa for about two days now, after already wanting to sleep all the time.
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