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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Mike11 on November 20, 2000, at 9:20:12
In reply to SSRI Natrual alternitive with no side effects, posted by Doug on May 22, 2000, at 17:00:22
I'm on day 3 of Celexa for an anxiety disorder. Side effects for me seem mild. Little shakey, but I've been happy overall. Maybe a little placebo effect in there? :)
I am 23 and I've been on clonapin for almost a yr. What a suck drug that was. I was groggy and it did little for my rough anxiety. I drank mildly on clonapin. My buddy is on paxil and drinks okay when we go out. He just says the withdrawal is a little more prevelant. I notice a huge "do not drink" label on my celexa bottle. Just wondering how serious this is? With the holidays coming up, I'd like to have a few drinks w/ friends and family?
by the way, I'm at 10mg's right now and going to move to 20mg's if this felt alright. I think I'm good, so tomorrow is the day to move up. I just want to be back to my normal self... I'm also on the clonapin and hopefully going to taper off soon. I wonder how rough that will be? anyone go through it?
Mike
Posted by JennaDes on November 21, 2000, at 9:34:57
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- day 4, posted by Scoot on November 17, 2000, at 8:33:41
I am on day 6 of Celexa(20mg) and really want this work. However, I have had shortness of breath to the point of using my son's athsma inhaler (it works) four times now(once a day since day 3). Has anyone else experienced this? Does it go away. It's pretty scary, but I haven't mentioned it to my Dr. because I'm so afraid she'll take me off of it. I really want this one to work.
Thanks,
-Jen
Posted by Bill L on November 21, 2000, at 12:37:05
In reply to Celexa and shortness of breath, posted by JennaDes on November 21, 2000, at 9:34:57
Do you have asthma or have you ever had it? That sounds dangerous to use a prescription inhaler especially with other prescription medication without letting the doctor know. I have never heard of that side effect with Celexa but I would let the doctor know.
> I am on day 6 of Celexa(20mg) and really want this work. However, I have had shortness of breath to the point of using my son's athsma inhaler (it works) four times now(once a day since day 3). Has anyone else experienced this? Does it go away. It's pretty scary, but I haven't mentioned it to my Dr. because I'm so afraid she'll take me off of it. I really want this one to work.
>
> Thanks,
> -Jen
Posted by JennaDes on November 21, 2000, at 19:12:40
In reply to Re: Celexa and shortness of breath, posted by Bill L on November 21, 2000, at 12:37:05
Just wanted to let you know. I called my Dr. and her advice is to discontinue the meds for the next 4 days and then start back up with 10mg for two weeks gradually increasing to 20mg. She is hoping this will solve the problem. Thanks for your reply.
Posted by Becca Lou on November 22, 2000, at 15:45:29
In reply to Reversing Sexual Side effects - POSSIBLE CURES...., posted by Laura!!!! on March 30, 2000, at 18:22:55
Hello,
I am experiencing sexual disfunction. This time I'm taking celexa which was supposed to solve this problem. Its really distressing. I don't feel as completely asexual as I did on Zoloft, but my boyfriend claims I don't give off any sexual vibes like I do when I'm off medication. I have only a vague interest in sex and am inorgasmic. This is really troubling! How is efexxor or serzone working for people? Do drug holidays work with celexa?
Posted by Jim Matisi on November 22, 2000, at 16:51:23
In reply to Re: Antidepressants Beware!, posted by ruth on March 9, 2000, at 7:39:31
> > > Maybe I'm a skeptic, but I just can't help
> but wonder why this Mazzo fellow isn't responding
> to anyone asking him to please go into more depth
> about his point of view...I'm not sure how fruitful
> it is to just throw a big warning out without saying
> why...None of you are being fair to John by posting here and questioning his motivation when he may well be like me, in that he may not read message boards for months at a time. You should honor his request and email him for information before you make any judgements. I have emailed him and I am awaiting a reply. Anyone who is really interested should do the same. I think some of you need additional drugs to alleviate your negativity. :)
Posted by Jim Matisi on November 22, 2000, at 18:16:16
In reply to child on celexa.....not sure, posted by sinata on September 22, 2000, at 20:24:43
> my daughter has been on celexa for 3 weeks now almost 4 ....she is only 8....I'm worried about her being on meds and really cant tell it's done anything....she is known for stomach aches and the celexa has made them worse....should I stop meds and just keep helping her deal with anxietys....I'm worried about side effects with a child this young....any advice out there? Thanks
Putting an 8 year old on psychotropic drugs like SSRIs is just insane! You doctor should be banned from practicing medicine.
Posted by Jim Matisi on November 22, 2000, at 18:23:31
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa, posted by Leigh on October 9, 2000, at 16:51:29
> Help!! My 16 yr old daughter was just prescribed celexa 20 mg a day by her pediatrician. This was for chronic headaches not depression...has anyone had experience with this drug for headaches? I am a little worried as I took celexa, (am now back on paxil) and experienced drowsiness and increased depression. Any input....thanks so much.
Yet another 'Mad Scientist' who should have his license revoked. There are many things that can cause or cure headaches and Celexa is known to produce them as a side effect. Celexa is also mainly a drug for severe depression as are the other SSRIs. You would be doing yourself and your daughter a huge favor by seeking out a clinic that specializes in problem headaches. I have never heard of Celexa being used for the treatment of headaches. At the very least, you should seek the advise of a REAL doctor.
Posted by Jim Matisi on November 22, 2000, at 18:45:39
In reply to Re: Celexa sleep difficulty, posted by Lori P on October 25, 2000, at 10:13:18
> Well Jim, I can only say that waking up at night is something I wish i could do...of course it would mean that I actually fell asleep!!...Am I the only one here who is experiencing the horrors of insomnia? I have only been on Celexa for 4 days, and have averaged 1 1/2 hours of broken sleep per night. I am waiting for my MD to call as I write...I actually think the side effects of lack of sleep are worse than the depression and anxiety at this point...my hands shake, I sweat, I lie there with my heart pounding, staring at the clock hour, after hour...it's quite terrifying for someone who has never experienced insomnia...my 6 year old keeps asking why Mommy is sleeping in a different room than Daddy....(I blame it on his snoring!!!!)...
> Any info on sleep aids anyone could give me to suggest to my MD?I am experiencing the same thing and It has been getting worse for the week I have been on Celexa. I really think my doctor has totally misdiagnosed my condition as being depression. He listened to my life story in a 45 minute period up to only 15 years ago and had no idea what has been going on with me for the last 15 years, what I have done for myself and the progress I have made on my own. My real issues are anxiety and anger or rage. Those were the things causing the depression and the Celexa has made them worse, hence more depression. Since I have been taking only 10mg per day for a week, I think the best thing for me is to dicontinue taking it and seek the advise of a doctor who will listen to me and not decide "I've heard enough." and mistakenly prescribe the wrong medication. I sincerely believe that if you are having these sorts of problems then it is likely that it is the wrong drug for you. A second opinion is always a good place to start. Some doctors may have a degree on the wall, but do you know what his grade point average was? Some doctors passed with a D average and they are still allowed to practice medicine. There are a lot of doctors who don't know what they are doing. Use your better judgement. Only you know how you really feel and if something is helping or hurting you. Don't keep taking something that's making your life worse.
Posted by jojo on November 22, 2000, at 23:12:18
In reply to Re: Reversing Sexual Side effects - POSSIBLE CURES...., posted by Becca Lou on November 22, 2000, at 15:45:29
> Hello,
>
> I am experiencing sexual disfunction. This time I'm taking celexa which was supposed to solve this problem. Its really distressing. I don't feel as completely asexual as I did on Zoloft, but my boyfriend claims I don't give off any sexual vibes like I do when I'm off medication. I have only a vague interest in sex and am inorgasmic. This is really troubling! How is efexxor or serzone working for people? Do drug holidays work with celexa?I found that with 20 mg of Celexa, orgasm was just
about impossible. I added 150-400 mg Wellbutrin,
but it didn't help. 60 mg of BuSpar seemed to help
slightly. For the past month or so I've been
taking 10 mg Celexa, 150 mg of Wellbutrin, 60 mg
Buspar, and 1800 mg of St. John's Wort. The
orgasmic problems seem to have disappeared. I'll
have to wait another month or two before I'm
convinced that this combination is effective in
avoiding a recurrence of depression.
Posted by JS on November 23, 2000, at 11:22:12
In reply to Re: Reversing Sexual Side effects - POSSIBLE CURES...., posted by jojo on November 22, 2000, at 23:12:18
> > Hello,
> >
> > I am experiencing sexual disfunction. This time I'm taking celexa which was supposed to solve this problem. Its really distressing. I don't feel as completely asexual as I did on Zoloft, but my boyfriend claims I don't give off any sexual vibes like I do when I'm off medication. I have only a vague interest in sex and am inorgasmic. This is really troubling! How is efexxor or serzone working for people? Do drug holidays work with celexa?
>
> I found that with 20 mg of Celexa, orgasm was just
> about impossible. I added 150-400 mg Wellbutrin,
> but it didn't help. 60 mg of BuSpar seemed to help
> slightly. For the past month or so I've been
> taking 10 mg Celexa, 150 mg of Wellbutrin, 60 mg
> Buspar, and 1800 mg of St. John's Wort. The
> orgasmic problems seem to have disappeared. I'll
> have to wait another month or two before I'm
> convinced that this combination is effective in
> avoiding a recurrence of depression.They also tend to disappear with time.
Posted by RickWV on November 23, 2000, at 17:40:37
In reply to Re: Reversing Sexual Side effects - POSSIBLE CURES...., posted by JS on November 23, 2000, at 11:22:12
Do you attribute the changes to any of the other medications in particular, like the St. John's wort?
I experience more orgasmic than erection problems, but not near as bad as on Zoloft or Paxil.
I like the Celexa, and feel great.
I also have Viagra, but find it REALLY delays or stops orgasm for me, plus having to take it an hour before stops any spontenaety (sp).
So I'm interested in anything that might help with these 2 remaining problems.
Thanks!
Posted by Bill L on November 27, 2000, at 7:25:16
In reply to Re: Reversing Sexual Side effects - POSSIBLE CURES...., posted by Becca Lou on November 22, 2000, at 15:45:29
I take Celexa also. I have not tried the drug holiday route but it might work because Celexa has a relatively short half-life. It's a lot shorter than Prozac's half-life. Also, a popular tactic used by doctors is to add Wellbutrin to counter the sexual side effects.
Effexor also causes sexual dysfunction with a lot of people. The only AD's that don't are Serzone, Wellbutrin, and possibly Remeron.
Finally, if you get to the point where you feel OK sexually, and the only problem is your boyfriend's perception, maybe you can throw in some extra added sound effects during sex.
> Hello,
>
> I am experiencing sexual disfunction. This time I'm taking celexa which was supposed to solve this problem. Its really distressing. I don't feel as completely asexual as I did on Zoloft, but my boyfriend claims I don't give off any sexual vibes like I do when I'm off medication. I have only a vague interest in sex and am inorgasmic. This is really troubling! How is efexxor or serzone working for people? Do drug holidays work with celexa?
Posted by Palexizarticon on December 5, 2000, at 1:18:24
In reply to Re: Antidepressants Beware!, posted by ruth on March 9, 2000, at 7:39:31
greetings!
i am 17. i have always been depressed as long as i can remember, though it peeked when i was 12... that's when i began taking Paxil. about 2 or 3 weeks ago, i quit Paxil cold-turkey and i've been having side effects that (i've been told) are symptoms of withdrawal: motion-sickness, itchy rashes, nervous jitters, and anxiety.
today, i went to the doctor and explained why i had quit... since i've sworn of Caffeine, i haven't really been feeling depressed. but i had forgotten the anxiety, OCD, and other things that were ... well, not depression.
i suggested i wanted to try a different drug because although Paxil was ok, i was having major memory loss problems with Paroxatine and it was driving me nuts (when i could remember what upset me ;P), so he suggested Celexa. i was happy because at a party, someone had told me he and his mom had been taking Paxil for a long time, and the memory problems were bothering them too, and when they quit, they went through major withdrawal. (he says he couldn't move from his bed without feeling intense pain) and they tried Celexa and they said so far it hadn't given them any memory problems and it was essentially "the same thing" as Paxil. (so yeah, that's why i'm happy the doctor prescribed Celexa)
but now i'm feeling a little anxious (heh) or maybe i should say hypocondric... about taking Celexa now. is it safe? are there any really bad side-effects that i wouldn't experience with Paxil anyway? has it really been tested enough? has it been known to cause, even among a small population... brain tumors? (woah! yeah, i'm paranoid. that's another thing.) that's why i posted these evening... er... morning, er... whatever. from the posts i've read, i'm concerned about 2 things:
1. sleep. i am already a pretty sleepy person, and i don't want to not be able to go to school in the morning. and insomnia doesn't sound very pleasant either.
2. nausea. now, i'm not sure the queaziness [sic?]can get much worse for me... i know it would disappear if i took Paxil, but what about Celexa? if it got any worse, i would vomit at the sight of a city bus or cigarette.
i like the feeling of having a magic drug that's sitting in my bathroom just in case i need it, and i can walk around and say "yes, i'm off anti-depressants." but i know that's not the way it works, because i'll be much more sensitive and anxious without some special meds. so, please give me your thoughts.
i have the 20mg Celexa. i have the 20mg Paxil. should i take the Celexa? take nothing?
Posted by Bill L on December 5, 2000, at 7:25:30
In reply to Paxil to Celexa, posted by Palexizarticon on December 5, 2000, at 1:18:24
Hi- I like your screen name Palexizarticon! Celexa is very good for anxiety as well as depression. When I took Prozac, I had a little bit of a memory problem but not with Celexa. I take 20 mg of Celexa. I felt tired the first few weeks but that has mostly gone away.
Try the Celexa and give it a fair trial. A fair trial would be about 8 weeks. If you think after 8 weeks that the Celexa is not as good for you as the Paxil was, then maybe go back on the Paxil. If you go back on Paxil, maybe you could try a lower dose than what you were on before (I guess you were on 20 mg). Maybe that would help with the memory problem. Ask your doctor about that. Some drugs that are in pill form are also available in liquid form but I don't know if Paxil comes in liquid. If it does, it would be easy to lower the dose to 15 mg. Otherwise, maybe you could get a pill splitter and cut one fourth off of the 20 mg pill.
> greetings!
>
> i am 17. i have always been depressed as long as i can remember, though it peeked when i was 12... that's when i began taking Paxil. about 2 or 3 weeks ago, i quit Paxil cold-turkey and i've been having side effects that (i've been told) are symptoms of withdrawal: motion-sickness, itchy rashes, nervous jitters, and anxiety.
>
> today, i went to the doctor and explained why i had quit... since i've sworn of Caffeine, i haven't really been feeling depressed. but i had forgotten the anxiety, OCD, and other things that were ... well, not depression.
>
> i suggested i wanted to try a different drug because although Paxil was ok, i was having major memory loss problems with Paroxatine and it was driving me nuts (when i could remember what upset me ;P), so he suggested Celexa. i was happy because at a party, someone had told me he and his mom had been taking Paxil for a long time, and the memory problems were bothering them too, and when they quit, they went through major withdrawal. (he says he couldn't move from his bed without feeling intense pain) and they tried Celexa and they said so far it hadn't given them any memory problems and it was essentially "the same thing" as Paxil. (so yeah, that's why i'm happy the doctor prescribed Celexa)
>
> but now i'm feeling a little anxious (heh) or maybe i should say hypocondric... about taking Celexa now. is it safe? are there any really bad side-effects that i wouldn't experience with Paxil anyway? has it really been tested enough? has it been known to cause, even among a small population... brain tumors? (woah! yeah, i'm paranoid. that's another thing.) that's why i posted these evening... er... morning, er... whatever. from the posts i've read, i'm concerned about 2 things:
>
> 1. sleep. i am already a pretty sleepy person, and i don't want to not be able to go to school in the morning. and insomnia doesn't sound very pleasant either.
>
> 2. nausea. now, i'm not sure the queaziness [sic?]can get much worse for me... i know it would disappear if i took Paxil, but what about Celexa? if it got any worse, i would vomit at the sight of a city bus or cigarette.
>
> i like the feeling of having a magic drug that's sitting in my bathroom just in case i need it, and i can walk around and say "yes, i'm off anti-depressants." but i know that's not the way it works, because i'll be much more sensitive and anxious without some special meds. so, please give me your thoughts.
>
> i have the 20mg Celexa. i have the 20mg Paxil. should i take the Celexa? take nothing?
Posted by Jen on February 28, 2001, at 12:49:13
In reply to Re: serzone, posted by Eliza on April 14, 2000, at 11:03:42
> Hi.
Is anyone out there taking cerazone? I was doing quite well with prozak, however the sexual dysfunction was a problem.
So I have been on alow dose of cerazone for a week and have not seen any change. Rather, I am extremely tired and drowsy. Also cannot have one drink of wine without a terrible headache.
Do you think it is too early to tell? I'm on a low dose rght now (15 mg per day).
Any feedback much appreciated.
Jen
Posted by Bill L on March 1, 2001, at 7:50:29
In reply to Re: serzone, posted by Jen on February 28, 2001, at 12:49:13
I believe that 300 mg per day is around the minimum effective dose. But you have to gradually work up to that amount.
> > Hi.
> Is anyone out there taking cerazone? I was doing quite well with prozak, however the sexual dysfunction was a problem.
> So I have been on alow dose of cerazone for a week and have not seen any change. Rather, I am extremely tired and drowsy. Also cannot have one drink of wine without a terrible headache.
> Do you think it is too early to tell? I'm on a low dose rght now (15 mg per day).
> Any feedback much appreciated.
> Jen
Posted by wes on March 7, 2001, at 18:14:45
In reply to Re: serzone, posted by Eliza on April 12, 2000, at 10:38:25
Could anyone tell me about there experience with paxil, my docter is considering treatment with it. Im also interested in hearing from people who suffer from social anxiety. My symptons eluvate when i am around people, does anyone els experience this? > 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 KARAsweet on March 14, 2001, at 17:11:31
In reply to Re: Question about Celexa » Mary LameBull, posted by B Day on October 24, 2000, at 18:48:10
When I was on celexa, I noticed a difference in how alcohol affected me.. especially when my dosage was upped from 20 to 40 mg. First off, I would be able to drink and drink without feeling a buzz (and I am small, plus I don't drink often).. then a few hours later I was completely out of it. Be careful with drinking - moderation is the key.
Posted by Christi on March 25, 2001, at 16:33:52
In reply to Re: serzone, posted by Bill L on March 1, 2001, at 7:50:29
> I have been taking serzone for about two weeks, and am starting to feel better. However, the first 2 wks were really rough. Lots of tears, irritability, and sleepiness. As I said, I am feeling better, however, have gained 7 lbs. in 2 weeks! I am a slim person, and don't gain weight. Has anyone else had this side effect from serzone?
Posted by Zyon on March 25, 2001, at 21:53:49
In reply to Re: serzone, posted by Bill L on March 1, 2001, at 7:50:29
I've been working up to serzone at 200 mg for the
past six weeks and just recently i've been very
very very tired and its driving me crazy!!! i'm
a very active person and i just can't take this
feeling tired all the damn time - please tell
me this stops at some point. do i still have to
work up to 300mg?
Posted by Christi on March 25, 2001, at 23:09:27
In reply to Re: serzone, posted by Jen on February 28, 2001, at 12:49:13
> > Hi.
> Is anyone out there taking cerazone? I was doing quite well with prozak, however the sexual dysfunction was a problem.
> So I have been on alow dose of cerazone for a week and have not seen any change. Rather, I am extremely tired and drowsy. Also cannot have one drink of wine without a terrible headache.
> Do you think it is too early to tell? I'm on a low dose rght now (15 mg per day).
> Any feedback much appreciated.
> JenI have been taking serzone for two weeks now, and am starting to feel a little better, though not great. My doctor wants me to hang in at least 6 to 8 weeks, if I can, and I'm going to try. One thing I have noticed is that I'm not numb from the waist down.(sexual disfunction)This is a definite plus, if the rest of me can just get to feeling better. I'm still pretty weepy, but small things are starting to get better, like my fear of going places. Take care, I hope things get better for you. (and me)
Posted by cher on April 10, 2001, at 18:55:33
In reply to Re: serzone » Bill L, posted by Zyon on March 25, 2001, at 21:53:49
> I've been taking serzone 100mg in the am and 100mg in the pm. the month before i took 50mg 2 x per day. I know i have only been on the higher dose for almost 1 week yet i feel so damn emotional and snippy. Sheesh, i can get upset when something bothers me. I feel i am getting to upset - making a big deal out of nothing - maybe. Are these just side effects that will most likely go away? I know i am not being very patient but i feel a bit of anxiety too. I'm unsure if the medication has not taken effect or if the medication is not right for me. How long do i have to wait? Please answer - someone!! Thank's. cher
Posted by Miss Amy on April 10, 2001, at 19:23:07
In reply to Re: serzone questions!!!, posted by cher on April 10, 2001, at 18:55:33
I was a bit snippy too everytime I upped my dose---but i was REALLY snippy before I ever started the meds. Now I am rarely snippy. I think it was a side effect for me that went away after getting used to the dose--and before that a sign of my depression that also eventually went away. Does that make sense? : )
Keep at it and see if you level out. It can take serzone a couple months to stat working sometimes. Good luck!
Posted by Christi on April 10, 2001, at 22:46:26
In reply to Re: serzone questions!!!, posted by cher on April 10, 2001, at 18:55:33
> > I've been taking serzone 100mg in the am and 100mg in the pm. the month before i took 50mg 2 x per day. I know i have only been on the higher dose for almost 1 week yet i feel so damn emotional and snippy. Sheesh, i can get upset when something bothers me. I feel i am getting to upset - making a big deal out of nothing - maybe. Are these just side effects that will most likely go away? I know i am not being very patient but i feel a bit of anxiety too. I'm unsure if the medication has not taken effect or if the medication is not right for me. How long do i have to wait? Please answer - someone!! Thank's. cher
I took serzone for a full month, and I'm sorry to say, in my case, my symptoms haven't gone away. I too was overreacting to everything, and felt FULL of rage, which isn't me. My doctor gave me xanex to take as needed, which helped, but not enough.I saw him yesterday, and he wants me to go on Prozac, which I have taken and done fairly well on in the past, except for anxiety still being a problem. I can't wait to get this serzone out of my body, because I can't stand feeling and acting so hateful! I hope you get to feeling better.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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