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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by CraigF on May 11, 2001, at 6:46:04
In reply to Re: Celexa/side effects » kathylynn, posted by Duke on May 11, 2001, at 5:47:54
I hear they will also be coming out with a new Celexa -- although it sounds like you're generally unhappy with the drug, Duke.
I don't know what your original diagnosis was, but Wellbutrin (replacement or augmentation) could probably help, no?
And what's this about weekly Prozac?
Posted by Mitch on May 12, 2001, at 11:11:17
In reply to Re: Celexa/side effects » kathylynn, posted by Duke on May 11, 2001, at 5:47:54
Celexa is the only SSRI that I can tolerate and I have taken them all with Prozac being the one that I was on the longest (besides the Celexa). I am fascinated that you mentioned having shortness of breath as an adverse effect. That is very weird, because when I had to push Prozac dosage up during depression (I am bipolar with social anxiety) I had the same problem! And when I was on Celexa and I went from just 10mg to 20mg I started having the same reaction! Does anybody out there know what is causing this with SSRI's???
I've been taking Celexa since it was first approved, at various dosages (now 40 mg.). Throughout, I have been constantly fatigued (sleep at least 12 hours per day), have experienced shortness of breath, sweat like a stuck pig, have zero motivation, and have SLOWLY gained at least 40 lbs. The fatigue and lack of motivation keep me from getting to the gym, so the weight just gets worse---a vicious cycle. The mood, however, is pretty good. I was taking Prozac for many years prior to the Celexa---it was great, except for the death of my sex drive, which isn't significantly better, now. I really want to make a change, maybe to the new weekly Prozac, or better yet, to "SAMe". Who Knows??? Anyone have any thoughts???? Thanks!
> ---Duke
Posted by lizzy on May 13, 2001, at 9:18:30
In reply to Re: Celexa/side effects, posted by Mitch on May 12, 2001, at 11:11:17
How long did it take to gain the 40 pounds? I've been on Celexa for 5 months (20-30mg). Over the last few months I've gained about 4 pounds. I'm worried that if I keep on Celexa I'll slowly gain more weight like lots of other people have mentioned. I'm also considering SAMe. Is that known for weight gain? However, I love the reduction in social anxiety with the Celexa. Do you know if SAMe helps that?
Lizzy
> Celexa is the only SSRI that I can tolerate and I have taken them all with Prozac being the one that I was on the longest (besides the Celexa). I am fascinated that you mentioned having shortness of breath as an adverse effect. That is very weird, because when I had to push Prozac dosage up during depression (I am bipolar with social anxiety) I had the same problem! And when I was on Celexa and I went from just 10mg to 20mg I started having the same reaction! Does anybody out there know what is causing this with SSRI's???
>
> I've been taking Celexa since it was first approved, at various dosages (now 40 mg.). Throughout, I have been constantly fatigued (sleep at least 12 hours per day), have experienced shortness of breath, sweat like a stuck pig, have zero motivation, and have SLOWLY gained at least 40 lbs. The fatigue and lack of motivation keep me from getting to the gym, so the weight just gets worse---a vicious cycle. The mood, however, is pretty good. I was taking Prozac for many years prior to the Celexa---it was great, except for the death of my sex drive, which isn't significantly better, now. I really want to make a change, maybe to the new weekly Prozac, or better yet, to "SAMe". Who Knows??? Anyone have any thoughts???? Thanks!
> > ---Duke
Posted by cletus on May 14, 2001, at 15:37:11
In reply to Re: Celexa dose/side effects, posted by cletus on May 14, 2001, at 15:31:33
> > I've found the weight gain on Celexa to be pretty steady. The increased appetite for carbs and the relaxation over getting to the gym has been terrible.
> >
> > I feel I'm finally getting some control back, and I will add Wellbutrin if I have to (I dropped quite a bit of weight last time I tried it)
> >
> > On the topic, what is the highest dose of Celexa people are taking. I had myself up to 50 mg/day and my new doctor said that was high. Every time I drop to 40 mg, however, social anxiety and other symptoms return.
> >
> > I'd love to hear of others' experiences,
> >
> > Thanks
> I currently take 100 mg of Celexa daily for treating OCD symptoms. I have been on this regimen for about ten months now with favorable results. I have only had minimal side effects (occasionally a little drowsiness, restless legs, very minor sexual delay) but are most often unnoticable. I am a very drug resistant person so I need larger doses to acheive results. My doctor has told me that he actually has a few patients on 140 mg daily (although he says this is very rare) and they are doing great. It is great to have found a doctor who has had the extensive experience in dealing with these drugs or I may have never got to a therapuetic dose for myself. It is amazing how different each individual is regarding medicine dosing.
Oh, as far as weight is concerned, I have actually lost about 5 pounds or so over the last 10 months on Celexa. I find that when I have felt better from the Celexa, I tend to exercise better and focus on eating healthier. Sometimes the medicine will make me a little complacent and relaxed and thus more likely to not go to the gym, but I still somehow manage to get up and going. It can be extremely difficult when you are in such a relaxed state!
Posted by kathylynn on May 18, 2001, at 14:56:16
In reply to Re: Celexa/side effects - Kathylynn » SalArmy4me, posted by lizzy on May 8, 2001, at 16:18:32
Hi Lizzy,
I think the weight gain hit me about 10 or 11 months into taking the drug. I gained the 30 pounds in about 3 months! I read a FAQ on a site with a Dr. that said this is something they are now discovering, a delayed burst of weight gain. I am in the process of weaning myself off the drug because my brain just feels fried, can't remember stuff, losing train of thought constantly, and clenching my jaw was becoming too painful. I took 40mg at night, now doing 20mg, but I'm not finding info on how long the withdrawal symptoms last, a week? I don't want to feel really crumby at work for more than a day or two. Good luck on the drug, but from what I can see, I can cope better without it and was so much more motivated before I started, even though I was hell to live with!
Kathy
Posted by lizzy on May 19, 2001, at 9:05:53
In reply to Re: Celexa/side effects - Kathylynn, posted by kathylynn on May 18, 2001, at 14:56:16
Dear Kathylynn:
Thanks for replying. I decided to stop taking it altogether a few days ago. I was on 20-30 mg. I feel okay. I figured I'd be extremely irritated but am not - actually the first day I was. I decided to stop it because of what I've heard about the delayed weight gain (very scary) and because of the unmotivational factor you mentioned. It's summer time and I'd like to not sleep so much and I'd like to start working out again -haven't since I've been taking Celexa for about 6 months. I wish you luck in weaning off Celexa. Maybe you could try something that will speed up your metabolism for weight loss. Ma Huang or Ephedra is good but can be dangerous. There are other things out there. You know, I was taking Glutamine before when I was exercising (it's a workout aid I guess) and I was always so happy when I was taking it. Gee maybe I should try that again! I may also look into SAMe but will definitely READ ALL ABOUT it before I start taking it and get hooked.
Sorry this is so long. Take Care. Best of luck.
Lizzy
> Hi Lizzy,
>
> I think the weight gain hit me about 10 or 11 months into taking the drug. I gained the 30 pounds in about 3 months! I read a FAQ on a site with a Dr. that said this is something they are now discovering, a delayed burst of weight gain. I am in the process of weaning myself off the drug because my brain just feels fried, can't remember stuff, losing train of thought constantly, and clenching my jaw was becoming too painful. I took 40mg at night, now doing 20mg, but I'm not finding info on how long the withdrawal symptoms last, a week? I don't want to feel really crumby at work for more than a day or two. Good luck on the drug, but from what I can see, I can cope better without it and was so much more motivated before I started, even though I was hell to live with!
>
> Kathy
Posted by warrior on May 20, 2001, at 0:32:24
In reply to Re: Celexa/side effects - Kathylynn » kathylynn, posted by lizzy on May 19, 2001, at 9:05:53
> Dear Kathylynn:
>
> Thanks for replying. I decided to stop taking it altogether a few days ago. I was on 20-30 mg. I feel okay. I figured I'd be extremely irritated but am not - actually the first day I was. I decided to stop it because of what I've heard about the delayed weight gain (very scary) and because of the unmotivational factor you mentioned. It's summer time and I'd like to not sleep so much and I'd like to start working out again -haven't since I've been taking Celexa for about 6 months. I wish you luck in weaning off Celexa. Maybe you could try something that will speed up your metabolism for weight loss. Ma Huang or Ephedra is good but can be dangerous. There are other things out there. You know, I was taking Glutamine before when I was exercising (it's a workout aid I guess) and I was always so happy when I was taking it. Gee maybe I should try that again! I may also look into SAMe but will definitely READ ALL ABOUT it before I start taking it and get hooked.
>
> Sorry this is so long. Take Care. Best of luck.
> Lizzy
>
>
> > Hi Lizzy,
> >
> > I think the weight gain hit me about 10 or 11 months into taking the drug. I gained the 30 pounds in about 3 months! I read a FAQ on a site with a Dr. that said this is something they are now discovering, a delayed burst of weight gain. I am in the process of weaning myself off the drug because my brain just feels fried, can't remember stuff, losing train of thought constantly, and clenching my jaw was becoming too painful. I took 40mg at night, now doing 20mg, but I'm not finding info on how long the withdrawal symptoms last, a week? I don't want to feel really crumby at work for more than a day or two. Good luck on the drug, but from what I can see, I can cope better without it and was so much more motivated before I started, even though I was hell to live with!
> >
> > KathyHi Kathy:
Celexa is working for me, however I've noticed my appetite has increased and I am pigging out. I think I will be able to balance that out by staying fit and exercising.
Warrior
Posted by Tawnia on May 22, 2001, at 9:48:26
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by LIZAJANE on January 26, 2001, at 8:55:15
> > I have been on Celexa for about 3 months. I love the way it has even my temperment and reduced my anxiety and depression, however I am not pleased with the amount of weight I have gained as result of this durg. My desire for food has not increased or changed and my eating patterns are the same as pre-medication-but I have gained at least 10 to 15lbs. that I can not seem to get ride of-no amount of diet or exercise has seemed to help-please someone advise I'm desperate-I have recently started taking Metabolife to help in my quest to loose this weight, but I was told that I should proablly not mix the two-What's a girl to do?
>
> I have been on Celexa for 1 month (10mgs)and have actually lost 8 pounds...
> The first 3 weeks were agony... I had the worst anxiety
> and insomnia... I found that I can not drink more than 2 glasses of
> wine with Celexa or get insomnia and generally
> do not feel as well... I think that added to the
> weight loss... for years I self medicated with caffeine
> in the morning (great for the mood, but bad for the
> anxiety and agoraphobia), and wine at night...With Celexa I have cut out
> the caffeine all together (get the up that I use to get
> without the anxiety) and do not drink more than 2 glasses
> of wine with dinner... The only problem is
> some insomnia now and then... has anyone tried taking
> Tylenol PM for that??? Also I tried to up my dose
> to 15mgs last week and had such severe anxiety off and
> on for 24 hours that I went back down to 10mgs... anyone
> out there done well on 10mgs... I feel good, minor
> anxiety but CALM... I LOVE that calmness... that is what made me
> stick out the side effects in the first place...
> Any thoughts on the above comments would be appreciated
> nowI have just started the Celexa and after reading all these posting I am really nervous about taking it. I am struggling as it is with weight and I totally dont want to gain more. I have noticed no real change in myself since taking the drug. However it has only been 5 days. I was giving the drug because I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrom and I am suffering from severe anxioty. I worry about everything. Even wen there is nothing to worry about I find I will find something to worry about. I have the headache part and the diarehea I have coton mouth and thats about it, nothing good is happening. Is this going to change? I am so worried about the weight gain! Please help????
Posted by cletus on May 22, 2001, at 10:20:52
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain » LIZAJANE, posted by Tawnia on May 22, 2001, at 9:48:26
> > > I have been on Celexa for about 3 months. I love the way it has even my temperment and reduced my anxiety and depression, however I am not pleased with the amount of weight I have gained as result of this durg. My desire for food has not increased or changed and my eating patterns are the same as pre-medication-but I have gained at least 10 to 15lbs. that I can not seem to get ride of-no amount of diet or exercise has seemed to help-please someone advise I'm desperate-I have recently started taking Metabolife to help in my quest to loose this weight, but I was told that I should proablly not mix the two-What's a girl to do?
> >
> > I have been on Celexa for 1 month (10mgs)and have actually lost 8 pounds...
> > The first 3 weeks were agony... I had the worst anxiety
> > and insomnia... I found that I can not drink more than 2 glasses of
> > wine with Celexa or get insomnia and generally
> > do not feel as well... I think that added to the
> > weight loss... for years I self medicated with caffeine
> > in the morning (great for the mood, but bad for the
> > anxiety and agoraphobia), and wine at night...With Celexa I have cut out
> > the caffeine all together (get the up that I use to get
> > without the anxiety) and do not drink more than 2 glasses
> > of wine with dinner... The only problem is
> > some insomnia now and then... has anyone tried taking
> > Tylenol PM for that??? Also I tried to up my dose
> > to 15mgs last week and had such severe anxiety off and
> > on for 24 hours that I went back down to 10mgs... anyone
> > out there done well on 10mgs... I feel good, minor
> > anxiety but CALM... I LOVE that calmness... that is what made me
> > stick out the side effects in the first place...
> > Any thoughts on the above comments would be appreciated
> > now
>
> I have just started the Celexa and after reading all these posting I am really nervous about taking it. I am struggling as it is with weight and I totally dont want to gain more. I have noticed no real change in myself since taking the drug. However it has only been 5 days. I was giving the drug because I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrom and I am suffering from severe anxioty. I worry about everything. Even wen there is nothing to worry about I find I will find something to worry about. I have the headache part and the diarehea I have coton mouth and thats about it, nothing good is happening. Is this going to change? I am so worried about the weight gain! Please help????I have taken 100mg of Celexa for the past 10 months and have lost about 5 lbs or so.......my doctor said the majority of the people maintain their weight or lose a few pounds but there are a very few exceptions. Give it some more time to adjust to it. Your body needs time to adjust to almost any kind of drug. Be patient and optimistic. It is a good drug. Most people have excellent results so dont dwell on the negative experiences that a few have. Doing research on medicine is great as long as you have an open mind and take each experience with a grain of salt (easier said than done, I know). Hang in there and good luck!
Posted by Leighwit on May 22, 2001, at 13:36:19
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by cletus on May 22, 2001, at 10:20:52
Tawnia's comments are good. I have primarily been interested in knowing of any similar experiences to my own. Indeed, I've found several here, but that does not mean that this level of anecdotal experience should be used to evaluate a drug you haven't any of your own experience with yet. The term "YMMV" (your mileage may vary) is the golden rule.
Leighwit
> > > > I have been on Celexa for about 3 months. I love the way it has even my temperment and reduced my anxiety and depression, however I am not pleased with the amount of weight I have gained as result of this durg. My desire for food has not increased or changed and my eating patterns are the same as pre-medication-but I have gained at least 10 to 15lbs. that I can not seem to get ride of-no amount of diet or exercise has seemed to help-please someone advise I'm desperate-I have recently started taking Metabolife to help in my quest to loose this weight, but I was told that I should proablly not mix the two-What's a girl to do?
> > >
> > > I have been on Celexa for 1 month (10mgs)and have actually lost 8 pounds...
> > > The first 3 weeks were agony... I had the worst anxiety
> > > and insomnia... I found that I can not drink more than 2 glasses of
> > > wine with Celexa or get insomnia and generally
> > > do not feel as well... I think that added to the
> > > weight loss... for years I self medicated with caffeine
> > > in the morning (great for the mood, but bad for the
> > > anxiety and agoraphobia), and wine at night...With Celexa I have cut out
> > > the caffeine all together (get the up that I use to get
> > > without the anxiety) and do not drink more than 2 glasses
> > > of wine with dinner... The only problem is
> > > some insomnia now and then... has anyone tried taking
> > > Tylenol PM for that??? Also I tried to up my dose
> > > to 15mgs last week and had such severe anxiety off and
> > > on for 24 hours that I went back down to 10mgs... anyone
> > > out there done well on 10mgs... I feel good, minor
> > > anxiety but CALM... I LOVE that calmness... that is what made me
> > > stick out the side effects in the first place...
> > > Any thoughts on the above comments would be appreciated
> > > now
> >
> > I have just started the Celexa and after reading all these posting I am really nervous about taking it. I am struggling as it is with weight and I totally dont want to gain more. I have noticed no real change in myself since taking the drug. However it has only been 5 days. I was giving the drug because I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrom and I am suffering from severe anxioty. I worry about everything. Even wen there is nothing to worry about I find I will find something to worry about. I have the headache part and the diarehea I have coton mouth and thats about it, nothing good is happening. Is this going to change? I am so worried about the weight gain! Please help????
>
> I have taken 100mg of Celexa for the past 10 months and have lost about 5 lbs or so.......my doctor said the majority of the people maintain their weight or lose a few pounds but there are a very few exceptions. Give it some more time to adjust to it. Your body needs time to adjust to almost any kind of drug. Be patient and optimistic. It is a good drug. Most people have excellent results so dont dwell on the negative experiences that a few have. Doing research on medicine is great as long as you have an open mind and take each experience with a grain of salt (easier said than done, I know). Hang in there and good luck!
Posted by KARAsweet on May 22, 2001, at 17:10:53
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain » LIZAJANE, posted by Tawnia on May 22, 2001, at 9:48:26
I have been on celexa twice and never experienced weight gain.. nothing significant anyways. Weight usually tapers back and forth regardless.
The second time I went on it, the effects weren't as strong - euphoria or calming thoughts.. I had to get off because it made me sleep so often.
Good luck with Celexa.. you may like it a lot as it is your first time on it. Everyone gets different reactions with meds. :)
Posted by ladyme on May 26, 2001, at 23:46:14
In reply to Re: Celexa side-effects/weight gain, posted by KARAsweet on May 22, 2001, at 17:10:53
> I have been on celexa twice and never experienced weight gain.. nothing significant anyways. Weight usually tapers back and forth regardless.
>
> The second time I went on it, the effects weren't as strong - euphoria or calming thoughts.. I had to get off because it made me sleep so often.
>
> Good luck with Celexa.. you may like it a lot as it is your first time on it. Everyone gets different reactions with meds. :)
I have beeen on it for @ 5 months- no weight gain- little loss actually. Feel focused and calm and social anxiety has just about vanished-- I'm wondering though does it wear off after a while- does it work as well, say a year down the road or do you build up a tolerance??
Posted by JBill on May 30, 2001, at 18:05:13
In reply to Re: HELP!! Questions about Celexa - new user, posted by jimmygold70 on April 1, 2001, at 16:21:07
Hi,
Just sharing what has helped me counteract some of the side affects of celexa.
I have been taking ginko biloba for 2 months and it has helped alot with sexual side affects.In all areas
It has also helped alot with the daytime drowsiness, alertness, and memory.
I take 10mg celexa at bedtime, 80mg ginko upon first awakening w/my coffe, and 40mg ginko at about 4pm.JBill
>
Well, most side effects do go away after a while. Celexa takes a couple of week to kick in. Sexual side effects go away for some people, and for some they don't. For those who still suffer after a while, I recommend adding low dose Remeron with very high chances of success.
>
> Jimmy
>
> > I have been taking Celexa for one week and I am not 100% thrilled. I have never been on a anti-depressent and I do not know what to expect. I have been going through a divorce and have been mildly (I guess) depressed, have had some anxiety and a panic attack or two. My father was Manic Depressive and when I told my doctor this she put me on 10mg of Celexa. I had just gone in for an annual physical and left with anti depressants?
> >
> > I have been experiencing nausea some light headedness and problems sleeping. To be honest I am mostly concerned with the sexual side affects.
> >
> > How long will celexa stay in you system. Do most people on Celexa have more sever symptoms of depression? How frequent are the sexual side affects in men?
Posted by 2behealthy on June 5, 2001, at 15:05:51
In reply to Re: HELP!! Questions about Celexa - new user, posted by JBill on May 30, 2001, at 18:05:13
> Hi,
> Just sharing what has helped me counteract some of the side affects of celexa.
> I have been taking ginko biloba for 2 months and it has helped alot with sexual side affects.In all areas
> It has also helped alot with the daytime drowsiness, alertness, and memory.
> I take 10mg celexa at bedtime, 80mg ginko upon first awakening w/my coffe, and 40mg ginko at about 4pm.
>
> JBill
> >
>
>
> Well, most side effects do go away after a while. Celexa takes a couple of week to kick in. Sexual side effects go away for some people, and for some they don't. For those who still suffer after a while, I recommend adding low dose Remeron with very high chances of success.
> >
> > Jimmy
> >
> > > I have been taking Celexa for one week and I am not 100% thrilled. I have never been on a anti-depressent and I do not know what to expect. I have been going through a divorce and have been mildly (I guess) depressed, have had some anxiety and a panic attack or two. My father was Manic Depressive and when I told my doctor this she put me on 10mg of Celexa. I had just gone in for an annual physical and left with anti depressants?
> > >
> > > I have been experiencing nausea some light headedness and problems sleeping. To be honest I am mostly concerned with the sexual side affects.
> > >
> > > How long will celexa stay in you system. Do most people on Celexa have more sever symptoms of depression? How frequent are the sexual side affects in men?Hiya,
My doctor just prescribed this for me yesterday, so today is only my second day. What scares me is the weight gain. My depression stems mostly because of me being 75 pounds overweight (I informed the doc of this). He gave this to me because of my irritability and mood swings. I had a baby 11 months ago and I sleep well but get very little as it is with a baby. So far I have had uncontrollable yawns and feel very tired, but I cannot afford to be sleepy all the time either with a baby. I only get on average 7 hours per night on the weekends too. I am 32 and have never been on AD's before. Sorry this is so long but need advice.
Regina
Posted by Gladys on June 5, 2001, at 17:50:20
In reply to Re: HELP!! Questions about Celexa - new user, posted by 2behealthy on June 5, 2001, at 15:05:51
Well, I was one of those posters about the weight gain and so far I have not been able to get the weight off which has been depressing. But I read recently someone said they were finally able to it only took 3 times as long. But that is better than never. I am starting 5-HTP today which is herbal and supposed to help depression among other things. I had to let all the drugs wash out of my system before starting it and I can tell you, I didn't realize how much Celexa was helping my mood! I have been hopeless and desperately depressed. I thought it did nothing for me. I wasn't unbelievably happy or very motivated or social and I was at 60 mg and took it with Buspar 60 mg. But coming off, I realize it was better than being so low in the dumps you were scared. I am irritable also. It's LOW. I am looking forward to this herbal stuff helping. I need to feel better. One thing I noticed about Celexa since I am off is that I enjoyed food SO MUCH MORE! Not that I ate more. I ate normally. But the way I enjoyed it! It was better than most other things I could think of. Almost worth going back on it!
Anyway, I am glad to be off it to try something else and shake these pounds. Maybe they can try something else for you. Wellbutrin, or something that id not associated with weight gain if you get worried. But I did not notice any gain until I was on 45 or 60 mg a day. That was many months after starting it. Everyone's body is different, so your doctor may have an idea for you. Good luck! take care.
Posted by Bill L on June 6, 2001, at 8:11:59
In reply to Re: HELP!! Questions about Celexa - new user, posted by 2behealthy on June 5, 2001, at 15:05:51
How much are you taking? Maybe you should start with 10 mg and gradually work up to a higher dose if necessary. It made me tired for a few weeks but it wasn't too bad. It decreased my appetite a little.
> Hiya,
> My doctor just prescribed this for me yesterday, so today is only my second day. What scares me is the weight gain. My depression stems mostly because of me being 75 pounds overweight (I informed the doc of this). He gave this to me because of my irritability and mood swings. I had a baby 11 months ago and I sleep well but get very little as it is with a baby. So far I have had uncontrollable yawns and feel very tired, but I cannot afford to be sleepy all the time either with a baby. I only get on average 7 hours per night on the weekends too. I am 32 and have never been on AD's before. Sorry this is so long but need advice.
> Regina
Posted by 2behealthy on June 6, 2001, at 8:21:50
In reply to Re: HELP!! Questions about Celexa - new user, posted by Bill L on June 6, 2001, at 8:11:59
> How much are you taking? Maybe you should start with 10 mg and gradually work up to a higher dose if necessary. It made me tired for a few weeks but it wasn't too bad. It decreased my appetite a little.
>
> > Hiya,
> > My doctor just prescribed this for me yesterday, so today is only my second day. What scares me is the weight gain. My depression stems mostly because of me being 75 pounds overweight (I informed the doc of this). He gave this to me because of my irritability and mood swings. I had a baby 11 months ago and I sleep well but get very little as it is with a baby. So far I have had uncontrollable yawns and feel very tired, but I cannot afford to be sleepy all the time either with a baby. I only get on average 7 hours per night on the weekends too. I am 32 and have never been on AD's before. Sorry this is so long but need advice.
> > ReginaHe started me out on 10 for 1 week then i go to 20. I don't think i have a big problem with depression just with irritablitlity
so maybe i can stay at 20. Most people seems to say it is the higher dose that makes you gain weight. But I am afraid to add something
like well butrin with it cause people say it makes you irritable and I don't need that. So confused...
Posted by Frustrated on June 7, 2001, at 9:34:27
In reply to Re: HELP!! Questions about Celexa - new user, posted by Bill L on June 6, 2001, at 8:11:59
> How much are you taking? Maybe you should start with 10 mg and gradually work up to a higher dose if necessary. It made me tired for a few weeks but it wasn't too bad. It decreased my appetite a little.
>
> > Hiya,
> > My doctor just prescribed this for me yesterday, so today is only my second day. What scares me is the weight gain. My depression stems mostly because of me being 75 pounds overweight (I informed the doc of this). He gave this to me because of my irritability and mood swings. I had a baby 11 months ago and I sleep well but get very little as it is with a baby. So far I have had uncontrollable yawns and feel very tired, but I cannot afford to be sleepy all the time either with a baby. I only get on average 7 hours per night on the weekends too. I am 32 and have never been on AD's before. Sorry this is so long but need advice.
> > ReginaI started taking 20 mg celexa in January for headaches/migraines. I began gaining weight almost immediately. When I returned to my doctor in 2 months, he put me on 10 mg hoping that it would control the weight gain. It did not, however, the last 2 months I have been seriously trying to diet and have lost a few pounds but not nearly enough. I have to be so rigid about what I eat in order to loose even 1 lb. Tuesday I ate dinner around 8:30 pm and when I woke up the next day I had a weight gain of 3 lbs. and today I still have the 3 lbs. on. It is very frustrating because it helps my headaches/migraines but I am just frustrated about the weight. Good luck.
Posted by zoey on June 10, 2001, at 11:09:26
In reply to Re: HELP!! Questions about Celexa - new user, posted by 2behealthy on June 6, 2001, at 8:21:50
> > Was SO glad to find this thread. Have been off and on AD for about 5 years. Started on Celexa 6 days ago and have no recollection of side effects like this before. Slept for 2 solid day, diahrea is unspeakable and nausea has caused me to lose 5 lbs. so far. Was beginning to wonder if soemthing else was the matter with me until I started to read the psotings here.
How much are you taking? Maybe you should start with 10 mg and gradually work up to a higher dose if necessary. It made me tired for a few weeks but it wasn't too bad. It decreased my appetite a little.
> >
> > > Hiya,
> > > My doctor just prescribed this for me yesterday, so today is only my second day. What scares me is the weight gain. My depression stems mostly because of me being 75 pounds overweight (I informed the doc of this). He gave this to me because of my irritability and mood swings. I had a baby 11 months ago and I sleep well but get very little as it is with a baby. So far I have had uncontrollable yawns and feel very tired, but I cannot afford to be sleepy all the time either with a baby. I only get on average 7 hours per night on the weekends too. I am 32 and have never been on AD's before. Sorry this is so long but need advice.
> > > Regina
>
> He started me out on 10 for 1 week then i go to 20. I don't think i have a big problem with depression just with irritablitlity
> so maybe i can stay at 20. Most people seems to say it is the higher dose that makes you gain weight. But I am afraid to add something
> like well butrin with it cause people say it makes you irritable and I don't need that. So confused...
Posted by jackiels on June 10, 2001, at 13:27:08
In reply to Re: HELP!! Questions about Celexa - new user, posted by JBill on May 30, 2001, at 18:05:13
I have just finished two weeks of celexa 20 mg to alleviate PMS, including migraines. I found that it worked really well for PMS, no bitchiness, no cramps, no breast tenderness. I did have a migraine on day two, but not the day before migraine. As with most, I have no sexual desire, but my spouse says that is nothing unusual! (He is confusing time with desire!)
My doctor has perscribed it for two weeks and go off for two weeks according to my menstrual cycle. Has anyone had experience with this?
I also have ADD for which I take Dexedrine or ritalin. I have read that SSRIs have been used effectively for some with ADD, but as it is such a frustrating condition (I am trying to finish a master's degree, but its pretty challenging when you're a space cadet!) Has anyone used celexa for ADD without stimulants? I only ask because I really do hate taking meds, and there is a stigma about taking stims or admitting you're ADD, not to mention the fact that the triple prescriptions for Ritalin make me feel somehow criminal.
I look forward to you're experiences/responses.
J.
Posted by Wendy B. on June 10, 2001, at 23:08:32
In reply to Re: HELP!! Questions about Celexa - new user, posted by 2behealthy on June 5, 2001, at 15:05:51
> Hiya,
> My doctor just prescribed this for me yesterday, so today is only my second day. What scares me is the weight gain. My depression stems mostly because of me being 75 pounds overweight (I informed the doc of this). He gave this to me because of my irritability and mood swings. I had a baby 11 months ago and I sleep well but get very little as it is with a baby. So far I have had uncontrollable yawns and feel very tired, but I cannot afford to be sleepy all the time either with a baby. I only get on average 7 hours per night on the weekends too. I am 32 and have never been on AD's before. Sorry this is so long but need advice.
> Regina
Regina,
I started reading this thread because my mother is on Celexa, and she hasn't gained weight (not from what I can see), so it's not a given that you will.
But some questions: when did you gain the weight? over time? or after the baby was born and you couldn't lose it?
I wonder if your depression is the post-partum kind? Did it just recently crop up on you, or has it been there for some time? Post-partum depression is really much more common than people realize, and just as bothersome, and can predispose women to further bouts in the future. (Yes, I know, but don't shoot the messenger...!)
Also, if you don't like the Celexa, I found that Wellbutrin helped me lose most of the 30 pounds I gained when I was on Zoloft for 4 years...
I wish you well, and let us know how it goes for you...Wendy B.
Posted by Bill L on June 11, 2001, at 7:29:37
In reply to Celexa for PMS- what about ADD, posted by jackiels on June 10, 2001, at 13:27:08
Giving these type of drugs for PMS is not unusual at all. Prozac, which is similar to Celexa, was recently approved for PMS. It's marketed under the name Serafam- but it is actually Prozac. The manufacturer uses the name Serafam due to the stigma associated with the name Prozac.
I didn't know that one would go 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off when using an AD for PMS, but maybe that is how it's often done. I know that when prescribed for depression, one takes these drugs continuously.
I understand your concerns about the ADD stigma. The stigma is less than it used to be since so many people are using stimulants such as Ritalin for that condition. If it is helping you to get your degree, stay with it. Try not to worry about what other people think. If you are not comfortable telling people that you have ADD and take Ritalin, then don't tell them.
Celexa helps me concentrate since it calms me down. But I was never diagnosed with ADD. But if you want to experiment with Celexa only for ADD, I guess that's fine since you can always go back to taking the Ritalin. But base your decisions on what helps you, not on the "stigma" part of it. Also, the best time to experiment might be AFTER you get your degree.
> I have just finished two weeks of celexa 20 mg to alleviate PMS, including migraines. I found that it worked really well for PMS, no bitchiness, no cramps, no breast tenderness. I did have a migraine on day two, but not the day before migraine. As with most, I have no sexual desire, but my spouse says that is nothing unusual! (He is confusing time with desire!)
>
> My doctor has perscribed it for two weeks and go off for two weeks according to my menstrual cycle. Has anyone had experience with this?
>
> I also have ADD for which I take Dexedrine or ritalin. I have read that SSRIs have been used effectively for some with ADD, but as it is such a frustrating condition (I am trying to finish a master's degree, but its pretty challenging when you're a space cadet!) Has anyone used celexa for ADD without stimulants? I only ask because I really do hate taking meds, and there is a stigma about taking stims or admitting you're ADD, not to mention the fact that the triple prescriptions for Ritalin make me feel somehow criminal.
>
> I look forward to you're experiences/responses.
>
> J.
Posted by 2behealthy on June 11, 2001, at 8:07:19
In reply to Re: HELP!! Questions about Celexa - new user » 2behealthy, posted by Wendy B. on June 10, 2001, at 23:08:32
> > Hiya,
> > My doctor just prescribed this for me yesterday, so today is only my second day. What scares me is the weight gain. My depression stems mostly because of me being 75 pounds overweight (I informed the doc of this). He gave this to me because of my irritability and mood swings. I had a baby 11 months ago and I sleep well but get very little as it is with a baby. So far I have had uncontrollable yawns and feel very tired, but I cannot afford to be sleepy all the time either with a baby. I only get on average 7 hours per night on the weekends too. I am 32 and have never been on AD's before. Sorry this is so long but need advice.
> > Regina
>
>
> Regina,
> I started reading this thread because my mother is on Celexa, and she hasn't gained weight (not from what I can see), so it's not a given that you will.
> But some questions: when did you gain the weight? over time? or after the baby was born and you couldn't lose it?
> I wonder if your depression is the post-partum kind? Did it just recently crop up on you, or has it been there for some time? Post-partum depression is really much more common than people realize, and just as bothersome, and can predispose women to further bouts in the future. (Yes, I know, but don't shoot the messenger...!)
> Also, if you don't like the Celexa, I found that Wellbutrin helped me lose most of the 30 pounds I gained when I was on Zoloft for 4 years...
> I wish you well, and let us know how it goes for you...
>
> Wendy B.Wendy,
Thanks for your response. I found that I started the irratibility when i was pregnant, I had high blood pressure and got pg induced hiper tension, and was taken off work.
After that it just never left. i don't seem to be that way with the baby, just everyone else. I think it all stress related. I month before the baby was born (my first), my 11 year
old step son came to live with us full time also. Everything changed in my live so fast. I have been on celexa 1 week now and took my first 20mg yest. I haven't been able to
tell much difference yet. Hopefully i will. I think alot of the irritibility would go away if i lost the weight and was happier with myself. I was about 40 pounds overweight
when i got pg and gained 60 during pg. i have only lost 30 of that so i am 70 over now. argh!!! thanks for listening.
Regina
Posted by Calamity on June 11, 2001, at 8:57:38
In reply to Re: HELP!! Questions about Celexa - new user, posted by 2behealthy on June 5, 2001, at 15:05:51
I'm also a new user of Celexa. Is the weight gain from SSRI's due to an increased appetite or is it from a metabolic issue caused by the drug? I can't stand the thought of gaining any more weight.
Posted by Josa on June 19, 2001, at 20:34:38
In reply to Re: Celexa for PMS- what about ADD, posted by Bill L on June 11, 2001, at 7:29:37
hey,
I've been on celexa for almost two weeks now, and I am *exhausted*--I can't get enough sleep. I sleep about 11-12 hours a night, and then have to take 2 or 3 hour long naps during the day. The quality of my sleep is poor; i frequently wake and my muscles feel very restless, as if i need to stretch. I've heard a lot of people complain about the fatigue, but not too many people say anything about it subsiding. I am on 30 milligrams and have little change in my mood...increased irritability at times, but less depression, but not so much of a decrease in depression that i feel i can lower my dosage (at this point anyway...it has only been two weeks).
is there anything i can do about the amount of sleep i need? will it go away eventually?
i'm afraid of weight gain and had been going to a gym, but now i have no energy to go. but from what i hear, exercise doesn't help gain on this drug....thanks!
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