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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Sean on April 20, 2000, at 12:53:48
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa for Megan, posted by Laura from Seattle on April 20, 2000, at 11:55:33
Hello,
This GABA dicussion is very interesting. It does
suprise me, however, because it doesn't jive with
what I've read. Here's what I've read about GABA:GABA is not thought to pass the blood-brain barrier
so it is difficult - if not impossible - to elevate
the levels of GABA in the brain by oral consumption
of GABA. Maybe the combination of GABA with these
other agents is allowing it to sneak through.But even if we could elevate GABA by direct consumption,
it is hard to beleive that it would not result in
some sort of homeostatic change in GABA production
in the brain itself. When you stopped taking the
oral GABA, you might have a deficit due to down
regulated production of your own GABA.The substance progabide pases the blood brain barrier
and is subsequently metabolized into GABA. This is
a different way on increasing GABA than the benzo
class of anxiolytics which allow more endogenous GABA to
to reach receptors. Oh it's so confusing!Anyway, I don't think taking oral GABA will hurt,
but it may not help all that much either...Sean.
> Megan:
>
> I came across this and thought you might be interested... GABA is an amino acid that has the exact same results as depakote only its all natural... no side effects... Perhaps this is for you.... Good luck... Laura from Seattle
>
> __________________________________________________
> Gamma-amniobutyric acid (GABA) is a nonessential amino acid that functions as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system by decreasing neuron activity.
>
> In their book Prescription for Nutritional Healing, James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., state that GABA can be taken to calm the body in much the same way as valium, librium, and other tranquilizers without the fear of addiction. They recommend taking 750 milligrams of GABA for its tranquilizing effect. They go on to mention that combining GABA with niacinamide and inositol prevents anxiety and stress-related messages from reaching the motor centers of the brain by filling its receptor site.
>
> In his book, Dr. Whitaker's Guide to Natural Healing, he describes GABA as the brain's natural calming agent. He has used GABA as a natural tranquilizer with much success. One case he mentions in his book is that of a woman whose high pressure job was causing frequently intense episodes of anxiety. The woman began taking GABA at the first signs of an anxiety attack to feel calmer. He recommends taking 750 to 1,000 milligrams per day for anxiety.
Posted by Megan on April 20, 2000, at 19:02:24
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa for Megan, posted by Sean on April 20, 2000, at 12:53:48
Thanks guys... I was taking Neurontin for a while there (Gabapentin.. works on the same area as GABA) and now with the Celexa 40 mg for the past 3 weeks I'm doing much better. I don't have to take the Neurontin. My sexual life has returned, my appetite is normal and I have only the usual "run of the mill" emotional ups and downs. I feel good for the first time in a long time. The only problem is insomnia now but I take 0.5 mg of Ativan at night and I konk out. Taking a magnesium supplement also helps, so I can keep my use of Ativan to a minimum.
Posted by tina on April 28, 2000, at 13:45:34
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa, posted by Eliza on March 14, 2000, at 8:32:35
> i was on manerix but it had no effect. It also had no side effects that i noticed. I've since revisited my doctor and she has just prescribed celexa. I took one 20 mg pill last night and had THE
WORST NIGHT of my life. The nausea was out of control, my heart palpitated, my joints ached, i couldn't breathe. It was like one long sustained severe panic attack AND I was woken out of a sound sleep to experience all this. What's the deal??
This stuff is supposed to have mild side effects, I think I was better off depressed.
Posted by Suzie on April 30, 2000, at 0:58:28
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects?? Re: Celexa and side effects?, posted by Harold R. on April 19, 2000, at 16:59:25
> Does anyone have any kind of skin sensitivity? I've been on Celexa for 8 months, and started getting rashes and allergic reactions to sun, bug bites, and adhesives.
Posted by tina on May 1, 2000, at 13:53:16
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects?? Re: Celexa and side effects?, posted by Suzie on April 30, 2000, at 0:58:28
I've been taking celexa for a week now and I'm suffering anxiety attacks in my sleep. If I'm not being rudely awakened in the middle of the night with a racing heart, tremors, nausea and headache, I can't sleep at all. What kind of meds are these, how can something that is supposed to make you feel better, feel so awful. I could function as a human being when I was depressed but these anxiety attacks are really wreaking havoc with my life,work etc. Has anyone got any advice? Different meds, new anxiety control drugs, anything. I need help!!!!!!!!
> > Does anyone have any kind of skin sensitivity? I've been on Celexa for 8 months, and started getting rashes and allergic reactions to sun, bug bites, and adhesives.
Posted by Sandra on May 2, 2000, at 17:02:47
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects?? Re: Celexa and side effects?, posted by Suzie on April 30, 2000, at 0:58:28
Harold,
Yes, I noticed sensitivity in my skin as well, namely my more sensitive areas to start with and I have had some skin rash slightly... it could also be an interraction with any other meds or sun? We all react so differently, isn't it confusing?> > Does anyone have any kind of skin sensitivity? I've been on Celexa for 8 months, and started getting rashes and allergic reactions to sun, bug bites, and adhesives.
Posted by Doug on May 22, 2000, at 17:00:22
In reply to RE: Sexual side effects from Celexa, posted by Dennis on January 26, 2000, at 13:18:36
I just started celexa today.. I was taking Zoloft, but was having very bad side effects includeing shakes,headace,memory loss,couldn't concentrate,feeling spacy all the time, couldnt sleep a wink, and problems with ogasim and sexual sensitivity... Hopefully this celexa will be better..
Now I have done some research on some natural alternitives for SSRI's and if I still am having problems with Celexa.. Im going to try the following natural alternitives...(without side effects) which are,...
St. Johns Wort: This herb works just like all SSRI's ( Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor, Paxil, Luvox, Serzone, Anafranil and Celexa ) in that it increases the availability of serotonin in synapses (junctions between neurons) by blocking their reuptake but also increases the availibility of norepinephrine, which increases energy and alertness, and dopamine, which increases the feeling of well being....
5-HTP: This works by increasing the cells output of serotonin
Anybody else try these?
Posted by Danny on May 24, 2000, at 1:19:00
In reply to SSRI Natrual alternitive with no side effects, posted by Doug on May 22, 2000, at 17:00:22
I've tried St. John's and SAM-e. Both increased energy, SAM-e worked a little better on my depression. Unfortunately, I have a very bad GI/insomnia problem and SAM-e made that a little worse. I think they are worth a try. It's great to not have the usual side efx.
> I just started celexa today.. I was taking Zoloft, but was having very bad side effects includeing shakes,headace,memory loss,couldn't concentrate,feeling spacy all the time, couldnt sleep a wink, and problems with ogasim and sexual sensitivity... Hopefully this celexa will be better..
>
> Now I have done some research on some natural alternitives for SSRI's and if I still am having problems with Celexa.. Im going to try the following natural alternitives...(without side effects) which are,...
>
> St. Johns Wort: This herb works just like all SSRI's ( Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor, Paxil, Luvox, Serzone, Anafranil and Celexa ) in that it increases the availability of serotonin in synapses (junctions between neurons) by blocking their reuptake but also increases the availibility of norepinephrine, which increases energy and alertness, and dopamine, which increases the feeling of well being....
>
> 5-HTP: This works by increasing the cells output of serotonin
>
> Anybody else try these?
Posted by Theresa Pye on May 24, 2000, at 8:54:39
In reply to SSRI Natrual alternitive with no side effects, posted by Doug on May 22, 2000, at 17:00:22
I got tired of the guessing game with medications. I've been on Prozac, ELavil, Zoloft, Imipramine, Effexor, Effexor XR, Wellbutrin, and Trazodone. I got off all meds. Now I am currently take St. John's Wort and also add Ginko Biloba complex and I'm having good results.
Theresa Pye> I just started celexa today.. I was taking Zoloft, but was having very bad side effects includeing shakes,headace,memory loss,couldn't concentrate,feeling spacy all the time, couldnt sleep a wink, and problems with ogasim and sexual sensitivity... Hopefully this celexa will be better..
>
> Now I have done some research on some natural alternitives for SSRI's and if I still am having problems with Celexa.. Im going to try the following natural alternitives...(without side effects) which are,...
>
> St. Johns Wort: This herb works just like all SSRI's ( Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor, Paxil, Luvox, Serzone, Anafranil and Celexa ) in that it increases the availability of serotonin in synapses (junctions between neurons) by blocking their reuptake but also increases the availibility of norepinephrine, which increases energy and alertness, and dopamine, which increases the feeling of well being....
>
> 5-HTP: This works by increasing the cells output of serotonin
>
> Anybody else try these?
Posted by SmilyAngl on September 12, 2000, at 22:23:26
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by sheryl on January 24, 2000, at 18:23:10
I read in the Celexa package insert that the percentage of people who experienced decreased sex drive may be incorrect due to people being uncomfortable in talking about with their Doctor...
Posted by Rieel on September 14, 2000, at 14:50:09
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by Sexual side effects for Sheryl on April 13, 2000, at 11:46:30
> Wellbutrin is sometimes supplemented to celexa to counteract that and other side effects.
>
> Ginko Baloba (120mg x 3 times daily) also does the trick but you have to be on the stuff 3 months before you see the effects...
>
> ;0)
> LauraI've been on Celexa for a month and a half now and have had decreased sex drive and no orgasms. My doctor tried Bu-Spar and that didn't work. Now he's put me on Wellbutrin. Has anyone had any luck with this?
Posted by sinata on September 22, 2000, at 20:24:43
In reply to to Tom,Re: Celexa and side effects -- do they end?, posted by Laura on February 3, 1999, at 2:47:24
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
Posted by Leigh on October 9, 2000, at 16:51:29
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa, posted by tina on April 28, 2000, at 13:45:34
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.
Posted by SC on October 11, 2000, at 19:36:36
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa, posted by Leigh on October 9, 2000, at 16:51:29
This is more in reply to the thread than the question above. Heres my experience with Celexa. My doctor gave it to me and i did get very sleepy for a number of days. Some headaches and quesy stomach but i felt so much better mentally. I am also disabled with asthma and rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia, so have to deal with pain and inability to do so much of what I used to, just about everything in fact. Anyway i was feeling much better but I ended up with my eyes hurting a real lot. After about a month I went to the eye doctor and he thought it was allergy and gave me expensive drops which helped but didnt clear it up. I started suspecting it was the Celexa as it does list this in not too common side effects. Anyway after a couple days off of it my eyes would get well. I tried about five different times and sure enough it was the Celexa. By this time i was feeling worse than before or maybe it was that now I was realizing what it was like to feel contented and not angry and depressed all the time and recognizing how bad I was really getting. Then I decided that as low cholesterol is being linked to depression I would stop taking my cholesterol meds and see if that helped. I told my doc I would rather go with a heart attack than live feeling like i was and he said ok, the less meds you can get by with the better. I also at this time decided to quit everything that i didnt know for sure was helping me and wasnt life threatening. This included guaifenisen which is an expectorant being used for Fibromyalgia now. The gaifenisen did stop all the muscle spasms i used to have and helped with asthma. Anyway to the end of the story...it was the combination of guaifenisen and Celexa that was causing the severe eye pain. I have now been on the Celexa at least three weeks and feeling so much better. I have absolutely no side effects that I can tell. Due to my arthritis I have fatigue so hard to tell about that. I am not angry and aggitated all the time anymore. I dont go to sleep and wake up with morose thoughts about death running through my head and not being able to stop them. Also one of the first things i noticed as wrong with me was that I literally saw the world different. My vision and other sences seemed dull and I was very aware of it. Now things look sharp and bright, the wind on my skin feels good again. I dont get as upset and down over my disabilities as I did before altho I dont think I will ever really accept them. I am now taking 40mg a day. I am treated by my regular GP so i end up on the net finding all i can about things and share them with him. He is open to this sort of thing, luckily.
As to someone mentioning getting sick from serotonin overload or whatever it is called, I have read that that can happen, and wish they had answered everyones questions about it. On the rxlist.com I read that Celexa is usually given 8 to 12 weeks and can be stopped for up the 8 months. Has anyone else heard of this?
I was also given Effexor after the first Celexa try and it made my eyes bother to but it also made me feel lousy. Strangely after the first month on Celexa after I went off and would try it again it would only take a day or two to feel much better. It is so wonderful to feel at ease in my mind and dont give up as they say the different meds are all different in who they help or dont. I guess I was lucky that the first one I was given did help even tho its taken months to figure out why I was reacting to it. I just hope it doesnt turn out to have some awful side effects like so many new drugs. I have in past tried St Johns Wort but it wasnt strong enough, I guess, to make much difference.
Posted by skitdles on October 17, 2000, at 0:05:28
In reply to Re: alcohol and celexa, posted by Stacey on April 12, 2000, at 10:15:44
hello out there to the world ...
I have been taking (2) celexa for about 3 mounths off and on I don't really drink but the other night I went to a friends house for a few drinks and had more then a few I was drunk ..sad, Anyways I now have been in pain on my left side by the biniki line sents then. wounder if anyone knew what was there to cuz so much pain
I have had a total historectomy done
I take estrogen (2) and vitmin b(2) with c in them, a puffer, flonaze, and eye drop
I feel as if the celexa is not working myself, and wounder also if anyone had any sugustion about if I should change the medthanks to every one
skitdles
Posted by Garvin on October 19, 2000, at 13:41:08
In reply to Re: My experience with Celexa, posted by Leigh on October 9, 2000, at 16:51:29
I have been on celexa for about three months now and had been doing quite well on 20 mg. About a week ago I started to experinence delayed side effects like dizziness, teeth clinching, and a feeling of being generally out of it. My doctor is now reducing the dosage to 10 mg. Anyone else had this kind of reaction later in their therapy?
Posted by Mary LameBull on October 24, 2000, at 16:10:53
In reply to My experience with Celexa, posted by MA on February 29, 2000, at 9:46:05
I recently began taking Celexa. A question that I have is in reference to drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this drug. What will happen to me and my body if I drink an alcoholic beverage? I've read all the warnings on internet sites searching for an answer. My doctor did not give me a lot of information on this drug and I was curious of any side effects this may have on me.
Thank you to anyone who knows the answer to my question.
-Mary
Posted by B Day on October 24, 2000, at 18:48:10
In reply to Question about Celexa, posted by Mary LameBull on October 24, 2000, at 16:10:53
Mary,
I too am new to Celexa. My docs have indicated to me that there is little danger of harmful interaction between alcohol and Celexa. They did tell me though that alcohol "negates" the effectiveness of SSRI's such as Celexa.
I've read that Celexa is ethanol soluable, but I don't know if or how much that might factor into alcohol negating it. Nor do I know if alcohol limits Celexa's ability to inhibit serotonin reuptake. All I know is that alcohol is a depressant. Perhaps it is possible that alcohol negates Celexa's effectiveness is more than one way.
I have noted that some of the folks who have posted on this board have had some pretty severe interactions between their meds and alcohol. Although I don't recall Celexa being mentioned, it may have been.
Another thing worth considering is just how differently one person versus another may react to a medication. I see a good deal of that on this board. So it seems each treatment is a personal thing. What works or harms one person may not another.
The impression I got from my docs was that an ocassional drink would neither harm me or prevent Celexa from doing its job. Regular drinking would probably not hurt me either, but it would certainly destroy Celexa's effectiveness. I have no idea what getting drunk would do.
They also mentioned that being new to Celexa, it is important that I don't use alcohol so that we can see just how effective or not Celexa will be for me in coming weeks.
This all makes sense to me and I'm abiding by their wishes, although I wouldn't mind a couple of belts right now.
There are some people on this board who are very knowledgeable in areas such as this (much more than I). I suspect you will hear from some of them. You might also do a board search on the topic as well. I'm sure folks have discussed this issue quite a bit.
Good luck finding answers.
B
Posted by D on October 24, 2000, at 18:57:53
In reply to Re: Question about Celexa » Mary LameBull, posted by B Day on October 24, 2000, at 18:48:10
My SSRI (Zoloft) bottles all say not to drink alcohol while taking the the antidepressant. Alcohol itself is a depressant. I've had a friend end up in the hospital, unconscious, from mixing the two. I think the two are a bad combination.
Posted by Bill L on October 25, 2000, at 7:48:36
In reply to Question about Celexa, posted by Mary LameBull on October 24, 2000, at 16:10:53
I take Celexa. I'm only an occasional drinker. I had 2 beers (a lot for me) at a reception last week and I did not have any bad reaction. But I wouldn't over do it since alcohol is a depressant. If you have a hard time limiting yourself to one or 2 drinks, you should avoid alcohol all together, especially while on antidepressants. And especially if you have to drive!
> I recently began taking Celexa. A question that I have is in reference to drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this drug. What will happen to me and my body if I drink an alcoholic beverage? I've read all the warnings on internet sites searching for an answer. My doctor did not give me a lot of information on this drug and I was curious of any side effects this may have on me.
>
> Thank you to anyone who knows the answer to my question.
>
> -Mary
Posted by Lori P on October 25, 2000, at 10:13:18
In reply to Re: Celexa sleep difficulty, posted by JLM on April 13, 2000, at 16:39:58
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?
Posted by cletus on October 25, 2000, at 10:31:28
In reply to Re: Question about Celexa, posted by Bill L on October 25, 2000, at 7:48:36
> I take Celexa. I'm only an occasional drinker. I had 2 beers (a lot for me) at a reception last week and I did not have any bad reaction. But I wouldn't over do it since alcohol is a depressant. If you have a hard time limiting yourself to one or 2 drinks, you should avoid alcohol all together, especially while on antidepressants. And especially if you have to drive!
>
> > I recently began taking Celexa. A question that I have is in reference to drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this drug. What will happen to me and my body if I drink an alcoholic beverage? I've read all the warnings on internet sites searching for an answer. My doctor did not give me a lot of information on this drug and I was curious of any side effects this may have on me.
> >
> > Thank you to anyone who knows the answer to my question.
> >
> > -Mary
Hi Mary. I wanted to share my experiences with alcohol and AD's. I am currently taking Celexa for OCD which requires a higher dose than depression to alleviate symptoms. I am at 100mg right now and have been up to 120mg (made me too drowsy) at one point. I will admit that I am a heavy partier on the weekends and tend to go way overboard while drinking. I have never had any problems at all with alcohol interacting with the Celexa. My doctor said that SSRI's are very well recognized as having very few interactions with other drugs. He said that there is no problem with me drinking whenever and that the companies give warnings on the meds for alcohol because it is a depressant and would just continue to propogate the problem in a depressed person. I have been on many other meds and drank with all of them.......Paxil had no interaction as with Zoloft.....with Serzone I got very drowsy after drinking excessively so I moderated a bit......I am now drinking less anyway because I am trying to live healthier and such but I still drink every once in a while. No problems at all. Just use common sense because everyone is different and reactions vary. Good luck!!!
Posted by GLYN on October 25, 2000, at 11:12:43
In reply to Re: Question about Celexa, posted by cletus on October 25, 2000, at 10:31:28
Couldn't agree with the last posters comments more. Nice to see an informed and balanced opinion.
I too drink on Celexa and agree that the reason given for not drinking are not necessarily drug related. I have found that when my depression seems better a few drinks can reveal just how close to the surface it is and I can feel really down again. I examine myself now before I indulge to see how deep down the happiness is. ALso, depressed people are also more likely to become alcoholics so it is wise to keep a regular check on your booze intake - and more to the point the reasons for drinking. This can also be another reason why docs warn people off.
Posted by ETrainum on October 25, 2000, at 12:49:32
In reply to Re: Celexa sleep difficulty, posted by Lori P on October 25, 2000, at 10:13:18
I've been on Celexa 10 days now and had the same horrible insomnia the first week. I finally got in touch with my doctor and she told me to go back to taking 15 mg. of Remeron at night (this is the last AD I took before switching to Celexa). Thank God I could sleep then. I know exactly how you feel though. I think the Celexa is finally kicking in for me. I felt great yesterday -- happy, calm, confident, optimistic. Today I feel the anxiety and sadness creeping back though. Has anbody else experienced this in the beginning -- a good day and then a bad day? It scares me; makes me wonder if it's not working.
> 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?
Posted by Klawrey on October 27, 2000, at 17:45:21
In reply to Re: Delayed celexa side effcts, posted by Garvin on October 19, 2000, at 13:41:08
It seems that I have experienced constipation, teeth grinding, early to bed late to rise, I cant seem to get the energy to excercise anymore, and I have gained weight. I have heard rumors that anti-depressants slow your metabolism down. Anyone know if that is true? Aside from the side effects it has helped my anxiety and moodiness immensely. I am just not sure which is worse the side effects or the mood swings.
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