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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 129 to 153 of 197. Go back in thread:
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.
Posted by Rebecca on October 27, 2000, at 18:05:55
In reply to Re: Celexa sleep difficulty, posted by ETrainum on October 25, 2000, at 12:49:32
Celexa gives me insomnia, too. taking it in the morning can help, if you aren't already doing that (evidently celexa tends to make people drowsy, so it tends to be recommended to take it in the evening to deal with that).
you could ask about trazodone for the sleep problems--it left me quite tired in mornings, though, and I ended up on seroquel for other reasons and I don't have trouble sleeping.
there's discussion of trazodone earlier in this thread--in the March-April range.
Posted by Bart Johnson on October 30, 2000, at 8:43:56
In reply to Re: Celexa sleep difficulty, posted by ETrainum on October 25, 2000, at 12:49:32
Lori, I had similar experience when I started-that great combination of dog tired during the day and not sleeping very well. I am now six weeks and up to 40mg/day and I feel great most of the time with the only side effects of more sweating and delayed you-know-what in the marital department.
I also have those occasional bad days and for the life of me can't figure out the cause. So I just slug it out on those days and the next day is usually back to feeling great.
Posted by BillD on October 31, 2000, at 7:27:25
In reply to Question about Celexa, posted by Mary LameBull on October 24, 2000, at 16:10:53
I just started taking 20 mg Celexa for moderate depression. I had tried Cognitive therapy for a couple years and while it helped some, I continued to slide. I don't take any medications as a rule but I felt that I had to do something. So last week I went to the doc and he put me on Celexa. The first couple of days were tough. I had nausea, sweats, headaches. I also was unable to ejaculate. It's been a week and I feel much better mentally and all the side effects have gone except for ONE. You can guess what that is! I have read that Ginko Biloba is a possible therapy so I have started taking 120 mg twice a day. A question to the group: What might I expect for the diminishing of the sexual side effect? Are there other possible therapies besides Ginko? I know that all SRRIs have this side effect and I am reluctant to ask for a change so soon since the Celexa does seem to be having an effect (of course it could be just placebo).
I thank everyone for sharing on this board. It has helped me a lot.Bill
Posted by Bill L on October 31, 2000, at 8:08:02
In reply to New to Celexa - side effects, posted by BillD on October 31, 2000, at 7:27:25
Bill - My name is also Bill so I can identify with your problem. I also take Celexa. First of all, all of the antodepressants have the sexual side effects except for Serzone and Wellbutrin (and I think also Remeron doesn't). But once you find a drug that works for depression, it may not be a good idea to switch because the other drugs might not work very well for you.
Ginko does help some people and you are correct in trying it. Another trick that works for some people is a drug holiday. Let's say you usually take Celexa each morning. If you plan on having sex on Saturday morning, don't take Celexa on Friday. Take it after sex on Saturday. If it works, then you can either double the dose on saturday or just skip that one dose. You can discuss it with your doctor.
I think that the most common thing that doctors try for the sexual side effects is to add Wellbutrin to the Celexa. Wellbutrin is also an antidepressant. That approach helps some people but not everyone. Since you just started the Celexa, I wouldn't add Wellbutrin right now. I would wait atleast a month so that you can get a better idea of how the Celexa alone is working. But see what your doctor thinks.
Finally, many docs give Viagra to counter that side effect of antidepressants. I have not gone that route since I have been married for a long time and really don't feel the need. The problem is not that bad for me. But if I were single, or maybe a newly wed, I probably would take Viagra if the side effect persisted.
> I just started taking 20 mg Celexa for moderate depression. I had tried Cognitive therapy for a couple years and while it helped some, I continued to slide. I don't take any medications as a rule but I felt that I had to do something. So last week I went to the doc and he put me on Celexa. The first couple of days were tough. I had nausea, sweats, headaches. I also was unable to ejaculate. It's been a week and I feel much better mentally and all the side effects have gone except for ONE. You can guess what that is! I have read that Ginko Biloba is a possible therapy so I have started taking 120 mg twice a day. A question to the group: What might I expect for the diminishing of the sexual side effect? Are there other possible therapies besides Ginko? I know that all SRRIs have this side effect and I am reluctant to ask for a change so soon since the Celexa does seem to be having an effect (of course it could be just placebo).
> I thank everyone for sharing on this board. It has helped me a lot.
>
> Bill
Posted by Virgil on October 31, 2000, at 9:56:29
In reply to New to Celexa - side effects, posted by BillD on October 31, 2000, at 7:27:25
> I just started taking 20 mg Celexa for moderate depression. I had tried Cognitive therapy for a couple years and while it helped some, I continued to slide. I don't take any medications as a rule but I felt that I had to do something. So last week I went to the doc and he put me on Celexa. The first couple of days were tough. I had nausea, sweats, headaches. I also was unable to ejaculate. It's been a week and I feel much better mentally and all the side effects have gone except for ONE. You can guess what that is! I have read that Ginko Biloba is a possible therapy so I have started taking 120 mg twice a day. A question to the group: What might I expect for the diminishing of the sexual side effect? Are there other possible therapies besides Ginko? I know that all SRRIs have this side effect and I am reluctant to ask for a change so soon since the Celexa does seem to be having an effect (of course it could be just placebo).
> I thank everyone for sharing on this board. It has helped me a lot.
>
> Bill
Bill,
I am also on Celexa. My Pdoc added 150mg of Wellbutrin SR to counteract the same effects you are having. It has helped quite a bit. I'd wait for a couple more weeks first, to see if that side effect disappears.
Posted by Geraden on November 6, 2000, at 9:54:31
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
Today is my 4th day of Celexa. The night after my first pill
I woke up extremely arroused. After several minutes of thinking about
baseball and Margaret Thatcher, I gave up and went to the living room to
take care of the problem. Whether it was anxiety of being caught
or Celexa, I did have some difficulty ejaculating,
and although I did, it almost felt like I hadn't.
Yesterday morning I woke my wife with gentle caresses
And after her orgasm she agreed to something more unusuall for us.
and again managed to ejaculate with some mild difficulty.My sexual desire has been fairly non-existant for
some time. These first few days I hope are a good
sign it isn't going to get worse. But the feeling of nasuea
certainly doesn't encourage sexual desire.I have had trouble gettign to sleep and will wake repeatedly
for more than a year now, so its hard to tell if Celexa
is making that any worse. I have felt sluggishness/sleepiness
and mild nausea these past few days. I have decreased my food portions
and eaten slower and that has helped the nausea some.
And day 2 and right now I have had dry mouth.
day 3 I had a continued headache throughout the day.I am encouraged by most of the previous posts telling of
a decrease in the side effects. I wish more of the posts were from men.
I hope to continue to write of this new journey I have undertaken.more to come later
Joseph
Posted by Scoot on November 17, 2000, at 8:33:41
In reply to Re: Celexa and side effects -- day 4, posted by Geraden on November 6, 2000, at 9:54:31
> Today is my 4th day of Celexa. The night after my first pill
> I woke up extremely arroused. After several minutes of thinking about
> baseball and Margaret Thatcher, I gave up and went to the living room to
> take care of the problem. Whether it was anxiety of being caught
> or Celexa, I did have some difficulty ejaculating,
> and although I did, it almost felt like I hadn't.
> Yesterday morning I woke my wife with gentle caresses
> And after her orgasm she agreed to something more unusuall for us.
> and again managed to ejaculate with some mild difficulty.
>
> My sexual desire has been fairly non-existant for
> some time. These first few days I hope are a good
> sign it isn't going to get worse. But the feeling of nasuea
> certainly doesn't encourage sexual desire.
>
> I have had trouble gettign to sleep and will wake repeatedly
> for more than a year now, so its hard to tell if Celexa
> is making that any worse. I have felt sluggishness/sleepiness
> and mild nausea these past few days. I have decreased my food portions
> and eaten slower and that has helped the nausea some.
> And day 2 and right now I have had dry mouth.
> day 3 I had a continued headache throughout the day.
>
> I am encouraged by most of the previous posts telling of
> a decrease in the side effects. I wish more of the posts were from men.
> I hope to continue to write of this new journey I have undertaken.
>
> more to come later
> Joseph
I have been taking celexa for 8 days now. I was having panic attacks which were a result of insomnia.
I have dropped dowm to 10mgs. taken at 5:00 am. and still have trouble sleeping.
I've tried unisom at night to no avail. It has cured my anxiety but the insomnia prevails.
Sex has not been any problem in fact it may be even better where I am more relaxed.
If the delayed orgasm is a problem for men I would suggest an aerobic workout daily so that you will have the wind to follow through.
It's not for everyone but a doobie before sex may help to relax you. Good luck!
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?
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