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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jujube on September 15, 2004, at 9:17:51
I am relatively new to the board (actually tried posting a couple of times, but think I was actually responding to 2001 threads once and on the wrong board the second time). I am needing to know what I to expect on Celexa. A little history (I will try not to be too long-winded and apologize in advance if I am). I have been iron deficient for over a year now. This left me anxious, lethargic and apathetic. In addition to treating the iron deficiency, I was put on an anti-depressant (Effexor XR). I was on this for 6 months. During this time, and after a few dose increases, I conintued to feel lethargic and apathetic (even on doses as high as 225 mg), and found myself becoming increasingly apprehensive and even agoraphobic (even though I only experienced one incident that could have perhaps been a panic attack). I knew the Effexor was not working for me, but the doctor kept insisting that I give it more time. Finally I called the doc and advised that I wanted to add some natural supplements (Sam-e, Rosivin) because the Effexor was making me sick. How badly I was responding to the Effexor became very apparent when I was given Depo Provera because my periods had become very irregular (almost every two weeks, and from what I have read on these boards, could have been a side effect of the Effexor), and this was not a good thing since I was iron deficient. The Depo really did a number on my mood and outlook. Anyways, the doc decided to switch me to Celexa (he was reluctant to agree to Sam-e since he is not familiar with it), which I started 6 days ago after weaning off 150 mg of Effexor XR over two weeks. After the mind-numbing and fog-induced experience I had on Effexor, I am somewhat nervous about Celexa. I feel like I wasted 6 months of my life on Effexor (I realize there are many who have had very good experiences with Effexor), and just want to feel like my old self again instead of just going through the motions (and not even really having the drive or enthusiasm to do that while on Effexor). I am, by nature, a happy, enthusiastic and somewhat goofy person who has a lot of energy, but I do have a tendency to be somewhat anxious. I get excited about things and am relatively happy with my life. Please share with me your Celexa experiences. I do not want to spend another 6 months in a fog. Thanks for listening, and I look forward to hearing what you have to say. Take good care.
Posted by shortelise on September 15, 2004, at 21:12:11
In reply to Celexa - need some reassurance, posted by jujube on September 14, 2004, at 22:48:40
Celexa has worked really well for me. Ten mg is a very low dose - a good place to start I guess. I think the therapeutic dose is from 40 mg on up, but up to where I don't know. I think it is very wise to start with a low, low dose. I believe - and I'm no doc, so don't take this as fact or even good theory - but I believe that if it's possible to build up to the therapeutic dose slowly enough, the side effects are much milder and pass more quickly.
As for side effects, there is a certain amount of anorgasmia - damn those SSRI's! And I find I have to drink lots of water - I have dry mouth if I don't. That's not such a bad side effect as it keeps me hydrated. And what else ... I had some night sweats at the beginning, but that passed (until I started having hot flashes from menopause!)
I have only ever taken Celexa, took it only when I'd been in therapy for four years and had a sudden onslaught of terrible anxiety. It was such a relief! After a few weeks, I felt so much better, so much calmer.
So, m'dear, I have nothing but good to say about this med. I have been taking it for two years, and take only 20mg a day, which my doc says is a very low dose and probably all my contentment at this point is due to years of hard work in therapy and not the med.I think Dr Bob will redirect this - be prepared!
Take care and be kind to yourself.
(((())))
ShortE
Posted by jujube on September 15, 2004, at 21:12:11
In reply to here's some reassurance!, posted by shortelise on September 15, 2004, at 0:47:43
Thanks so much for responding. I realized after I posted that I had posted to the wrong board (I am a newbie). I am glad to hear that you have had success with Celexa, particularly for anxiety. I don't want to be one of the those Effexor bashers because I have a couple of friends who use it and have had great success with it (to each his/her own). However, I am glad to be off of it, and to actually be feeling some emotion and actually crave food again. I have been on Celexa for 6 days now, and I think the increased anxiety I experienced on Effexor is subsiding. Thanks again for sharing. Take good care.
> Celexa has worked really well for me. Ten mg is a very low dose - a good place to start I guess. I think the therapeutic dose is from 40 mg on up, but up to where I don't know. I think it is very wise to start with a low, low dose. I believe - and I'm no doc, so don't take this as fact or even good theory - but I believe that if it's possible to build up to the therapeutic dose slowly enough, the side effects are much milder and pass more quickly.
>
> As for side effects, there is a certain amount of anorgasmia - damn those SSRI's! And I find I have to drink lots of water - I have dry mouth if I don't. That's not such a bad side effect as it keeps me hydrated. And what else ... I had some night sweats at the beginning, but that passed (until I started having hot flashes from menopause!)
>
> I have only ever taken Celexa, took it only when I'd been in therapy for four years and had a sudden onslaught of terrible anxiety. It was such a relief! After a few weeks, I felt so much better, so much calmer.
>
>
> So, m'dear, I have nothing but good to say about this med. I have been taking it for two years, and take only 20mg a day, which my doc says is a very low dose and probably all my contentment at this point is due to years of hard work in therapy and not the med.
>
> I think Dr Bob will redirect this - be prepared!
>
> Take care and be kind to yourself.
>
> (((())))
>
> ShortE
This is the end of the thread.
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