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Anyone familiar with Celexa?

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Posted 9/30/2008 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I"m from the Bipolar Forum but decided to ask this question here too, as I suffer from bouts of depression. I take Lithium and Clonazepam, and my doctor added Celexa a couple of months ago. What I'm wondering is, what side effects are most common with Celexa, and are there anything that I should have my blood tested for? i.e. liver or kidney damage, thyroid issues, etc....

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Lorraine

Posted 9/30/2008 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lorraine,

These are the side effects with celexa. Realize you may or may not experience some of them so don't let it scare you.

Common: Headache, anxiety, nervousness, sleeplessness, drowsiness, tiredness, weakness, sexual dysfunction, tremors, sweating, dizziness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, upset or irritated stomach, appetite loss, appetite increase, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, rash, weight loss or gain, electric-shock sensations, increased wseating, increased yawning, tinnitus, abnormal dreams, difficulty concentrating, acne, hair loss, dry skin, dizziness or fainting when rising suddenly from a sitting or lying postiion and itching.

Less common: chest pain, allergy, runny nose, bronchitis, abnormal heart rhythms, blood pressure changes, bone pain, bursitis, twitching, greast pain, cystitis, urinary pain, double vision, eye or ear pain, conjunctibitis,(pinkeye), anemia, swelling, low blood sugar, and low thyroid activity.

This doesn't mean that you are going to experience any of it, but this is what I found.

I hope that the celexa works for you. I take effexor which is a close cousin to celexa and I don't have any of these problems. Except for the vivid dreams.

Good luck,
hugs, Karen
Posted 9/30/2008 9:57 PM (GMT 0)

Karen is right on and I have heard many good things about this med so I too hope it works for you.

Take care.

Kitt

Posted 10/1/2008 1:50 AM (GMT 0)

Thank you for your replies.

I am familiar with all the "text book" side effects. I always take a few days to study any literature that I can find pertaining to new medications that I have been prescribed.  I was just wondering if anyone was taking this drug and what they may have experienced while taking it. I have experienced some of the side effects listed.....some have gotten better with time, but others haven't. Sometimes it's difficult to differentiate which drugs is causing what side effect. I have neck acne, hair loss, dizziness and very vivid dreams.....I also take lithium and some of these side affects are also associated with that drug. It's like a double whammy...I really don't know what to do for the best.

Posted 10/18/2008 4:40 PM (GMT 0)

HI,

I was on Effexor XR for 2 years. I found that the weight gain and consipation was more than I could hanlde. So I recently changed to Celexa, it's been a month. I was hoping to feel better, but instead I feel anxious and a nervous stomach all the time. I find I'm overly emotional and usually about things that have nothing to do with me. I had a horrible time getting off the effexor, and really do not want to go back on it. Lately I'm experiencing lots of strange muscle pain. I have a three week supply of Cymbalta 60MG and I'm contiplating weather I should try it, or wait and see if the Celexa 30mg's will eventually work. Or is a month on Celexa long enough to know. I would of thought I'd feel great by now. Also can I go onto Cymbalta immediately, or do I have to tapper off the Celexa. My regular Doctor is away on vacation so I had to see another doctor and he say's stop Celexa for two days then try the Cymbalta. No real tappering off. Anyone who can help here would be great.

HoldOn

Posted 10/18/2008 8:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Holdon,

I know that it takes four to six weeks for any anti depressant to get to it's full effect. So you might want to give it another two weeks, that is totally up to you. If it is making you worse and you have been on it for a month, it really doesn't sound like the right med for you. I know that I am not much help. I take effexor, 375mg a day. And I know how hard it is to go off of it, it looks like I will be taking it for the rest of my life. Oh well.

I hope that somebody comes on with some more information for you.

Karen
Posted 10/19/2008 4:54 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Lorraine,

I've been on Celexa for a month, my emotional state is ridiculous. Lack of appetite is for sure. Plus off an on hot flashes that make me dizzy, plus the strange muscle pains in my back. All of these I can handle, but the emotional part. I wasn't like this when taking Effexor XR. 150 MG. Anyway if Celexa was the last drug that you added I would say that the Celexa is causing the problem. If you started both at the same time then maybe the combination is what's wrong. I'm currently thinking of switching to Cymbalta. This is all like being on a merri-go-round.

Hope you feel better soon

Regards,

HoldOn

Posted 10/22/2008 1:06 PM (GMT 0)
Good Morning
I am on this and have been for about 3 mths I believe
For me it has helped out greatly and
The only side effct I have had is dry nouth and for that I suck on ice cubes........

Good Luck and keep us posted

........LYN
Posted 10/22/2008 3:51 PM (GMT 0)

HoldOn,

Hi there and Welcome to HealingWell.

I have not taken Celexa but I am on Cymbalta 60 mg at bedtime.  I do not feel like it is the best drug but I have tried so many and the side effects have me walking and talking stupid. Therefore I will stick with the Cymbalta.  Just tried a switch and it was a no go. confused

As far as Celexa, a person may have unpleasant side effects if they stop taking this medication suddenly. However if you have only been on it for 3 weeks the Doctor probably has given you good advice.

Take care all,

Kitt

Posted 10/25/2008 12:46 AM (GMT 0)
I take Celexa and you will have a dry mouth for a while.  There will be a headache, but nothing too awful.  I would give it a try.  Depression stinks!
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