Question about Celexa

I just starting taking it...only 2 doses so far,but I swear it has made me more anxious. I will feel fine one minute, then all of a sudden I get these intense periods of anxiety. It is more physical symptoms....my body feels like playdough, sweaty palms, and that uncomfortable in my own skin feeling. When these intense episodes of anxiety come on, I can't think straight either. It is horrible, and I had to leave work early today. My doctor isn't in so I left a message with the answering service, but I'm not sure when she will get back. Anyone else ever experience anything like this?

Out of all of the medications I've been on, Celexa has been the mildest as far as side effects. But yes, SSRIs can increase feelings of nervousness at the beginning. I used to get the weak in the legs feeling everytime I yawned. It felt like my legs turned to gelly. Some SSRIs can cause insomnia at the beginning, although Celexa is one of the more sedating ones. Most people I hear from say Celexa makes them feel sleepy and weak at the beginning of treatment, but it does go away.

Please try to stick it out for at least a month, that's how long these meds can take to give full benefit. Sometimes it may take two months to get full benefit. I'll tell you one thing, if you stick it out and wait for the benificial effects, these medication can be very effective at blocking panic attacks and reducing anxiety. I've been on one SSRI or another for the past 18 years and I don't think I'll ever go without them. I just don't feel well off of them.

God bless, I hope you get some relief .

                                               Tom

I have a lot of trouble with side effects if SSRI's. Increased anxiety is common along with insomnia and the sweats. Talk to your Dr. about starting you out on a lower dose. Sometimes it is as simple as lowering the dose that can make the difference between tolerating the side effects. Don't be discouraged you may have to try a few different medications before you find the right one at the right dose. Just remember when the doses are increased that may give you side effects back again. Sometimes they can give you a temporary medication like xanax to take while you are adjusting to the SSRI. Talk to your Dr. about your side effects. It does take a while to get use to these medications and your body is unique. I was recently diagnosed with anxiety although I have suspected I have had since I was in my late teens I am know 49. I understand your hesitancy to start medication. Look how long it took me. But it can really help along with other behavior modifications you may have to do. Hang in there.

I was told it will take a while too, but I have always been sensitive to any meds I take and normally don't take any meds at all unless absolutely necessary. Even OTC meds make me feel weird. Of course, it could also be that my anxiety levels have just been that bad the past couple of days. We'll see.