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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by worryworryworry on April 29, 2000, at 19:37:58
Hi! Well, I have been on Celexa for 3 months now. Overall, I am really impressed with how it has inhibited my severe depression symptoms and has allowed me to think in a more rational manner. I have had virtually NO side effects which is great. However, I still have trouble with anxiety and mild panic attacks (I am starting a new job next week and DON'T want to go!) and I am tired all the time still.
Because the meds kinda slow you down, can they make you a bit sleepy? What could I add to the Celexa which I don't want to give up to help with the anxiety or will I eventually need to increase the 40mg I take to 60?
Thanks everyone!
Posted by Cam W. on April 29, 2000, at 23:09:03
In reply to Celexa, Anxiety and Feeling Tired (Cam W?), posted by worryworryworry on April 29, 2000, at 19:37:58
3xWorry - Mild panic because of a change in your life situation is perfectly normal. The thought of starting a new job would make me anxious, too. You could ask you doc about an prn (as needed) benzodiazepine like Ativan (0.5mg - 1mg) or clonazepam (0.25mg - 0.5mg). If used only as needed, the risk of tolerance and addiction are very low. BuSpar is another choice, but it works in some people and not in others and is generally used in more severe cases of anxiety. There are also cognitive/behavioral therapies and self-talk methods of reducing anxiety which may work. I am not very familiar with these, but I have seen them work and they are a non-drug way of treating panic and anxiety. Ask your doc about these, as well.I don't think an increase in 60mg will help much, and may bring on the side effects, plus even more drowsiness. Maybe try taking your dose at (or just before) your evening meal. This way you may not feel as groggy in the morning, as when you take it at bedtime.
Perhaps even a dosage decrease to 30mg daily might help. The slight decrease in dose may help with the grogginess without affecting your response. Ask your doctor about this.
The only problem with taking 30mg is that it will raise your drug cost. In Canada, the 20mg tablets and the 40mg tablets are exactly the same price (go figure marketing). For 30mg you would have to take a tablet and a half of the 20mg, instead of one 40mg tablet that you are now taking.
(For others out there that are taking 20mg of Celexa a day, ask your pharmacist the difference in price between 30-20mg tabs and 30-40mg tabs. If the price is the same, ask your pharmacist to dispense you the 40mg tablets and split them. The cost to you - minus the dispensing fee - will be halved. Just a hint to save some money)
Hope this helps - Cam W.
Posted by Alex F on April 30, 2000, at 0:05:37
In reply to Celexa, Anxiety and Feeling Tired (Cam W?), posted by worryworryworry on April 29, 2000, at 19:37:58
> Hi! Well, I have been on Celexa for 3 months now. Overall, I am really impressed with how it has inhibited my severe depression symptoms and has allowed me to think in a more rational manner. I have had virtually NO side effects which is great. However, I still have trouble with anxiety and mild panic attacks (I am starting a new job next week and DON'T want to go!) and I am tired all the time still.
>
> Because the meds kinda slow you down, can they make you a bit sleepy? What could I add to the Celexa which I don't want to give up to help with the anxiety or will I eventually need to increase the 40mg I take to 60?
>
> Thanks everyone!I've been taking Celexa at 60mg for 3 months.
The anxiety is worse, that when I was on Paxil,but there are few sexual side effects.Mr Doctor has put me on Buspar for the anxiety.
They sem to work well and are known to augment the antidepressant properties of the SSRI's as well.
Posted by tina on May 1, 2000, at 14:17:42
In reply to Re: Celexa, Anxiety and Feeling Tired (Cam W?), posted by Alex F on April 30, 2000, at 0:05:37
> hello: I must say that I'm pretty impressed by how much CamW knows about all these meds. You seem to have the inside track. Can you give me some infor on side effects of clonazepam taken with celexa, cuz I'm taking both and having a hell of a time with anxiety attacks too. thanks Mr. Info!
> Hi! Well, I have been on Celexa for 3 months now. Overall, I am really impressed with how it has inhibited my severe depression symptoms and has allowed me to think in a more rational manner. I have had virtually NO side effects which is great. However, I still have trouble with anxiety and mild panic attacks (I am starting a new job next week and DON'T want to go!) and I am tired all the time still.
> >
> > Because the meds kinda slow you down, can they make you a bit sleepy? What could I add to the Celexa which I don't want to give up to help with the anxiety or will I eventually need to increase the 40mg I take to 60?
> >
> > Thanks everyone!
>
> I've been taking Celexa at 60mg for 3 months.
> The anxiety is worse, that when I was on Paxil,but there are few sexual side effects.
>
> Mr Doctor has put me on Buspar for the anxiety.
> They sem to work well and are known to augment the antidepressant properties of the SSRI's as well.
Posted by harry b. on May 1, 2000, at 15:32:50
In reply to Re: Celexa, Anxiety and Feeling Tired (Cam W?), posted by tina on May 1, 2000, at 14:17:42
Can you give me some infor on side effects of clonazepam taken with celexa, cuz I'm taking both and having a hell of a time with anxiety attacks too. thanks Mr. Info!
*************************************************
harry here,
I too take Celexa and Klonopin. The Celexa seems to
be kicking in gradually. My mood has improved
noticebly. Celexa doesn't have nearly the sedating
effect as other meds but I am still VERY lethargic and
can easily stay in bed all day. I just came from
a visit to a new doc and got a script for Ritalin.
I took it about 10 min ago and am waiting, with
hope and trepidation, for the effects to arrive.I've been taking Klonopin for about 5 yrs, first
for some facial tics I was having. It helped those.
I've continued taking it for anxiety. I was up
to 4mg per day and am now taking 2.5mg. About 15 yrs
ago I had panic attacks. They began in the hospital
after having had 3 surgeries in less than a month.
Each time I had one I thought I was dying. The
docs and nurses thought it was my heart, jackhammering
away, and had me taken to the cardiac unit. My heart
was and is fine. Thanks to my gp, I was put on
Elavil which absolutely controlled the panic attacks.
I have not had one since. When I began taking Klonopin I stopped
the Elavil. My current Klonopin use is .5mg in the
am and 2mg at bedtime.
I don't know what dosage you are taking, but you
might want to ask your doc about increasing it. I
know you've probably read the posts about Klonopin
here, a lot of them frightening and derogatory,
but it has helped me.Best of luck
PS-should add that I also take Lithium
Posted by Cam W. on May 1, 2000, at 16:16:09
In reply to Re: Celexa, Anxiety and Feeling Tired (Cam W?), posted by harry b. on May 1, 2000, at 15:32:50
Alex - Tina and Harry have offered a couple of good options. Ask your doctor about increasing the clonazepam dose (caution - will increase drowsiness) or replacing clonazepam with BuSpar. Either method is good, but the BuSpar has fewer potential long term problems (increased tolerance and sedation). You could also ask your doc about increasing your Celexa dose.
These suggestions are only tentative, as we do not know your history or what your present dosages of medications are. There are a number of therapies for panic disorder. If you are not satisfied with your current regimen, then ask your doctor about alternatives.
There is little chance of Celexa having a drug interaction with the clonazepam, so side effects by combining the two should not differ from the side effects of each one taken separately.
Hope this helps - Cam W.
Posted by tina on May 1, 2000, at 19:37:36
In reply to Re: Celexa, Anxiety and Feeling Tired - Alex, posted by Cam W. on May 1, 2000, at 16:16:09
Just wanted to thank you for the advice about taking clonazepam with celexa that you tagged onto your message to alex. I really like having people that I can ask about this stuff, doctors are so vague. You see, I've only been on the net for 9 days, (I know I'm a dinosaur), but I have a little problem with change, hence the need for the meds. Anyway, thanks again and ALEX: hang in there!!! Peace-- Tina
> Alex - Tina and Harry have offered a couple of good options. Ask your doctor about increasing the clonazepam dose (caution - will increase drowsiness) or replacing clonazepam with BuSpar. Either method is good, but the BuSpar has fewer potential long term problems (increased tolerance and sedation). You could also ask your doc about increasing your Celexa dose.
>
> These suggestions are only tentative, as we do not know your history or what your present dosages of medications are. There are a number of therapies for panic disorder. If you are not satisfied with your current regimen, then ask your doctor about alternatives.
>
> There is little chance of Celexa having a drug interaction with the clonazepam, so side effects by combining the two should not differ from the side effects of each one taken separately.
>
> Hope this helps - Cam W.
Posted by Kimberly on May 2, 2000, at 17:14:48
In reply to Re: Celexa, Anxiety and Feeling Tired - CamW, posted by tina on May 1, 2000, at 19:37:36
> Just wanted to thank you for the advice about taking clonazepam with celexa that you tagged onto your message to alex. I really like having people that I can ask about this stuff, doctors are so vague. You see, I've only been on the net for 9 days, (I know I'm a dinosaur), but I have a little problem with change, hence the need for the meds. Anyway, thanks again and ALEX: hang in there!!! Peace-- Tina
I just started celexa almost 3 weeks ago and my anxiety has almost never been worse. I find it extremely stimulating, making my shoulder and neck muscle tension and daily tension headaches worse than ever. Along with insomnia. Has anyone seen anything like this? Will adding buspar help this or does it seem as though I need to switch to a more sedating antidepressant? Any input would be greatly appreciated. I also found prozac and effexor too stimulating, but only after being on each for a couple months.
>
>
> > Alex - Tina and Harry have offered a couple of good options. Ask your doctor about increasing the clonazepam dose (caution - will increase drowsiness) or replacing clonazepam with BuSpar. Either method is good, but the BuSpar has fewer potential long term problems (increased tolerance and sedation). You could also ask your doc about increasing your Celexa dose.
> >
> > These suggestions are only tentative, as we do not know your history or what your present dosages of medications are. There are a number of therapies for panic disorder. If you are not satisfied with your current regimen, then ask your doctor about alternatives.
> >
> > There is little chance of Celexa having a drug interaction with the clonazepam, so side effects by combining the two should not differ from the side effects of each one taken separately.
> >
> > Hope this helps - Cam W.
Posted by tina on May 2, 2000, at 19:26:00
In reply to Re: Celexa, Anxiety and Feeling Tired - CamW, posted by Kimberly on May 2, 2000, at 17:14:48
KIMBERLY: Just wanted to let you know youre not alone with the anxiety thing. Mine has been alot worse since being on the celexa. Places where I used to feel so comfortable have become nerve-wracking, nail biting experiences. Its so embarrassing when people that you've known for a long time start asking you why you're running out of the room or needing a cold cloth to wipe your face or just simply have to run home because you can't be in public anymore. Very alienating. I'm going to talk to my pdoc about buspar or paxil too. I'm on clonazepam now but it really doesn't do enough. Keep in touch and let me know how you're doing on whichever you choose.
PS: CamW is a wealth of information on all these drugs and what they do, directing your questions to him will get you the answers you need. Good luck!!! PEACE, Tina
> > Just wanted to thank you for the advice about taking clonazepam with celexa that you tagged onto your message to alex. I really like having people that I can ask about this stuff, doctors are so vague. You see, I've only been on the net for 9 days, (I know I'm a dinosaur), but I have a little problem with change, hence the need for the meds. Anyway, thanks again and ALEX: hang in there!!! Peace-- Tina
>
> I just started celexa almost 3 weeks ago and my anxiety has almost never been worse. I find it extremely stimulating, making my shoulder and neck muscle tension and daily tension headaches worse than ever. Along with insomnia. Has anyone seen anything like this? Will adding buspar help this or does it seem as though I need to switch to a more sedating antidepressant? Any input would be greatly appreciated. I also found prozac and effexor too stimulating, but only after being on each for a couple months.
> >
> >
> > > Alex - Tina and Harry have offered a couple of good options. Ask your doctor about increasing the clonazepam dose (caution - will increase drowsiness) or replacing clonazepam with BuSpar. Either method is good, but the BuSpar has fewer potential long term problems (increased tolerance and sedation). You could also ask your doc about increasing your Celexa dose.
> > >
> > > These suggestions are only tentative, as we do not know your history or what your present dosages of medications are. There are a number of therapies for panic disorder. If you are not satisfied with your current regimen, then ask your doctor about alternatives.
> > >
> > > There is little chance of Celexa having a drug interaction with the clonazepam, so side effects by combining the two should not differ from the side effects of each one taken separately.
> > >
> > > Hope this helps - Cam W.
Posted by Cam W. on May 2, 2000, at 23:23:46
In reply to Re: Celexa, Anxiety and Feeling Tired;KIMBERLY, posted by tina on May 2, 2000, at 19:26:00
Tina - Your making me blush. My drug knowledge is just my job. I feel that everyone has a right to know what a drug is going to do to or for them. I try not interfere with a doctor's therapy. My knowledge is how the medications work, I could not diagnose for the life of me. I can't tell a borderline personality disorder from a dependent personality disorder or even a Bipolar I from a Bipolar II. Tell me what the diagnosis is and I can (sometimes) relate what the various treatments for that particular disorder are.
BTW - I am a strong believer in non-drug methods of treating disorders. A person has to be willing to work with their doctor to treat any disorder. You cannot just take a pill hope to get better. You have to change your mindset and lifestyle to cope with what "fate" has given you.
Kimberly - The SSRIs. like Celexa, are used to treat anxiety disorders. The problem with them is that they all seem to make the anxiety worse before they make it better. I believe it has to do with a modifying of serotonin flow and receptor concentration in a certain part of the brain (can't remember the exact pathway - raphe nuclei to ?). Anyway, the panic usually subsides within a month (sometimes two) in most people and the anti-panic effects kick in. Hope this helps - Cam W.
Posted by Kimberly on May 3, 2000, at 15:58:20
In reply to Re: Celexa - To Tina and Kimberly, posted by Cam W. on May 2, 2000, at 23:23:46
Thanks to both of you for your replies. I am also in therapy because I also don't believe in just treating with the drugs. But I did need an additional help beyond the therapy. I think that I have decided to give up on the celexa and try the serzone. I just feel much more comfortable with it, considering how awful I have been feeling my 3 weeks on celexa. At least when effexor and prozac revved me up too much it didnt happen until after about 2 months. Cam, since you seem pretty knowledgable, what do you know or have you heard about serzone? thanks again! kim >
>
> Tina - Your making me blush. My drug knowledge is just my job. I feel that everyone has a right to know what a drug is going to do to or for them. I try not interfere with a doctor's therapy. My knowledge is how the medications work, I could not diagnose for the life of me. I can't tell a borderline personality disorder from a dependent personality disorder or even a Bipolar I from a Bipolar II. Tell me what the diagnosis is and I can (sometimes) relate what the various treatments for that particular disorder are.
>
> BTW - I am a strong believer in non-drug methods of treating disorders. A person has to be willing to work with their doctor to treat any disorder. You cannot just take a pill hope to get better. You have to change your mindset and lifestyle to cope with what "fate" has given you.
>
> Kimberly - The SSRIs. like Celexa, are used to treat anxiety disorders. The problem with them is that they all seem to make the anxiety worse before they make it better. I believe it has to do with a modifying of serotonin flow and receptor concentration in a certain part of the brain (can't remember the exact pathway - raphe nuclei to ?). Anyway, the panic usually subsides within a month (sometimes two) in most people and the anti-panic effects kick in. Hope this helps - Cam W.
Posted by Cam W. on May 3, 2000, at 18:08:44
In reply to Re: Celexa - To Tina and Cam W., posted by Kimberly on May 3, 2000, at 15:58:20
Kim - Serzone works in a smaller number of people than many of the other ADs, but when it does work, it works well. Also, lacks some of the stomach and sometimes sexual side effects of the SSRIs. It also can improve the quality of your sleep. - Cam W.
This is the end of the thread.
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