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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 Zippy123 on July 26, 2001, at 12:10:35
Hi, I have been reading these threads and although I do find them all to be interesting and helpful they seem to focus more on the side effects than the actual reason I'm taking Celexa which is to help with depression & Social Anxiety/Phobia.
I have just switched from Prozac to Celexa & what I am wondering is if works - I know only time will tell but I'm wondering if people have any success stories on Celexa?
Thanks in advance - Jenn
Posted by KB on July 26, 2001, at 13:48:15
In reply to Does Celexa Work? , posted by Zippy123 on July 26, 2001, at 12:10:35
Celexa has worked for me so far, though I"ve only been taking it since mid-June. Before I started taking it I cried continually for three months
and was intensely suicidal and ate a lot, mostly junk, and felt like a total useless incompetent blob. About a week after I started taking Celexa the crying slowed down and I haven't cried at all for a month now, even though I've been going through some major upheaval in my life. The suicidal urges are gone, I feel a lot more outgoing and creative, and I've lost some of the weight and the blob-feeling. The only drawbacks I've encountered are increased sweating and an almost irrestistabble urge to nap in the afternoon.
Posted by Zippy123 on July 26, 2001, at 14:01:48
In reply to Re: Does Celexa Work? , posted by KB on July 26, 2001, at 13:48:15
Thanks for responding to my question. It sounds like things are really imporving for you - I wish you well, I know it can be tough goings sometimes.
May I ask some more questions? Have you tried other SSRI's before Celexa ?
Do you feel happier with Celexa? A stronger sense of well being? Has it improved any functions like confidence, socializing, competency, articulation ?
The Prozac stopped working for me after about 6 years and although it helped I am hopeful that Celexa will provide me even more benefits - thanks again
Posted by Katt on July 26, 2001, at 15:37:41
In reply to Does Celexa Work? , posted by Zippy123 on July 26, 2001, at 12:10:35
Dunno. I landed in the ER because of it.
Katt
> Hi, I have been reading these threads and although I do find them all to be interesting and helpful they seem to focus more on the side effects than the actual reason I'm taking Celexa which is to help with depression & Social Anxiety/Phobia.
>
> I have just switched from Prozac to Celexa & what I am wondering is if works - I know only time will tell but I'm wondering if people have any success stories on Celexa?
>
> Thanks in advance - Jenn
Posted by Calamity on July 26, 2001, at 17:24:19
In reply to Re: Does Celexa Work? , posted by Katt on July 26, 2001, at 15:37:41
> Dunno. I landed in the ER because of it.
>
Katt -- what happened to cause you to go to ER? Anything that could happen to the rest of us? Hope you're okay now.
Posted by KB on July 27, 2001, at 2:02:32
In reply to Re: Does Celexa Work? » KB, posted by Zippy123 on July 26, 2001, at 14:01:48
> Thanks for responding to my question. It sounds like things are really imporving for you - I wish you well, I know it can be tough goings sometimes.
>
> May I ask some more questions? Have you tried other SSRI's before Celexa ?
>
> Do you feel happier with Celexa? A stronger sense of well being? Has it improved any functions like confidence, socializing, competency, articulation ?
>
> The Prozac stopped working for me after about 6 years and although it helped I am hopeful that Celexa will provide me even more benefits - thanks againNo, I haven't taken any medication before. I definitely feel more competent - I think this is a change in my self-perception rather than my actual abilities. I also feel more outgoing - more able to engage in casual social interaction, and more inclined to seek it out. I think struggling with the internal voice that kept saying "jump, jump now" was taking up such a huge amount of my brain power that I didn't have a lot left over for conversing, etc
Posted by Katt on July 27, 2001, at 9:27:44
In reply to To Katt Re: Does Celexa Work? , posted by Calamity on July 26, 2001, at 17:24:19
It gave me sharp abdominal pains which later turned out to be pancreatitis. I was also dehydrated.
Katt
> > Dunno. I landed in the ER because of it.
> >
> Katt -- what happened to cause you to go to ER? Anything that could happen to the rest of us? Hope you're okay now.
Posted by Drexxie on July 27, 2001, at 20:49:37
In reply to Does Celexa Work? , posted by Zippy123 on July 26, 2001, at 12:10:35
> Hi, I have been reading these threads and although I do find them all to be interesting and helpful they seem to focus more on the side effects than the actual reason I'm taking Celexa which is to help with depression & Social Anxiety/Phobia.
>
> I have just switched from Prozac to Celexa & what I am wondering is if works - I know only time will tell but I'm wondering if people have any success stories on Celexa?
>
> Thanks in advance - JennHello, Jenn-
I've tried soooo many antidepressants Zoloft, Paxil, Sinequan, Pamelor, Desyrel, Effexor, Nardil, Prozac, Elavil- just to name a few (grin)
My doctor switched me to 60 mgs./daily Celexa and I never thought an antidepressant could help me as much as Celexa has!
If only all of the medications my doctor had me on worked so well! Truly, for me... it's been a miracle!I realize that reactions to drugs are as individual as those who take them (ie I take two 15 mg. Dexedrine Spansules each night to help me sleep- paradoxical, my pharmacist still shakes his head every time he fills it). However, for this girl, Celexa has truly been a rare ray of light in my otherwise
dark existance.I only hope that it may work equally as well for you, (smile)
Drexxie
Posted by Zippy123 on July 27, 2001, at 21:28:01
In reply to Celexa rode into my life on a white horse... , posted by Drexxie on July 27, 2001, at 20:49:37
Drexxie,Thank you for replying & sharing your success stroy with me. May I ask a few more questions please? What changes did you notice? Was it anxiety or depression or both? Is your outlook brighter, academic skills sharper, anxiety in check? These are the areas that I need some assistance in - hence the prozac & now Celexa -
Thanks again & I look forward to hearing from you - Jenn
Posted by drexxie on July 28, 2001, at 3:45:09
In reply to Re: Celexa rode into my life on a white horse... , posted by Zippy123 on July 27, 2001, at 21:28:01
>
> Drexxie,
>
> Thank you for replying & sharing your success stroy with me. May I ask a few more questions please? What changes did you notice? Was it anxiety or depression or both? Is your outlook brighter, academic skills sharper, anxiety in check? These are the areas that I need some assistance in - hence the prozac & now Celexa -
>
> Thanks again & I look forward to hearing from you - Jenn
Jenn... (smile)I'm happy I've a bit of success in which to share! (grin) Consequently, I'd be happy to answer your additional questions!
The changes I notices were subtle...
Almost as if, I just one day relized that I was no longer dreaming daily of off'n myself (seemed I had been plagued with such thoughts since the beginning to time).
My mood improved drastically, my anxiety decreased tremendously, I began to see beyond the darkness. I seemed to be able to notice for possibly the "first time" in my life,
that everything wasn't a matter of "life, or death" (I was SERIOUSLY stressed on life in general prior to this Celexa 'enlightenment" but actually never realized just how much
so I truly was! - if that makes any sense at all) My attitude became more positive as a result of my perspective changing from "This must be perfect b/c it's a matter of life or death or,
I'm simply too down to even try this b/c I know that I'll only shame myself and all those who love me with how terribly I'll fail were I to even attempt this ______ " (insert just about anything into blank (grin).
The act of 'living' no longer seemed to be one which was 'sucking the life right our of me'. I became more willing to take a risk (even if it was something as mundane as going to the grocery store (and to think I soon was going
w/out makeup, even! [laughing, but this was a biggie for me since forever!])Jeez... Jenn, the more I think about how much this drug has helped me the more I ramble (smile). I can tell you, however, that
there wasn't a part of my life that hasn't improved as a result of my moving to Celexa. My friends and family seemed to notice the changes in me, even
before I was able to notice them myself. That alone speaks volumes to the magnitude these changes were in my life. I could relax more in a group, on an exam, when given a deadline,
when I felt that I wasn't going to perform "perfectly" I was still willing to try, I didn't feel that everything was a matter of win, or "I'm worthless".
I argue less, I don't tear into salespeople who just might get snippy with me sometimes, I am no longer the aggressive sociopathic dangerous driver I was previously (so what if some other car cuts in front of me! Before I was willing to crash my car, risk my life and others, and 'road rage' with the craziest of them!)It's quite possible that some of what I attribute to Celexa, might possibly be more appropriately credited to one or more (or perhaps a combonation) of the plethora of medicines I'm currently taking.
Nevertheless, I am certain of one thing, irregardless of whatever other meds, circumstances, events, holidays, 'perfect'dates, WHATEVER might have been going on previously in my life before my first dose of Celexa...
That one thing is and remains... There wasn't an aspect of my life that didn't improve once my body encountered Celexa.Thus far, it's the only (ONLY) medication my doctor has me one which seems to remain constant in regards to my mental well being. This might just be my skewed imagination wanting something to believe in, I truly don't know.
Nevertheless, there's not another drug I'd even come close to praising as much as I've praised this one. I realize I've blah, blah, blahed all over this screen and scattered words around like they were loose marbles. I just hope that Celexa is able to help you, as much as
I believe it's helped me. In my oft delusional, yet humble opinion, (giggle) there has never been a med. which has made such a difference in my life as Celexa (an umm... no... I'm not any kind of prescription drug representative. I spend money on Celexa, not make it! (lol))Sheesh... I'm soo exhausted that I can't shut-up! (hee hee)
Nevertheless, here's my best attempt at doing so....
I might be wrong, crazy, or both, disclaimers, (laughing)
Drexxie
Posted by Zo on July 28, 2001, at 23:36:59
In reply to Celexa rode into my life on a white horse... , posted by Drexxie on July 27, 2001, at 20:49:37
Drexxie! My pdoc told me he has one patient - out of 300 - who takes her Dex before bed. Maybe it's you!
I am green with envy. . .Tho Dex does improve my quality of sleep, taken in the morning, I still have to add a little lorazepam to *fall* asleep.Zo
Posted by Drexxie on July 29, 2001, at 0:56:21
In reply to Re: Celexa rode into my life on a white horse... » Drexxie, posted by Zo on July 28, 2001, at 23:36:59
> Drexxie! My pdoc told me he has one patient - out of 300 - who takes her Dex before bed. Maybe it's you!
OMG! I'm so amazed! That's so unbelievable; I thought it was a sleeping pill for the longest, then later, once I found out it was a stimulant, I just thought everyone else took Sir Dexedrine with them when going to visit the Sandman!
I always told my pdoc that the pharmacists got somewhat "trippy" at times, but I thought that was just the "nature of the beast." He would just tell to mention to the pharmacist my having a 'paradoxical reaction' and if they had any questions to please call him.
Once, when in the hospital for some non psych related whatever... 2 different nurses brought me my night meds. At that time I was taking 45 mg. Dexedrine Spansules. The second nurse to bring me my meds. didn't believe that I'd already taken my nights and literally insisted that I take "what is prescribed by my doctor." Good patient that I am (sly grin) I simply took the extra 3 45 mgs. of Dexedrine.
Turned out that I slept for approximately 19 hours that night and the following day. They claimed to have continuosly awoken me, but I haven't a clue. Apparently my doc was called in finally, (what? the usually hyper Drex, sleeping quietly?! [giggle]) and the error was discovered (there was an understandable mishap as the nurses were understaffed and overworked and both of them had thought that it was their responsiblity to give me night meds.)
My doctor knew my reaction to 90 mgs Dexdrine would be total knock out and simply let me sleep.
When I left that hospital I was nothing if not extremely well rested! (hee hee)All joking aside though, Zo... Sleeping with Sir Dexedrine is not even remotely exciting or fun. Every time I take those pills, I'm reminded of what a complete "freak," I feel myself to be. I suppose it's just that I want to belong with the crowd sometimes and not be the "odd man out," so to speak.
Additionally, I ABSOLUTELY CAN NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT ENDURE ANOTHER PHARMACIST, REFERRAL DOC., NURSE., WHOMEVER- wanting to have a little "speed addiction" conference with me.
Example: Not all that long ago I had to speak with a doctor who was on call one weekend for my pdoc, I was having PTSD flashbacks and extreme anxiety... That doctor upon realizing what meds I was taking AND literally ACCUSED me of being a "speed addict" who was just trying to get his permission so I could take more "uppers". He said I was "faking" everything and was "sorry" but he was not going to enable an addict. Additionally, he told me that I should be well aware that he was going to "tell on me" when he next saw my doctor.
I swear, Zo... It's a miracle I didn't just blow my head off that night. It was beyond surreal. Thankfully, a friend of mine grabbed a couple of adderall, told me to just take the things, and that later if they wanted to arrest her. so be it. What a friend, eh? You'd think I would have just taken more pills myself, but I've gotten such a phobia in regards to being called a "speed junkie/addict/freak" that it's even difficult for me to even swallow my regular doses of this stuff. I've actually cried before taking my night meds.
I'd be much rather take Valium, Xanax and such at beddy bye time... And give up the glam of being a suspected "speed freak" (laughing)
The green eyed monster doesn't want to have to take stimulants at night... oh no... I feel like because I do, I get to experience my nightmare each and every night without even falling asleep...
Thanks for making me giggle, Zo. I'll try to continue doing so while I take my night meds.
(can you tell I put them off...? ])This "psycho babbles" and obviously can't stop! (grin)
-Drexxie
To others who take stimulants at bedtime, I'd love to hear what you have experienced in regards to taking these pills en masse, or at bed time.
Tell me I'm in good company... please write! (smile)> I am green with envy. . .Tho Dex does improve my quality of sleep, taken in the morning, I still have to add a little lorazepam to *fall* asleep.
>
> Zo
This is the end of the thread.
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