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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by angel1 on June 5, 2002, at 5:21:07
Hi,
I was on Celexa 30mgs until yesterday. I was doing well with it until a couple days ago I noticed it was making me really sleepy and apathetic, and I felt more depressed. Prior to this mood, I felt the best I have ever felt. What the heck is going on? I might add I was taking this in combo with 50mg Desipramine which I am still taking. I plan on weaning myself down and off Celexa. Any similar experiences or input appreciated. Thanks.
Posted by Sleepy Lizard on June 5, 2002, at 6:37:57
In reply to CELEXA CHANGES -GOOD TO BAD AFTER 1 MONTH, posted by angel1 on June 5, 2002, at 5:21:07
Sometimes the SSRIs side effects go away after a few months, sometimes not. Also the side effects will get stronger as to dose is increased. I have used Paxil and Celexa and Effexor XR (currently) and they all have some similar side effects. Sleepiness is common, especially with Desyrel, Serxone, Luvox. Also Remeron and the TCAs Elavil, Anafranil, SInequan, Tofranil. Some SSRIs are more stimulating like Prozac. Check out www.sdh.sk.ca/rxfiles for some handy comparison tables. I'm sorry you are feeling so tired, I know how bad it can be, sleepy all the time and at work, and so tired all you can do is come home from work and crash. I hope you can find a medication that will work with less fatigue. (I believe that sometimes the fatigue is depression because the medication is not really working well too.)
Posted by XaosSurfer on June 5, 2002, at 9:13:44
In reply to CELEXA CHANGES -GOOD TO BAD AFTER 1 MONTH, posted by angel1 on June 5, 2002, at 5:21:07
Celexa users often report something call the one month crash. There is no study to back this up. I did experience a return and worsening of my depression at the one month point. Two weeks later the mood clear right up.
The sleepiness and apathy are an continuing problem. The Dexedrine I take for ADD helps but eventually I will switch off Celexa to avoid the apathy issues.
Paul
Posted by Bill L on June 5, 2002, at 10:03:53
In reply to CELEXA CHANGES -GOOD TO BAD AFTER 1 MONTH, posted by angel1 on June 5, 2002, at 5:21:07
If I were you I would not stop the Celexa at this point. I would increase the dose. I have read a few times about psychiatrists saying that when a drug stops working, the first thing to do is increase the dose. A dose of 30 mg of Celexa does not work for most people in the long run. Most take 40 mg and a lot of people eventually take 60 mg.
Also, a new version of Celexa is coming out in a few weeks which does not cause drowsiness.
Posted by Penny on June 5, 2002, at 12:17:41
In reply to CELEXA CHANGES -GOOD TO BAD AFTER 1 MONTH, posted by angel1 on June 5, 2002, at 5:21:07
Just wanted to say I agree with Bill's post. My pdoc explained that some ADs will start to hit a therapeutic dose level and then your body will respond by making it more difficult for the AD to do its job, so you have to raise the dose. I take 60 mgs of Celexa, was as high as 80 but couldn't tolerate the side effects at that dose. I tolerate 60 well.
Also, I hope that you are making these med adjustments with your pdoc's advice. Just my suggestion.
I wish you the best.
Penny
Posted by angel1 on June 5, 2002, at 18:44:07
In reply to CELEXA CHANGES -GOOD TO BAD AFTER 1 MONTH, posted by angel1 on June 5, 2002, at 5:21:07
Hello all,
thanks to all who responded to my previous post.
I think you all had great advice, so that is why I am asking anyone with interest if they experienced weight gain and/or sleepiness with Celexa. If anyone experienced lethargy or sleepiness how long does it last and will it ever go away. All SSRI's seem to make me sleepy. Any advice or suggestions on what to try next.
I have tried Effexor XR and it helped a lot with
depression, but I ended up being a zombie and it made me constipated and I gained weight.
I am thinking of increasing my Desipramine as I find it mildly energizing. (50mg to 75mg).
Posted by Bill L on June 6, 2002, at 15:50:56
In reply to Re: CELEXA CHANGES -weight gain and sleepiness?, posted by angel1 on June 5, 2002, at 18:44:07
I experienced sleepiness with Celexa but not weight gain. I'm excited about the new version of Celexa, called Lexapro in the US, coming out next month since it did not cause sleepiness in clinical trials.
Posted by oona on June 8, 2002, at 9:52:50
In reply to CELEXA CHANGES -GOOD TO BAD AFTER 1 MONTH, posted by angel1 on June 5, 2002, at 5:21:07
> Hi,
> I was on Celexa 30mgs until yesterday. I was doing well with it until a couple days ago I noticed it was making me really sleepy and apathetic, and I felt more depressed. Prior to this mood, I felt the best I have ever felt. What the heck is going on? I might add I was taking this in combo with 50mg Desipramine which I am still taking. I plan on weaning myself down and off Celexa. Any similar experiences or input appreciated. Thanks.Hi angel1,
I was just increaased on my Celexa from 20 to 30 with plans from my pdoc to eventually go to 40. I aslo had my Risperdal increased slightly.I also have been really sleepy. Just woke up from sleeping from 6 pm, Friday after work, woke up at 11:30 pm, was up for an hour to read and eat sandwich, went back to bed about 12:30 and slept again till 7 am this morning. Yikes!!
Do not know about the weight gain yet, but I suppose if you are sleeping more and moving less, you will gain weight.Also, have been MORE depressed and irritable, maybe we have to wait untill we are on the full dose and the side effects wear off? Or till tht new drug comes out?
oona
Posted by angel1 on June 10, 2002, at 9:46:22
In reply to Re: CELEXA CHANGES - Me Too » angel1, posted by oona on June 8, 2002, at 9:52:50
Hi Oona,
At least I am not the only one experiencing these
weird changes. I am afraid to go to a higher
dose of this med. As a matter of fact, I didn't
take any Celexa yesterday, but am still taking
desipramine. What is your diagnosis and what is
Risperdal used for? Let's keep each other posted on what happens. I'm glad to share with someone who experiences the same symptoms as me.
Thank you. Angel1
Posted by oona on June 10, 2002, at 20:33:58
In reply to Re: CELEXA CHANGES - Me Too, posted by angel1 on June 10, 2002, at 9:46:22
Hi Angel1,
Was diagnosed with depression in '96 and put on Zoloft, now am bi-polar II but new pdoc says probably always was (from my history).Went from Zoloft to Welbutrin which I could not handle, physically.
Now on Celexa with Risperdal used as mood stablizer. It is known as an anti-psychotic..
I cut my Celexa back to 20mg and my Risperdal back to 25 mg.Have not had chance to tell my pdoc yet, will call her tommorow.
Feeling better already,physically, but still down and a little flat mentally.
Did not sleep after work, made myself go right out to garden and work for an hour.
Will stick with this for a while, there is supposed to be a new celexa out soon.
Dont want to start something new when it takes at least 2 or 3 months to really see if it works (as long as it is not hurting)
Probably have to go slower with the increase and also to much coffee is not good with these.
lots of luck.
oona
This is the end of the thread.
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