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Ruth
Medicine Hat, Canada
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It's been 20 days - counting today - without Celexa and that was going "cold turkey". I now notice that I become teary at times - somethingI haven't done for three years. Also, yesterday was weird - I was like shouting all day, not angry, just using a really loud voice and I couldn't relly stop myself and at first I didn't really notice that I was doing it. Today, I made a real effort to speak quitely all day. At least the dizziness which I experienced for the first two weeks seems to be all over. And the salty taste is no longer there.....so, when will I start to lose weight? I'd love for some feedback? Anybody out there?
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Bangalee
Whitchurch-stouffville, Canada
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Ruth wrote: It's been 20 days - counting today - without Celexa and that was going "cold turkey". I now notice that I become teary at times - somethingI haven't done for three years. Also, yesterday was weird - I was like shouting all day, not angry, just using a really loud voice and I couldn't relly stop myself and at first I didn't really notice that I was doing it. Today, I made a real effort to speak quitely all day. At least the dizziness which I experienced for the first two weeks seems to be all over. And the salty taste is no longer there.....so, when will I start to lose weight? I'd love for some feedback? Anybody out there? Ruth, I hope you're doing this with your doctor's knowledge, guidance and approval. I had an episode of depression that ran from November 1999-June 2000. I felt better in June so I gradually weaned my self off Celexa and stopped it completely in October 2000. I stopped seeing my psychiatrist in June 2000 (I didn't need him anymore at that point) and I decided on my own to discontinue my medication. I did fine for nearly 5 YEARS, then I had to restart Celexa in May 2005. November 1999 was not my first battle with depression, it was my third. I saw a different doctor yesterday and he said for patients who have experienced multiple bouts of depression, it is usually considered best that the patient remain on at least a mild dosage of antidepressant for life. The doctor I saw yesterday said that a patient who has had 1 bout of depression has a 50% chance of having a 2nd. 75% of those who have a second have a third bout of depression. 90% of of those who have had a third will have a fourth. The doc also said that if a patient stops Celexa when his history of depression indicates he should remain on it, the Celexa might not work as effectively or might take much longer to achieve the desired effect when re-started than it would if the patient had continuously remained on Celexa even when he felt he had totally recovered. For my two episodes of depression prior to November 1999, I was not given any medication for it. I took Celexa for the first time in November 1999 and given my history of depression, should not have stopped it. Guess I'm lucky I was fine from October 2000 to May 2005, but now that I'm on my 4th bout of depression, I'm told I will have to take Celexa or some form of antidepressant for the rest of my life - and I'm only 34! So I'm just saying that, if you have not already done so, be sure to tell the doctor that you have stopped Celexa. Depending on whether you have had prior episodes of depression it might not be advisable for you to stop it, even if you feel 100% back to normal. You might need to remain on a mild "maintenance dose", e.g. 5 or 10 mg/day. Good luck!
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Ruth
Medicine Hat, Canada
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Bangalee wrote: <quoted text>
Ruth, I hope you're doing this with your doctor's knowledge, guidance and approval.
I had an episode of depression that ran from November 1999-June 2000. I felt better in June so I gradually weaned my self off Celexa and stopped it completely in October 2000. I stopped seeing my psychiatrist in June 2000 (I didn't need him anymore at that point) and I decided on my own to discontinue my medication.
I did fine for nearly 5 YEARS, then I had to restart Celexa in May 2005.
November 1999 was not my first battle with depression, it was my third. I saw a different doctor yesterday and he said for patients who have experienced multiple bouts of depression, it is usually considered best that the patient remain on at least a mild dosage of antidepressant for life.
The doctor I saw yesterday said that a patient who has had 1 bout of depression has a 50% chance of having a 2nd. 75% of those who have a second have a third bout of depression. 90% of of those who have had a third will have a fourth. The doc also said that if a patient stops Celexa when his history of depression indicates he should remain on it, the Celexa might not work as effectively or might take much longer to achieve the desired effect when re-started than it would if the patient had continuously remained on Celexa even when he felt he had totally recovered.
For my two episodes of depression prior to November 1999, I was not given any medication for it. I took Celexa for the first time in November 1999 and given my history of depression, should not have stopped it. Guess I'm lucky I was fine from October 2000 to May 2005, but now that I'm on my 4th bout of depression, I'm told I will have to take Celexa or some form of antidepressant for the rest of my life - and I'm only 34!
So I'm just saying that, if you have not already done so, be sure to tell the doctor that you have stopped Celexa. Depending on whether you have had prior episodes of depression it might not be advisable for you to stop it, even if you feel 100% back to normal. You might need to remain on a mild "maintenance dose", e.g. 5 or 10 mg/day.
Good luck! I know you are right. The next time I see my doctor, I will tell him. I just want to see what it is like to be off medication and to see if I can cope without it. I was taking 40 mg. With meds I was always energetic and in a "good" mood - which is not normal. I don't think it is normal to be one way all the time. And I wonder what it is doing to my body. How can it be perfectly good if pregnant women and nursing women and those with liver problems shouldn't take it. It can't be 100% safe. I was also having problems with my iron and found out that some meds can interfere with the absorption of iron. So, I guess what I'm saying in a scattered way is that it is not simple. Thank you so much for your input! I appreciate your directness and kindness/concern.
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michele
Lockport, NY
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I am 47 years old and I just quit celexa cold turkey two weeks ago. I went on vacation and forgot to pack my meds, so decided it was as good a time as any to try to get drug-free. I have been on Celexa 20mg. for over three years. I was prescribed it for anxiety, not depression. It worked well for me, but the sexual side effects along with a 20 lb. wieght gain became very frustrating. I'm still experiencing withdrawl symptoms. I feel dizzy, exhausted, have headaches, and get a feeling of being zapped (that's the best way I can explain it.) I thought my symptoms were easing up, but today I feel awful!!! I just wish these symptoms would cease for good. I was so irritable today that my husband asked me to go back on Celexa. I refused. I've come this far and I am committed to being drug-free. Has anyone else experienced these withdrawl symptoms, and how long did they last?
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Ruth
Medicine Hat, Canada
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michele wrote: I am 47 years old and I just quit celexa cold turkey two weeks ago. I went on vacation and forgot to pack my meds, so decided it was as good a time as any to try to get drug-free. I have been on Celexa 20mg. for over three years. I was prescribed it for anxiety, not depression. It worked well for me, but the sexual side effects along with a 20 lb. wieght gain became very frustrating. I'm still experiencing withdrawl symptoms. I feel dizzy, exhausted, have headaches, and get a feeling of being zapped (that's the best way I can explain it.) I thought my symptoms were easing up, but today I feel awful!!! I just wish these symptoms would cease for good. I was so irritable today that my husband asked me to go back on Celexa. I refused. I've come this far and I am committed to being drug-free. Has anyone else experienced these withdrawl symptoms, and how long did they last? (I'm 43). It's been just over a month for me. I'm now feeling really good. The first two weeks were very bad for me. I was very dizzy and kind of nausious (spelling?). My saliva was extremely salty tasting as well. The dizziness was weird - just when I thought I was over it, I'd have a great "wave" of it. Anyway, for me the first two weeks were very bad and now I'm consistently feeling better in regards to not having any withdrawel symptoms. I was on it for three years and the last year I was taking 40 mg's so I must say it was foolish to stop cold turkey. If I did it again I would slowly wean myself....As far as "depression" and other disorders - I've yet to see if I'll have another episode. I think I was a bit manic recently and I tear more easily - I don't think I've cried since before I went on the celexa....One of my health problems I had while on Celexa was he absorbtion of iron. I read that some prescribed meds can interfere with that...any way I'm staying off Celexa unless I get depressed. You should listen to your husband though, he may be a better judge of your behaviours - you should consult with your Dr. as well - before doing anything "risky". It's probably not good to go on and off randomly. Re: weight gain - I've yet to see my weight budge - I'd love to drop 25 lbs. Let me know how you are...and good luck!
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Serah
AOL
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My doctor has just prescribed Celexa for me. Does it really make you gain weight, and does the benefits of getting your life back outweight the withdrawl of getting of it? I'd like to know before I start taking it. My doctor really believes Celexa will help my chronic pain I have from depression. Does anyone know if it is recomended for long term use?
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some where in us
Fpo, AA
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Serah,
Start dieting now! It is a lot harder to loss weight on celexa. Not impossible though, I gained about 15-20lb in 1 year. I am taking it off slowly. I feel it is worth it. If you start watching your weight early you might be able to keep it to a minimum. Good luck.
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Serah
AOL
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The pharmaist said it is water weight gain that increases while taking Celexa. If a person stays active and exercises three times a week would they be able to keep their weight down while taking it? Does anyone have chronic pain from their depression, or fibromyalgia? The doctor said Celexa is also used for this, as well. Well, I hope I can get through the first week to get started on them as the doctor said getting started might make me feel sicker than I already feel but the benefits will outweight once the start working for me. Does it give you more energy, because now I sit and do nothing and feel physical pain and have no energy to do much. Thanks, "Somewhere in U.S."
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Ruth
Medicine Hat, Canada
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Serah wrote: The pharmaist said it is water weight gain that increases while taking Celexa. If a person stays active and exercises three times a week would they be able to keep their weight down while taking it? Does anyone have chronic pain from their depression, or fibromyalgia? The doctor said Celexa is also used for this, as well. Well, I hope I can get through the first week to get started on them as the doctor said getting started might make me feel sicker than I already feel but the benefits will outweight once the start working for me. Does it give you more energy, because now I sit and do nothing and feel physical pain and have no energy to do much. Thanks, "Somewhere in U.S." I never had weight gain while I was on 20 mg but had it after I was put on 40 mg. Now that I've gone off it, my weight has actually increased - and trust me, it is not from over eating or lack of excercise. I believe it is better to be on a much needed medication than be slim. What good is being dead and slim; or in pain and slim; or unable to function and slim!!!!! Try the celexa - it was very good for me and I know many people who have only good to say about it.
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michele
Lockport, NY
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Hi Ruth,
Well, the past few days I'm finally feeling better. The strange dizziness has greatly decreased. I'm not as tired and not as irritable. And last night I actually had a full-blown orgasm. It had been a long time since that happened. I know I can't expect miracles with the weight loss. My major complaint with Celexa was the total loss of my sex drive. My friend has the same problem. I will listen to my husband in regards to my moods, but after the other night of lovemaking, he's thrilled I'm off it!! I figure I will try being drug-free for awhile. If my anxiety gets out of control I'll as my doctor for Welbutrin. Supposedly it has less sexual side effects. Oh, I never had a problem with iron absorbtion while on Celexa.
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Ruth
Medicine Hat, Canada
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michele wrote: Hi Ruth,
Well, the past few days I'm finally feeling better. The strange dizziness has greatly decreased. I'm not as tired and not as irritable. And last night I actually had a full-blown orgasm. It had been a long time since that happened. I know I can't expect miracles with the weight loss. My major complaint with Celexa was the total loss of my sex drive. My friend has the same problem. I will listen to my husband in regards to my moods, but after the other night of lovemaking, he's thrilled I'm off it!! I figure I will try being drug-free for awhile. If my anxiety gets out of control I'll as my doctor for Welbutrin. Supposedly it has less sexual side effects. Oh, I never had a problem with iron absorbtion while on Celexa. Congratulations!
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chronise
Cape Coral, FL
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this is not a 100% safe drug! TRUST ME.I have a post telling of my problems PLEASE check it out
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sara
Nesconset, NY
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I am 26 years old and been on 40mg of Celexa for four years. It worked great for me for about 3 of them. Then, I started getting extremely tired to the point that I seriously thought I was narcoleptic. I also gained 25 lbs. rapidly and never wanted to do anything anymore. It was like being depressed all over again. I have now weened myself off Celexa for the past month and a half and haven't taken any at all in three weeks. I am STILL having horrible withdrawals....dizziness, naseaus, crying spells, and a feeling of having nuerological problems. I have started taking Wellbutrin since I will have to most likely always be on some kind of depression meds, I feel that the Wellbutrin hasn't started working yet and I am also concerned with the amount and size of the pills. I wonder if anyone could tell me if Wellbutrin worked for them as well as Celexa did for depression? And was it worth the horrible withdrawals!
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Bangalee
Montreal, Canada
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I am taking BOTH - 40 mg/day of Celexa AND 100 mg/day of Wellbutrin. I'm told the Wellbutrin takes about 6 weeks to show any effect. I've been on it for about 4 weeks and I don't feel much of a difference. No weight gain with Wellbutrin but I have insomnia frequently now and I didn't have any trouble sleeping on Celexa.
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Ruth
Medicine Hat, Canada
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chronise wrote: this is not a 100% safe drug! TRUST ME.I have a post telling of my problems PLEASE check it out How do I check it out - your post that is?
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Bob
Lake Ariel, PA
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I have been on Celexa for about 5 yrs. It started at 20mgs and then about 2 yrs ago my Doctor upped the dose to 40mgs.
Recently I started to get very depressed so I stopped cold...not good. I went back but only on 20mgs. My question is..Has anyone ever had Hot sensations? I sometimes feel like my neck is on fire. My pressure is good.I am 44 yrs old and exercise often.
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Am i the only one
Cape Coral, FL
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sorry my post is BAD DRUG
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Am i the only one
Cape Coral, FL
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Ruth wrote: <quoted text>
How do I check it out - your post that is? BAD DRUG please read on Celexa post page thank you
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Kristyn
Austin, TX
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michele wrote: I am 47 years old and I just quit celexa cold turkey two weeks ago. I went on vacation and forgot to pack my meds, so decided it was as good a time as any to try to get drug-free. I have been on Celexa 20mg. for over three years. I was prescribed it for anxiety, not depression. It worked well for me, but the sexual side effects along with a 20 lb. wieght gain became very frustrating. I'm still experiencing withdrawl symptoms. I feel dizzy, exhausted, have headaches, and get a feeling of being zapped (that's the best way I can explain it.) I thought my symptoms were easing up, but today I feel awful!!! I just wish these symptoms would cease for good. I was so irritable today that my husband asked me to go back on Celexa. I refused. I've come this far and I am committed to being drug-free. Has anyone else experienced these withdrawl symptoms, and how long did they last? It's so important to wein yourself off the drug slowly. If you just stop, it throws your body into a huge depression. I am gradually getting off the drug after 8 yrs. because I have absolutely no sexual desire. The dizziness is a withdrawal symptom. I have noticed that I tear up alot when I watch t.v. and I haven't done that in years.
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Kristyn
Austin, TX
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It's so important to wein yourself off the drug slowly. If you just stop, it throws your body into a huge depression. I am gradually getting off the drug after 8 yrs. because I have absolutely no sexual desire. The dizziness is a withdrawal symptom. I have noticed that I tear up alot when I watch t.v. and I haven't done that in years.
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