the truth about celexa

I loved reading a positive message for once. I agree with princess that starting the medication was hard for me too. I have had severe anxiety ever since I can remember and just started meds at 22. I feel like reading all the negative messages made my anxiety run like wild. I'm glad I stuck the medication out because I am not experiencing any problems with it. No drowsiness (anymore), not weight gain, hair loss, or sex drive changes. Yes there are some people that experience negative side effects but it's definitely something you need to try out yourself and see because the negative side effects do not happen to everyone.

It seems like many of the folks that have come to this site (like myself) are those that are considering taking celexa, but are apprehensive and slightly afraid. There are many forums out there where people talk bad about these drugs (SSRI's) and all of their negative side effects. If you're not sure whether you want to start taking this drug or not, consider my short story. My condition is social anxiety and depression, not something that manifested from a (one) traumatic event. What killed me was my fear and apprehension, not being able to commit to anything, my fear, confusion, awkwardness, anxiety and indecisiveness. For a long time, I was like a lot of the posts I've read here, I just wanted to 'tough it out'. That feeling along with the stories I had heard about different meds for depression kept me from staying on them for more than a week. 3 weeks ago I decided to talk to a doctor and decided I would hear them out. I told her my symptoms:(at this point it was unbearable and I had to do SOMETHING) extreme anxiety, semi-psychotic, etc, etc. I was a real f'n nut job at this point, feeling really weird and what not. She prescribed celexa 20mg (10mg for first 4 days) and I left with the same contrasting feelings about taking DRUGS for a prolonged period of time. For the first week, I didn't take them, I planned on toughing it out again, making myself happy, smile, courageous, etc. That friday, slightly inebriated at a bar, I found myself drinking to some good fusion jazz and seated across from a psychiatrist from a prestigious university. I took the opportunity to ask him some straight forward questions, man to man, drunk dude to tipsy doctor, a very casual setting but intriguing nonetheless. In short, I asked him about the drug, I explained my fears about celexa, and asked him (as an unpaid, off-duty, doctor and friend) what the deal was with this stuff.

Me: "I don't want to be a zombie, I don't even want to be really happy, I just don't want to feel like shit anymore. I've seen people who...

Doc: "I totally understand" (mind you I am not paying him, and he has no monetary incentive to promote this drug, we're having a very open conversation). "I have dozens of patients on it, and they have been on it for several months, some longer. When they come in, they say they are feeling better, not "super happy" but just doing better overall. They say 'you know what, I feel alright'".

We talked further, but I just realized I've written a damn novel, so I'm cutting this short.

In short, this is not the best place to get information. Many of the people that come on here are only coming on to complain (the ones that feel better are not perusing these forums). The people that you should listen to are those that have been on this for atleast a few months. Also listen to your self. No one can give you the answer; that is a scary but liberating idea. Understand that doctors do get paid to prescribe these drugs, and I believe that do have your best interest in mind, but only YOU have to ability to discern the personal benefits of going on a drug for an indefinite period of time.

In my personal limited opinion, if it's THAT bad and you've tried other things (exercise, change in diet, mental exercises, relaxation technics ---> all of which are vital to your well-being, whether you are taking meds or not)... if it's that bad, then try them out. I would suggest a low dose (10-20mg) and see how it affects you. In my short experience (which is not very valuable, i've been on for 21 days) I have become slightly more relaxed and less moody/anxious.

You cannot use these drugs as a complete crutch. I think they may be able to help a little, but you have to continue to practice positive habits. Remember the simple things, keep it simple stupid.
"Believe in yourself and good things will happen", if you feel like crap, take a nap. Don't give up. Sometimes it's okay to be defeated by the world, but never allow yourself to defeat itself. Be strong, try to be positive. Someone told me that if I'm feeling nervous, that's kind of like being selfish because I'm only thinking about myself, and they were right. When you wake up tomorrow ask yourself: "What can I do for someone else today?"

Best of luck, and don't listen to me, listen to you

It seems like many of the folks that have come to this site (like myself) are those that are considering taking celexa, but are apprehensive and slightly afraid. There are many forums out there where people talk bad about these drugs (SSRI's) and all of their negative side effects. If you're not sure whether you want to start taking this drug or not, consider my short story. My condition is social anxiety and depression, not something that manifested from a (one) traumatic event. What killed me was my fear and apprehension, not being able to commit to anything, my fear, confusion, awkwardness, anxiety and indecisiveness. For a long time, I was like a lot of the posts I've read here, I just wanted to 'tough it out'. That feeling along with the stories I had heard about different meds for depression kept me from staying on them for more than a week. 3 weeks ago I decided to talk to a doctor and decided I would hear them out. I told her my symptoms:(at this point it was unbearable and I had to do SOMETHING) extreme anxiety, semi-psychotic, etc, etc. I was a real f'n nut job at this point, feeling really weird and what not. She prescribed celexa 20mg (10mg for first 4 days) and I left with the same contrasting feelings about taking DRUGS for a prolonged period of time. For the first week, I didn't take them, I planned on toughing it out again, making myself happy, smile, courageous, etc. That friday, slightly inebriated at a bar, I found myself drinking to some good fusion jazz and seated across from a psychiatrist from a prestigious university. I took the opportunity to ask him some straight forward questions, man to man, drunk dude to tipsy doctor, a very casual setting but intriguing nonetheless. In short, I asked him about the drug, I explained my fears about celexa, and asked him (as an unpaid, off-duty, doctor and friend) what the deal was with this stuff.

Me: "I don't want to be a zombie, I don't even want to be really happy, I just don't want to feel like shit anymore. I've seen people who...

Doc: "I totally understand" (mind you I am not paying him, and he has no monetary incentive to promote this drug, we're having a very open conversation). "I have dozens of patients on it, and they have been on it for several months, some longer. When they come in, they say they are feeling better, not "super happy" but just doing better overall. They say 'you know what, I feel alright'".
-We talked further, but I just realized I've written a damn novel, so I'm cutting this short.

In short, this is not the best place to get information. Many of the people that come on here are only coming on to complain (the ones that feel better are not perusing these forums). The people that you should listen to are those that have been on this for atleast a few months. Also listen to your self. No one can give you the answer; that is a scary but liberating idea. Understand that doctors do get paid to prescribe these drugs, and I believe that do have your best interest in mind, but only YOU have to ability to discern the personal benefits of going on a drug for an indefinite period of time.
You cannot use these drugs as a complete crutch. I think they may be able to help a little, but you have to continue to practice positive habits. Remember the simple things, keep it simple stupid.
"Believe in yourself and good things will happen", if you feel like crap, take a nap. Don't give up. Sometimes it's okay to be defeated by the world, but never allow yourself to defeat itself. Be strong, try to be positive. Someone told me that if I'm feeling nervous, that's kind of like being selfish because I'm only thinking about myself, and they were right. When you wake up tomorrow ask yourself: "What can I do for someone else today?"
-Best of luck, and don't listen to me, listen to you

This is a great post I used to have panic attacks almost every day, I was afraid to drive on the highway in traffic, I would stay close to hospitals, I literaly thought I was dieing.... but after 2 months on the drug celexa I feel a 95 percent better and I haven't been to the er sense...I drive , I can sit in the house alone.. honestly I don't even know what caused my anxitey or panic attacks but celexa is a great drug so please do not knock it until you try it and if you are just starting it give it time the outcome should be overwhelming.. side effects come with any and almost every drug ...get back to your self...try it you have nothing to lose ! And you life to gain..god bless:)

im only sixteen on the verge of turning seventeen. ive been on celexa for about 3 months and i'm already at 30 mg. im small 52 and weight almost 120. idk it just seems high would anyone agree? It was working but im on vacation at the moment and i find myself really stressing out still and becoming angry at every1 around me cuz my coping skills suck. but it was working bfr, is it bcuz im in a more stressful environment or cuz i need to go up again?

TO: "Spugoo", who wrote (snipped)"... It has completely erased my horrible anger and mood swings, paranoia and depression. But I am permanently exhausted now I've been on it for 7 weeks. Might ask for dose to be reduced. I need more energy than this to get through the day but wouldn't go back to that anger for anything ..."
Would you mind saying what dosage you were on that helped with the anger issues? I'm on 20mg daily and it isn't touching them, altho some of the physical symptoms of depression have gone away.
THX!

I started taking Celexa last year. First I was taking 20 mgs, I ahve menopausal symptoms. Now Im taking 40 mgs, Celexa keeps away my hot falshes & irritability. I have some days , I feel restlessness and sleepy. I went off it for 2 days and then had a headache. Im back on and I'd rather take Celexa, than deal with too many hot flashes ! Also sometimes I get a euphoric feeling of "I don't care " about things I use to care about. I am a worry wort by nature, so Id rather not worry ! I never wanted to kill myself, but somtimes I'l think so what if I died. I use to be afraid of dying. So I think the Celexa relaxes my thoughts . It's complicated ? "The Brain "

I have been on celaxa for a short while now. They began helping within a week or so. I take it before bed because they we intense on me when they kicked in in the morning. It was not a pleasant way to start the day.
If they work for you, great. If not then seek something else. My only real side effect is the annoying metallic taste. At least it reminds me I've taken my dose.

Nikita wrote:

Hi there,
I went through war, through divorce, loss of family and abusive relation ship,having a baby all by my self.But I keep telling my self, I am tough and I can make it.And I did! I cry, and cry..and kept going..But lately, I have this rage..constant anger. and I don't know, is it worse to be sad or mad.I was still convincing my self that I am strong, and this could be due to some physical problems, like hormones, or thyroids. Well, I just got checked both of them, and it is not physical!!! I know I had to do something, when I scared my dog in to hiding, and my son was looking at me with his eyes full of tears, like please don't hurt me. I was prescribed Celexa, and I can't wait to start taking it, for sake of my son. HE NEEDS TO HAVE HAPPY CHILDHOOD!

Nikita, I started taking Celexa for similar reasons (although it sounds like my life has been much easier than yours)-- basically, I couldn't stand the thought of my son seeing me so angry. I haven't been on it for long, but it really seems to be helping with my anger. I admire you for trying to take positive steps to help make your son's (and your dog's :) lives better. I hope you find something that works!

thanks to everyone for the posts...i am terrified to take citalopram as it has been recently prescribed to me. yet i am at the point where my pain is outweighing my fear...anger, mood swings, irritability (all mainly around my menstrual cycle--yet happens a week before, during and a week after--so as you can see i have about one 'sane' week a month), ridiculous ideas/thoughts, bouts of crying/hysteria, empty feeling (and so much to be thankful for in my life), MAJOR anxiety (hence i am scared to death to take the med), panic attacks, ocd, spending sprees, etc, etc--ALL is affecting my ENTIRE life--family, relationships, jobs, commitments and so on...i am so thankful for this site, it gives me some peace and hope...thanks to all who have written...God bless...

I know this is an old post, but I've been fighting taking it for about 3 months and today I started. I already feel a change in my body and I hope for the best. I'm not sure if you'll ever read this, but thank you for sharing your experience. As my doubt and holding out are similar to yours, I hope my results will be as well. Thank you again!:)

I took Lexapro (40mg) for nearly 5 years in combination with talk therapy for severe depression. Lexapro helped a lot with depression, but in retrospect, I began to lose my body hair (not head or face hair)about then. Took a lot of stress out of my life when my wife and I moved from NH to FL. To lower high cost of Lex, my Dr. put me on celexa about a year ago. After returned from New England and family in September, I suddenly had some hair loss from alopecia areata (dermatologist diagnosis after hair plug biopsies and blood work to eliminate thyroid issue [potential). Then, all of a sudden ALL my hair fell out -- and I mean almost every one! I have a few strands left in what were formerly bushy eyebrows, and maybe 10 in my moustach!! I look like h**l.

I finally went to Forest Labs "Doctors Prescribing Information" for Celexa on line, and there it was as a side-effect -- "infrequent, but not rare" loss of hair. From the others posting on this blog, I can see that it is rare, but quite troubling for many people. Of the millions of prescriptions for this drug written, maybe it is infrequent, but it is a real blow to appearance. My primary care physician cannot be expected to know and remember every potential side effect of the thousands of drugs out there, only those that are "common" but my dermatologist should have known.

I am back now on Lexapro (20mg), but we will have to see what happens.

theres a huuuuuge section of ppl and hair lost im scared and freaking out that i dont want to take it anymore but dangerous now !!!! solution?

Hey everyone,

I started taking this med 3 days ago. The first day I could tell a big difference. I was able to look at people in the eyes and talk to them comfortably. I have horrible SAD and so far I am experiencing the benefit. I am also taking vistaril at night to help me calm down and rest. I have been grinding my teeth every day due to stress and anxiety. So far so good. I hate the feeling of having to take a pill, but honestly the anxiety had gotten so bad I didn't want to go in to work. I have had some bad cramps in my leg yesterday and I called my doctor. She said I could take this med on and off whenever I wanted... but I know better from reading online. We will see what happens today.

After countless years of un-necessary suffering - I have been diagnosed with anxiety disorder and prescribed Celexa. 10 mg first 4 days then 20 mg a day. Of course, having anxiety, I am scared to death of any of these side effects. I did read very positive results from a lot of you so I am hoping this really helps me out. I'm tired of the constant worrying, etc etc.

A while a ago my daughter was being bullied at school, which drove her to take an overdose, thank fully she was ok and is doing fine now
But my wife tool it really hard and started to suffer with anxiety so the doctor gave her citalopram.
Instantly I noticed a change in her attitude, she jus seemed so hard faced and cold toward me, then what was a healthy sexual relationship turned to a relationship with no sex at all, I've tryed to tell her that this drug has changed her but she is not interested, this drug had changed her from being a normal loving mother/wife to a woman who needs no love or affection. And now after 15yrs of being together she wants a divorce, to sell the house and go our separate ways, I am absolutely devastated I can't imagine my life without this woman I have loved for so long, but it's the medication im dealing with not my wife, she's in there some where but I can't and don't know how to bring her back. I love my wife and would do anything to keep her and not get divorced but it all seems to be falling on deaf ears.
Is there anyone out there who knows what I can do?
I am heartbroken and don't want to leave her on this state but she is adamant that we split immediately.

Buddy wrote:

In my personal limited opinion, if it's THAT bad and you've tried other things (exercise, change in diet, mental exercises, relaxation technics ---> all of which are vital to your well-being, whether you are taking meds or not)... if it's that bad, then try them out. I would suggest a low dose (10-20mg) and see how it affects you. In my short experience (which is not very valuable, i've been on for 21 days) I have become slightly more relaxed and less moody/anxious.
You cannot use these drugs as a complete crutch. I think they may be able to help a little, but you have to continue to practice positive habits. Remember the simple things, keep it simple stupid.
"Believe in yourself and good things will happen", if you feel like crap, take a nap. Don't give up. Sometimes it's okay to be defeated by the world, but never allow yourself to defeat itself. Be strong, try to be positive. Someone told me that if I'm feeling nervous, that's kind of like being selfish because I'm only thinking about myself, and they were right. When you wake up tomorrow ask yourself: "What can I do for someone else today?"
Best of luck, and don't listen to me, listen to you

I know that this is a dead or outdated post but thank you very much.Just started Celexa and your post really spoke to my way of thinking.I'm going to see it through.Some times the smallest things can make you feel better,if just for a moment.Thanks