SSRIs

Question:

Id try it, I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Scott

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->  Printer Friendly  Send to a Friend > FDA Approves Lexapro as Newest Antidepressant > NYC company offers a re-engineered version of Celexa > By Bruce Sylvester > HealthScoutNews Reporter > THURSDAY, Aug. 15 (HealthScoutNews) — From one antidepressant a more > powerful one has sprung. > The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved the drug > Lexapro as a treatment for major depression. Interestingly, this > latest entry into the antidepressant market resulted from a molecular > re-engineering of the popular antidepressant Celexa. > Lexapro (escitalopram) is the first antidepressant to get the FDA’s > nod since Celexa (citalopram) won approval four years ago. Both are > made by Forest Laboratories of New York City and both are SSRIs > (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like their cousins Prozac, > Zoloft and Paxil. > "Lexapro is a more potent version of Celexa, in that the component > that fights depression has been isolated," says Talia Puzantian, a > clinical pharmacist in psychiatry at San Francisco General Hospital. > This means patients will only need 10 milligrams to 20 milligrams a > day of Lexapro, half of what is generally used with Celexa, Puzantian > adds. > The Celexa molecule contains two "mirror" parts called isomers, but > only one isomer helps fight depression. Researchers created Lexapro by > removing the inactive isomer. > Celexa’s patent does not run out until late 2005. However, the company > decided to seek FDA approval for Lexapro and market it as soon as > possible. > "Forest is taking a successful $1.4 billion dollar-a-year drug, > Celexa, out of active marketing three years before the patent > expires," says Andrew Farah, a psychiatrist and medical director of > High Point Regional Hospital in High Point, N.C. "They are replacing > it with a drug that is costing them more to make, but for which they > plan to charge less." > "Lexapro is stronger, starts working faster and appears to have a > lower side-effect profile. They could have held off on Lexapro, and > made their billions off of Celexa first. But that isn’t happening > here, and the implications, especially in terms of potency, side > effects and costs, could be huge for patients," he adds. > Farah notes the decision was driven by Howard Soloman, chief executive > officer of Forest, whose son, Andrew, suffered from debilitating > depression. The Solomans have publicly discussed the impact of the > disease on their family life and on their business priorities, mot > notably in a Business Week cover story in May. > Andrew Soloman emerged from the worst of his depression after several > months of treatment with Cipramil, the European version of Celexa. He > wrote a book about his struggle with the disease, The Noonday Demon: > An Atlas of Depression, which was published in June 2001 and won the > National Book Award for nonfiction. > "This will probably be a successful business decision by Forest, but > it wouldn’t be happening at all if Howard Solomon hadn’t gone to > Europe in the mid-1990s, searched for a better drug for his son, found > the European version of Celexa, licensed it for the U.S. market and > introduced it here," Farah says. > Three European and U.S. studies presented at the Anxiety Disorders > Association of America annual meeting in March also suggest that > today’s FDA approval could herald future indications for Lexapro. > A Duke University clinical study reported that, "Escitalopram > (Lexapro) treatment significantly improved anxiety symptoms relative > to placebo treatment. The reliable anti-anxiety effects of this new > drug suggest that it should be useful in the treatment of generalized > anxiety disorder." > A study conducted at the University Hospital of Vienna concluded, > "Escitalopram (Lexapro) 10-20mg/day is effective and well-tolerated in > the treatment of social anxiety disorder." > Finally, a University of California at San Diego study reported that, > "Escitalopram (Lexapro) in comparison to placebo significantly reduced > panic attack frequency and severity, anticipatory anxiety and phobic > avoidance, and significantly improved overall clinical status and > quality of life. The results of this study suggest that escitalopram > is efficacious and well-tolerated in the treatment of panic disorder." > Approximately 19 million adult Americans suffer from a depressive > illness each year. One of every four women and one in 10 men in the > United States will be diagnosed with depression during their lifetime. > The World Health Organization predicts depression will become the > leading cause of disability by the year 2020. > Forest Laboratories expects Lexapro to be available in pharmacies by > Sept. 5.

Response:

Are they as good as the pills a person can find in the gutter from time to time on the down town streets? Sometimes they are black, but if you scrape off the dirt, they are a different color. Sometimes they are m&m tasting.  hmmm.  do they make chocolate flavored ssri pillz? Oh, no.  that is the trouble. i have been taking chocolate instead of drugz…

: :  Printer Friendly  Send to a Friend : : : FDA Approves Lexapro as Newest Antidepressant : : NYC company offers a re-engineered version of Celexa : : By Bruce Sylvester : HealthScoutNews Reporter : : : : : : : THURSDAY, Aug. 15 (HealthScoutNews) — From one antidepressant a more : powerful one has sprung. : The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved the drug : Lexapro as a treatment for major depression. Interestingly, this : latest entry into the antidepressant market resulted from a molecular : re-engineering of the popular antidepressant Celexa. : : Lexapro (escitalopram) is the first antidepressant to get the FDA’s : nod since Celexa (citalopram) won approval four years ago. Both are : made by Forest Laboratories of New York City and both are SSRIs : (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like their cousins Prozac, : Zoloft and Paxil. : : "Lexapro is a more potent version of Celexa, in that the component : that fights depression has been isolated," says Talia Puzantian, a : clinical pharmacist in psychiatry at San Francisco General Hospital. : : This means patients will only need 10 milligrams to 20 milligrams a : day of Lexapro, half of what is generally used with Celexa, Puzantian : adds. : : The Celexa molecule contains two "mirror" parts called isomers, but : only one isomer helps fight depression. Researchers created Lexapro by : removing the inactive isomer. : : Celexa’s patent does not run out until late 2005. However, the company : decided to seek FDA approval for Lexapro and market it as soon as : possible. : : "Forest is taking a successful $1.4 billion dollar-a-year drug, : Celexa, out of active marketing three years before the patent : expires," says Andrew Farah, a psychiatrist and medical director of : High Point Regional Hospital in High Point, N.C. "They are replacing : it with a drug that is costing them more to make, but for which they : plan to charge less." : : "Lexapro is stronger, starts working faster and appears to have a : lower side-effect profile. They could have held off on Lexapro, and : made their billions off of Celexa first. But that isn’t happening : here, and the implications, especially in terms of potency, side : effects and costs, could be huge for patients," he adds. : : Farah notes the decision was driven by Howard Soloman, chief executive : officer of Forest, whose son, Andrew, suffered from debilitating : depression. The Solomans have publicly discussed the impact of the : disease on their family life and on their business priorities, mot : notably in a Business Week cover story in May. : : Andrew Soloman emerged from the worst of his depression after several : months of treatment with Cipramil, the European version of Celexa. He : wrote a book about his struggle with the disease, The Noonday Demon: : An Atlas of Depression, which was published in June 2001 and won the : National Book Award for nonfiction. : : "This will probably be a successful business decision by Forest, but : it wouldn’t be happening at all if Howard Solomon hadn’t gone to : Europe in the mid-1990s, searched for a better drug for his son, found : the European version of Celexa, licensed it for the U.S. market and : introduced it here," Farah says. : : Three European and U.S. studies presented at the Anxiety Disorders : Association of America annual meeting in March also suggest that : today’s FDA approval could herald future indications for Lexapro. : : A Duke University clinical study reported that, "Escitalopram : (Lexapro) treatment significantly improved anxiety symptoms relative : to placebo treatment. The reliable anti-anxiety effects of this new : drug suggest that it should be useful in the treatment of generalized : anxiety disorder." : : A study conducted at the University Hospital of Vienna concluded, : "Escitalopram (Lexapro) 10-20mg/day is effective and well-tolerated in : the treatment of social anxiety disorder." : : Finally, a University of California at San Diego study reported that, : "Escitalopram (Lexapro) in comparison to placebo significantly reduced : panic attack frequency and severity, anticipatory anxiety and phobic : avoidance, and significantly improved overall clinical status and : quality of life. The results of this study suggest that escitalopram : is efficacious and well-tolerated in the treatment of panic disorder." : : Approximately 19 million adult Americans suffer from a depressive : illness each year. One of every four women and one in 10 men in the : United States will be diagnosed with depression during their lifetime. : The World Health Organization predicts depression will become the : leading cause of disability by the year 2020. : : Forest Laboratories expects Lexapro to be available in pharmacies by : Sept. 5. : : :

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Question:

A few days ago I started taking CELEXA to treat depression.  For the past several years I have been taking about 25 tablets of Dramine everyday.  I am not concerned with the side effects.  I am worried that this will prevent the Celexa from working.  Does anyone know/

Response:

There have been no studies about the effects of diphenhydramine and caffeine, the major metabolites of dimenhydrinate, and citalopram. Metabolic drug interactions can cause blood levels of either drug to be lowered or raised. These three drugs work on different receptors in the brain, so theoretically there should not be problems in that area. As a curious and nosy person, may I inquire as to why you take 20 tablets of dimenhydrinate daily, and what effect it has on you.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> A few days ago I started taking CELEXA to treat depression.  For the past > several years I have been taking about 25 tablets of Dramine everyday.  I am > not concerned with the side effects.  I am worried that this will prevent > the Celexa from working.  Does anyone know/

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Question:

I’m taking two Wellbutrin and one Prozac (20 mg.) each day.  Is there any reason he would have me taking them in combo?  What side effects can I expect?  Thanks for any help. Posted Via Uncensored-News.Com – Still Only $9.95 – http://www.uncensored-news.com       <><><><><><><>   The Worlds Uncensored News Source   <><><><><><><><>

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> I’m taking two Wellbutrin and one Prozac (20 mg.) each day.  Is there > any reason he would have me taking them in combo?  What side effects > can I expect?  Thanks for any help.

One reason is that Prozac can have sexual side effects and Wellbutrin can help to counter that. Bruce.

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Don’t know why for sure, but since both work on different neurotransmitters you might get more benefit.  I was on Paxil and later Zoloft (both in the same class as Prozac) and thought it was a good combo.  Also Wellbutrin helped with feeling tired.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m taking two Wellbutrin and one Prozac (20 mg.) each day.  Is there > any reason he would have me taking them in combo?  What side effects > can I expect?  Thanks for any help. > One reason is that Prozac can have sexual side effects and Wellbutrin can > help to counter that. > Bruce.

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>I’m taking two Wellbutrin and one Prozac (20 mg.) each day.  Is there >any reason he would have me taking them in combo?  What side effects >can I expect?  Thanks for any help.

It’s not entirely unreasonable. While I’m no fan of fluoxetine (Prozac), it does have benefits for many people and has been used with bupropion (Wellbutrin) for hard to treat cases. I’m currently on citalopram (Celexa) 20mg tid, bupropion (Wellbutrin) SR 150mg tid, as well as mood stabilisers. I haven’t had any problems with my med combinations, although like the saying goes, what works for me might not work for you. Darren.

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>I’m taking two Wellbutrin and one Prozac (20 mg.) each day.  Is there >any reason he would have me taking them in combo?

SBN, I think the best person to ask is your  doctor.  The responses have all seemed reasonable, but no one here is a mind reader.  Only your doc knows why he prescribed it.  And it is always good to ask a doc, any doc, why they are prescribing something – what is it supposed to do; how long is going to take before you see an effect; any side effects you should look for and which ones should be contact him about immediately and which ones can hold off until the next visit; etc. Good luck, Cathy Postcard Pals: http://www.geocities.com/mensan_Cathy Affective Friends: http://www.geocities.com/postcard_Cathy Kutsher’s Camp Anawana: http://www.geocities.com/kutsherscampanawana Hewlett High School: http://www.geocities.com/hewlettalumni

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Question:

I read up on this.   Most likely nothing bad will happen, since your already tappering your SSRI, you won’t have enough drug in your system to interact dangerously.  I’ve seen a study where they combine a SSRI with 5-HTP(tryptophan) and nothing bad was reported.  Same study with st. johns wort and Kava.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I was taking 40mg of celexa per day and I have weaned myself down to > 20mg. I have felt better, personally, I think 60mg would be a better > dose. > Anyway, in an attempt to "go natural"  and avoid the side effects of > SSRIS, > I have obtained some 500mg tryptophan tablets. Only 50. > Anyway, can I add tryptophan while reducing Celexa or will I die a > horrible death ? LOL > What tryptophan dosage would most resemble 40mg of celexa ? > Any help would be appreciated. > Thanks

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Dear Never Mind, > I think everyone’s experience can be very different. > I withdrew from celexa, slowly in two week increments. > 20mg / 10mg / 5mgs  by cutting the tablets into halves > than quarters.  But your question about tryptophan > I can answer, I suggest you contact your doctor or > pharmacist. > Take care of yourself, > Julie > I was taking 40mg of celexa per day and I have weaned myself down to > 20mg. I have felt better, personally, I think 60mg would be a better > dose. > Anyway, in an attempt to "go natural"  and avoid the side effects of > SSRIS, > I have obtained some 500mg tryptophan tablets. Only 50. > Anyway, can I add tryptophan while reducing Celexa or will I die a > horrible death ? LOL > What tryptophan dosage would most resemble 40mg of celexa ? > Any help would be appreciated. > Thanks

My Dr wouldnt know ANYTHING about tryptophan.

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I was taking 40mg of celexa per day and I have weaned myself down to 20mg. I have felt better, personally, I think 60mg would be a better dose. Anyway, in an attempt to "go natural"  and avoid the side effects of SSRIS, I have obtained some 500mg tryptophan tablets. Only 50. Anyway, can I add tryptophan while reducing Celexa or will I die a horrible death ? LOL What tryptophan dosage would most resemble 40mg of celexa ? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

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Does anyone have any comments or is this board just a wasteland of spam ?

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Dear Never Mind, I think everyone’s experience can be very different. I withdrew from celexa, slowly in two week increments. 20mg / 10mg / 5mgs  by cutting the tablets into halves than quarters.  But your question about tryptophan I can answer, I suggest you contact your doctor or pharmacist. Take care of yourself, Julie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I was taking 40mg of celexa per day and I have weaned myself down to > 20mg. I have felt better, personally, I think 60mg would be a better > dose. > Anyway, in an attempt to "go natural"  and avoid the side effects of > SSRIS, > I have obtained some 500mg tryptophan tablets. Only 50. > Anyway, can I add tryptophan while reducing Celexa or will I die a > horrible death ? LOL > What tryptophan dosage would most resemble 40mg of celexa ? > Any help would be appreciated. > Thanks

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Question:

I have a tendency toward diahrrea and suffer from IBS. I’ve recently started taking Celexa 10mg per day and seem to be having more diahrrea. Given my IBS, it’s difficult to assess the likelihood of whether the celexa is actually causing or exacerbating the diahrrea. Is diahrrea a fairly common side effect of celexa? TIA Louise

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> I have a tendency toward diahrrea and suffer from IBS. > I’ve recently started taking Celexa 10mg per day and seem to be having > more diahrrea. > Given my IBS, it’s difficult to assess the likelihood of whether the > celexa is actually causing or exacerbating the diahrrea. > Is diahrrea a fairly common side effect of celexa? > TIA > Louise

Hi Louise.  I’ve been on citalopram for three and a half months, my stomach has been very upset the entire time, and yes I have had diahrea quite a bit.  I’m taking 40 mg and I’m thinking of saying screw it and going down in dose, or even off because of the stomach aches I have been getting these last few weeks. The Squire

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Question:

Prozac Truth How to taper off medication   Quitting ssris and psychiatric medication must be done by tapering off, very slowly. Step by step instructions found on this Web Site.   How to Taper Off Prozac, Sarafem, Paxil, Celexa, Zoloft, Wellbutrin and other Psychiatric Medication Read testimonials of people that have quit psychiatric medication with this method. Click Here (This page also includes recent feedback from people tapering off medication with this method) I want to hear from you. If you are using this method or not, it does help to have someone to talk with during withdrawal. Click Here to send e-mail. A change in your diet can make a change in how you feel. Click here to visit a common sense Web Site by, Dr. Hugh Mann, M.D. If you plan to change your diet while tapering, do so mildly. If you smoke or drink coffee, first taper off the medication before you quit. Your metabolism plays a major role during tapering and detox. Take the time to read Dr. Mann’s information. How to Taper Step-by-Step Recommendation Click the text below that applies to you situation: Currently using medication and have not reduced the dosage yet Currently using medication and have already started to taper You have already quit taking medication but are suffering from side effects Currently using medication and have not reduced the dosage yet Inform your doctor you wish to discontinue the medication Begin replenishing the intracellular glutathione levels in the body. This needs to be done before you begin to taper. a) Begin by increasing intracellular levels of glutathione for at least one full week before beginning the taper. Longer if necessary. I have received information from a physician that he is having people stay at this step for 8 weeks before tapering. Each individual is different. I do not feel that an arbitrary amount of time on this step is warranted. What has shown to be the most effective is staying on this step for at least one full week or until most of your side effects are gone or nearly gone AND YOU FEEL VERY STABLE. You should not begin to taper off the medication until all or nearly all of your current side effects are gone. Getting yourself very stable before tapering is critical. If you are getting the

Question:

> My son used to take Celexa and I believe he took it in the morning.  It > couldn’t hurt for you to try for a few days and see what happens.  I always > take my prozac in the morning, but then the pdoc recommends that as well.

i take an SSRI too, sertraline (Zoloft)… i was told to take it in the morning because SSRIs have a mild stimulant effect and can cause sleep disturbance if you take them at night… what matters i think is that you take them at the same time each day, regardless of when… hugs m — ~~~~~~>><:>~~~~~~ iriXx " you can try the best you can    you can try the best you can …the best you can is good enough" radiohead: optomistic

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hi there.. Here is my current med regime – my question follows: Morning: 37.5 mg Effexor  <— am being weaned off this, won’t take it next week              900 mg Gabapentin Evening:  50 mg. Celexa              1200 mg. Gabapentin Okay you Celexa folks, do you take your Celexa in the morning on in the evening? I am starting to think it may not be the best med for me to take at night as I am not sleeping well. I get 3-4 hours very light sleep if I don’t take a sleep med, or 5 – 6 hours of a deeper sleep if I give in and take 7.5 mg. Imovane (Canadian non-benzodiazepine sleep med). Gabapentin folks – do you think it is the Gabapentin keeping me on such a light sleep regime? thanks so much everyone, Compucat  >^+^<

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > hi there.. > Here is my current med regime – my question follows: > Morning: 37.5 mg Effexor  <— am being weaned off this, won’t take it next > week >              900 mg Gabapentin > Evening:  50 mg. Celexa >              1200 mg. Gabapentin > Okay you Celexa folks, do you take your Celexa in the morning on in the > evening? I am starting to think it may not be the best med for me to take at > night as I am not sleeping well. I get 3-4 hours very light sleep if I don’t > take a sleep med, or 5 – 6 hours of a deeper sleep if I give in and take 7.5 > mg. Imovane (Canadian non-benzodiazepine sleep med).

My son used to take Celexa and I believe he took it in the morning.  It couldn’t hurt for you to try for a few days and see what happens.  I always take my prozac in the morning, but then the pdoc recommends that as well. > Gabapentin folks – do you think it is the Gabapentin keeping me on such a > light sleep regime?

Fo me I am having a lot of trouble with neurontin (gabapentin) making me sleepy.  I take a larger dose of it at bedtime and it usually helps me to sleep better.  But then that just shows how different we all are with the same meds. I hope your sleep gets better soon Compucat. Bonnie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> thanks so much everyone, > Compucat  >^+^<

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Question:

I have been on Celexa now since November 15, 2001, and started at 10 mg and slowly increased my dose.  I am now up to 40 mg, which I take at bedtime.  Even though the Celexa is supposed to help with depression, I have noticed that I have been crying more since I have been on the Celexa.  I thought that for a while the Celexa was working, however, I am beginning to think it isn’t working since I have experienced a lot more crying lately. Has anyone had any similar experiences while taking Celexa? Thanks. Joey

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> Has anyone had any similar experiences while taking Celexa?

Yes, I had a similar experience to yours.  Celexa seemed to help me for a short while (couple of months or so) and then it seemed not to have any effect (positive or negative) after that.  I started out on 40mg a day and was on 60mg a day when my pdoc switched me to Paxil and Seroquel.  I weigh in at about 275 right now to give you somewhat of an idea of why my doses were what they were.

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I have had the same experience with all SSRIs. I cry constantly, hallucinate, feel paranoid and totally detached from my body. I tried to take Elavil again and had the same problem, so after 10 years of trying meds, I give up. There has to be another way for those of us who can’t tolerate meds.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have been on Celexa now since November 15, 2001, and started at 10 > mg and slowly increased my dose.  I am now up to 40 mg, which I take > at bedtime.  Even though the Celexa is supposed to help with > depression, I have noticed that I have been crying more since I have > been on the Celexa.  I thought that for a while the Celexa was > working, however, I am beginning to think it isn’t working since I > have experienced a lot more crying lately. > Has anyone had any similar experiences while taking Celexa? > Thanks. > Joey

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> I have been on Celexa now since November 15, 2001, and started at 10 > mg and slowly increased my dose.  I am now up to 40 mg, which I take > at bedtime.  Even though the Celexa is supposed to help with > depression, I have noticed that I have been crying more since I have > been on the Celexa.  I thought that for a while the Celexa was > working, however, I am beginning to think it isn’t working since I > have experienced a lot more crying lately. > Has anyone had any similar experiences while taking Celexa? > Thanks. > Joey

crying isn’t necessarily a good indicator of depression. when i’m deeply depressed, i don’t cry; i’m much too numb. for me, at least, crying is often a sign of recovery. -lisa

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It just made me numb most of the time. I did cry occasionally just becuase it didn’t matter if I cried or not. I’m just trying to get on without which is proberbly a bad idea but I prefer to feel depressed than not to feel …Groundhog

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I have been on celexa now for four weeks now and have some questions for those in this newsgroup who also take Celexa.  My doctor started me out on 10 mg and then slowly increased me to 20 mg.  When I first started on it, I started taking it in the morning like my doctor suggested, although she said that if it causes too much drowsiness, take it before bedtime.  Actually, I had to switch from taking it in the morning to taking it at bedtime not because of drowsiness, but because of some of the other minor, inconvenient side effects, which have sense gone away.  Anyway, now that my body is used to the 20 mg, would I benefit from taking the Celexa earlier on in the day as compared to taking it at bedtime.  In other words, would I benefit more from taking it in the morning rather than at bedtime. Also, my doctor is having me increase my dose slowly from 20 mg to 40 mg and I was wanting to know if there are any others in this group who are on that dose and how you are doing? Thanks, Joey

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I’m taking Celexa 20mg since one month.  I fell better with this med than Paxil and Effexor. I take my med morning.  I have no inconvenient with this. Aline – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I have been on celexa now for four weeks now and have some questions >for those in this newsgroup who also take Celexa.  My doctor started >me out on 10 mg and then slowly increased me to 20 mg.  When I first >started on it, I started taking it in the morning like my doctor >suggested, although she said that if it causes too much drowsiness, >take it before bedtime.  Actually, I had to switch from taking it in >the morning to taking it at bedtime not because of drowsiness, but >because of some of the other minor, inconvenient side effects, which >have sense gone away.  Anyway, now that my body is used to the 20 mg, >would I benefit from taking the Celexa earlier on in the day as >compared to taking it at bedtime.  In other words, would I benefit >more from taking it in the morning rather than at bedtime. >Also, my doctor is having me increase my dose slowly from 20 mg to 40 >mg and I was wanting to know if there are any others in this group who >are on that dose and how you are doing? >Thanks, >Joey

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have been on celexa now for four weeks now and have some questions > for those in this newsgroup who also take Celexa.  My doctor started > me out on 10 mg and then slowly increased me to 20 mg.  When I first > started on it, I started taking it in the morning like my doctor > suggested, although she said that if it causes too much drowsiness, > take it before bedtime.  Actually, I had to switch from taking it in > the morning to taking it at bedtime not because of drowsiness, but > because of some of the other minor, inconvenient side effects, which > have sense gone away.  Anyway, now that my body is used to the 20 mg, > would I benefit from taking the Celexa earlier on in the day as > compared to taking it at bedtime.  In other words, would I benefit > more from taking it in the morning rather than at bedtime. > Also, my doctor is having me increase my dose slowly from 20 mg to 40 > mg and I was wanting to know if there are any others in this group who > are on that dose and how you are doing?

I’m up to 60 mg, going 10 mg at a time.  At 20 mg, I didn’t notice anything.  At 40mg, I noticed a little less depression but no help for my anxiety.  The doctor thought that 40 helping with the depression was good news to we went to 60 to see if it would help the anxiety. So far, the only negative side effect I’ve experienced is dry mouth. — David Chamberlain http://www.dslnorthwest.net/~dchamberlain — Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen. — A 9/11 Tribute — http://www.politicsandprotest.org/

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my doc had me all the way up to 80,  and i have read after 40 there really isnt much more it can do but i could be wrong, but i had no side effects or relief at that matter. brian s. — Get 5 bucks free for signing up with the internets #1 e-payment service. https://www.paypal.com/refer/pal=8YXF6QPBZH46C Check out my tape trading list below. .shtml

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have been on celexa now for four weeks now and have some questions > for those in this newsgroup who also take Celexa.  My doctor started > me out on 10 mg and then slowly increased me to 20 mg.  When I first > started on it, I started taking it in the morning like my doctor > suggested, although she said that if it causes too much drowsiness, > take it before bedtime.  Actually, I had to switch from taking it in > the morning to taking it at bedtime not because of drowsiness, but > because of some of the other minor, inconvenient side effects, which > have sense gone away.  Anyway, now that my body is used to the 20 mg, > would I benefit from taking the Celexa earlier on in the day as > compared to taking it at bedtime.  In other words, would I benefit > more from taking it in the morning rather than at bedtime. > Also, my doctor is having me increase my dose slowly from 20 mg to 40 > mg and I was wanting to know if there are any others in this group who > are on that dose and how you are doing? > I’m up to 60 mg, going 10 mg at a time.  At 20 mg, I didn’t notice > anything.  At 40mg, I noticed a little less depression but no help for > my anxiety.  The doctor thought that 40 helping with the depression was > good news to we went to 60 to see if it would help the anxiety. > So far, the only negative side effect I’ve experienced is dry mouth. > — > David Chamberlain > http://www.dslnorthwest.net/~dchamberlain > — > Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening > presents and listen. > — > A 9/11 Tribute — http://www.politicsandprotest.org/

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I have been on celexa now for four weeks now and have some questions >for those in this newsgroup who also take Celexa.  My doctor started >me out on 10 mg and then slowly increased me to 20 mg.  When I first >started on it, I started taking it in the morning like my doctor >suggested, although she said that if it causes too much drowsiness, >take it before bedtime.  Actually, I had to switch from taking it in >the morning to taking it at bedtime not because of drowsiness, but >because of some of the other minor, inconvenient side effects, which >have sense gone away.  Anyway, now that my body is used to the 20 mg, >would I benefit from taking the Celexa earlier on in the day as >compared to taking it at bedtime.  In other words, would I benefit >more from taking it in the morning rather than at bedtime. >Also, my doctor is having me increase my dose slowly from 20 mg to 40 >mg and I was wanting to know if there are any others in this group who >are on that dose and how you are doing? >Thanks, >Joey

Joey, I also just started on Celexa. I was using Effexor. The effexor was not working as well any longer and I wanted a change. My pdoc changed me to the Celexa. I’ve been taking it about 3 weeks now. I was very depressed 3 weeks ago. In fact attempted suicide. I didn’t think I’d ever feel better up until about 2 days ago. The medication is starting to kick in and I’m feeling much better. I’m on 30 mg and am grateful that I feel better. There have been many times in my life that I have questioned the "do I want to be on meds?" question. My answer is simple but complex. I want to be able to be "normal" but you know for me that’s not going to happen. It is a sadnes that I grieve over but have come to accept to some degree. I think that this is your question. Am I right? Well, I needed to determine the kind of like I wanted to live and with my depression/panic disorder/ptsd well I don’t function well without medications. So, I decided that rather than feel totally destroyed I take the medications, go to therapy and do the best I can. Your experience may or may not be the same. You have to decide what is right for you. mouse

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I’m up to 60 mg, going 10 mg at a time.  At 20 mg, I didn’t notice >anything.  At 40mg, I noticed a little less depression but no help for >my anxiety.  The doctor thought that 40 helping with the depression was >good news to we went to 60 to see if it would help the anxiety. >So far, the only negative side effect I’ve experienced is dry mouth. >– >David Chamberlain >http://www.dslnorthwest.net/~dchamberlain >– >Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening >presents and listen. >– >A 9/11 Tribute — http://www.politicsandprotest.org/

One of my problems is distinguishing between the depression and the anxiety.  Also, when you have been depressed for so long, it is sometimes hard to know what normal is when you have gotten used to the depression.  A good way of explaining this, especially in my case, is that prior to being treated for depression, I had five brain surgeries due to hydrocephalus and an arachnoid cyst on my optic nerve.  The symptoms that I was experiencing as a result of these problems included siezures, headaches, and short-term memory loss with the headaches getting worse.  Well, at different times, I recall going to the doctor and telling him that I had no headaches and was doing fine. However, after the appointment I would tell my parents (This all got diagnosed when I was 17), that I had a headache and didn’t know why I told the doctor otherwise.  What was happening in my case was that as the headaches got worse, my tolerance level for pain got higher and higher, so what used to be a painful headache wasn’t as painful.  I think the same thing has happened with the depression and the anxiety. With the headaches, my doctor had me keep a headache journal to track when I had headaches and how long.  I have been keeping a journal since I have started counseling and started on medication, but I am still struggling with the anxiety and worry. Joey

Response:

Once you body is at a "steady state" with it it won’t make a lot of difference when you take the stuff. I’ll tell you what your shrink probably will: experiment a little and take it when it works best for you. I’ve found Celexa an effective medication but it is slower to work and doesn’t provide the same jolt as an increase in Zolft does, for instance. teh flip side is that Celexa doesn’t dampen my sex drive the way an equivalent dose of Zoloft did. It’s also slower to loose it’s effectiveness and require a dose adjustment. JCS

Response:

Once you body is at a "steady state" with it it won’t make a lot of difference when you take the stuff. I’ll tell you what your shrink probably will: experiment a little and take it when it works best for you. I’ve found Celexa an effective medication but it is slower to work and doesn’t provide the same jolt as an increase in Zolft does, for instance. teh flip side is that Celexa doesn’t dampen my sex drive the way an equivalent dose of Zoloft did. It’s also slower to loose it’s effectiveness and require a dose adjustment. JCS Newsgroups: tnn.test,alt.support.depression X-No-Archive: yes Lines: 2 NNTP-Posting-Host: wonenara.ozemail.com.au Organization: OzEmail Ltd, Australia Distribution: world Path: news.sol.net!spool0-nwblwi.newsops.execpc.com!newsfeeds.sol.net!priapus.vis i.com!zeus.visi.com!news-out.visi.com!hermes.visi.com!news1.optus.net.au!op tus!yorrell.saard.net!duster.adelaide.on.net!newsfeed.ozemail.com.au!ozemai l.com.au!not-for-mail This message was cancelled from within Mozilla.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I have been on celexa now for four weeks now and have some questions >for those in this newsgroup who also take Celexa.  My doctor started >me out on 10 mg and then slowly increased me to 20 mg.  When I first >started on it, I started taking it in the morning like my doctor >suggested, although she said that if it causes too much drowsiness, >take it before bedtime.  Actually, I had to switch from taking it in >the morning to taking it at bedtime not because of drowsiness, but >because of some of the other minor, inconvenient side effects, which >have sense gone away.  Anyway, now that my body is used to the 20 mg, >would I benefit from taking the Celexa earlier on in the day as >compared to taking it at bedtime.  In other words, would I benefit >more from taking it in the morning rather than at bedtime. >Also, my doctor is having me increase my dose slowly from 20 mg to 40 >mg and I was wanting to know if there are any others in this group who >are on that dose and how you are doing? >Thanks, >Joey

From what my doctor has told me I don’t think it really matters whether you take Celexa in the morning or evening, as long as you take it regularly at the same time. As to your second question, I went from 20mg/day to 40/day and I found that the higher dose was no more effective than the lower dose and the higher dose made me too drowsy; after two months on the higher dosage I reverted to 20mg/day and have been quite happy since – I’ve been on the Celexa for about two years now.  However, different individuals react differently to each drug so the only sure way to find out how it will be with you is to try it. Best wishes, Peter.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I have been on celexa now for four weeks now and have some questions >for those in this newsgroup who also take Celexa.  My doctor started >me out on 10 mg and then slowly increased me to 20 mg.  When I first >started on it, I started taking it in the morning like my doctor >suggested, although she said that if it causes too much drowsiness, >take it before bedtime.  Actually, I had to switch from taking it in >the morning to taking it at bedtime not because of drowsiness, but >because of some of the other minor, inconvenient side effects, which >have sense gone away.  Anyway, now that my body is used to the 20 mg, >would I benefit from taking the Celexa earlier on in the day as >compared to taking it at bedtime.  In other words, would I benefit >more from taking it in the morning rather than at bedtime. >Also, my doctor is having me increase my dose slowly from 20 mg to 40 >mg and I was wanting to know if there are any others in this group who >are on that dose and how you are doing? >Thanks, >Joey > From what my doctor has told me I don’t think it really matters > whether you take Celexa in the morning or evening, as long as you take > it regularly at the same time. > As to your second question, I went from 20mg/day to 40/day and I found > that the higher dose was no more effective than the lower dose and the > higher dose made me too drowsy; after two months on the higher dosage > I reverted to 20mg/day and have been quite happy since – I’ve been on > the Celexa for about two years now.  However, different individuals > react differently to each drug so the only sure way to find out how it > will be with you is to try it. > Best wishes, > Peter.

I was prescribed Celexa 8 weeks ago. It is making me feel better than I ever felt. I feel normal. I had been on Paxil for a year, felt worse. I’ve been on Zoloft, Serzone , Prozac, and none made me feel better till Celexor. I take it every night and feel no side effects and no drowsiness at all. I have recently lost my son. Nove 9th he died and I handled it pretty well even though I cry at times. I believe Celexor helped me through it. Peace Joanne

Response:

I have been on celexa now for four weeks now and have some questions for those in this newsgroup who also take Celexa.  My doctor started me out on 10 mg and then slowly increased me to 20 mg.  When I first started on it, I started taking it in the morning like my doctor suggested, although she said that if it causes too much drowsiness, take it before bedtime.  Actually, I had to switch from taking it in the morning to taking it at bedtime not because of drowsiness, but because of some of the other minor, inconvenient side effects, which have sense gone away.  Anyway, now that my body is used to the 20 mg, would I benefit from taking the Celexa earlier on in the day as compared to taking it at bedtime.  In other words, would I benefit more from taking it in the morning rather than at bedtime. Also, my doctor is having me increase my dose slowly from 20 mg to 40 mg and I was wanting to know if there are any others in this group who are on that dose and how you are doing? Thanks, Joey

Response:

I’m taking Celexa 20mg since one month.  I fell better with this med than Paxil and Effexor. I take my med morning.  I have no inconvenient with this. Aline – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I have been on celexa now for four weeks now and have some questions >for those in this newsgroup who also take Celexa.  My doctor started >me out on 10 mg and then slowly increased me to 20 mg.  When I first >started on it, I started taking it in the morning like my doctor >suggested, although she said that if it causes too much drowsiness, >take it before bedtime.  Actually, I had to switch from taking it in >the morning to taking it at bedtime not because of drowsiness, but >because of some of the other minor, inconvenient side effects, which >have sense gone away.  Anyway, now that my body is used to the 20 mg, >would I benefit from taking the Celexa earlier on in the day as >compared to taking it at bedtime.  In other words, would I benefit >more from taking it in the morning rather than at bedtime. >Also, my doctor is having me increase my dose slowly from 20 mg to 40 >mg and I was wanting to know if there are any others in this group who >are on that dose and how you are doing? >Thanks, >Joey

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have been on celexa now for four weeks now and have some questions > for those in this newsgroup who also take Celexa.  My doctor started > me out on 10 mg and then slowly increased me to 20 mg.  When I first > started on it, I started taking it in the morning like my doctor > suggested, although she said that if it causes too much drowsiness, > take it before bedtime.  Actually, I had to switch from taking it in > the morning to taking it at bedtime not because of drowsiness, but > because of some of the other minor, inconvenient side effects, which > have sense gone away.  Anyway, now that my body is used to the 20 mg, > would I benefit from taking the Celexa earlier on in the day as > compared to taking it at bedtime.  In other words, would I benefit > more from taking it in the morning rather than at bedtime. > Also, my doctor is having me increase my dose slowly from 20 mg to 40 > mg and I was wanting to know if there are any others in this group who > are on that dose and how you are doing?

I’m up to 60 mg, going 10 mg at a time.  At 20 mg, I didn’t notice anything.  At 40mg, I noticed a little less depression but no help for my anxiety.  The doctor thought that 40 helping with the depression was good news to we went to 60 to see if it would help the anxiety. So far, the only negative side effect I’ve experienced is dry mouth. — David Chamberlain http://www.dslnorthwest.net/~dchamberlain — Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen. — A 9/11 Tribute — http://www.politicsandprotest.org/

Response:

my doc had me all the way up to 80,  and i have read after 40 there really isnt much more it can do but i could be wrong, but i had no side effects or relief at that matter. brian s. — Get 5 bucks free for signing up with the internets #1 e-payment service. https://www.paypal.com/refer/pal=8YXF6QPBZH46C Check out my tape trading list below. .shtml

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have been on celexa now for four weeks now and have some questions > for those in this newsgroup who also take Celexa.  My doctor started > me out on 10 mg and then slowly increased me to 20 mg.  When I first > started on it, I started taking it in the morning like my doctor > suggested, although she said that if it causes too much drowsiness, > take it before bedtime.  Actually, I had to switch from taking it in > the morning to taking it at bedtime not because of drowsiness, but > because of some of the other minor, inconvenient side effects, which > have sense gone away.  Anyway, now that my body is used to the 20 mg, > would I benefit from taking the Celexa earlier on in the day as > compared to taking it at bedtime.  In other words, would I benefit > more from taking it in the morning rather than at bedtime. > Also, my doctor is having me increase my dose slowly from 20 mg to 40 > mg and I was wanting to know if there are any others in this group who > are on that dose and how you are doing? > I’m up to 60 mg, going 10 mg at a time.  At 20 mg, I didn’t notice > anything.  At 40mg, I noticed a little less depression but no help for > my anxiety.  The doctor thought that 40 helping with the depression was > good news to we went to 60 to see if it would help the anxiety. > So far, the only negative side effect I’ve experienced is dry mouth. > — > David Chamberlain > http://www.dslnorthwest.net/~dchamberlain > — > Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening > presents and listen. > — > A 9/11 Tribute — http://www.politicsandprotest.org/

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I have been on celexa now for four weeks now and have some questions >for those in this newsgroup who also take Celexa.  My doctor started >me out on 10 mg and then slowly increased me to 20 mg.  When I first >started on it, I started taking it in the morning like my doctor >suggested, although she said that if it causes too much drowsiness, >take it before bedtime.  Actually, I had to switch from taking it in >the morning to taking it at bedtime not because of drowsiness, but >because of some of the other minor, inconvenient side effects, which >have sense gone away.  Anyway, now that my body is used to the 20 mg, >would I benefit from taking the Celexa earlier on in the day as >compared to taking it at bedtime.  In other words, would I benefit >more from taking it in the morning rather than at bedtime. >Also, my doctor is having me increase my dose slowly from 20 mg to 40 >mg and I was wanting to know if there are any others in this group who >are on that dose and how you are doing? >Thanks, >Joey

Joey, I also just started on Celexa. I was using Effexor. The effexor was not working as well any longer and I wanted a change. My pdoc changed me to the Celexa. I’ve been taking it about 3 weeks now. I was very depressed 3 weeks ago. In fact attempted suicide. I didn’t think I’d ever feel better up until about 2 days ago. The medication is starting to kick in and I’m feeling much better. I’m on 30 mg and am grateful that I feel better. There have been many times in my life that I have questioned the "do I want to be on meds?" question. My answer is simple but complex. I want to be able to be "normal" but you know for me that’s not going to happen. It is a sadnes that I grieve over but have come to accept to some degree. I think that this is your question. Am I right? Well, I needed to determine the kind of like I wanted to live and with my depression/panic disorder/ptsd well I don’t function well without medications. So, I decided that rather than feel totally destroyed I take the medications, go to therapy and do the best I can. Your experience may or may not be the same. You have to decide what is right for you. mouse

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I’m up to 60 mg, going 10 mg at a time.  At 20 mg, I didn’t notice >anything.  At 40mg, I noticed a little less depression but no help for >my anxiety.  The doctor thought that 40 helping with the depression was >good news to we went to 60 to see if it would help the anxiety. >So far, the only negative side effect I’ve experienced is dry mouth. >– >David Chamberlain >http://www.dslnorthwest.net/~dchamberlain >– >Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening >presents and listen. >– >A 9/11 Tribute — http://www.politicsandprotest.org/

One of my problems is distinguishing between the depression and the anxiety.  Also, when you have been depressed for so long, it is sometimes hard to know what normal is when you have gotten used to the depression.  A good way of explaining this, especially in my case, is that prior to being treated for depression, I had five brain surgeries due to hydrocephalus and an arachnoid cyst on my optic nerve.  The symptoms that I was experiencing as a result of these problems included siezures, headaches, and short-term memory loss with the headaches getting worse.  Well, at different times, I recall going to the doctor and telling him that I had no headaches and was doing fine. However, after the appointment I would tell my parents (This all got diagnosed when I was 17), that I had a headache and didn’t know why I told the doctor otherwise.  What was happening in my case was that as the headaches got worse, my tolerance level for pain got higher and higher, so what used to be a painful headache wasn’t as painful.  I think the same thing has happened with the depression and the anxiety. With the headaches, my doctor had me keep a headache journal to track when I had headaches and how long.  I have been keeping a journal since I have started counseling and started on medication, but I am still struggling with the anxiety and worry. Joey

Response:

i have been on Celexa for about a year. i take 20mg daily.  i take mine before bedtime because it makes me sleepy.  i haven’t had any undesirable side effects, however i have noticed that the longer i have been on it, i have had trouble with muscle aches.  does anyone else?

Response:

Once you body is at a "steady state" with it it won’t make a lot of difference when you take the stuff. I’ll tell you what your shrink probably will: experiment a little and take it when it works best for you. I’ve found Celexa an effective medication but it is slower to work and doesn’t provide the same jolt as an increase in Zolft does, for instance. teh flip side is that Celexa doesn’t dampen my sex drive the way an equivalent dose of Zoloft did. It’s also slower to loose it’s effectiveness and require a dose adjustment. JCS

Response:

Once you body is at a "steady state" with it it won’t make a lot of difference when you take the stuff. I’ll tell you what your shrink probably will: experiment a little and take it when it works best for you. I’ve found Celexa an effective medication but it is slower to work and doesn’t provide the same jolt as an increase in Zolft does, for instance. teh flip side is that Celexa doesn’t dampen my sex drive the way an equivalent dose of Zoloft did. It’s also slower to loose it’s effectiveness and require a dose adjustment. JCS Newsgroups: tnn.test,alt.support.depression X-No-Archive: yes Lines: 2 NNTP-Posting-Host: wonenara.ozemail.com.au Organization: OzEmail Ltd, Australia Distribution: world Path: news.sol.net!spool0-nwblwi.newsops.execpc.com!newsfeeds.sol.net!priapus.vis i.com!zeus.visi.com!news-out.visi.com!hermes.visi.com!news1.optus.net.au!op tus!yorrell.saard.net!duster.adelaide.on.net!newsfeed.ozemail.com.au!ozemai l.com.au!not-for-mail This message was cancelled from within Mozilla.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I have been on celexa now for four weeks now and have some questions >for those in this newsgroup who also take Celexa.  My doctor started >me out on 10 mg and then slowly increased me to 20 mg.  When I first >started on it, I started taking it in the morning like my doctor >suggested, although she said that if it causes too much drowsiness, >take it before bedtime.  Actually, I had to switch from taking it in >the morning to taking it at bedtime not because of drowsiness, but >because of some of the other minor, inconvenient side effects, which >have sense gone away.  Anyway, now that my body is used to the 20 mg, >would I benefit from taking the Celexa earlier on in the day as >compared to taking it at bedtime.  In other words, would I benefit >more from taking it in the morning rather than at bedtime. >Also, my doctor is having me increase my dose slowly from 20 mg to 40 >mg and I was wanting to know if there are any others in this group who >are on that dose and how you are doing? >Thanks, >Joey

From what my doctor has told me I don’t think it really matters whether you take Celexa in the morning or evening, as long as you take it regularly at the same time. As to your second question, I went from 20mg/day to 40/day and I found that the higher dose was no more effective than the lower dose and the higher dose made me too drowsy; after two months on the higher dosage I reverted to 20mg/day and have been quite happy since – I’ve been on the Celexa for about two years now.  However, different individuals react differently to each drug so the only sure way to find out how it will be with you is to try it. Best wishes, Peter.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I have been on celexa now for four weeks now and have some questions >for those in this newsgroup who also take Celexa.  My doctor started >me out on 10 mg and then slowly increased me to 20 mg.  When I first >started on it, I started taking it in the morning like my doctor >suggested, although she said that if it causes too much drowsiness, >take it before bedtime.  Actually, I had to switch from taking it in >the morning to taking it at bedtime not because of drowsiness, but >because of some of the other minor, inconvenient side effects, which >have sense gone away.  Anyway, now that my body is used to the 20 mg, >would I benefit from taking the Celexa earlier on in the day as >compared to taking it at bedtime.  In other words, would I benefit >more from taking it in the morning rather than at bedtime. >Also, my doctor is having me increase my dose slowly from 20 mg to 40 >mg and I was wanting to know if there are any others in this group who >are on that dose and how you are doing? >Thanks, >Joey > From what my doctor has told me I don’t think it really matters > whether you take Celexa in the morning or evening, as long as you take > it regularly at the same time. > As to your second question, I went from 20mg/day to 40/day and I found > that the higher dose was no more effective than the lower dose and the > higher dose made me too drowsy; after two months on the higher dosage > I reverted to 20mg/day and have been quite happy since – I’ve been on > the Celexa for about two years now.  However, different individuals > react differently to each drug so the only sure way to find out how it > will be with you is to try it. > Best wishes, > Peter.

I was prescribed Celexa 8 weeks ago. It is making me feel better than I ever felt. I feel normal. I had been on Paxil for a year, felt worse. I’ve been on Zoloft, Serzone , Prozac, and none made me feel better till Celexor. I take it every night and feel no side effects and no drowsiness at all. I have recently lost my son. Nove 9th he died and I handled it pretty well even though I cry at times. I believe Celexor helped me through it. Peace Joanne

Response:

Question:

5-htp alone didnt get it done for me. Celexa at higher dosages is better but the sexual side effects are pretty bad. And at several dollars each, Celexa is expensive.  What about low does celexa & 5-htp ?

Response:

Thank you for bringing up the 5-HTP subject… From Psychosomatic Medicine Journal, September 1999: "5-HTP is commercially produced by extraction from the seeds of an African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia, and this extract is available in the United States. Antidepressant effects seem to be more consistent with 5-HTP than with tryptophan." "Although the same potential may exist for 5-HTP to interact with SSRIs, in many studies, they have been successfully combined to enhance the therapeutic effect." >  What about low does celexa & 5-htp ?

With caring, Sal, soldier of Christ

Response:

> > What about low does celexa & 5-htp ? > wouldn’t try it. serotonin syndrome aint fun. > — > James >> Fife, Scotland > ICQ :41149795 – http://www.mp3.com/jameskerr > "there is NO point to life – life IS the point" -me 2001AD

James, I have read the descriptions – I wonder if you had it? Squiggles

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I have read the descriptions – I wonder if you had it? > i did, when i came off zoloft (about a month ago)… i started taking > 5-htp the day after i stopped the zoloft. for the next 2-3 days i felt > really weird…electric shock feelings in my joints all over my body > when i moved, feeling really cold, and just generally quite bad. > — > James >> Fife, Scotland > ICQ :41149795 – http://www.mp3.com/jameskerr > "there is NO point to life – life IS the point" -me 2001AD

I think electric shocks are nothing close to it – everyone has those with dose fluctuations even – SS is VERY serious, often fatal: http://members.aol.com/atracyphd/syndrome.htm Squiggles

Response:

>(Its

Question:

> Hello, > I’ve just started taking Celexa, and I have a question about the > potential for (unwanted) weight gain.  Is the weight gain side effect > associated with SSRIs a consequence of a change in eating habits > induced by the drug, or directly due to a change in metabolism?  In > other words, if I carefully monitor what I eat, can I avoid gaining > weight or even be able to lose weight?

 Hi Tom, Welcome to the ng. Antidepressants may increase or decrease basal metabolic rate without changing caloric intake or they may affect hormonal changes and increase appetite. The best course of action is to increase physical activity….aerobic nonstop activity daily for at least 30 min a day. Peace, Lynda I believe it alters carbohydrate metabolism

Response:

hi Tom… the SSRI (Prozac) that I was on for years caused me to have an initial weight loss, although the loss eventually evened itself out. My Pdoc says that regarding weight gain, unfortunately it is not so much eating habits changed by the drug as it is a metabolical change (I had asked him about this too). However, Prozac and Celexa do have pharmacological differences (Celexa is a newer breed of drug), so my Pdoc may have just been giving me info specific to Prozac. Regards, compucat

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello, > I’ve just started taking Celexa, and I have a question about the > potential for (unwanted) weight gain.  Is the weight gain side effect > associated with SSRIs a consequence of a change in eating habits > induced by the drug, or directly due to a change in metabolism?  In > other words, if I carefully monitor what I eat, can I avoid gaining > weight or even be able to lose weight? > Tom L.

Response:

Hello, I’ve just started taking Celexa, and I have a question about the potential for (unwanted) weight gain.  Is the weight gain side effect associated with SSRIs a consequence of a change in eating habits induced by the drug, or directly due to a change in metabolism?  In other words, if I carefully monitor what I eat, can I avoid gaining weight or even be able to lose weight? Tom L.

Response: