10 mg/daily of Celexa works great for my anxiety.  20 mg leaves me very sleepy all day.  Sex?  who needs it!   (Mon Feb 24 19:35 2003)

just started my first tablet will fill you in on how i progress

Just started 10mg of celexa, any input how it is.  I had no luck on zoloft, or lexapro.

Anyone on celexa with side effects of ringing in ear, weight gain and decreased sex drive?  Anyone gone off celexa?

Just started today, haven't tried anything else to compare it too.  wish me luck, ill keep in touch   (Tue May 20 0:24 2003)

keep in touch Spouncer, I've got some here in my cabinet, afraid to take it. (I've tried lots of others that didn't work)

What else did you try?  Like I said I'm on 10mgs of celexa and I am weaning myself off.  In 3 months I gained 13lbs, no sexual desire and it raised my blood pressure. Heart palpations came back a little from anxiety.  Please keep me posted.  Thanks

I was on prozac in the past and it quit working. This time around I've tried paxil, wellbutrin, zoloft and lexapro. They are thinking I might have in intolerence now to SSRI's and want to try me on older tricyclics. Celexa has the least side effects of all so they say.  Not in your case huh?   (Wed May 21 13:47 2003)

in new zealand celexa is called cipramil. ive just started on it and although the anxiety has decreased from around 90% of the time to under 5% of the time i find that my sex drive and ability to fully enjoy the sex has gone! how disturbing! can anyone recommend anything that DOESNT have this side effect. i'm sick of taking medication that leaves me feeling so incomplete! your advice would be greatly appreciated!!   (Thu May 22 23:07 2003)

I've been on Zoloft, Lexapro, wellbutrin, and now celexa.  I thanked God at first for these drugs because they took away my anxiety but I gained weight, got high blood pressure and had no libdo, or ability to orgasm.  I am slowing weaning myself off.  2 days so far off the celexa.  I am going to a holistic physican on June 9th to find out about Samm-e and trypotan, suppose to raise seroton levels without any side effects.  They are vitmins.  Will keep you posted.  The meds are killers, because of all the unwanted side effects.

I just started taking Sam-e today. I am totally giving up on SSRI's because of the side effects. I have done a ton of research on Sam-e on the net and it seems to have good results. Let us know what the holistic dr. says about sam-e

Going to holistic doctor June 9th earliest appt. I could get.  His specialty is anxiety and panic attacks.  Will keep you posted.  Meanwhile please keep me posted on Sam-e also you may want to look up and try 5 - hydroxy tryptophan  says it raises serotonin levels.  My chiropractor reccommended it over all the SSRI's.  Please keep in touch.

I am taking 200mg of sam-e in the am. I haven't noticed anything yet. I plan to move myself up to 400 mg. this weekend. Let me know what the holistic dr says about dosage. I read anywhere from 400 to 1200 mg daily. How long were you on Celexa?

I was on celexa for 3 months, before that it was lexapro and before that zoloft.  They kept trying to find an SSRI that would not give me side effects.  I gained weight, had ringing in my ears, clenching of the jaw and developed high blood pressure.  Wonderful these SSRI's and most of all couldn't have sex.  I've been off celexa and everything for a week now.  Thank goodness no side effects(weaned off it) I'll be going June 9th to the holistic doctor. I can't go back on those SSRI's they were killers for me and yet doctors kept pushing me to be on them.

In the past I used Zolof and Wellbutrin.  In December the doctor prescribed me Lexapro 10 mg, and now he increased it to 20 mg.  By March I began having tingling and numbness in my arms, now when the dose was increased, my problem increased.  Then, I am assuming it is related with the medication.  Any person with numbness in the extremities (legs and arms)?   (Tue Jun 24 1:26 2003)

I took Celexa for a year. Best antidepressant I've taken (Over 10 years I have intermittently taken Zoloft, Prozac, Wellbutrin & Paxil). Side effects: no orgasm, and jaw clenching. BUT when I went off of it, even weaning for a month, I was a mess. Brain echoes, anxiety, tears & sensitivity. Brain felt starved.      

I just took my 1st celexa today-10 mg.I hope and pray this stuff works for me.It's actually a yr old (hope that doesnt matter)and I had it laying around and hadn't taken it.I had a very hard time on Zoloft and Lexipro earlier this year...Are there any certain side effects I shuld worry about?How long does it seem to get in your system?I took a 1/2 Xanex today as well-I hope that's ok.Any info is appreciated!Thanks!    (Thu Aug 7 16:42 2003)

Well, this is day # 2 on 10mg and I am noticing a tightness in my throat and had slight cold tingles(panic) accross my shoulders before I got out of bed this morning.I guess if the throat issue is all I have to deal w/ for now I'll take it since I had such horrendous side effects on Lexipro and Zoloft.Has anyone had bad luck on Lexipro but done well on Celexa?Because my dr made it sounds like Lexipro is basically one side of Celexa but doubled and supposed to have ever lesser side effects...   (Fri Aug 8 15:52 2003)

I am on day 4.I started getting a panic attack last night for the first time in months.(I have been just suffering from general anxiety esp in the mornings).It really upset me that I started getting one-I think it was set off by the fact that I started getting naucious and that freaked me out then the panic zings started.I yawned all day yesterday so instead of taking it this morning I think I'm going to take it tonite w/ dinner and maybe I'll actually sleep w/o a sleeping pill???I feel like I'm the only one on this board-I sure hope others are lurking out there that can help me out w/ all this.Sometimes I think all of the Celexa users switched over to Lexipro...?   (Sun Aug 10 11:01 2003)

Tried zoloft and lexapro, then went to celexa, I couldn't have sex, jaw clenching, weight gain and high blood pressure.  Went off everything.
Doctor just gave me buSpar but haven't started it yet.  Suppose to have no side effects.  Ever hear of it.

My jaw has been clenchy too-tight and sore.My neck is also very sore and tender.I keep rubbing on it.Last night my mind was racing a million miles and hour and thought I was going crazy.ARGH!i have heard of Buspar but don't know anything about it unfortunatley-I'll have to look it up...What is this holistic stuff everyone was taking about on here before?

I took the Celexa w/ dinner last night.It didn't made me as tired as I hoped.I did sleep w/o  asleeping pill-but woke before 6 am and layed there until 8:30-just hoping I could fall back asleep-but my mind just raced.I had to get up finally and take 1/2 a Xanex to unclench my fists-I was so tight.I hate this and hope I will feel normal after this forst week or so.This is whyI resist these meds-I just don't do well with the beginning side effects.ARGH!   (Mon Aug 11 10:43 2003)

I went to a holistic doctor and he told me to take magnesuim,vitamin E and 5-htp which is suppose to raise serontin naturally.  I havent taken anything yet because I'm so scared of what the other meds did to me.  

How is Sam-E?  

Well,I decided to take my 10 mg at nightime-well,at dinner-hopeing the sleepys will catch me at bedtime-no luck and had to revert back to the sleeping pill.When I took it at night I'd wake up throwing up.I can't stand this anymore.I am trying to talk myself into taking it this morning-but maybe cutting it again to 5 mg instead.I was so out of it yesterday it scared me.Part of me says it just the stupid side effects and it will go away if I bide my time-but then again the nurse said well,maybe you're allergic to it...nice thought to get me more worried...How long does it seem to take everyone to have the se's lift?   (Wed Aug 13 11:21 2003)

Hi.  I wanted you to know that I took celexa for about 2 years.  My dr. switched me to lexipro about 6 months ago.  I hate it.  I want my celexa back, but it is so expensive.  I am seeing my dr. today because I am more weepy and fat since the lexipro.  To me lexipro is not better than celexa.   (Thu Aug 14 9:15 2003)

I hated the Lexipro when I was on it (Jan-April this yr) i swore the devil made it.I've never felt so bad in my life.If you don't like/want it then it's worth the money I think -if Celexa was right for you!Let me know what you do w/ it...
Amanda

Yes I've also tried lexapro/cipralex and hated it - swapped back to celexa/cipramil after 2 weeks.  It's a matter of finding one whose side-effects you can live with - once the SE's are off your mind, you can get on with your life.   (Wed Sep 10 11:06 2003)

I tried lexapro today for the first time and
vomited all morning.  No thanks. Paxil damn
near killed me and this is enoegh of a
warn   (Sat Sep 13 15:09 2003)

I recently started dating someone who has been unable to have orgasms and loses his erection during sex.  I noticed in his bathroom that he had a bottle of Celexa.  I knew that this was an antidepressant, but he never told me he was on it, and did not explain why the sexual problems might be happening.  These side effects have to be from his celexa right?  Are they common?   (Sun Sep 14 16:17 2003)

I was on celexa for 3yrs, worked great for me. so great, i guit, and didnt take anything for 3yrs... Recently had extreme stress and anxiety, my blood pressure was up, doc put me on celexa again. only thing is i had forgotten how jittery you get for first few days. Im very nervous at night especially and weak. But going to try for a week or two longer. Hopefully wont have to take it long.

Both sexes can have orgasm problems as a side-effect of most/all SSRI's - not just Celexa.  Yes, it's quite common.  Loss of erection is rarer but you can't expect a guy to keep it up for ever!  If he's worth dating, try not to make a fuss - making him worry about his performance will only make it worse.

Started Lexapro yesterday.  felt sick about 2 hours after i took it.  didn't eat much for dinner but thought that was from not feeling well. Left hand felt a little tingly.  Doctor also gave me xanax and something for IBS/ulcers.  about 8pm I took a xanax and stomach med.  This morning I'm not sick to my stomach but I fell cloudy and tired.  Are these  se of xanax or lexapro.  how long will i feel like this.  pretty scared.
   (Thu Sep 18 13:07 2003)

I had the same orgasm problems but I found that if I start slow and build slowly I can maintain my erection and have an orgasm -- it essentially makes a quickie impossible but with 15 minuntes of stimulation I can have an orgasm... building to fast makes me lose my erection (but certainly build the frustration) hope this helps

I was on celexa and depakine/depakote
for 6 months.  i stopped taking both about
3.5 months ago when i noticed an abrupt
weight gain.  i felt really balanced and
stable when i was taking them BUT had
absolutely no libido and gained
somewhere between 15-20 pounds.  
(depakine also causes weight gain)the
weight gain came in two "chunks".  i also
continued to gain (a few pounds) or more
aptly wasn't able to take off any of the
weight until the past couple of weeks
despite regular exercise/diet.  my sex
drive has also JUST returned.  has
anyone else had such prolonged side
effects after discontinuation?     (Sun Oct 12 6:21 2003)

The doc just started me on Lexipro. I'm shaking, my eyes are dilated to the size of saucers, my throat is tight, my jaw feels wired shut, and I can't stop dry heaving.  Is this normal?

Help what to do? I hate all the side effects of these drugs. Have been on paxil, and prosac i hate them. The best so far has been buspar with no side effects, but i still get an anxiety attacks  when i get sick or feel real tierd, but i think it is better than all the other drugs they made me have more panic attacks because of the side effects. Has any one else tries buspar?

I had been in a serious depression due to illness and death of my husband.I took Paxil for 2 yrs. Then the dr. tried Efexxor , and that made me suicidal but now after 4 months of Lexapro I am doing great!!!!!!

Been taking Lexipro for one month, it seems to be working great, started at 5mg then bumped up to 10mg.  Sometimes I think I am feeling too good.  Yes I am less horney, but it hasent effected my ability to have sex. I amy drop down to 5mg if I find that I am too happy all the time.   (Wed Oct 29 16:38 2003)

Hi!  How is the BuSpar?  Did you gain weight or any sexual side effects?  I was on zoloft, lexapro and celexa.  They all made me gain weight, inability to orgasm, jaw clenching and high blood pressure.  Went off them all.  Now I read about the new SSRI Vespa, which is suppose to have no sexual side effects.  Anyone try it?  Thanks  

Was on Celexa for a few months but could hardly ever acheive orgasm.  I think Celexa doesn't contribute to weight gain because of that. (have to work yourself to death to get orgasm)    I quit it all for the summer but am starting it again.  Hope it isn't too bad!   (Wed Nov 5 11:15 2003)

Day 4 on Lexapro 10mgs,  Side effects are
intense at times but my mood is lifting...  
Do they ever go away? I'm sleeping OK but my
vision is distorted and I have a tight jaw.  
Stomach is unsettled alot of the time but I'm
not    (Tue Nov 11 16:34 2003)

I have been on citalopram for 2 1/2 years now and was initialy on 60mg at night. I am now on 40mg at night and feel terible, my partner doesn't seem to understand and if I tell my Doctor he just increases my dose.
I was on 400mg of lithium as well and since comming of the lithium my mood has dropped.
thease things i am sort of copping with but miss one dose and i feel violently sick, dizzy and incoherent. it is now day three since i took my medication as my doctor requires two days notice for a prescription, and i did not realise i had ran out. now i feel like i can't even get out of a chair without the room spinning.   (Wed Nov 19 18:44 2003)

Just started Celexa, and suffering from Anxiety. I read about holistic doctors here...anybody got any advice for that. I really don't like meds and don't want to be taking these very long. I want to go to a psychologist and maybe a holistic doctor...anybody have any advice?

Anybody every try EMDR? it is a type of therapy for Anxiety and other disorders?

Another withdrawal symptom is a feeling that I can best describe as electric shocks through your body.

I took Celexa for 6 months when my husband was diagnosed with Colon Cancer.  It worked in the aspect of what I was taking it for..........depression.  It made me feel numb to what was happening,  but I was able to function and work.  I went off of it when he got better.  I don't really remember the side effects,  except for diarrhea every day when I took it.  It did help get me through a difficult time.

I have been on celexa for 2 years.  Side effects that never went away dry mouth and sleepyness.  I want to try lexapro since it is supposed to be the new and improved celexa.  The Celexa did help my mood though.   (Tue Jan 6 10:51 2004)

Dr. has put my teenage daughter on celexa, starting her on 1/2 a pill a day, I'm feeling uneasy about this, can anyone help me feel at ease. She does suffer from extreme anxiety, getting out the door for school is hard.   (Sun Jan 11 20:37 2004)

To Mum and all from Dawn
since your daughter has anxiety, then yes she does need help as everyone should get help.  But I am beginning to believe that there are other options that don't destroy users of anti-depressants' chemical balances. I want to try the Sam-e I've read on here because it is holistic...but I have to research it first. I suffered a severe head injury 12 years ago and have been on Prozac, Zoloft, WellButrin, Paxil and Celexa.  They all lifted my moods, but primarily I became emotionally numb.  I could not cry...I hate to use this example but it demonstrates what I am saying the best: someone could kill my mother right in front of me when I was taking those drugs and I would not have shed a tear...ever.  Now I love my mother dearly and she is the greatest woman I know...so that is why I am trying so hard to find other means to remedy my depression and anxiety.  I wonder all the time if Doctors are paid by the drug companies to push and promote their drugs because they have all been addictive for me in one way or another.  I am currently going through withdraw from Celexa.  Some of my symptoms are: hand tremors, severe headaches, unexplainable fatique, extreme weight gain, uncontrollable mood shifts, muscle spasms throughout my body....and the list goes on and on. I can't stand to be around myself because of these withdraws.  Here's the kicker though, I'm not depressed and haven't been for 2 1/2 months...but am still going through and extremely lengthy withdraw.  So Mum, it's good that you want to help your daughter with her anxiety, but just know that it is easy.  I think perhaps writing down the benefits of taking Celexa with withdraw from it might help you decide if she should continue taking it.   (Fri Jan 16 15:16 2004)