for anyone who had or is taken celexa, does it make you feel like you are going to loose your mind?
536224
This group of medications (SSRIs) are notorious for creating side-effects in a patient within the first couple weeks of use. When you first start taking an SSRI, you should be taking half (or less if possible) of the target dose (i.e. take 5-10mg if dose is going to be 20mg) for the first 1-2 weeks before taking the full dose. This will help ease the side effects. Many physicians - particularly family practitioners - neglect to inform their patients of this critical fact. Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, etc.) are also often prescribed during the first few weeks as well, also to ease side-effects, although it is easy to become dependent on these. \n\nAs for the lawsuits for suicide  - As a mental health professional, I honestly think that although some of the claims are legitimate, the majority of them are "bogus". I put that in quotation marks only because the medication and the suicide attempts do not have a cause-and-effect relationship. The majority of these suicides are attempted by those who, prior to taking an SSRI, had severe depression and did not even have the energy to go through with suicide. The meds start working, the depression lifts somewhat, and now the patient is at risk. \n\nOn that note - I recommend therapy in conjunction with your meds. If you can avoid using the meds, even better. We tend to medicate the slightest of problems nowadays instead of dealing with what it is that is really bothering us. \n\nAnd yes - I have been on Celexa before, a while back. Most of us mental health folks are depressive by nature, don't ya know ;) \n\nI sincerely hope you find the help you need.
554248
friend of mine takes celexa and on the rare occasions she drinks she has been fine, but each person is different. would talk to your doc first. always the safest bet.
445912
Any time that you swith medications in the psychotropics category,it is a difficult transition. First you have to completely go off the Celexa,which is hard to do,because it is an addictive medication. It is in the drug class of SSRI's. Wellbutrin is in a different category of drugs,that treats different symptoms than the celexa does.\nI will tell you that it is not impossible to do,but it is not going to be easy.\nMake sure that you are in contact with your physician,if you need to make this transition. It is also helpful,when swithching meds to see a good Psychologist,as they can help you through therapy and advise you on many issues such as the feelings you will be experiencing. Good luck to you. Zoya.
334922
I have anxiety and I take Lexapro and Xanex for mine. They are the best that I have taken so far. I took Zoloft and Paxil, both made me feel manic and zombie like.
146738
I was on Effexor XR for 2 1/2 years.  2 1/2 years too long!\n\nAlthough the medication did what it needed to, I became dependant on the medication.  I got really really bad vertigo from it and the withdrawls I got from it was HORRIBLE!\n\nI suggest if you really need an anti deppressant, go on it.  But only for a short term basis.  You need to get counseling to get to the core of any issues you may be having.\n\nI believe in deppession.  But I also believe that there are reasons why are body and mind goes thru this horrible disease (or whatever it is called)\n\nI started counseling and I finally overcame many many issues I have been battling with for many many years.\nI had a very controlling childhood, I was in a mental and verbal abusive ex marriage and I was dealing with alot of insecurties, trust issues and low low self esteem.\n\nI finally got counseling and it helped me with my life and I have learned to love me and overcome the beast!\n\nGood luck!
1027666
I think a lot of people feel that way from time to time! I have felt that way when I was having anxiety or depression. It is kind of an detach feeling, or a feeling of unreality. If you are feeling this way often than you might want to talk to your doctor! \n\nI hope you feel better soon!!! Best wishes to you!
224877
i know that relacore may cause erratic mood swings..other than that...i have a co-worker that is taking it and is getting good results..she's quite heavy and for the past two months is noticably shedding the wait...she also hasn't had any problems.
115427
I TOOK IT ALONG WITH PROZAC. I COULD'NT SLEEP, FELT NERVOUS, GAINED WEIGHT AND COULDN'T STOP SHAKING. I WOULD TELL YOUR DR YOU CAN'T SLEEP AND IF YOU ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH HIS ANSWERS OR HELP FIND ANOTHER DR.
809053
I have taken celexa for years, i love it! I had no depression but severe panic disorder!  I do great with it.  as for side effects i really do not know because i have gained weight ut could be do to having kids and i am not real intrested in sex but could be because i am tired from kids all day.  it is well worth trying it though!
769348
Yes, most likely.  I have been told by different professionals that it is like being diabetic--one who has to take meds all their life.  It's just something you get used to.\n\nI take an anti-depressant along with an anti-manic agent.  Effexor and Eskalith.  For the long run.  And I'm okay with that.
764638
Lightheadedness, headaches and dizziness are all side effects. For the first couple of weeks after taking it I also had an upset stomach and felt really jittery. I lost all interest in sex and felt quite 'spaced out' a lot of the time, and separated from what was going on around me. Of course some of this is symptomatic of depression too. Word of warning about the alcohol - its a depressant so will counteract the prozac. If you must drink try to keep it to a minimum, but the safest bet is to avoid it completely.
197429
i never took it (but am looking into it) but this just occured to me, some of the antidepressants i've been on caused me to be hungrier than normal, which obviously made me eat more... do you notice that you've been eating more since you've been on it? sorry if this didn't help, sometimes those things just don't cross your mind though...\nwish i could be more help!
301242
Yes this is perfectly normal to feel this way. Just make sure to take your Celexa today though at whatever time you normally would. Never double up on a dose. I you are still not feeling better tomorrow,call your doctor and get their opinion. \n\nAlso,a lot of times you will feel more tired and irritable around that time of the month. Especially if you've only been taking the Celexa for 2 weeks.  You may also want to talk to your doc about when to increase your mg's if you are not feeling better soon.
496774
I am bi-polar too.  I take effexor and just recently saw a alternative doctor who put me on a product called Serene Plus which is loaded with amino acids and suppose to help my serotonin levels.  I, too, pray I could get more help but so far this is all I have been able to do.  I do feel a little more in control some days.  My BIGGEST problem is insomnia.  Unless I take something for sleep, I only sleep about 2-4 hours at a time.  I will keep you in my prayers and if you find anymore information that would be helpful, please feel free to e-mail me!\n\nMuch love in Christ
451742
i took it for like one or two days & had horrible side effects.  i got confused & forgot what i was doing in the middle of cooking dinner.  i also had horrible anxiety & restlessness.  i haven't heard any good feedback about it. i wouldn't recommend it.  however, everyone reacts differently to different meds.
246110
i was on them last year and was finding myself crying for no reason etc...worse than the depression they were prescribed for , i took them for three weeks and weaned myself off them, figured if i was to be messed up in head i would rather be aware of things and in control of depressing moods, it took about two and a half months to wear it off
585668
Well yes and no.  I think that it is a life time thing, but with the right meds and regular counseling I think you can "get over it".  But have to keep up on the meds or you relaps quickly.\n\nSo yes you can feel "normal" again and stay that way, but you have to stay on the meds to keep feeling "normal"