Celexa

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Celexa is a drug that was released by the Forest Pharmaceuticals corporation aimed at fighting depression. The FDA approved Celexa on July 17, 1998. Celexa is a member of the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor family, which increases serotonin levels in the synapse by blocking serotonin reuptake into brain cells. Official Celexa Website
If you or someone you know has had a problem with Celexa feel free to call the advertising section of FDA at (301) 827-2828. Also fill out the Medwatch form and also call FDA at 1-800-FDA 1088 press 0 or call (301) 443-1240.
Celexa Feedback and Side Effects

i am using celexa for post-partum depression, and i have improved in leaps and bounds because of it. my biggest worry was the effect it would have on my breastfed son, and the fact that it has severely diminished my sex drive. however, i was interested to see this site as i was given absolutely no alternatives to the celexa. i think depression is something serious that everyone needs to talk about, and solutions other than drugs also should be suggested. the more the information gets out there the better.

Posted by: Jamie at December 11, 2003 6:22 PM

I've suffered from Clinical Depression all my life. It was mild and not apparent when I was young, but when I reach my teens I started having bouts of depression off and on. It progressively got worse as I got older.

My symptoms were like Social Anxiety Disorder, and I was always in a foul mood and quick to anger. It progressed to the point where I would blow up (lose it) when under stress. I would get into shouting matches and be argumentative all the time. I also had the common symptons of being tired all the time, weak and no energy. Spent most of my free time sleeping.

I was finally diagnosed about 5 years ago. Just in time too, before I hurt somebody.

I first tried Prozac but had a siezure on it.
Then I tried Paxil which didn't agree with me.

Finally I went on Celexa. Now I can function 95% of the time. It mellowed me out, I don't get upset at things I used to, and my social anxiety greatly reduced. My thought process was faster than ever. I felt confident and wasn't sleeping all the time.

Some of the side effects, were dry mouth, excessive sweating, hot flashes, constipation, and the big one, loss of Libido. Totally Gone. I have no sexual interest or feelings. But I have my life back which is more important. I take 80 MG a day.

After 18 months I started going backwards a bit.
Since I was taking the maximum dose of Celexa, my doctor decided to give me a supplemental drug Wellbutren. I take 300 MG of that a day also.

It worked and I perked back up again. So that's where I'm at now. I have gained a lot of weight which from talking to some people can be a side effect too. I still have occasional bouts of fatigue, and have days when I lose it when in stressful situations.

The one thing that still hasn't recover is motivation. I have no motivation to clean the house, shower, travel or engage in group activities. I'm on the computer most of the time and satified with that.

I still go to work everyday but it's alot easier now with my improvement. I got disciplined a couple times for blowing up, yelling and arguing.

But 95% of the time I'm functional. So I'm living a limited life but I'm not in any emotional or physical pain. I wish I could get everything back that would make my life normal, but I'll take what I get get. It's better than where I was at before.

Posted by: Vendelavee at August 9, 2004 8:39 PM

I think that celexa makes you lose initive - makes you lethargic (sp?)
However, it is presently saving my life, and I add a bit of caffeine to help the sluggishness
great luck to all

Posted by: anita at August 29, 2004 11:06 PM

I have major depressive order. I cannot live a day without an antidepressant, so through the side effects and trying so many, I have had to keep taking them. Antidepressants really bother my stomach and I gained almost 60 pounds on Zoloft (almost all the weight if off, thank goodness), so I have tried everything to have a normal life while simultaneously taking these medications. I now take celexa every other day. I do not get as much benefit that I would get from taking it everyday, but can at least work and function, and do not cry every day!!!. Also, every other day helps avoid the ravenous appetite I get on these medicines. I was told by a Harvard doctor that these medicines cause the area of your brain, that tells you are full, to numb out so, though you are full, you do not experience full or satisfaction easily (antidepressants do this to me anyway, not all people). If I can help, the administrator has my e-mail. I have been on about all of the antidepressants.
One thing I learned from a doctor is that some people have the depressive disorder in a way that causes them to feel tired, while other people have the depression-type that makes them feel nervous and antsy and that different antidepressants are better for tired OR nervous feelings. Celexa happens to be one that causes you to become more sedate and is better for the anxious individual (like me). I took Welbutrin and I loved the energy I had, however before long, my anxiety was so bad I was forced to revert again to a more relaxing one. Great luck!

Posted by: anita at August 30, 2004 11:56 AM

i'm too drowsy and also my heart rate is abnormal

Posted by: mart at October 26, 2004 12:31 PM

i am know taking celaxa. i do not know how i feel yet, but i do feel a little bit more relaxed but in some ways i can not tell yet. i need some more info. i have always struggled with depression. i need to understand celaxa a little a bit better.

Posted by: renee at May 21, 2006 2:14 AM

Started Celexa 4 days ago, after switching from small dose of liquid prozac. Had prozac for 3 years after panic attack. Recently I fainted at a restaurant and had major panic attack comeback since that.

My doc prescribed 10 mg. Celexa, but decided to start taking 5 mg. Good decision! But still at 5 mg. I feel stoned, zombie, and my anxiety is worst than it was. I am suppose to start a new job in some days, and I am worried I could not perform well because of this drug.

I decided to change solid Celexa to liquid Celexa and now I am down to 4.4 mg. and will stabilize first and then maybe go up a little.

After reading all the bad reviews everywhere about this drug, I will use it only for some months and then will slowly take that back when/if everything goes well at my job.

Right now my life is hell: I feel like I will faint everywhere. Just hate this feeling.

Posted by: Louis at May 22, 2006 11:25 AM


I like to know if their are any
alternative medicines for depression and
why then is these drugs are covered by medicare
and medicaid,both are the cartels of health ca-
re.

Posted by: John Bevacqua at June 27, 2006 3:04 PM

Does anyone notice that their pupils are very small when taking celexa? I am doing well on it it has been a month now. I have a sideffects but they dont seem to last.I sometimes feel like people can tell because the pupils look small.

Posted by: gene at September 7, 2006 3:32 PM

Has anyone experienced new, or excessive, sweating while taking Celexa? I have been on the drug for about 2 years. However, over the past 6 months I have been miserable with nightsweats, and excessive sweating with most any activity. This all became much worse over the summer.
Thanks.

Posted by: Karen at September 11, 2006 4:48 PM

generic form of celexa saved my daughter life, totally different kid, no longer suffering from anxiety and depression, is dealing with life normally now, been using it for @6 months. It's a wonder for us!

Posted by: 10 YEAR OLD GIRL at September 21, 2006 12:15 AM

Priviously used Zololt, which made me very tired. Asked my doctor to switch to Cylexa. After a month,up to 60 mg., suddenly my fatigue lifted, better than Zoloft. My energy is very good, though seems to prevent me from sleeping well. No effect on libido, well maybe a little, certainly not drive. The only thing that has me concerned is while laying in bed, trying to go to sleep, I will hear music, the same music playing over and over again. After using earplugs, I could still hear the music, even swithing songs at will. This must be a side effect. An audio hallucination. Anybody experience this with Cylexa?

Posted by: terryb at September 27, 2006 1:08 PM

I have been taking Celexa for about 2 1/2 months. I have tried everthing from prozac to wellbutrin. Celexa is the only one that has worked. Bad side effects are-but okay to deal with: sweating, feeling hot, insomnia, can't orgasim as easily but enjoy the happiness of being close with my husband, and feeling tired at weird times of the day...coffee works great for this! It's weird, Celexa makes you feel full of energy at times and then sleepy. Positive effects are: feelings of happiness and love, smiling more-not artificial, no crying but still can feel sad when it's appropriate. I really like Celexa and will stay on it until something new and improved..and generic comes along.

Posted by: Lindsey at September 28, 2006 2:51 PM

well i have been a depressed person for 13 years i have been on several different antidepressants the last one was remron i went from 98lbs to 145 it made me feel very bloated every morning when i woke up. the doctor put me on celexa. i can't wait to see how its going to work i will let ya'll know

Posted by: Denise Williams at October 20, 2006 1:41 AM

hi i just started taking celexa and i feel great!!! its is the best antidepressant i've ever been on. i was on paxil for 11 years and it made me feel like a zombie, and like i had no emotions or sex drive. i feel so much better on celexa and would reccommend it to anyone whose body didn't agree with paxil :)

Posted by: jenn at February 18, 2007 10:22 PM

In response to terryb, I too have experienced music playing over and over in my head. There are times when I would wake up and have a tune in my head an 45 minutes later when I arrived at work, I realized it would still be playing in my head. Weird eh. I suppose the worst part has been fatigue and dizziness but I feel a lot better, thank god. Give it a try!

Posted by: Stanly at February 24, 2007 8:35 PM

i've been on celexa since september after being diagnosed with a severe depressive episode. six or so months into it now, i have no side effects except for lack of libido and weight loss--but i was experiencing both of these things while i was depressed anyways. i feel pretty good, though i did have a set back at christmas and after consulting with my docs, have now up my dosage from 20mg to 30mg. I just upped yesterday and feel a little weird--spacey, nauseus, tired---i know that this is just my body adjusting as i felt these same things when i first started on celexa. for me, the side effects were (aside from the 2 i mentioned previously) were short lived. good luck everyone.

Posted by: annette at March 6, 2007 4:48 PM

HI ALL. I for one have had mind gigs for 25yrs now. Man it sucks. My doc told me to take celexa. Do you think this will work? I read more good things than bad.But it sounds like when you start takeing this stiff your on it for the rest of your life. WHATS UP WITH THAT?

Posted by: joseph at April 30, 2008 12:38 AM

I was on Paxil for 5 years and finally weaned off. It is now a year later and life's event are hitting hard. Which antidepressant should I start for anxiety and depression?

Posted by: Bonnie at May 19, 2008 3:23 PM

I am on Celexa and have been so for about 3 months. It has helped me tremendously. I no longer have social anxiety disorder at all and do not fear conversations with others. In face I look at it as some sort of a "ride" and just enjoy it.

Additionally, I no longer get angry in traffic which was a legitimate problem for me. Lastly, I am dealing with my wife's depression completly differently and am not stressing out about it. Only side effect is it does take me a little longer to ejaculate. Ummmm...Celexa works well for me. 28YO Male.

Posted by: Eric at July 22, 2008 10:46 AM

I have decided to taper down from Celexa after two years. I lost my health insurance due to being laid off. I cannot afford the cobra since it is 1000 per month. Since I have a pre-equisting conditions I am unable to be insured.

I went online to research the tapering and found out about the side effects of Celexa. I had asked these questions of my doctor and was never told of these.

I have been seeinng my primary care physician for joint and muscle pain. The initial reaction was arthritis. But that diagnoses was false. I am 30 years old and am in constant pain.

I have also gained 15 pounds with the inablity to lose it. I am very athletic eat well and go to the gym 4x5 per week. I have tried many diets and none have worked. I spoke about this with my doctor and he just prescribed me more to help with self perception disorder. I was 6 ft and 185 pounds at 8 % body fat when i started. I am not 200 and 17% body fat.

I am hoping by going off I will lose the weight that i have been ever so trying to get off.

My doctor will not tell me how to taper over the phone. He requires me to come in, I do not have the money to pay him.

I am hoping i can get some referrals as I called the pharmaceutical company and they do not have a taper off program.

I have gone down to 40 mg a day from 60 mg and with no ill effects for a week.

Can anyone help,


Thanks
Taperdown

Posted by: Taperdown at October 15, 2008 5:56 PM

I have been taking Celexa for one month. I don't feel any depression, but am quite nervous. What should I do.

Posted by: brenda at October 17, 2008 9:42 AM

Celexa saved my life...I used to think about killing myself everyday....now that I am on it...I can function, work a job and take care of my family. The side effect that really bothers me is lack of energy. On my days off I seem to sleep a lot and take naps. One way to counteract the constant fatigue and lack of motivation to clean the house, etc. is this: I have to exercise on my exercise bike twice a day (for 20-30 min.) and drink coffee and eat fruits and veges. It does help me get through the day energy wise. Maybe this would help others.

Posted by: Carol at October 25, 2008 12:28 PM

I was glad to find this site and read what others are going through. So much of what I read here I understood because it was what had been happening to me. I have been takine Celexa for about 3 weeks now and before that was on lexapro, my body did not tolerate that very well and so I was changed to Celexa. I only take 10mg a day and my doctor is going to want me up to 20 but honestly I am feeling very different ( feeling of happiness and love, smiling more and not artificial, no crying but can still feel sad when appropriate) I want to know if anyone else experienced a change and only takes 10mg a day. My body is very sensative to medications and this seems to be working for me- whats up? does any of this sound like progress?

Posted by: Phillip at November 29, 2008 9:41 PM

I was just prescribed Celexa 20mg I have major doubts first will there be weight gain and will there be libido issues. I am depressed about weight gain and do not want to have more also I already am emotionless at times usually with just family particularly my husband.I am tired all the time I do not need to more of this. Anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

Posted by: erica at December 12, 2008 3:16 PM

vendelave, you are taking way to much your doctor is out there!? you can't just believe everything that they say, do you have some serious brain chemical disorder your not telling us? Celexa and welbutrin wake up sister, go to a new doctor!

Posted by: destiny at January 18, 2009 10:38 AM

I the kind of person who has a lot of mood swings and instead of taking it out on anyone I internalize my emotions. I started taking flax seed oil every day a while back and it's helped a lot with my mood swings and has helped to even me out.

-For those who dont know flax has the highest amount of omega-3 essential fatty acids out of any plant food. It helps with skin, heart disease and it feeds the brain.-

But anyways I've been having a lot of anxiety lately, something that comes and goes in my life and doesnt really reflect what's happening in my day to day situations. My Doctor prescribed a low dose of Celexa and I'm having a really hard time deciding if I want to take it or not. For those of you out there who take celexa or were first afraid to go on an anti-depressant, could you offer some advice? Will it help me to get out of bed in the morning/afternoon, is it going to ruin my sex life, will I gain weight? Should I just give it a try for a month see how I like it?

Posted by: lindsayC at January 25, 2009 10:18 PM

I have been taking Celexa 10 mg. for 6 months and I can say that it seems to be a great drug. Went from breakdown to a well-adjusted attitude I never had before the breakdown. Other than initial stomach aches and mild nausea, I can say no lingering side effects.

Then again, maybe the drug isn't doing anything at all - alot of science to suggest that placebo works as well.

I wouldn't bother with titration at low doses. I'm not a Dr. but it seems like just another worry to latch onto (I've been there with benzos). Sit back and accept the situation!

Posted by: dean at February 2, 2009 2:02 AM

was on prozak and wellbutrin for 10 years...went off for a year and major depression returned. now on celexa and really like it. my doc took me to 60 today, as after 3 mo on the depression started to come back. i seem to have good energy. i have not gained weight...a surprising thing i learned is that CELEXA HAS BEEN USED TO TREAT BINGE EATING. dont worry if they say it makes you gain weight...everyone is diffferent.
also i have suffered with mild anxiety and social disorder but that has been lifted. my depression in the past has been about mild irritability...i dont see much of that anymore. since i just went to 60 mg, my doc will see how that works, then might have to try 80. after that perhaps wellbutrin if im not feeling great. i know how great feels and i wont settle until i am there.

Posted by: terry at February 12, 2009 11:48 PM

I think celexa works well for some, and not so well with others; it's all about finding the medicine that works properly with your body. For me, celexa did not do the trick. I was on celexa for 5mo's, and was extremely tired and irritable, and I found that my teeth would clench...alot(especially when I yawned)! I had a constant metallic taste in my mouth (like it was full of pennies), was nauseated on daily basis, not to mention, I go the runs almost every time I ate. I spoke to the pharmacist, and this only happens to a small percentage of its users (3-5%), so I quit taking it.
I am now on buspar, and it work much better...for me. It takes the edge off, and allows me to still be myself. I think if you are having problems with your medication, or you notice that you aren't yourself, the best thing you can do is let your doctor know, and see if there is an alternative medication you can try.
The first time I was on medication, I was on paxil, and I was not myself AT ALL!!! I was like a zombie with mood swings and insomnia. The bad thing is, I didn't realize it until a close friend sat me down and told me how much I had changed during those months...I was so embarrassed!
My advice- 1)Know your body 2)know that the doctor DOESN'T always know which medication will work best with your body chemistry, and 3)Be assertive, and let your doctor know if there is a difference or problem before it gets worse.
-I hope this helps someone, Best wishes!

Posted by: Just be careful... at April 13, 2009 4:37 PM

I started celexa 10mil. last night for severe panic attacks it made me very sleepy in and out of deep sleeps all night then i woke up in the middle of the night and felt high and spaced out it sent me into a horrible panic attack now today i still just feel alittle spacey but calim Should i give it another try?? Just dont want to have another panic attack as bad as the one last night......

Posted by: Rachel at April 28, 2009 10:45 AM

I've been on 10mg of Celexa for almost 2 weeks. From about the 3rd day I developed the side affect of hyper-perspiration. Is there anyone out there who had that side affect where it went away? If this sweating doesn't subside, I am going to have to switch to something else.

Posted by: dick tabor at July 16, 2009 7:13 PM

I have been using generic Celexa for about 6 weeks now. Originally started with 20 mg and after 30 days my Dr. increased my daily dose to 30 mg. At first, I experienced a strong fog that impacted my ability to think and operate at work. However this seemed to subside within a week. The worst symptoms I have include insomnia (waking up after 3 or 4 hours of sleep and not being able to go back to sleep)and EXCESSIVE night sweats. When I told my Dr. about the insomnia he advised that my anxiety was still not under control which is what led to the increase from 20MG to 30MG. I'm not entirely comfortable with his assessment but I am willing to wait this out a bit longer. I am curious if other users of Celexa have experienced insomnia and night sweats and if so, how long before these symptoms went away or became better?

Posted by: Lewis at October 10, 2009 8:16 PM

Tried lexapro and effexor--one dose and I was nauseous and shaky. I can tolerate celexa, but it has totally killed my appetite. I am already thin, and am losing more weight. Have been on this a week and a half. I felt like a zombie until today, and am now feeling a little more joyful and positive--like my normal self. I hope to not be on the meds too long. I do worry about side effects when stuff alters your brain chemistry.

Posted by: Nan at November 2, 2009 10:29 PM

I just started taking 20mg of Celexa everyday two days ago and am wondering how long side effects last. My side effects are that I feel nauseous, dizzy, and tiredness comes and goes. Otherwise, it has made me happier, and I haven't cried once in the last two days, but I'm worried that the negative side effects will last. Can someone who has been on this medicine longer tell me whether their side effects went away after awhile?

Posted by: Newbie at December 17, 2009 9:18 PM

Hi Everyone, I just got put on Celexa and Valium the other day. Today is my first day taking it, dont really know what to expect yet. I was given it for anxiety/stress. Is that considered the same as depression?

Posted by: Ami at January 8, 2010 9:18 AM

I have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder a looooong time ago and was on Prozac for a while but I became a bit emotionless and didn't like it. Then didn't take anything for years but heart palps and anxiety made me go back to doctor. Been on Celexa for 2 months now and I can actually THINK CLEARLY and act instead of reacting irrationally.

Posted by: Xlator at January 26, 2010 12:54 PM

I'm new to celexa. I'm sixteen and my doctor started me on 10 mg. It's been about a week? I believe. I've read many reviews simply because I wanted to know how my body would re-act. I feel like I'm becoming compulsive when taking this pill, i'll play with my hair and won't notice, though it goes on for hours. I found this a little odd, my mother believes i'm just dissecting this and should really lay off of it. But I can't help it, it makes me anxious alone not knowing what i'm putting in my body and i feel the need to find more information on this pill. I also found that I happen to get muscle twitches and feel a little clouded when taking this. I get episodes in class where I feel very ill but it comes and gos.
I also noticed people saying that celexa takes time to be effective, personally i noticed a difference in the first day (first few hours not so much) I was having panic attacks knowing i'd have to take this pill let alone. It just frightened me so much and the reviews didn't help much. I think once the side effect are gone this pill will be effective, but it's all new to me. I have never taken a pills to control my anxiety. I don't want to become dependent on them at all...

Posted by: tara at March 3, 2010 5:34 PM

I started on Celexa at 20mg per day.
after 1 year, i am now at 60mg per day.My doctor slowly increased the dosage, due to my disappointments. Although my persona has improved over the past 18 months,
Still i have undesirable mood swings and depression. I think I will take 80mg per day. Any warnings on 80mg per day?

Posted by: LaVerne at May 17, 2010 10:36 PM

i took my first celexa last night, 20mg, and i felt so tired and groggy and nauseous this morning.. im still nauseous, 12 hours later, and i just feel weird. will these feelings go away after a lille while, since my body might have to get used to the med? and how long will it take? i dont want to feel like this. i took celexa about a year ago and stopped and now decided to start back up again. this didnt happen to me the first time.

Posted by: dontwannatell at July 15, 2010 8:09 PM

I starting it today because my doctor thought it may help me because i cry offten, very needy and have to be dong something daily. cant relax. is that depression on something else

Posted by: BOBO at July 17, 2010 4:47 PM

I've been taking Celexa a month now. I've been burning up about 5 or 6 hours after taking it. I have started getting up earlier and taken it and goin back to bed a couple hours and when I wake up, I'm not burning up like before. I don't why. Has anyone else done this?

Posted by: Regina at October 4, 2010 2:50 AM

I have been on celex for three days. I am taking 20mgs. I have experienced some nausea and dizziness. It seems to give a boost as to energy and I have to take it early in the morning so I can get to sleep. Conversely it relaxes me and gives me a feeling of well being. I was suprised after only three days. I have noticed that feelings of despair and suicide have already wained a bit. It takes a little longer to ejaculate and I'm a bit softer but that even seems to be changing for the better. It curbs my appetite quite a bit. So far so good. I was told it may take up to three weeks to experience the full affect and I'm looking forward to that.

Posted by: James at February 10, 2011 8:07 PM

If you are not severely depressed (suicidal, unable to work, etc.) antidepressants really don't work much better than placebo, and they don't work at all better than exercise and therapy. And there are many, many questions about their safety.

People who take an antidepressant for more than two or three months are statistically more likely to become depressed again in the future, probably due to the brain changes caused by the drug.

Once a person takes an antidepressant they are much more likely to develop chronic problems with depression and even to end up on lifelong antidepressants.

People who get through their episode of depression without antidepressants are statistically much more likely to recover and never be depressed again.

So if you are not so severely depressed that you fear for your life or you cannot work, consider finding some healthier, safer way to manage your emotions and stress, rather than reaching for a pill that a) has known dangerous side effects, b) doesn't really work much better than placebo, c) can predispose you to lifelong problems, and d) is very, very profitable for pharmaceutical companies, who therefore don't tell you (or your doctor) about all this.

Posted by: Rhiannon at February 13, 2011 12:20 PM

Is it all right to take 80 mg of celexa

Posted by: ellie at February 15, 2011 12:31 PM

Question: I've tried zoloft, prozac,and lexapro. The all had a side effect that either made me gain weight or always tired. Or more depressed. I need something that doesn't have these side effects or the side effect that makes you not desire sex. Cause since I've had children my sex drive is not that crazy.I've had depression since I was 14 and I'm 28 now. I now I will always have this problem. So could you please help me and find something that can work for me.

Posted by: Tasha at March 1, 2011 11:53 AM

I've been on Celexa for a little over 3 months now due to high amounts of anxiety and depression caused by the loss of my Grandfather's death, my brother passing and my Dad being in the hospital for 3 1/2 months from 8 brain aynurisms. I started on 20mg then as of yesterday I'm on 30mg because I still have anxiety. I became engaged to the love of my life this past August and almost completely lost him from me being emotionally and physically abusive. After I was put on this medication, my whole life did a 180. If it wasn't for this medicine, I'd be alone, depressed and would no longer have the want to live. This helped and saved my life.

Posted by: sammie at March 1, 2011 1:45 PM

I was suffering from mild sleep apnea and insomnia. My sleep doctor prescribed Celexa 10mg and said after a month he would increase it. Nowdays I don't take anything without checking it out on the internet.
I have to say that I decided not to take the Celexa after reading about the side effects. Most everyone's libido is affected, men and women. It worries me to take what I consider mind altering drugs. At this same time, I went to see a pyschologist who showed me a Newsweek article published in 2010. The article showed that antidepressents don't work in the normal sense. That's because the same test group given a placebo showed the same improvements. According to this doctor,it's all in your mind.
I'm starting to believe this as having pills dull your senseablities isn't curing the problem only masking it.
I'm attempting to use relaxation tapes and hopefully natural herbs to try and reduce the anxiety I get. But I wish all of you good luck who are feeling that this drug helps.

Posted by: Mike at March 3, 2011 11:56 AM

I've been on 5mg of celexa for two weeks and side effects have not gotten any better. Has anyone experienced severe joint pain and feeling like your legs and arms go numb while on celexa? I don't know if this side effects are normal or if I should just quit.

Posted by: Ezzie at March 16, 2011 10:50 PM

Been taking Celexa 30mg for almost a month now. At first I was very nausous, throwing up at times. I also noticed that I am having insomnia (which I've always had problems with). This took about 4-5 days to subside. Now I am having vivid dreams and not sleeping well, even on ambien. My side effects have been dry mouth, inorgasmia (unable to orgasm) no interest in sex, and extremely tired all the time. I have no motivation to do anything. I find myself drinking coffee and energy drinks all day long just to do laundry and house chores. UGGHHHH. Time to try something else.

Posted by: Virginia at March 17, 2011 3:12 PM

I also have had excessive facial sweating in the last 6 months while on celexa. I have been on it for over 2 years and thought it had work but now wonder if it was just changes in my life that helped...not the celexa. It is only my face that sweats and it sweats at the smallest sign of heat or exertion. My face is constantly drenched in sweat to the point that people ask if I'm crying or sick and I constantly have to dry my face off. I didn't think it could be the celexa as I have been on 40mg steady for over 2 years but my doc said it could be. She is now starting me on wellbutrin...which I hope works because I have no energy anymore...and she says once I'm stabilized on that we can decrease the celexa. But she guesses 8 weeks to stabilize on wellbutrin so no help for my sweating until end of summer. Looks like this is going to be a summer of air conditioned rooms.

Posted by: Jenna at June 25, 2011 8:29 PM

I also have had excessive facial sweating in the last 6 months while on celexa. I have been on it for over 2 years and thought it had work but now wonder if it was just changes in my life that helped...not the celexa. It is only my face that sweats and it sweats at the smallest sign of heat or exertion. My face is constantly drenched in sweat to the point that people ask if I'm crying or sick and I constantly have to dry my face off. I didn't think it could be the celexa as I have been on 40mg steady for over 2 years but my doc said it could be. She is now starting me on wellbutrin...which I hope works because I have no energy anymore...and she says once I'm stabilized on that we can decrease the celexa. But she guesses 8 weeks to stabilize on wellbutrin so no help for my sweating until end of summer. Looks like this is going to be a summer of air conditioned rooms.

Posted by: Jenna at June 26, 2011 1:16 AM

I have been on celexa for years and now I want to get off of it. I tried to do so last month. I did not take any for three days and I felt fine but on the third or forth day I became very depressed. How can I bypass this depression that appears after a few days and get off the celexa?

Posted by: Barbie doll at June 28, 2011 10:17 PM

hello..i have only been taking celexa for one day now but i just need to know if i can take stacker 3s with this medication?
thank you

Posted by: elisha at June 29, 2011 9:07 PM

Well I havent even started to take celexa im kinda in a way scared my mom takes it as well and she just does not have any sort of motivation for life I dont wanna be that way but on the other hand how my anxiety is right now its taking over my life literaly I wake up every morning hoping it will be a good day were ill be able to function right. I cry sometimes im tired of this feeling I really hope this is going to help me!

Posted by: Lsanchez at October 3, 2011 10:56 PM

I have been on celexa for three days now and can already tell a difference. I have more energy and feel genuinely happy. Before I was nervous and irritable all the time. I stayed stressed out all the time which started affecting my body physically. The doctor has me on 20mg which is working great. The only side effects I've had is insomnia and lose of appetite so far. I never thought I would be on medication for anxiety and depression but I'm glad I looked for help. I feel more like me. I wish everyone good luck.

Posted by: autumn at November 2, 2011 10:23 AM

I had suffered from depression for years, and never got help.. I couldnt shake it after i had my twins. I finally was pushed to get help by losing my closest friends and losing the close friendship i had always had with my husband of 12 years. I am probably going to jump around a little . sorry in advance.. I have suffered nght sweats and severe anxiety for years. I have tried many Rx drugs that have left me feeling worse than when i started so i just gave up. I finally found the right doctor who gave me the right Rx for my needs. I couldnt believe the change once i started Celexa.. It was actually amazing! My doctor doesnt think the celexa should have anything to do with my change in night sweats, but it is severe i would wake up and my t-shirt would be completely soaked.. Then i started celexa and my night sweats went away.. I have recently tried to stop my celexa and my night sweats have returned with a vengeance and my mood swings. I think i must return to my celexa to feel ok again sadly. I am only in my mid thirties and was hoping i wouldnt have to take a rx for too long but alas i am going to have to continue my Celexa for the time being.. I hate waking up drenched in sweat :(

Posted by: H at November 9, 2011 2:54 PM

i've been on celexa for over ten years i worked for ever. but something happened and i don't know what that one thing was but i just walked off my job i was good at what i did my temper at frist was over the top it was my way or the hightway.i would just as soon punch someone out than talk about it yell at people drivng down the road but i think my husband got the worst of it' yelling. cring or the partythat just wouldn' stop then celexa came into my life yes it does have it side effects' but it has given me normalcy in my life now i'm a house wife i don't like leaving my home and new places scare me and i don't like big groups of poeple. but without it i would have lost the one thing that means mors to me than any thing my husband still have problems but life is good

Posted by: vanessa at November 29, 2011 3:16 PM

I have been on celexa for about 3 years now?
I was on the highest dose years ago... 60 mg... and then once life started to stabilize some from all our trauma and transition weaned down and went off of it earlier this year. However, once issues of life arose raising kids on own, the urge to smoke, drink, or seek stimulation to cope was strong... and I don't do any of that. Then, I went back on and have been on 20 mg a day since. I'd rather have to take that to cope then lean on the substance options. I have however had huge pain in my feet for some time now... and have arthritis in my feet now... never thought that would have to do with the celexa???

Our doctor just did a prescription for my daughter, age 12 for celexa, to start at 10 mg. and work to 20mg. I know I've read the risks and such in the past, but are the risk that much greater than the benefits of getting her back to living maybe?

Posted by: Lisa at December 15, 2011 2:29 PM

my 12 year old daughter was put on celexa and she just toke her first pill yesterday and was fine all day and now when its time to go to bed she said her head hurts like if someone is squeezing her brain i dont kno if she is lying to get outta school today or it really hurts her can you please tell me if this is normal at the begining of taking it please she is on it for depression

Posted by: diana santiago at January 25, 2012 1:26 AM

Since starting celexa first 20mg i starting eating uncontrollably gaining weight like crazy. I was still very sad and hopeless , she increased it to 40mg plus 5mg of abilify. I use to be 10 to 12 in size now I am a 16. I started taking celexa on November 22nd 2011. And continues until the end of January. Then I notice I could not sleep. I confuse of what to do since I lost my insurance coverage.

Posted by: Loren Jones at February 14, 2012 11:00 PM

Question, when some of you had your set backs with celexa we're you taking a different generic then before like different manufacturer made the pill.. its still called the same but made by different companies? i think im on to something with the generics and how they are very very very different then eachother.i had a doctor appointment 4 months ago, i was proud to say i was all better from my panic attacks except for some gas in the chest. then 2 days after i take yet another generic ( after a month of being on a different one) i started feeling dizzy, numbness and tingling in head, extreme panic attacks, felt like i was dying. Racing thoughts that are driving me nuts and feelings of punching someone even though i know i wouldnt it is so disturbing

Posted by: Ally at March 3, 2012 11:31 AM

I haven't started taking Celexa yet. I will start tomorrow (20mg). I suffer from depression and anxiety. I just want to say that I appreciate all the comments. My doctor told me that while taking this drug it is important for me to exercise and eat healthy (fruits and vegetables). I know from the experiences that I read that it is important for me to enter this resolution knowing that it is not a miracle worker, but a pill that is suppose to assist me with my problem. We, as people, have to help ourselves by staying motivated and determined to live a healthy life. I will try to eat healthy and exercise to let my body naturally do what it is suppose to do. I know we are all effected differently but I ask everyone, including myself, to continue to strive for the best that we can do. We can do it!!! I hope everyone succeeds in feeling better! Much love to everyone trying to survive and be a better human being!

Posted by: Danielle Norman at March 29, 2012 6:01 PM

I take. celexa and today i had a tingling feeling through out my arms and hot flashes with a metal taste in my mouth. now i have a headache is it a side effect of the medication .

Posted by: Vincent at April 16, 2012 6:40 PM

i just started taking celexa about 2 weeks ago and i've noticed that im enjoying it but im also on methadone and clonazapam now the only strange thing happens only with the celexa. it makes me pass out for hours in the weirdest positions like last night i think i fell asleep on the toilet (just taking my goodnight potty) and i was asleep in there with very bright bathroom lighting for about 4 hours i couldn't believe it i woke up n my neck was hurting as well as my knees really bad too, and i knew i hadn't like sleep walked from my bedroom cuz my bed was still made obvious signs i hadn't been in the room yet .. this happens every night. i had to stop taking it in the morning because it would make me actually nod out during the day like i was doing opiates again and also my eyes cross n i get double vision..idk whats going on but my brother who lives with me has said that hes come outta his room late at night n im just sitting upright with my head down to my chest like literally passed the F out and when i wake up from this its like 3-4 in the am and it doesn't feel like i've slept at all my 1 yr old son wakes up at around 8 and im so tired cuz i have not gotten any good type of sleep its starting to scare me i stopped taking it in the morning because i cant drive my son around with double vision so 3 days ago started to take it at night and sure enough i don't have double vision until i take the celexa i have almost burned my apt down by passing out with a cigg in my hand.....does celexa do this to anyone else..pls respond if it has happened to you either on this site or to my email at brennamccain@gmail.com pls i can use any help you can give me
pls help a single mommy,
brenna and baby jace

Posted by: brenna at November 8, 2012 1:49 PM

I am a moderately depressed person. I went to the doctor seeking something that might be able to restore
some color to my life, some motivation, and something to restore my vitality as an induvidule. I took 10mg of celexa for 2 months, I'm not exactly sure if it was the citalopram itself or just a realization in my personal life, but I feel quite a better now. I have been taking 5mg for a week now and i feel like ive been reunited with natural feeling again, and despite the extra will power needed to control it, I've been happy. Celexa makes the baseline of your emotions higher (less low feelings), and in return it takes away the top tier of great feelings too. You are consistentley in the middle. When I realized this, I noticed my libido is weak too. Loss in sexual interested etc.
This was alarming. the whole situation just showed me that celexa will always be there if I need it, but in this one life I live I want to take the natural route and retain the full emotional human spectrum. It's natural, and it's beautiful.

Posted by: tanner at January 3, 2013 2:29 PM

I take celexa, 20 mg daily. I used to have anger issues as well as depression. It is much better now. But libido, motivation and energy have disappeared. I have also gained weight, my mouth is dry and I sweat a lot. I have recovered some of my energy by taking lots of vitamin B-12, almost 500 mg daily. But other issues remain. Weight gain has resulted in diabetes. My choice seems to be a semblance of sanity versus shorter life with more health problems caused by celexa and I have made my choice. I keep on taking celexa so the the family is not disrupted too much. I will probably die sooner and that is just fine. I have done enough damage and my mind keeps me miserable.

Posted by: Jim at May 6, 2013 4:36 PM

I am currently taking Celexa. I have been on it for about 4 years now. I recently changed jobs and my anxiety and parinoia have become so bad. I went to my doctor and she gave me a 10mg increase in my celexa. So now I am at 30mg. I have all the side effects again really bad. I have increased suicidal thinking, insomnia, jitters, etc. This is how it started when I first went on it. I am trying to get through this second round. I am praying that god gives me the strenght to with stand the side effects long enought for the medications to work. I will also be doing counsling so I pray that this helps also.. To all those people taking meds for depression I know its hard to be positive but we will all get their some day!!!!! I pray!!!

Posted by: wantobhpy at June 11, 2013 3:31 PM

I have been taking Celexa for approximately six months. For me personally Celexa at the 20 mg level has helped me tremendously. I have a more positive outlook on life. I don't worry over the small stuff like I used to and I can handle difficult situations with a level head now. My self-esteem as well as the quality of my life has improved. My husband has noticed a change in me as well as other family members.

Posted by: Christie at September 5, 2013 10:31 AM

I have lost about 15 lbs since being on celexa for two months. Has anyone else experienced weight loss on celexa?

Posted by: Mary at August 29, 2014 3:44 PM

Hello, I would like to know if I can 30 mg of celexa instead of 40 mg since it makes me very sleepy.
I am used to taking 20 mg. at 10:00 a.m. and will take 10 mg around 3:00 in the afternoon. Would this be okay. Thank you so much. June

Posted by: June Romain at October 21, 2014 10:05 AM

I just started taking Celexa for depression because of my weight gain over the last couple years. Does anyone have experience with weight gain or weight loss from celexa? I plan to start walking daily & eating healthier as well as take celexa. If I gain weight I will be even more depressed! Thanks

Posted by: Marie Elizabeth at August 25, 2015 11:55 PM

Music in the head that would be an earworm! I am not on a AD and I get music in my head all the time! It has to do with anxiety and depression! It happens to some people when the mind wonders.. it sucks I've been dealing with it for 3 weeks on and off mainly when I'm going to sleep I will hear music and some times during the day. Just what ever u don't don't try to stop it by force it just gets worst and than leads to a higher anxiety stage.. just go with it and don't let it bother you. Try doing math problems or anagrams or suduko puzzles or just read a book and try not to focus on the music give full attention to what you wanna do to help ease it! I am getting put on to citalopram to stop the music cause it's part of my OCD.. it sucks .. OCD depression my mind obsessed with it but it's hard to stop it from happening!

Posted by: Kyle Smith at August 26, 2015 12:44 AM

Hi, I was taking 20mgs of Celera for years. It helped some what for my depression and anxiety. A few months ago I decreased my dosage to 10, which I was okay for awhile. The last month or so, I started felling really bad, I wanted to sleep all the time, or not sleep at all.. no energy to do anything, especially going away. I decided to go back to 20mgs days ago, I actually feel better, had a good night sleep for once . I will have to see how I fell in a few more days. Medication does help. When you go off it, than u realize how it does help you.

Posted by: kathy jumper at March 7, 2016 6:07 AM

Can increasing your dose from 10mg to 20mg cause any side effects, anxiety fevers etc thank chris

Posted by: Chris at April 17, 2016 7:10 AM

Start a Blog

Many people who are depressed simply lack the ability to channel their energies or express themselves. Sometimes just by writing things down it is easy to feel better about things that happen to you.

If you think expressing yourself or writing your thoughts down might help you then you may want to start a blog. Wordpress is 100% free and easy to use.

Here is my friend Heather's Health Bee, which is about recovering from depression and other related illnesses.