iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I have taken Citalopram now for more than 3 yrs. yes, I do experience dry mouth, fatique, sometimes diahrea, sometimes constipation, however I suffer with clinical depression, and on the other hand, it helps my mood swings, helps my serintoin levels, and I function much better that without it despite the side affects

Posted: 2008-11-20 18:14:35

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

if all your having is anxiety try talking to your dr about taking ativan. I have been on celexa for over a year now and the only side effects I get is when I run out for a week or so..... Other than that I have not had any side effects and it makes me feel alot better than I do with out it.. Ativan is just for anxiety purposes and 1mg should help you.

Posted: 2008-11-22 22:58:26

Answer/Reply:

my girlfriend is currently taking Paxil and she says she loves it. Remember every one's body is different what works for one may not work for another. She hasn't told me if she had side effects but I'll ask her.

65 year old Female

Posted: 2008-12-06 07:15:10

Answer/Reply:

i have been on paxil for 16 years for panic attacks and depression with the added xanax for panic attacks that come on suddenly (dr said put under tongue for faster results ewww its terrible) but when you are having a panic attack you really just want relief. Had to go thru many drugs to finally get the right combination to help me . As was stated earlier people are different so keep trying till you find the combo that works for you ...good luck

65 year old Male

Posted: 2009-01-19 00:27:00

Answer/Reply:

Hi,

Do u actually put a swallow-able pill under ure tongue or do you have the actual irresolvable xanax?

Thanks, Stacie - sunnstarzsm@aol.com

36 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-06 00:07:47

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

In general most oral pills are designed to be swallowed and then breakdown in the stomach or intestines to be activated. Tablets/pills that are called sublingual (to be taken by placing under the tongue) or called orallly disintegrating tablets (ODT) have a special design that allow them to dissolve quickly and be absorbed into the bloodstream by that route of administration. Please follow up with your pharmacist if you have any additional questions about what kind of tablets you have and the best way you should take them.

Posted: 2009-08-06 20:00:51

Answer/Reply:

I've never heard of hair falling out as a side effect and it's one I've never experienced with being on citalopram for almost three years.

43 year old Female

Posted: 2008-12-20 11:45:48

Answer/Reply:

I most certainly did, though I feel better for it since my depression and migraines often lessen my appetite and was slightly underweight to start. I only took it for 2 months and gained 16 pounds in that timeframe. I am now supposed to take Elavil. I'll hope it provides me more relief.

Good luck with the Celexa. Hope it works for you

30 year old Female

Posted: 2008-11-21 19:16:53

Answer/Reply:

I gained 30 pounds in 1 year on this medication. I am off of it now and thank goodness. Hopefully I can lose this 30 lbs since I am off of it. I am on Wellbutrin now.

27 year old Female

Posted: 2008-12-03 11:59:12

Answer/Reply:

I have been on this medication a little over a month and have actually lost weight. And I am eating just as much as I did before I started the meds, if not more.

34 year old Female

Posted: 2008-12-04 15:16:03

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

My doctor told me that Celexa/citalopram DOES cause weight gain.

Posted: 2008-12-19 17:09:54

Answer/Reply:

Now that you mention it, I certainly have! My doctor wants me to stay on it, but at my last appointment he also mentioned how much weight I'd gained. And this is actually the 2nd time I've tried it, the first time I took it as prescribed and within 3 days I was looking for people to hit. Really. My anger was over the top! Furthermore, I couldn't sit still - I went OCD on my house and actually killed a vacuum cleaner. That wouldn't have been such a bad thing except for the fact that I've got a bad back and live on pain meds. I tried Wellbutrin and had a severe allergic reaction, so I had to go back to the Celexa, but I only take half a pill a day now.

54 year old Female

Posted: 2009-03-06 20:17:38

Answer/Reply:

My pharmacist told me to take it in the morning "So I'm not out mowing the yard in the middle of the night" It doesn't seem to give enough energy to want to mow at anytime of the day but I have noticed I have a harder time going to bed. I am a longtime sufferer of insomnia, but I take other meds that are suppose to make me sleepy and they don't. I am now wondering if it is the celexa and not just me.

32 year old Female

Posted: 2008-11-18 11:26:26

Answer/Reply:

I've been taking celexa/citalopram for a few years--I too am a chronic insomniac but this was ongoing long before I started the meds. anyway I switched to the am as well. It did help. I have had a couple of doctors tell me they recommend taking it in the morning. It could be the anxiety keeping him awake not the celexa. the celexa takes some time to build up in the system enough to be counteracting the anxiety. It's disconcerting in a kid so young--but see if you can find ways to help him relax to fall asleep. Like calf massage or listening to a relaxation CD. I recommend Bellaruth Naperstack. She has a very soothing voice. If he can learn at this young age to counter act the anxiety and get to sleep he will be so far ahead!! Good luck.

33 year old Female

Posted: 2008-11-19 00:10:39

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I was taking celexa/citalopram in the am and found that it was making me sleepy. I switched to pm and now it works great. It does take a while (I think 30 days) to build up enough to start noticing a difference. Give it some time.

Posted: 2008-11-20 07:21:24

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Hi I'm am also on celexa and have been for almost 2 mos. now. I have or had postpartum depression. I do have to admit that I feel much better now. I haven't gotten anymore PANIC ATTACKS, however, I do feel tired a lot and have already gained a couple pounds. Not sure how much but what I do know is that my pants no longer fit comfortably. I have sudden sharp pains in my legs and arms at times (especially in the middle of the night when I'm sleeping) and I feel very itchy. As far as using this med. for kids, I really don't agree with it. I think we as parents should really try to figure out what the problems is or what could be bothering our children. I don't believe children get or become anxious out of the blue or just because. By the way today will be the last day I take celexa. I just cant put up with these feeling (side effects) anymore.

28 yr. old female.

Posted: 2008-12-18 15:24:30

Answer/Reply:

I have had sleeping problems and fatigue problems with citralopram. I now take it right before bed, but I do wake up several times a night. I probably would wake up without it for other reasons, so placing blame is not possible.

If I took it in the morning, I would need a mid morning nap.

41 year old Male

Posted: 2008-12-26 22:29:05

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

VE BEEN ON CITALOPAM SINCE JUNE 08 AND MY HAIR HAS THINNED QUITE A LOT . I AM SO UPSET . I AM 42 YEAR OLD FEMALE . MY GP TOLD ME IT WAS NOT THE DRUG , BUT OBVIOUSLY IT I. I AM COMING OFF IT ASAP ...I HOPE THE HAIR LOSS STOPS AND GOES BACK TO NORMAL

Posted: 2008-11-18 16:57:21

Answer/Reply:

I too am on Celexa 20 mgs which I take in the am to avoid insomnia at night. I too am noticing water retetention. But there is another side-effect in which I am noticing, which is hair thinning and loss. I also take Depaokte to help control my Bi-Polar Disease, I think in combonation with the 2 drugs it is happening at a greatier rate, is anybody on these 2 drugs noticing the same condition?
Signed
Curious in Idaho

39 year old Male

Posted: 2008-11-19 06:29:00

Answer/Reply:

I also take both meds as you and have noticed a loss of hair.thank god I have alot or I'd be very,very upset now that I have come here and begun to learn so much.I think me and my doctor need a long talk about meds!!!!

45 year old Female

Posted: 2008-11-19 14:45:45

Answer/Reply:

It was my experience that it did take 4 to 6 weeks to feel any results when I started taking Celexa, but I'll never forget the day it finally "kicked in". I was severely depressed and suffered from major panic disorder. I had gotten to where I could barely leave the house to grocery shop or pick up my kids from school. I was absolutely miserable. Then I woke up one morning and it was if the whole world had changed!! The depression vanished and the anxiety lessened greatly. I did need additional therapy to help with the anxiety, but after learning some coping skills, that went away too. I didn't know how depressed I had really been until that morning when it lifted. It was like a huge weight was taken off of me. Eventually my dosage did need to be raised to 40 milligrams, but I have taken Celexa for 8 years now and feel that it has totally changed my quality of life. And I have no qualms about taking Celexa forever if need be. Why would I ever want to return to that misery. Hang in there with it. I wish for you the same result that I had!! I totally sympathize with you!! As for the anxiety attacks, once you realize that they're not going to kill you (even though you may feel like you're dying) it is easier to get through them. Breathe slowly and deeply until it passes. You should feel a lot better in a few more weeks.

45 year old Female

Posted: 2008-11-11 04:19:07

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

YOURE TOTALLY HIGH. OF COURSE ITS CHANGED THE QUALITY OF YOUR LIFE.

Posted: 2008-11-11 10:12:34

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

P.s. - You're right, the panic attacks will not harm, but the drug will. The Black Box Warning label was put on for a reason.

Posted: 2008-11-11 10:19:34

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Seriously, there are other methods in handling depression than taking drugs. Have you been tested for nutrition imbalances?

Posted: 2008-11-11 10:16:09

Answer/Reply:

it usually takes at least 6weeks for the drug to start working.iam taking citalopram 40mg and i can tell the diference.i have been on this for about 2 years.for anxiety
give it time
lcase
indiana

52 year old Female

Posted: 2008-11-17 08:13:14

Answer/Reply:

Yes yes yes! Since I started taking CELEXA about 8 years ago, I have had an increase in my blood sugar. This med has meade me a diabetic. I am taking CELEXA for anxiety. It is working.

61 year old Male

Posted: 2008-11-09 13:45:36

Answer/Reply:

I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes 3 yrs. ago & took 1000 mgs. of Metformin each day. I was not put on the Celexa (20mgs) until about a 9 months ago. I told my family dr. that all of a sudden I was having trouble keeping my glucose levels up. After tracking my levels 4 times a day for 2 weeks & faxing them to him, he said all my #'s looked good & to stop taking the Metformin. I've been off the Metformin for about a month & 1/2 now & all my levels are between 80 & 100. So for me at least, the Celexa caused no increase in my blood sugar.
Hope this helps.

56 year old Female

Posted: 2008-11-11 08:56:18

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I started on Celexa about a year ago, Nov 2007. In March 2008, 4 months later my blood sugar level was 88. I had my blood taken again a month ago and it went up to 105. So in 7 months it rose a lot. I do also have other factors though, I quit smoking on Jan 1, 2008, I am 43, I take Celexa, and never used to exercise. All of those reasons have been working against me. I have been exercising and walking five days a week. I have to have my blood taken again at the end of Jan 2009, so we will see if my better eating habits and exercise helps.

Posted: 2008-11-23 16:10:41

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I am taking both Celexa and Wellbutrin and I have not noticed any side effects. I've been taking them together for about 1 1/2 years now and so far, so good.

Posted: 2008-11-06 10:51:57

Answer/Reply:

citalpram was added to my regimin of welbutrin and buspar when the anxiety started becoming stronger again. initially I didn't really notice side effects, but, this summer I couldn't be outside without sweating profusly. I am currently back in school, and am having trouble with concentration and learning, and I am now wondering if this could be a side effect of the drug.

52 year old Female

Posted: 2008-11-14 11:11:56

Answer/Reply:

Hi, i am now taking Celexa and Wellbutrin and I am so happy with the results. I am also working on a diet now, which I hadn't even wanted to deal with. It has been great for me with no side effects Laura

50 year old Female

Posted: 2008-11-16 20:25:32

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I had mine increased to 40 a little over a month ago. My headaches aren't quite as bad but i still get them. I just figured that my body may need a little more time to adjust. I was taking 20 mg of Lexapro and had to switch because of cost. I am however starting to feel better.

Posted: 2008-10-09 09:28:14

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I went from 20mg a day up to 40mg also. It was horrible. I felt the same way. A lot of tention in my neck. It was scarey. I told my DR and he took me down to 30mg. I have to cut one in half since they only have 20mg,40, and 60. I love taken 30 mg, I have not had any bad side effects.

Posted: 2008-10-27 14:56:14

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I just started celexa and I feel pressure in my neck and shoulders.

Posted: 2008-11-12 12:47:00

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

thank you for your comment. i am 51 years old, and just bought my first prescription for celexa, and was worried about that very thing. i am relieved. i would probably get more depressed if i gained weight! ha.
many thanks

Posted: 2008-10-02 21:02:27

Answer/Reply:

Weight loss is very minimal on celexa. If you were a big eater before because of your depression/anxiety then you may experience some. I gained 30 pounds in one year on this drug. I still ate the same which is not that much by any means and worked out 4 times a week and still gained and gained. When I started celexa I was 110-now I am 140. I have heard of this by many users.

27 year old Female

Posted: 2008-12-03 12:03:15

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Sonja,

I have been on Celexa 20mg for quite some time, and if I miss a few days as well I will get the
fuzzy eyes, blurry and dizzy feeling. I beleive this is a side effect from the medication when your body is feeling the withdrawl symptoms. This is why your doctor tells you not to take yourself off the medication by yourself but to ween yourself off slowly as per doctors orders and not weening off the medication quickly. There are always withdrawl symptoms to every medication.
That is why you need to take your medication faithfully. Remember, alway tell your doctor if you have any symptoms from any medication. They can help.

Posted: 2008-10-10 10:17:31

Answer/Reply:

reply I to have been taking this med for almost 1yr and I thought it was my diabetes that caused my eyesight to act weird, well after reading your comment I tend to believe that it could be the celexa, I do notice it when i forget to take my daily dose, so to counteract that problem I have made more of an effort to take it daily and feel so much better. Good luck and try to remember to take your meds, I feel so much better when I do take it consistently

91 year old Female

Posted: 2008-10-17 16:19:28

Answer/Reply:

I have been on Celexa for 3 years and have no significant side effects....except that I feel great!
In answer to your question about the eyesight episode, your body goes into withdrawl mode after 3 days of no drugs, you must be careful to regularly take these meds. Do not go off of them too fast either, you must ween yourself with your doctor's help so you will not experience these side effects. Good luck, believe me you will feel better with time, be patient.


Female 57 yrs. old

58 year old Female

Posted: 2008-10-26 14:27:27

Answer/Reply:

I had the same thing happen to me. I did some research and asking around and found out that it is a withdrawal symptoms. I know longer forget to take my medicine.

38 year old Female

Posted: 2008-11-01 11:28:13

Answer/Reply:

I agree that it is a withdrawal symptom. Some anti-depressants cause "brain zaps" if you forget to take them for a few days. It's kind of a "zipping" sound that goes through your head and your vision seems to "click" as though you're taking pictures with a camera--like you see a bunch of "still shots" for a split second.
Don't forget to take your meds.

45 year old Female

Posted: 2008-11-11 04:35:11

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Hi yep i had the same reaction when i forgot to take mine. It was a weird feeling and i was also told that you could have seizures if you decide to stop takin them without being weaned off by a dr.needless to say i try to remember to take them every day at the same time. not a big fan of the effects if i forget makes me sick to my stomache and dizzy as hell

Posted: 2008-11-13 14:06:02

Answer/Reply:

I suspect that the weight gain has ocurred because you're not totally stressing out anymore. Enjoy feeling good and take up walking or some other activity you enjoy. I bet the weight will come right off.

45 year old Female

Posted: 2008-11-11 04:29:34

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I started taking Celexa last year (actually the generic Citropalum or whatever) and I gained about 25 pounds within 3-4 months without a change in my diet or anything. I ended up weighing more than 212 pounds, the most I'd ever weighed in my life. Also had trouble sleeping. Mentally I felt "happier" but the weight gain was terrible, so I stopped taking the medication. I think it's better to loose weight and feel depressed than to be "happy" and extremely overweight, because being overweight is so bad for you and the medication makes you kind of "numb" to the reality of it. I find my happiness and hope in life in God, He helps me so much.

Posted: 2008-11-18 00:30:59

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I think the GI issues are irrelevant related to your other medications. I have had GI issues both times I have initiated treatment as well as when soming off treatment or missing a few doses.

Posted: 2008-09-28 10:03:02

Answer/Reply:

I just started taking Celexa and I also have Ativan. I was told not to use these together, it
causes excessive sedation?? does anyone else have this problem

65 year old

67 year old Female

Posted: 2009-01-09 00:12:16

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I was treated w/Klonopin for the treatment of depression & panic/anxiety disorder, I started 2 b'come addicited 2 them and started 2 take "more than directed" and had a problem, once I told my Dr. I had a problem w/ my addiction, she put me in the hospital for treatment.
She tapered me off of my Klonopin, started me up on the Celexa 20 mgs a day and have not noticed a difference yet, Istill have Depression or my Anxiety attacks. How long will it take? I have read that it may take upto 8 wks 2 notice a difference....I also have read that Celexa may cause Diabettes as well, which is a concern to me because I already have a heart condition and sight problems.
My main concern is how long it takes and will it cause Diabettes?
Signed..
Concerned in Idaho

Posted: 2008-11-17 20:33:24

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

i was taking lexapro for a yr and a half 10mg it wasnt working for me so they just changed me to celexa they say its just like lexapro but they gave me 40mg
i was tired all the time on lexapro
i had no energy
im hoping this new med. will help me with the mood swings, anger over nothing.......
maybe raising the mgs will control my outbursts
i also have sweats, on the lexapro... and the sun bothers my skin. now i know enough to stay out of the sun..my skin also itches light rashes occur on the lexapro which is supposed to be like celexa but has a little umph.... that i need the dr told me this on thurs. last.



50 yr old woman from ny.

Posted: 2008-09-09 11:59:16

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

i was taking lexapro for a yr and a half 10mg it wasnt working for me so they just changed me to celexa they say its just like lexapro but they gave me 40mg
i was tired all the time on lexapro
i had no energy
im hoping this new med. will help me with the mood swings, anger over nothing.......
maybe raising the mgs will control my outbursts
i also have sweats, on the lexapro... and the sun bothers my skin. now i know enough to stay out of the sun..my skin also itches light rashes occur on the lexapro which is supposed to be like celexa but has a little umph.... that i need the dr told me this on thurs. last. crying over nothing is usual for me without it. i quit cold turkey once and thought i was going to explode inside my head all the time then i went back on the lexapro...and it wasnt enough so thats why the dr. changed to celexa.



50 yr old woman from ny.

Posted: 2008-09-09 12:02:21

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I would talk to your doctor about trying another medication, if it makes you feel like that its not the right med for you. do not wait any longer. If your Doc does not want to take you off it or wants you to keep going a little while...Get a second opinion, for the simple fact that you'll get used to the medication and be mopey all the time without enjoying the simple things in life.

Posted: 2008-09-27 02:37:36

Answer/Reply:

It took nearly two weeks for those symptoms to disappear after I started Citalopram, but it was worth the wait.

42 year old Female

Posted: 2008-09-28 18:47:30

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

You will gain weight with Citalopram...I gained 6 pounds within 6 months and did not change my diet (which is actually very healthy).

Posted: 2008-08-18 11:39:28

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I took lexapro for 3 years and it worked. I have been on Celexa for 6 months. I have the worst mood swings, i wake up as tired as i did before bed, and i bruise so easily. It does not seem to be working so good for me, but my mother and sister are both on it and have had good results from it.

Posted: 2008-09-09 01:02:05

Answer/Reply:

I too was on Lexapro. It did not work for me. I have tried several different anti depressant's and Celexa is the only one that has worked. I have actually been able to cut back my dosage which is one thing i could have never done on lexapro.

31 year old Female

Posted: 2008-09-24 12:57:41

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Celexa and Lexapro are the same thing. Celexa was the main medication before Lexapro came out. Now Celexa turned into the generic.

10 mg Lexapro is a 20mg Celexa for the simple fact that the other ten on the Celexa is a placebo.

Any doctor will notify or should notify you with that information, We all swore and oath.

Posted: 2008-09-27 02:42:46

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Lexapro and Celexa are the same. Celexa used to be the main pill until they came out with Lexapro, now Celexa is the generic.

One 10 mg of Lexapro is a 20 mg of Celexa because the other ten is a placebo. Same effects nothing different. Plus you can get Celexa at wal-mart for 4 dollars for a month supply.

Posted: 2008-09-27 02:40:15

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I was originally on Lexapro and switched to Celexa due to price. I've had absolutely no problems

Posted: 2008-09-28 10:04:23

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Hi I was on lexapro and really did'nt like it. Headache and insomnia. I swithched to celexa.
Watch when you switch. I feel pretty good only on it for 2 weeks 20mg. I think it might be
too much will wait the month out. I feel good.

Posted: 2008-11-01 10:32:06

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I was on lexapro and then switched to celexa because my insurance covered it and I found the celexa actually works better for me

Posted: 2008-11-15 23:53:21

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I was put on citalopram about a year ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Through chemo, radiation and losing ALL MY HAIR, I don't think I could have handled it as well as I did without citalopram, and with no side effects. I AM 48 YEARS OLD.

Posted: 2008-07-24 22:10:19

Answer/Reply:

i agree with everything that you have said. i've been taking celexa for about 7 yrs now and without it i become severly depressed and suicidal. i don't notice any side affects while taking it. but that can just be from the fact that i've taken it so long. has anyone else had a problem with it becoming less effective??? my doctor wants to try me on zoloft but i'm not sure how comfortable i am with that.

28 year old Female

Posted: 2008-08-21 20:20:31

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

how long does it take to take upto work? I have been on Celexa 20mgs for about 3 wks now and have vivid dreams, so vivid they wake me up! I also take Depakote for the treatment of being Bi-polar, what my thought was is that Depakote was causing my "vivid dreams". Do u take Depakote as well? If not what meds do u take..maybe we take the same take the same phyc. meds, I take Thorazine & Haldol (schizo-effective disorder) as well.

Posted: 2008-11-17 21:02:36

Answer/Reply:

My mom and cousin lost weight....but it also started making them crazy.....little to much forgetfulness and love....

Posted: 2008-07-04 08:56:00

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Can this drug cause stiffness?

Posted: 2008-07-06 08:46:28

Answer/Reply:

I am a 45 year old female and have taken Celexa this time for about 6 months. I think it's working great for me now because I also take Lamictal, Klonopin, Buspar, and Trazadone with it. The last time was with some other combinations that I can't remember, but I didn't gain or lose weight because of it either time!

47 year old Female

Posted: 2008-07-12 15:28:53

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Just want to let you know that I gained 20lbs on celexa.

Posted: 2008-08-16 20:03:13

Answer/Reply:

I HAVE gained weight since I started taking Citalopram--about 20 pounds in 3 years. BUT, when I started taking the drug, I was seriously underweight due to my depression. I was also exercising a lot at that time--as an attempt to gain control over my life and overcome my depression and anxiety. So . . . I don't blame the full 20 pounds on the drug since I get much less exercise now than I did before. The bottom line? I'd rather be a bit heavier and happy than bony and depressed.

42 year old Female

Posted: 2008-09-28 18:56:15

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

What other side effects?
Signed....
Curious in Idaho

Posted: 2008-11-17 21:05:08

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

how long sis that feeling last?

Posted: 2008-11-15 14:39:12

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Hi,

It is great to hear that celexa is working for you!
I have had a recurrence of sever anxiety ( i had been on celexa for years and it was great...but i went off of it)....I am now on celexa again and have been on a dose of 25 mg for 8 weeks. I am not noticing big improvements yet?? I am very concerned of course! Can you tell me at what dosage it started to work for you?
Gratefully,

Edie

Posted: 2008-08-29 12:44:52

Answer/Reply:

I loved to read the one about the husband who was happy to have his wife back again. That was the same reaction I got from mine. I was a total wreak, and after being on different drugs this one has done wonders. I'm ME again, and loving it.
56 year old female

58 year old Female

Posted: 2008-10-01 19:07:58