Would like to hear from the celexa user out there!

[kris123]

Hi guys. I am taking celexa for the second time. Right now I'm taking 10mg. And I've been taking them for the last 11 days. I felt I had a bit of a setback today, and determined, on my own that it was probably time for an increase. So I took another 10mg. My heart is sort of intermittently racing...for no apparent reason. I would really appreciate any advice/reassurance/success stories with this drug. It worked well for me the first time (but I was also taking buspar then). I wonder if it will work again.
Should I expect these ups and downs...today I felt depressed and anxious. Up until today, I wouldn't have classified myself as depressed....just very anxious. I dunno what to make of it.

[jessed03]

Did you take the extra 10mg once, or is 20mg now your regular dose?

SSRIs are pretty direct. Their goal is to change your brain chemistry, and they sort of just go right about it.

If your brain chemistry needed a fair amount of changing, which often it does, it's quite normal to feel bouts of anxiety and depression during startup. Around the 11 day mark, things are starting to work. Depression is often due to low serotonin, and anxiety high, so as the drug changes these levels in the brain, you can see why you'd experience both as your levels fluctuate until they normalize.

It usually takes around 10 weeks before it's made the changes it wanted to, but around the 4 week mark is where you often begin to feel better.

For the first 30 days, dont think too much of what comes up... Unless of course it is actually something alarming :)

I've taken Celexa twice, and felt the same way during startup both times.

[kris123]

I just started with the extra dose today. I plan on taking 20mg again tomorrow. It's sounds like your well versed in this drug. I've taken it before myself and had great results. But I'm finding it very hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, if ya know what I mean.

[jessed03]

My doctor was a trainee, and it was all I could get at the time, so he wasn't much help. I had to do most of my own learning about the drugs and what is needed to improve :)

Don't sweat the light at the end of the tunnel stuff. It's mostly a symptom of the anxiety and depression, rather than a separate rational judgement about the anxiety and depression. It's like an instinctual, evolutionary fear that comes from being in a hole. But, if you have the right directions, and you keep going forwards, eventually you start seeing a little daylight.

10mg is very low. Now you should start to see more of the changes you want. 20mg is the normal dose to get anything done really. It still may get a little worse before it gets better, as now it's all been kicked up a notch! See how you feel in around 3 weeks.

Good luck with it! :)

[kris123]

I would definitely say I'm feeling worst today. I'm so tired and my heart is racing. I hope this passes soon. It's only my second day taking 20mg. Is it normal to feel this way?

[jessed03]

I would definitely say I'm feeling worst today. I'm so tired and my heart is racing. I hope this passes soon. It's only my second day taking 20mg. Is it normal to feel this way?

How was your nights sleep? Was it disturbed? Did you have any dreams that you can recall?

[kris123]

I sleep well. I wake up so early though and can't get back to sleep. That combined with the meds are probably why I feel so tired. What is your impression on the fact that I feel bad in the morning, but as the day progresses I begin to feel better and Feel like myself? Do you find that strange, or is that par for the course? Also, it feel like since the increase in celexa yesterday, my physical symptoms of anxiety have gotten worse. Do you think the 20mg is to strong or is this just temporary until my body adjusts to the increase?

[kris123]

And no to the dream question

[jessed03]

I would say it's temporary.

The fact you slept pretty well, and don't recall bizarre dreams means your serotonin could possibly be lower or lowering at this point. You usually get bizarre dreams when it increases.

The fact it may be lowering, would make you a little more tired (and depressive like), causing your body to react by releasing adrenaline to counter it, this is most likely responsible for the heart pounding. That and the subconscious nervousness about taking an anti-D.

If I've pulled an all nighter working on a project, around 8am I get heart palps. It's my body trying to wake me up with a little extra adrenaline. Very useful too although not with anxiety :)

As far as feeling yourself a little later in the day, how do you feel at night time, say around 9-10pm, what's your mood like, what is your state of mind like?

[kris123]

I would say it's temporary. The fact you slept pretty well, and don't recall bizarre dreams means your serotonin could possibly be lower or lowering at this point. You usually get bizarre dreams when it increases. The fact it may be lowering, would make you a little more tired (and depressive like), causing your body to react by releasing adrenaline to counter it, this is most likely responsible for the heart pounding. That and the subconscious nervousness about taking an anti-D. If I've pulled an all nighter working on a project, around 8am I get heart palps. It's my body trying to wake me up with a little extra adrenaline. Very useful too although not with anxiety :) As far as feeling yourself a little later in the day, how do you feel at night time, say around 9-10pm, what's your mood like, what is your state of mind like?
I usually feel great at night, like I can conquer the world. I feel pretty normal. But the next day....it starts all over again. Very frustrating. About the serotonin...tell me a little more about that and how it affects my anxiety. How does the celexa treat that? Is the goal to lower it?

[jessed03]

Ok, that's a good sign actually that you feel better at night. It means your coping mechanisms must be pretty good, otherwise a bad start would make you spiral downwards further :)

There's a chance that at night, all this subconscious stress is being processed and relived by the mind, maybe in dreams that aren't remembered, or the evaluation of leftover stress whilst you're sleeping. The subconscious mind does some pretty amazing things at night.

If that's the case, you'd not be in the best of places in the morning, for obvious reasons. Your mind may be a little off for a few hours, you might be a little tense, a little disoriented, a little adrenaline filled... Any of that stuff. It's a possibility.

The idea with the serotonin is to get it to the ideal level. Depression is usually low serotonin, and anxiety and OCD high, although, a brain that isn't using serotonin effectively may be both. With anxiety, there's usually too much. The drug limits the amount that can be absorbed, making sure the level remains quite constant. This means constant, level mood. In this state, you're able to deal with things better, anxiety isn't usually the default state.

Out of interest, why did your last doctor add another med onto the Celexa? What were your symptoms?

[kris123]

Ok, that's a good sign actually that you feel better at night. It means your coping mechanisms must be pretty good, otherwise a bad start would make you spiral downwards further :) There's a chance that at night, all this subconscious stress is being processed and relived by the mind, maybe in dreams that aren't remembered, or the evaluation of leftover stress whilst you're sleeping. The subconscious mind does some pretty amazing things at night. If that's the case, you'd not be in the best of places in the morning, for obvious reasons. Your mind may be a little off for a few hours, you might be a little tense, a little disoriented, a little adrenaline filled... Any of that stuff. It's a possibility. The idea with the serotonin is to get it to the ideal level. Depression is usually low serotonin, and anxiety and OCD high, although, a brain that isn't using serotonin effectively may be both. With anxiety, there's usually too much. The drug limits the amount that can be absorbed, making sure the level remains quite constant. This means constant, level mood. In this state, you're able to deal with things better, anxiety isn't usually the default state. Out of interest, why did your last doctor add another med onto the Celexa? What were your symptoms? my symptoms were similar but more severe last time. At least I think they were. I'm a little foggy as I'm sure you can understand.
Are you still currently battling anxiety? Do you still take celexa?

[jessed03]

It's fine :) it's good to get some understanding, right! makes it all seem a little less scary. The idea of taking a brain drug is kinda weird :p... When you know all it's doing is acting as a measuring glass to make sure you get the right amount of chemical, it's not so bad.

I don't battle anxiety now really. I'm always careful of how I live, to be safe, but it doesn't affect my daily life, unless I'm under some mega intense stress levels.

Where are you from anyway? And what are you holding in your avatar...? It looks like... a donkey? ;)

[Robert Tressell]

I usually feel great at night, like I can conquer the world. I feel pretty normal. But the next day....it starts all over again. Very frustrating. About the serotonin...tell me a little more about that and how it affects my anxiety. How does the celexa treat that? Is the goal to lower it?

Same for me. Mornings it starts again, hands a bit shaky, stomach in knots. Gets better through the day, at night fine. Sleeping well on the 5 HTP supplement pills 3 days in.

Wonder if it's low blood sugar or adrenaline related in the mornings?

[jessed03]

Same for me. Mornings it starts again, hands a bit shaky, stomach in knots. Gets better through the day, at night fine. Sleeping well on the 5 HTP supplement pills 3 days in.

Wonder if it's low blood sugar or adrenaline related in the mornings?

Are you meditating?

[kris123]

It's fine :) it's good to get some understanding, right! makes it all seem a little less scary. The idea of taking a brain drug is kinda weird :p... When you know all it's doing is acting as a measuring glass to make sure you get the right amount of chemical, it's not so bad. I don't battle anxiety now really. I'm always careful of how I live, to be safe, but it doesn't affect my daily life, unless I'm under some mega intense stress levels. Where are you from anyway? And what are you holding in your avatar...? It looks like... a donkey? ;) Newfoundland, Canada. And that my dog in the pic with me. Where are you from?

[jessed03]

From London, Engerlaand! :)

Oh it's your dog! I zoomed your pic to try and see what was next to you, it just made it look like a giant rabbit! Haha

[kris123]

From London, Engerlaand! :) Oh it's your dog! I zoomed your pic to try and see what was next to you, it just made it look like a giant rabbit! Haha yeah..little shi-tzu. His hair is kind of overgrown in this photo. He's a sweet little guy. His name is Gus.

[kris123]

I became quite anxious not long ago. Felt as though I would have a panic attack. Heart racing/pounding, kind of short of breath. I took an Ativan and I feel a little better now. I really hope this is just due to the increase in my celexa dose and that it passes soon. Any thoughts?

[jessed03]

I became quite anxious not long ago. Felt as though I would have a panic attack. Heart racing/pounding, kind of short of breath. I took an Ativan and I feel a little better now. I really hope this is just due to the increase in my celexa dose and that it passes soon. Any thoughts?

I would say so yeah. I remember having a few random bouts of panic when starting up. Quite severe too!

I read your other post saying the nausea is getting rough. Seems like it's beginning to make changes. Should be a slightly rocky 2 weeks, but then hopefully it will settle. It's rare the nausea lasts longer than two weeks.

Sucking strong mint sometimes can help.

[kris123]

I would say so yeah. I remember having a few random bouts of panic when starting up. Quite severe too! I read your other post saying the nausea is getting rough. Seems like it's beginning to make changes. Should be a slightly rocky 2 weeks, but then hopefully it will settle. It's rare the nausea lasts longer than two weeks. Sucking strong mint sometimes can help. I've been awake for hours having anxiety about taking the celexa. Wondering if I should or shouldn't. It's making me quite anxious.

[jessed03]

Give yourself 4 weeks on it. Commit to it. It may raise anxiety, but I promise it's temporary, and even if you stopped after a month, it would go.

After 4 weeks, if you don't like it, you can quit :) I've done the same thing, debated taking it, only I quit (and went back a year later) it's frustrating later on down the line when you do quit. You wish you'd stuck it out and saw what happened!

I'm on here a fair bit, I also have Facebook if you get freaked out and ever wanted to chat.

[worriedmummy85]

I just wanted to give you a little bit advice here I am not on celexa but on Zoloft when I first got these I wouldn't take them I was so anxious about it because I thought I couldn't deal with the side effects

2 weeks later I had to start taking them I was so low the anxiety got to me I just completely over thought it because when I started taking them yes I had a couple of rough days one extreme rough day but 2 days out of the 2 month I suffered was nothing I feel almost back to normal now I am going into my fourth week and I do still have a bit anxiety but I can dismiss it and stop it from spiralling I have never had a panic attack since

Instead of going into my fourth week I could have been going into my 6th week the only regret I have is not taking them in the first place

[kris123]

Give yourself 4 weeks on it. Commit to it. It may raise anxiety, but I promise it's temporary, and even if you stopped after a month, it would go. After 4 weeks, if you don't like it, you can quit :) I've done the same thing, debated taking it, only I quit (and went back a year later) it's frustrating later on down the line when you do quit. You wish you'd stuck it out and saw what happened! I'm on here a fair bit, I also have Facebook if you get freaked out and ever wanted to chat.. Thanks for the reassurance. I'm going to ride it out. I feel like I have to if I want to get over this. Im glad to have someone to go to for support when I need it.

[kris123]

I just wanted to give you a little bit advice here I am not on celexa but on Zoloft when I first got these I wouldn't take them I was so anxious about it because I thought I couldn't deal with the side effects 2 weeks later I had to start taking them I was so low the anxiety got to me I just completely over thought it because when I started taking them yes I had a couple of rough days one extreme rough day but 2 days out of the 2 month I suffered was nothing I feel almost back to normal now I am going into my fourth week and I do still have a bit anxiety but I can dismiss it and stop it from spiralling I have never had a panic attack since Instead of going into my fourth week I could have been going into my 6th week the only regret I have is not taking them in the first place thanks. I'm glad to hear it gets better. I know deep down that right now my anxiety is almost entirely based on the fear of side effects, which I've had for the last two days since increasing my dose to 20mg. I hope that it passes soon. I've been super anxious all morning about taking my meds, but I've taken them anyway. I'll just have to wait and see how it goes and ride it out.

[jessed03]

I'm glad your med is starting to get it done WM!

Loads of positive self talk is pretty helpful during the first few weeks. Think mother soothing a child when it wakes up in the middle of the night crying, scared about a monster. Loads of that soothing, incredibly comforting, very positive self talk can usually stop things escalating.

'Come on Jesse, bigJ, you have this! A little pill and you're freaking out. You're working yourself into a panic aren't you. You have this! There's no need for that! You can relax, it's ok. A little adrenaline, a little chemical change, so what? What's scary about that? It won't harm you, it won't stay very long. It can't possibly be permanent.You're such a strong person. You're gonna just relax, watch a little tv, let some time pass, and it's all gonna be good, you know it is, let that s**t go big man, you don't need it!'

I used to talk to myself like that a lot. It sounds really weird writing it down, but it's such a good thing to do, to comfort yourself, play down the situation, and be cute with yourself about it. It's almost the opposite of what anxiety is about, self talking into worry. :)

[kris123]

I'm glad your med is starting to get it done WM! Loads of positive self talk is pretty helpful during the first few weeks. Think mother soothing a child when it wakes up in the middle of the night crying, scared about a monster. Loads of that soothing, incredibly comforting, very positive self talk can usually stop things escalating. 'Come on Jesse, bigJ, you have this! A little pill and you're freaking out. You're working yourself into a panic aren't you. You have this! There's no need for that! You can relax, it's ok. A little adrenaline, a little chemical change, so what? What's scary about that? It won't harm you, it won't stay very long. It can't possibly be permanent.You're such a strong person. You're gonna just relax, watch a little tv, let some time pass, and it's all gonna be good, you know it is, let that s**t go big man, you don't need it!' I used to talk to myself like that a lot. It sounds really weird writing it down, but it's such a good thing to do, to comfort yourself, play down the situation, and be cute with yourself about it. It's almost the opposite of what anxiety is about, self talking into worry. :) I will try to keep that in much when on the verge of an attack, though it's not easy. Thanks for the advice. I may use some of your words on myself.

[kris123]

I'm now on day 4 of my celexa increase from 10mg to 20mg. I've been on celexa for a total of two weeks now. My anxiety is definitely heightened....I'm not sure if it's related to the increase itself or the fact that I'm thinking about going to work tomorrow. Any advice? Do you think the celexa is working for me or do you think it's time I try another drug. Maybe I need a new anti anxiety medication. The Ativan I've taken this morning is not helping, at all.

[NixonRulz]

A lot of anti anxiety meds initially will heighten your anxiety as they are working their way in your system.

Usually up to 6 weeks before they will be working at full tilt.

Give it a bit more time before you switch to something else.

[kris123]

A lot of anti anxiety meds initially will heighten your anxiety as they are working their way in your system. Usually up to 6 weeks before they will be working at full tilt. Give it a bit more time before you switch to something else. that's what I've been telling myself. But it's still hard. My increase to 20mg was only four days ago, so do you think that's why I'm feeling more anxiety than when I was taking 10mg? I should give the increase more time?

[jessed03]

Hey kris! A bit of both seems to be causing that anxiety doesn't it. I didnt realise you were a nurse! That's no easy profession.

Quick question.. Do you want to go back to work? If you could get the time off, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to take a little extra time. There's a difference between chickening out, and taking some time. I don't think it would be chickening out if you decided to take a little time for things to settle.

As far as the Celexa goes. Let's call it 4 days. 10mg doesn't count for muchreally. Different ball game at 20mg+. I'd give it 4 weeks. 4 weeks at 20mg. That's enough time to begin to see where things are heading.

[kris123]

Hey kris! A bit of both seems to be causing that anxiety doesn't it. I didnt realise you were a nurse! That's no easy profession. Quick question.. Do you want to go back to work? If you could get the time off, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to take a little extra time. There's a difference between chickening out, and taking some time. I don't think it would be chickening out if you decided to take a little time for things to settle. As far as the Celexa goes. Let's call it 4 days. 10mg doesn't count for muchreally. Different ball game at 20mg+. I'd give it 4 weeks. 4 weeks at 20mg. That's enough time to begin to see where things are heading. I think your right. And as for wanting to go back to work, I do and I don't. I'm tired of being cooped up in my house, thinking. There's only so much I can do around here. And watching tv doesn't help, at all. I just think that at work I would be busy doing work related things and hopefully that would keep my mind off of things. I guess it all depends on how I feel tonight and if I can get any sleep. Anyway, I'm heading out to see a friend. I have to get out of the house for a bit. It's making me anxious just being here.

[jessed03]

Hope it goes well for you Kris!

[NixonRulz]

I agree with Jesse. There is nothing wrong with taking time off when you are just trying to get yourself a little stable.

Not going to work out of what may happen or how you may feel can lead down a tricky road.

You have experienced the discomfort of feeling anxious at work or anywhere else and no harm ever came to you.

That is one of the main things people suffering from anxiety deal with: continuing to fear the same things over and over when you just feel uncomfortable from anxiety

After a period of time, you too will understand that the only thing you ever will feel is fear, and nothing that you are fearing comes to pass

You've developed a habitual thought pattern that you just need to reprogram.

This seems like it could never end but so many here are able to guarantee that it surely goes away.

It will for you as well....before you realise it ( I spelled "realize" with a "s" as a an olive branch to my folks across the pond. Tomorrow I will somehow work "mum" Ina post where "mom" was surely appropriate!)

[kris123]

I'm feeling sort of jittery today. Is this normal?

[kris123]

Like I can't be still for too long.

[jessed03]

It may be a temporary akathisia.. I don't know how strong Canadian Benadryl is, but Benadryl can help if you have some.

There's also a tonne of anxiety in you. I can sense loads of it, just through your posts. Getting your head in a slightly 'lighter' place helps a lot. Not easy I know.

Even though my boy Nixon will kick me in the head for this, ill tell you my most nerdy nurse joke

A man goes to hospital and says to the nurse 'I've been stung by a wasp, have you got anything for it?'
The nurse replies 'Whereabouts is it?'
The man says 'I don't know... it's probably miles away by now'

[kris123]

Would you say this is normal for celexa?

[jessed03]

Pretty normal. Common with anxiety too, so hard to know what's causing it.

How would you rate your anxiety /10 right now?

[kris123]

Pretty normal. Common with anxiety too, so hard to know what's causing it. How would you rate your anxiety /10 right now? 8 or 9 for sure.

[jessed03]

Hm yeah, that's too high.

[kris123]

Hm yeah, that's too high. I'm feeling a little less anxious now that I've called in sick for tomorrow. The anxiety about returning was to much, so I take that as a sign that I'm not ready to go back. I guess I shouldn't rush myself.

[jessed03]

Ok. Glad you feel a bit better! No point overloading the system!

[kris123]

Ok. Glad you feel a bit better! No point overloading the system! thanks for your continuous feedback. It really does help.

[jessed03]

thanks for your continuous feedback. It really does help.

No problem, kiddo!

[kris123]

So, today is day 5 of my increase and dare I say. I feel pretty good today. However, my sleep seems to be affected. Though I do sleep solid until 6-6:30 am once I wake up I'm not able to get back to sleep. Anyone having the same problem?

[jessed03]

Shhh kris... Jinxes are everywhere ;)

Glad you're doing better than yesterday!

My friend Terre Nova on this forum has a similar issue with her sleep. I just spoke to her on Facebook, she's whacked as hers is slightly worse than yours. She looks like a Panda. She's recently started the same drug again.

The sleep issue should, shouldddd, go away soon. A very normal SSRI side effect. Kinda good it isn't affecting you worse, on Prozac I never slept a wink :-/

[kris123]

Shhh kris... Jinxes are everywhere ;) Glad you're doing better than yesterday! My friend Terre Nova on this forum has a similar issue with her sleep. I just spoke to her on Facebook, she's whacked as hers is slightly worse than yours. She looks like a Panda. She's recently started the same drug again. The sleep issue should, shouldddd, go away soon. A very normal SSRI side effect. Kinda good it isn't affecting you worse, on Prozac I never slept a wink :-/ that's good to know. I need to see this as a positive thing, I guess, the fact that I feel pretty decent today. I guess that I worked myself into a bit of a frenzy yesterday about work. I'm not ready. I need to pace myself. It was a bit of a setback I would say. Last night I felt great, today I don't feel great, but I feel decent.

[jessed03]

It does seem work was stressing you out.

What do you have planned for today, anything cool?

[kris123]

It does seem work was stressing you out. What do you have planned for today, anything cool? I'm going to hit the treadmill for a brisk walk. I just decorated my Christmas tree. Clean my house. And my husband will be home tonight so I'm pretty happy about that. I'm just going to try to keep myself busy today. Keep myself distracted.

[jessed03]

Sounds good K...

Do it like this, so you can still read the forum

http://gifbox.ru/uploads/9c24726126ca93738ee4f013ec202e6f.gif

[kris123]

Sounds good K... Do it like this, so you can still read the forum http://gifbox.ru/uploads/9c24726126ca93738ee4f013ec202e6f.gif Haha. I think Homer's on to something!

[Terre Nova]

Shhh kris... Jinxes are everywhere ;)

Glad you're doing better than yesterday!

My friend Terre Nova on this forum has a similar issue with her sleep. I just spoke to her on Facebook, she's whacked as hers is slightly worse than yours. She looks like a Panda. She's recently started the same drug again.

The sleep issue should, shouldddd, go away soon. A very normal SSRI side effect. Kinda good it isn't affecting you worse, on Prozac I never slept a wink :-/

Looks like a panda?! Wha??

[jessed03]

Looks like a panda?! Wha??

A...cute panda... Obviously!

http://i.imgur.com/sO0yIP4h.jpg

[Terre Nova]

A...cute panda... Obviously!

http://i.imgur.com/sO0yIP4h.jpg

A whacked cute panda? Ummm lol? The pic was funny though ;)

[jessed03]

A whacked cute panda? Ummm lol? The pic was funny though ;)

This is more like you when you fall asleep ;)

http://i.imgur.com/A1I2XKa.jpg

[Terre Nova]

This is more like you when you fall asleep ;)

http://i.imgur.com/A1I2XKa.jpg

Lol pretty much!

[kris123]

I've been taking celexa for about 19 days now. 9 days on 20mg. I am seeing improvements. My concentration has improved as well as my ability to cope with the anxious thoughts. My sleeping has been effected somewhat and I'm tired most of the day. I also have more motivation and the physical symptoms of my anxiety are pretty much gone. I guess it's just a waiting game now till I'm back to my old self. Hopefully every day from here on in will be a steady improvement.

[Enduronman]

YAY!!!! ^^^^^^^^ Great to see this Kris! :)

[worriedmummy85]

I've been taking celexa for about 19 days now. 9 days on 20mg. I am seeing improvements. My concentration has improved as well as my ability to cope with the anxious thoughts. My sleeping has been effected somewhat and I'm tired most of the day. I also have more motivation and the physical symptoms of my anxiety are pretty much gone. I guess it's just a waiting game now till I'm back to my old self. Hopefully every day from here on in will be a steady improvement.

This is great news Hun

[kris123]

Thanks guys. I feel like the worst is over now, just a waiting game now till I'm back to my old self. I can't wait for that day:)