Who's had experience with Celexa?

[Atlas Mugged]

My doctor (well, one of 9 specialists I'm seeing) just wrote me a script for Celexa. Yes, I know it's for depression, which is a major issue at the moment. I was in an automobile accident last October and I'm a fucking mess. Currently I'm on Duragesic patches, Soma, Lortab and Naproxin. I'm not taking the Celexa until I get a little feed back on it. I have enough drug fatigue as it is.

FYI - I was hit by a school bus (no children on board, and it was a big one; not like the ones that Bush took to school). My injuries are mainly four herniated discs in my neck that will have to be removed or replaced. That's only the worst of it - there's more. Right now we're looking at the possibility of replacing two discs and fusing two. Since I was extremely active physically and socially before the accident the mental toll has been enormous. I'm in the middle of a lawsuit, of course, which is even more of a downer since I've never sued anyone nor have I ever been sued. The driver of the school bus admitted full responsibility at the scene of the accident, and when the officer visited me in the emergency room, he said it was obvious what had happened. But, still, the depression has been dragging me down to the point of utter despair.

[terrya]

1. I'm on it.

Celexa has really helped me. It's helped to just make my thinking more levelheaded, if that makes sense. It helps me to focus on things better.

I think it will help you. I hope things in your life get better.

[Hawkeye-X]

2. *raises hand*

Celexa has been a godsend for me. I've been on it for more than one year, and it's very good. Genetically, it fits our family who has a history of depression.

[Wickerman]

3. I've heard good things

Elevate those spirits, allow you to sleep, yet also stay awake - someone close to me takes it and has dramatically turned a corner - unlike any corner Bush* might promise... Low side effects, from what I see.

Hang in there, give it time to work - and if it doesn't your Doc will fidn something else.

Best of luck to you!

[fugue]

4. Don't take it!

When my doctor prescribed that, my therapist freaked. She said it's caused damage to every patient of hers that's been on it. According to her, they get less depressed but also less rational and that the damage seems permanent.

Unless you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about Effexor XR. It's a fast-acting antidepressant.

[SmileyBoy]

11. Less rational???

I've been taking it for about 7 years, and I don't feel my rationality slipping... Although it does make me drowsy sometimes. I'd rather take it at night so it can help me go to sleep.

[silverlib]

5. I don't think you should take it, but I'm no doctor....

Celexa is a serotonin blocker, which is known to help people with clinical depression. You do not have clinical depression. You have depression resulting from an identifiable event. Coping therapy sounds more appropriate. I do not think Celexa was designed for the type of depression you are experiencing.

Here are the side effects (from my drug book):

Frequent - Sexual dysfunction, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, insomnia. (IMO, any of these would cause increased depression)

Occasional: Blurred vision, loss of memory, apathy, confusion, trouble breathing, fever, increased urination, skin rash/itching, abdominal pain, decrease appetite, anxiety, muscle pain, diarrhea, dizziness, increased sweating, trembling or shakiness, vomiting.

I hope you have a pain management specialist to boot.

I hope this period of your life ends soon and that you are feeling much better soon!

[Atlas Mugged]

8. Actually, I do have a history of depression

But, over the years, everytime a doctor has suggested drugs, I've turned them down (I don't even drink alcohol). I "treat" my depression by focusing on things to the point of obsession, which makes me very good at whatever catches my interest. As an example, I became obsessed with Shinto architecture and studied it so thoroughly it drove my friends insane.

One of my pain management doctors (I have two - as I said, I'm really fucked up) wrote the script today. I've filled it, but I'm not going to start taking it until I know more - a LOT more - about it.

My thanks to all of you for your input! This place really is a wonderful resource.

[RandomKoolzip]

6. My wife is on it.

It's strange; the type of anti-depressant that works best for you must be dtermined by some yet-undiscovered health characteristic, like blood type or something. She went through several different medications, only Celexa seems to work for her.

I too went through a few different medications before settling on Lexapro. I've done Prozac, Effexor, Paxil (pAxil worked the best, but withdrawl was BITCH and it made me gain weight.)

[Beware the Beast Man]

7. My wife's on Lexapro

And she swears by it.

[auburngrad82]

9. I'm on Lexapro and my girlfriend says she can see a difference.

I can only tell a difference when I'm driving. I don't use my middle finger near as much. But she says I'm much easier to be around.

[SmileyBoy]

10. I take Celexa.

I feel that it works very well. I haven't felt suicidal in years. I get depressed once in a while still, but nothing compared to what I used to experience when I was much younger.

I've been taking Celexa for about 6 or 7 years now.

[tcfrogs]

12. I'm on it

But not for depression - it's part of what I take to control panic attacks. It's been an absolute godsend. I've noticed no side effects for me, and I've been on it for five years.

[ironflange]

13. Didn't work for me (unipolar depression)

Also did nothing for Mrs. Ironflange (also unipolar). Works well on my daughter, but she's bipolar, and its just one of several that she takes. My FIL also likes Celexa. What a family!

It seems to depend on the person, whether or not a particular one will work. For the record, I do Effexor XR, Mrs. I does Paxil, recent switch from generic Prozac.

[Screaming Lord Byron]

14. I was on it for a year. My judgement was pretty lousy.

Although, that may have nothing to do with the pills. I managed to get fired from a decent job for being unfocused. Again, may have had nothing to do with the pills.

[Texasgal]

15. I am on Lexapro

My doctor told me that Celexa and Lexapro are one in the same. They are doing away with Celexa all together. Anyway....

Lexapro has worked great for me! I started taking it a few years ago when I was getting ready to get married. I started to experience frequent panic attacks due to the stress of dealing with the parentals for a wedding with over 400 guests. ( Ridiculous I know)

Anyhow, I have been on the drug for about 3 years and I have noticed that PMS seems better, and I seem to deal with people better, I rarely have panic attacks and I have had not one of the side effects listed.

I hope things work out for you!