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Anxiety Community
This patient support community is for discussions relating to generalized anxiety, anxiety and eating, anxiety and sleeping, mood swings, and phobias.
Severe anxiety...going to try Celexa but so SCARED!
by fearfactor, Apr 09, 2007 12:00AM
Guys, I have severe, almost debiliating anxiety - GAD and panic attacks along with social anxiety and health anxiety (hypochondria). My doctor has talked me into trying Celexa but I'm terrified because I read it can cause weight gain and heart palpitations (two things I fear a LOT). I want to get help, I can't go on like this...I am so depressed sometimes I want to die and I want it to change but I'm scared to take this drug. Should I try it or what? I am so afraid of the side effects I don't know what to do.
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I tried Celexa and it helped calm me considerably but I did gain about 30 lbs in about 3 months but I also ate whatever I wanted and didn't exercise at all. I know that you are scared to take it but it is just like being scared of everything else, you have to try it first and if you are scared then just get off of it. For me, I was scared to try it because I thought that if I tried it and it didnt work then that was it for me and my options would run out. Anyways, it did work but I got off of it, one because I felt somewhat normal and didnt think that I needed it, and also because of the weight gain and now I am full of anxiety once again. I considered trying something else and just make sure that I exercise once a day to ward off the weight gain but am not convinced yet. The other thing that I did at the same times as the Celexa was I purchased a subliminal cd off of the internet in the States called "Freedom from Fears" by Progressive Awareness Research Inc - www.innertalk.com / 1-800-964-3551. I played it everyday with headphones and took a nap while it played. I remember I started walking more confident, with my head up and felt calmer. I also meditated everyday for a few minutes, usually while I listed to the cd, and envisioned myself walking calmly and being calm. Celexa helped alot, enough so that I could calmly think. Hope that helps. Thanks.
I took Lexapro also, I lost weight at first too. I think once it kicks in and you feel better, you eat. Or some do. Anyway, if you find yourself eating more, add more exercise. The weight doesn't come on by itself in most people. I think my doctor told me that although some people gain weight on SSRI's, it isn't because of the medicine directly, it's because they feel better, happier and eat more. Very few, he said 2%, had unexplained weight gain.
I didn't have any heart issues though, at least not related to the medicine. I have a HUGE heart awareness issue and would have definitely noticed that.
Good luck to you!!!!
I'm sending good thoughts your way!
Again, good luck and keep us posted.