Question about Celexa

[jjfreak]

Hi,

I have been suffering from what I am convinced is some sort of serious disease, but have had plenty of tests on my heart and blood tests, chest x-rays, and even an ultrasound on my gallbladder. All of them looked normal except my liver was slightly enlarged, but that was checked out by a gastro, and he didn't think there was anything wrong that I might just have a bigger one than normal. I have symptoms of dizziness, heart racing, and just random pains. My doctor seems to think this is all just anxiety. I know it is very possible, and I know I don't want them to find anything seriously wrong, but it is hard for me to just accept that this is all just anxiety.

My doctor has now prescribed me celexa for my anxiety. I have been taking Ativan as needed, but he feels I need something everyday since I have been to the ER twice in the last 9 days. What can you guys tell me about Celexa? Is it heavy with side effects? Will it be easy to start and get used to?

Thanks for any help in advance.

[jjfreak]

Thank you guys for your opinions. I am really just pretty scared to start the medicines like this, but I don't seem to be able to do this on my own. I really just want to get back to feeling like my old self. The thing I really need to do is just convince myself this all could be anxiety. I really just feel these symptoms, and it is hard to believe it is just anxiety.

[Paxiled]

Everyone gets different results from meds, so we can't really tell you how you'll feel.  So if you decide to do the medication route, expect the best and if it doesn't work out, try another med.  I'm on Celexa and I do have some side effects, but if it were working, which it isn't, it wouldn't matter so much.  For me, the meds that worked the best had the most side effects, and for others it's the opposite.  Just no predicting, so don't try.

[cj29]

You did the right thing by going to get checked out by your doctor, but now you have to believe him/her and the results of the tests.  In my experience with health anxiety, I did not start getting better until I even began to remotely consider that it might be anxiety.  For months, I received test after test and refused to believe that it could be anxiety.  I think the most important step I took was to seek counseling.  Learning about the causes of your anxiety will enable you to confront it and deal with it.  I am also a proponent of meds like Celexa.  They can take a good month to actually 'kick in,' but I have found them useful as long as it is combined with talk therapy because these medications will not 'cure' you of anything.  Whenever I start, stop, or adjust the dosage of a med like Celexa, I did have a few side effects...some headaches, indigestion, and some anxiety, but they went away as my body adjusted to it.  Keep us posted.