just starting celexa...

[psychdegree]

Hi! I just started the new depression medicine called celexa (brand name) I felt more agitated so my doc prescribed me this to help. I have been on it a month now and kinda seems like its not working very well for that anymore. Has anyone else had experience with this medication? I always seem so irritated with something! I'm driving myself crazy! I have read up on it and it does only have a few side effects compared to others, but most say its all horrible or all wonderful. Is there no in between? Thanks!

[Paxiled]

I just want to add one thing.  Most people on the internet with negative stories go there because their doctors aren't telling them anything and they don't understand what's happening.  If you're doing fine you don't care.  On the other hand, there are many sites that simply poll people about drugs, and you'll get many positive stories and many negative.  The sad truth is, nobody's following up on psychiatrists and private docs in their offices, so we don't really know what the outcomes in the real world really are.  You have to go by how you're feeling, not by how someone else might feel, but it's also good to know what to look for as far as negative effects so you know what to do, given that your doctor probably won't ask or care if you don't bring it up.  I think on these forums on this site we're almost all on medication, so you get a lot of people telling you to ignore what you read on the internet, but I don't agree -- I think it's very important to see what real people experienced.  But that doesn't mean it will be relevant to you -- again it just gives you some sense of things if there are odd things happening and your doctors aren't giving good responses to your concerns.

[boognell]

Maybe you can talk to your doctor regarding changing your dose? Or changing medication? You should tell him what you said to us, the agitation is still there and you need help controlling it. Good luck and God bless!

[nursegirl6572]

I agree 100% with remar's post above.

And, as far as the feedback from patients who have been on various antidepressants, typically, you'll read more negative tales than positive ones, online especially.  That's simply because when someone has had an average, or good experience, they don't usually seek out forums to share their story. It's the people who have had bad experiences that want to shout it from the rooftops.  Therefore, just take any "reviews" with a grain of salt and keep in mind that what was horrible for one, may be a miracle for another, and vice versa.  You have to allow yourself to have your own experience.

Keep your doctor informed, and like remar said, after about 6 (even up to 8) weeks, if you're not noticing that you're feeling a little better, then it's time to regroup with your doc, and figure out the next logical step.

Are you in any kind of therapy?  That's important as well.

Good luck...keep us posted!

[remar]

We're all so different and respond to these meds differently.
Drs usually want us to give these meds at least 6 weeks to see if they will help or not. Some Drs will increase your dose fast and others will wait and see. If you have'nt had a dose increase and felt like it was working then and then quit working it might be worth a try to increase your dose. If you still don't feel like it's helping then you and your Dr can choose can choose another med.