Now on Celexa after trying Zoloft

[Southerngal410]

I've been on Zoloft for almost two months (started off @ 50mg, then went to 100mg) for bad anxiety mixed in with a little depression and Xanax as needed.

The Zoloft has helped my anxiety a lot but I have had bad side effects from it - almost constant weird/cloudy feeling in my head and headaches that are almost constant and so painful like no other headache I've ever had.

I talked to my doctor today and he said that while the Zoloft was helping the anxiety part that I definitely did not need to deal with these side effects, especially since I've been on the medicine almost two months (he said the headaches is a side effect from Zoloft but not a common one....strange!).

Anyhow, he is starting me on 20mg of Celexa and said that we can possibly increase to 40mg if it is not helping enough and to let him know if I should get worse with the anxiety or start having depression in the next week. I'm just wondering what side effects people have had to Celexa and any other advice/suggestions. I was taking the Zoloft at night because it was making me so sleepy if I took it in the morning - does Celexa make you sleepy?

Thanks!

[lynn57]

I did have side effects when starting the Celexa.  I felt a bit fatigued with some stomach upset.  My headaches felt more like sinus pressure.  It all went away by week three and I saw benefits by week six.  Give it time.  It may not be the right drug for you, but you have to give it time.  Have you discussed these migraines with your doctor?  How do you know they are med related?  I would ask about  Topomax or something like it to see if there is any improvement.  It's hard to feel good with a constant headache.  That's enough to depress anyone!

[Southerngal410]

Did you have any side effects when you first started? My anxiety is still pretty bad today but I think that is from not having the Zoloft and just starting the Celexa. I've also had a migraine type headache again today and am hoping that it's not from the Celexa already because I can't continue to have these headaches daily.

[lynn57]

Somnolence is a side effect for almost all SSRI's, but so is insomnia.  They affect everyone differently.  I take Celexa and do find I get a little sleepy at times.  I work and it doesn't seem to affect me unless I have down-time.  I hope it does well for you.  It has been a God send for me.