Scared of Celexa

[boatergirl530]

I have been on all different types of meds for depression since I was a teenager.  I had been on Lexapro 20 mg the longest (about 5 years) Last summer i tapered myself off because I thought I coud be okay without meds and I coudnt stand not being able to cry or orgasm.  After two months i became severely anxiety ridden and depressed. I moved and saw a new doctor that put me on Welbutrin XL.  I have been taking this for about three months and while i have noticed some improvements I don't feel like I am where I want to be with my depression. I still have alot of anxiety.  I haved moved again and this new doctor prescribed me Celexa 40mg instead of WelbutrinXL.  I am weary ofg the Celexa because he said it is almost exactally the same as Lexapro, which i definetly don't want to be on again.  I took my first dose of Celexa yesterday and ever since I took it I have felt HORRIBLE!!!!  I have been edgy, shaky, extremely anxious, a crying mess, I could'nt sleep, I didn't want to get out of bed.  I am afraid to take the Celexa today, but i only hav e so many Welbutrin left and I won't be able to see that doctor for two months.  What should I do?  Is this reaction normal  after only taking Celexa for 1 day??? Please help i am misserable!

[Craigers]

Depression is a common illness and meds itself does not necassarily cure depression. It is not known if there is a complete cure for the depression yet.  People suffer form it every day and range from moderate to severe to sadly to say suicide cause poeple just can't deal with their illness.  Seeking professional help is another alternative.  If cost is a major factor there is county mental health that can help out.  Just by coming in here and finding that one person who will just sit and listen to what you have to say, will even help yourself as well. You have taken the first step. I am on Celexa my self and was just recently put on it in place of the Wellbutrin. I have been depressed all my life, but revently have increased along with Anxiety and Panic attacks when around large groups of people.  I know everyone is just sick of taking presciption after prescription.  Then they try of the more natural way such as relaxation tech, meditation, taking long wlaks, and yes, it has been seen in hospo as I experienced Pets.  A hosp I was in had a licensed and trained dog at a Mental Health Hosp and have to an extent helped those who are suffering depression.  They "pets" know when their owner is not feeling good, depressed or lonely. Tell your Dr. that you don't like the side effects that the Celexa is giving you.  Maybe there is something else that will work for you. I wish you luck. Post me any time.

[Mike5709]

I have at different times used Lexapro and Celexa. I experienced no side effects however at the same time neither delivered what I had hoped.

My thought is that you need to find a doctor you trust.She/He should be the kind of person you feel comfortable calling if you have concerns about how you are reacting to a medication.

Experience has taught me that finding the correct medication is as much art as it is science. Modifying dosages or taking other medications without your doctor knowing could b counterproductive.

I know just enough about various medications to know I don't know anything. As such, I have to trust my doctor knows what he is doing. If something is not working he wants to know immediately.

I wish only the best for you...Mike

[Hensley258]

Keep in mind that it is very safe to take Celexa and Welbutrin in tandem with each other.
Not an incommon combination at all.

Each of these drugs acts on totally different receptors in the brain and there is no adverse drug interaction between the two being mixed.

As for the Celexa, in many cases we feel worse on these types of psycohtropic medications before we feel better. You honestly can not make any judgement call on any antidepressants effect until you have been taking it for at least 6 weeks.

Celexa is a very safe medication, as is Welnutrin. You may be best to tough out the inital adjustment period on these meds before making any rash judgement call.

[boatergirl530]

Thanks for your suggestion.  I was thinking about continuing the Welbutrin and taking only 10mg of the celexa and seeing if that makes any difference.  I know that I am still having depression symptoms while just taking the Welbutrin but I am just so afraid of the side-effects of celexa type drugs, I hate being so dependent on it.  

[ILADVOCATE]

Its really hard to tell from one day. Lexapro is a newer version of Celexa. If you found Wellbutrin better but it didn't quite work for you you could inform him of that but with many medications you notice the side effects right away and then they pass in time. So it depends. Sometimes if one helps but doesn't quite work then can add another at a smaller dose. I know that was done for me as regards mood stabilizers. We have some websites linked up such as "Depression Central". Find out more information and speak to your psychiatrist about available options.