Started Celexa on Tuesday, it's now friday and my mind is racing and I am jumpy and irritible. Had trouble sleeping all three nights. Woke up around 3 am with my mind running from thought to thought. Nothing specific, nor anything I was worried about, just wouldn't stop.

Is this just a start up effect? Anyone else have this and have it go away? My depression seems a bit better already, so I don't want to change meds if I don't have to.

Thanks!

Ricky59 --

Increased anxiety, aggitation, irritability and sleep disruption are standard start-up side effects for many. I recall being jumpy during my build-up as well. These should pass as your body adjusts. It generally takes about two weeks for most side effects to run their course. Hang in there. AD adjustment can be a pain early on, but things will improve.

Best to you,
HopefulOne

Thanks for the reply. My first go round with AD's took a much different course, so I wasn't sure. I'll hang in there because it does seem to have helped my depression. I am just going to have to tell the family to cut me some slack if I am irritible.

Have you ever been diagnosed bipolar? Just about all AD's carry the risk of throwing someone with bipolar into hypomania or mania. Someone with bipolar usually takes some kind of mood stabilizer along with the AD.

But it could jus tbe normal start up effects like hopefulone said.

Ricky59 --

Maintainin made an excellent point. Keep an eye on the hypomania you believe you may be experiencing. If you have it much beyond the first couple weeks, you may want to inform your doctor. I had racing thoughts during my build-up phase, but they passed as my aggitation passed. Hope these are just start-up symptoms for you.

Continued best,
HopefulOne

Thanks for the suggestions. I am pretty familiar with the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder and I'm pretty sure I don't fit that. Never know, but my dad was diagnosed as bipolar and during the time he was treated for that was pretty awful for him. Later they decided he was just a severe depressive and treating it that way he has done much better. I will however watch these symptoms closely.

Thanks again

Well just an update. This is about to kick my butt. I have woken up at 230 or 3am every night since being on this. Switched from taking in the pm to taking in the am with no effect. My mind just won't shut down when I lay down. I have taken ambien cr for years and it was working fine until this. It still lets me get to sleep like usual, but I wake up within 4 hours and thats it for the night.

Man I'm tired. I hope this eases off soon.

Ricky --

I had sleep disruption (even with Ambien CR!) for the first several weeks of my Lexapro adjustment. It's frustrating, but should pass eventually. I've been sleeping beautifully without an additional sleep aid since week 7 or 8. That's rockin' my world. Hang in there! It should smooth out. (Hopefully sooner for you than it did for me!)

Best,
HopefulOne

Just in case anyone is wondering. I have slept a little better the past two nights. Hopefully it's a sign that the startup SE's are going to start tapering off.

Thanks for all the positive feedback.

Great update, Ricky! Glad to hear it... Keep on keepin on!

Best,
HopefulOne

Great news!! Sweet dreams...

Thanks for the support everyone. Well, the last couple of nights have been unbearable. Up at 2am and never went back to sleep. I'm going to the doc tomorrow to see about either getting back on lexapro or adding something to the mix temporarily to help me get back to sleep. I'm a bit concerned about the benzo's, but it sounds like that might be the ticket for the short term.

My mind just won't slow down and let me sleep. Not obsessive thoughts or bad thoughts. Usually some song that I haven't heard in ages keeps repeating.

I know this is an old post but hoping to get some feedback. I'm wondering if you stayed on the Celexa or changed to something else. I having problems with the Celexa causing some hypomania also.

Hi Karen

I am not a professional, but if it is causing Hypnomania, it would be a good idea to discuss this with your pdoc.
I don't know what your diagnosis is, but if you are bipolar and are on just an AD and nothing else, it can bring on a manic episode.
Again, I am not a professional.

Trace