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[KeepingAwake]

I took my 2nd tablet earlier and just recently I feel a little on edge. Nervy and just not quite right, like somethings wrong but I can't explain what. Is this normal as I don't usually feel like this when not on Citalopram. I seem to be getting so many SE and I'm only on day 2, hope these stop soon

In the early stages, you can feel a bit agitated on an AD. I hope it passes soon for you as well.

KA

[Almost38]

I just took my 3rd pill.

On Thurs I was pretty anxious before trying Celexa. After I took the pill that night I felt a lot of tension in my jaw. I wanted to clench my teeth.

Yesterda, Friday, I was pretty moody in the morning. I took the pill in the AM. That evening I took 1/2 a wellbutrin because I am doing a slow wean. Do I dare say I am feeling better? I'd hate to jinx myself! I did have one 12oz bottle of alcohol, it took over an hour to finish it.

I slept pretty well. :) Didn't want to wake up.

Today is Saturday. I took my 3rd dose this morning. I feel lazy, but I feel fine. No heart palps or unpleasant thoughts.

Can I already be seeing positive effects from the Celexa?

[Cat80]

In the early stages, you can feel a bit agitated on an AD. I hope it passes soon for you as well.

KA

Thanks so much for your help. Think I was feeling worse it turned out my period was due so all my symptoms were worse. I've just taken my 3rd tablet and feel ok at the moment. Didn't sleep again last night (managed about 3 hours in total) as my mind was whirring and wouldn't switch off. If it's still doing this after a week or so of taking them I will try and get an earlier appointment with my Dr. Not supposed to be seeing her for 4 weeks but if I need to I will. Thanks again for your advice, everyone is so friendly. It's scary starting on AD and thinking you are the only one in the world who is feeling ill so this forum has really helped me.

[maintainin]

I feel ya on the insomnia cat. I've been on lexapro over a month and still deal with insomnia. My psych wants me to go to 20mg to see if it helps, but I have yet to do it because I dont see how that could improve it if 10mg is causing it. Anyway, since its pretty early for you, there is a good chance the sleep will improve once your body gets adjusted. In the short term, you could maybe ask for some ambien or lunesta to help you out.

Edited by maintainin, 15 April 2007 - 09:31 AM.

[Cat80]

I feel ya on the insomnia cat. I've been on lexapro over a month and still deal with insomnia. My psych wants me to go to 20mg to see if it helps, but I have yet to do it because I dont see how that could improve it if 10mg is causing it. Anyway, since its pretty early for you, there is a good chance the sleep will improve once your body gets adjusted. In the short term, you could maybe ask for some ambien or lunesta to help you out.

I'm on 20mg and only on day 3 so far so am hoping the insomnia and nausea clear up, I'm just so tired all the time and haven't left the house in the last 3 days and my head always feels like I'm going to pass out and as if I'm on the verge of panicking (I feel more panicked at the moment than I did before the meds but was told things will get worse before they get better). I don't want to take sleeping tablets as I'm determined these will start working soon, they better had otherwise I'll be like a walking zombie lol

Hope the insomnia gets better for you too, it's an awful thing

[Almost38]

Hey Cat, we can lean on eachother since we both just began this med. :)

I am not having any insomnia, but I do also have a sleep disorder called sleep apnea, so I am usually a little sleepy.

Now, my jaw is wanting to tighten, and I haven't took todays pill yet....strange.

[kylady]

Hey Cat, we can lean on eachother since we both just began this med. :)

I am not having any insomnia, but I do also have a sleep disorder called sleep apnea, so I am usually a little sleepy.

Now, my jaw is wanting to tighten, and I haven't took todays pill yet....strange.

i had the jaw tightning thing also . if i rember right that is just a form of tension. i rember when i started taking paxil i had it really bad. it has passed for me . i had the isomnia and once again i say for me benedryl works great for me.... wish you luck sweetie. maybe try a hot bath and read a love book . or work word search puzzles. works for me... love and god bless tonya

[Cat80]

Hey Cat, we can lean on eachother since we both just began this med. :)

I am not having any insomnia, but I do also have a sleep disorder called sleep apnea, so I am usually a little sleepy.

Now, my jaw is wanting to tighten, and I haven't took todays pill yet....strange.

That would be great to learn from each other. I've not had the jaw tightening feeling yet (I seem to be going though the SE at the moment so no doubt will lol). Again was up with the nausea and a constant lump tight feeling in my throat as if it was wanting to contract and make me sick. An awful feeling. I've had to forcwe breakfast down this morning just so I can take my 4th tablet (which I've just had).

Hope the jaw problems starts to ease off as the tablets get into your system properly, hopefully we should see the positives starting soon

[Almost38]

Thanks Tonya and Cat. Cat, are you a Cathy? I am a Cathy. :)

I am feeling sooo much better. But it's hard to say if it's the Effexor finally out of my system, or the weening from the wellbutrin, or from the celexa. I take my pill in the morning.

I haven't had much anxiety since last Friday, so it's quite an improvement!!!

No hot flashes, but I did get sweaty once by barely exerting myself. I found that odd, but it must just be a side effect. I am glad I am not getting the severe headaches from this med.

[KeepingAwake]

Sweating can be a side effect of drugs that affect serotonin. Hopefully it will pass quickly for you.

KA

[Cat80]

Thanks Tonya and Cat. Cat, are you a Cathy? I am a Cathy. :)

I am feeling sooo much better. But it's hard to say if it's the Effexor finally out of my system, or the weening from the wellbutrin, or from the celexa. I take my pill in the morning.

I haven't had much anxiety since last Friday, so it's quite an improvement!!!

No hot flashes, but I did get sweaty once by barely exerting myself. I found that odd, but it must just be a side effect. I am glad I am not getting the severe headaches from this med.

Hiya Cathy, I'm a Cathy too :)

I've been sweating more as well and I don't usually sweat that much but that's one of the easier SE to deal with I think.

So glad you are feeling better today Cathy, that's great news :) I'm still feeling like a complete zombie at the moment, had my 4th tablet around 9.30am and was asleep for an hour by 11am. Have just been asleep now for anohter 30 mins and feel like I have a hangover. It's so hard to fight the sleep though. I was going to take my tablets in the evening but the nausea is worse after I've just taken it so don't want to make myself feel awful at bed time when I have trouble sleeping anyway

[kylady]

oh cathy i am sorry you are feeling so ewwww .. side effects are nasty but for most they are worth it. i also got the lump in my throat on paxil and felt like something was there hate to say it but i think it is just a form of tension. i know if you are like me you get tired of hearing that. stress and anxiety can do so many things to your body it is so unreal. i rember i kept headaches after i got my anxiety under control they are gone for the most part. about you nausea there is meds that they could give u also to make you coat with that called phenegen. it will make you very sleepy thou. i know when i was pregnant i would suck on peppermints and that helped calm my stomach. also try eating a cracker before you actually get out of bed. sounds like acid is building up on your stomach. but try some of them ideas. sure hope you get better soon.. love and god bless tonya

[Cat80]

oh cathy i am sorry you are feeling so ewwww .. side effects are nasty but for most they are worth it. i also got the lump in my throat on paxil and felt like something was there hate to say it but i think it is just a form of tension. i know if you are like me you get tired of hearing that. stress and anxiety can do so many things to your body it is so unreal. i rember i kept headaches after i got my anxiety under control they are gone for the most part. about you nausea there is meds that they could give u also to make you coat with that called phenegen. it will make you very sleepy thou. i know when i was pregnant i would suck on peppermints and that helped calm my stomach. also try eating a cracker before you actually get out of bed. sounds like acid is building up on your stomach. but try some of them ideas. sure hope you get better soon.. love and god bless tonya

Thanks so much for the tips. I'm currently trying Buccastem for the nausea but it doesn't seem to be doing much. This morning I feel a tad better. For the first time in a long time I woke up and saw the sun shinging through the curtains and smiled. That is the first time in such a long time I've woken up and smiled so that is something good, great in fact. I also actually slept last night. I got about 7 hours last night and only woke up once so I think the insomnia is slowly starting to improve. Maybe the tablets are slowly kicking in, I hope so anyway.

The lump in my throat is definately stress, I think it's because I feel sick all the time I panic and get the lump in my throat which makes me feel sicker, hopefully that'll will ease or go as the tablets work. Thanks for everyone's advice, love to you all and hope you are all ok

[KeepingAwake]

Cat,

Great news that you are feeling better! That is a wonderful sign that this med may well be the one for you!

I've been back on Lexapro for 13 days now and it took me about 10 for the side effects to dissipate. I'm sleeping well, no longer dizzy, and my appetite is getting closer to normal.

Hang in there Cat!

KA

[Cat80]

Cat,

Great news that you are feeling better! That is a wonderful sign that this med may well be the one for you!

I've been back on Lexapro for 13 days now and it took me about 10 for the side effects to dissipate. I'm sleeping well, no longer dizzy, and my appetite is getting closer to normal.

Hang in there Cat!

KA

Thanks KA, I will hang on in there. Am on day 5 and although I still feel tired and nausea my panic doesn't seem as often. I'm still getting it each day (partly I think just due to the tiredness from the tablets) but nothing I can't control with some breathing exercises and a bit of fresh air (I go into my back yard when I feel panicky and get away from everyone). My appetite is slowly coming back but not back to normal yet. Have just forced down a burger sandwich (thought I'd treat myself seeing as I've not eaten much in the last few days) and enjoyed it while I was eating it but feel a bit queasy now lol

[Almost38]

Hi Guys!

I am feeling pretty good. I still have some agitation but I am trying deep breathing for that. No headaches, and my jaw doesn't seem tight anymore. I wish it effected my appetite like it does you Cat, I could stand to drop about 50 lbs. :)

I have just gone thru another period of spending $$$ online. Packages should be coming soon. I know it's just a temporary fix, but it sure is fun. LOL.

So, will I continue to feel better and better? I am noticing more energy. I take my pills in the morning with my Red Bull and Diet Dr. Pepper. Gotta get the caffeine going. How long til I get the full effect of my meds? It takes weeks, right?

It's hump day. Hope everyone is having a good week so far.

[Cat80]

Hi Guys!

I am feeling pretty good. I still have some agitation but I am trying deep breathing for that. No headaches, and my jaw doesn't seem tight anymore. I wish it effected my appetite like it does you Cat, I could stand to drop about 50 lbs. :)

I have just gone thru another period of spending $$$ online. Packages should be coming soon. I know it's just a temporary fix, but it sure is fun. LOL.

So, will I continue to feel better and better? I am noticing more energy. I take my pills in the morning with my Red Bull and Diet Dr. Pepper. Gotta get the caffeine going. How long til I get the full effect of my meds? It takes weeks, right?

It's hump day. Hope everyone is having a good week so far.

Hiya Cathy, so glad some of your SE are easing off. I think mine finally are too, still feeling queasy (worse in the evening and at bedtime) and tired (but not as exhausted as when I first started them) but the other symptoms are easing off and my appetite is slowly returning (ate an Aero chocolate bar today lol).

I love online spending too especially Ebay lol, a guilty little pleasure

I'm on day 6 now, almost a week and hoping to get out and about a bit tomorrow as I've not left the house since I started the meds (I was worried I'd be sick or pass out as I felt so rough) and it's my birthday tomorrow so I'm not being stuck in doors

So glad your energy is picking up Cathy, hope mine does the same too. I would try the caffiene to perk me up but I'm intolerant too it (gives me the jitters, nausea and stomach cramps), just my luck when I could do with something to wake me up.

Hope everyone else is well

[Almost38]

Happy early Birthday Cathy!!! :) (In case I forget tomorrow, hehe)

Quick edit to say that today is day 7 for me on Celexa.

Edited by Almost38, 18 April 2007 - 11:38 AM.

[Cat80]

Happy early Birthday Cathy!!! :) (In case I forget tomorrow, hehe)

Quick edit to say that today is day 7 for me on Celexa.

Thanks Cathy, you're the first to wish me a happy birthday :)

Now all I need is to get up and feel well for my birthday and tomorrow should be an ok day, 1 week tomorrow on meds and feel like it's some sort of milestone (although a very small one).

[vince1303]

Day 13 for me on 10mg of Lexapro and there is now definitely something happening. The nausea which has been terrible since I started has lessened considerably and the pressure in my head (a sort of head full of cotton feeling) has lessened also. I am also very much less tearful and seem to be more in control of my emotions.

[Cat80]

Day 13 for me on 10mg of Lexapro and there is now definitely something happening. The nausea which has been terrible since I started has lessened considerably and the pressure in my head (a sort of head full of cotton feeling) has lessened also. I am also very much less tearful and seem to be more in control of my emotions.

That's great news Vince :)

I'm on day 8 now and have not felt as sick as when I first started or quite as tired but still feeling affected by both. When I feel sick I get a lump feeling in my throat that feels like it wants to contract to make me sick but I fight it by deep breathing and it goes away, very strange (and annoying)

[Almost38]

It's Friday. How's everyone feeling?

[kkuylen]

oh cathy i am sorry you are feeling so ewwww .. side effects are nasty but for most they are worth it. i also got the lump in my throat on paxil and felt like something was there hate to say it but i think it is just a form of tension. i know if you are like me you get tired of hearing that. stress and anxiety can do so many things to your body it is so unreal. i rember i kept headaches after i got my anxiety under control they are gone for the most part. about you nausea there is meds that they could give u also to make you coat with that called phenegen. it will make you very sleepy thou. i know when i was pregnant i would suck on peppermints and that helped calm my stomach. also try eating a cracker before you actually get out of bed. sounds like acid is building up on your stomach. but try some of them ideas. sure hope you get better soon.. love and god bless tonya

Thanks so much for the tips. I'm currently trying Buccastem for the nausea but it doesn't seem to be doing much. This morning I feel a tad better. For the first time in a long time I woke up and saw the sun shinging through the curtains and smiled. That is the first time in such a long time I've woken up and smiled so that is something good, great in fact. I also actually slept last night. I got about 7 hours last night and only woke up once so I think the insomnia is slowly starting to improve. Maybe the tablets are slowly kicking in, I hope so anyway.

The lump in my throat is definately stress, I think it's because I feel sick all the time I panic and get the lump in my throat which makes me feel sicker, hopefully that'll will ease or go as the tablets work. Thanks for everyone's advice, love to you all and hope you are all ok

Hi Cat, Happy belated birthday, I hope by now your nausea is better. PLEASE let me know if youve found something that works for your nausea. Im going crazy with nausea for about 7 months now. Actually that is the reason I am on Lexapro- they said my nausea was caused by my anxiety- but so far the lexapro hasnt helped it at all. Im on Lexapro about 2 months now and am still nauseous (Dont fret guys- My biggest symptom of anxiety BEFORE Lexapro was nausea- so its not from the Lex). Hopefully- yours is just a startup effect. Take care, Maria

[maintainin]

Is anybody on an "odd" dosage like 15mg?

[want_to_be_happy]

Hello,

Today is day 7 on Lexapro...Is it possible to feel different in such a short time?. I actually feel more patient and genuinly happy. Last week at this time I was a crying mess, today I feel great.

Also, I was on Zoloft for ten years and my sex life with my Husband was nonexistant (thankgod he understood), I have been off of it for about 3 weeks and I can't keep my hands off of him....lol!! It feels brand new like we were dating and that is a very good feeling to have after 12 years together. Has any body experience this?

D

[KeepingAwake]

Hello,

Today is day 7 on Lexapro...Is it possible to feel different in such a short time?. I actually feel more patient and genuinly happy. Last week at this time I was a crying mess, today I feel great.

Also, I was on Zoloft for ten years and my sex life with my Husband was nonexistant (thankgod he understood), I have been off of it for about 3 weeks and I can't keep my hands off of him....lol!! It feels brand new like we were dating and that is a very good feeling to have after 12 years together. Has any body experience this?

D

I'm glad to hear that you are doing so well! Lexapro acts more wuickly than many AD's--one of it's best qualities!!

It's also less likely than many other SSRI's to produce sexual side effects, and when it does, they are more likely to pass.

When we're feeling better, ALL of us feels better. Especially if a previous medication was suppressing our libido.

Enjoy your hubby!

KA

[Waft]

I was left on Citalopram for over 14 months, despite it having no positive effects for me.

[silverclaws]

does anyone experience over heating? like feeling really hot all throughtout your body, like a fever?
ive been getting it every couple days ?

Yes,I noticed feeling very hot only last night,so hot I was sweating,this was whilst I was watching an action movie,'xXx'with Vin Diesel,is possible the film was affecting my emotions I suppose.

I have been on 40mg citalopram for two days now and aside from stomach aches,headaches and disturbed bowels,no effect apart from severe apathy(I was logged into this place all day yesterday and just looked at it,could not be bothered to read never mind post).

I was on 20mg for six weeks,I was expecting to feel better,but was sorely dissapointed,loads of SE's,but little if any change in mood,same cycle of highs and lows.

I will give it a while to see if twice the dose makes a difference.

[kstours]

Hope the 40 mg dose works for you, silverclaws. I know how disappointing it must be for the 20 mg to not have worked.

[Burgy]

Hi everyone,

I've been on citalopram for 3.5 weeks now. The first 2 weeks were full of the usual side effects...headaches, fatigue, restlessness, but they've tapered off quite a bit. I noticed the antidepressant effects starting to kick in after 2 weeks. It's a sense of calmness and well-being, and a big decline in the negative self-talk that used to badger me nonstop. Guilt, anger, self-loathing...all that fun stuff.

However, I ran into a problem yesterday in an acting class. I couldn't access my emotions! It was the strangest feeling, like I was a cardboard cut-out or something. I felt flat...kind of watered down. I hadn't noticed this effect until I was called on to express a range of emotions. I suspect most people wouldn't have such a problem with this, and maybe if someone is suffering with a lot of anxiety or severe depression, some detachment is good. It's definitely a more peaceful feeling. But as a working actor, I need to call on some pretty intense feelings at times.

I was on 10 mg the first week, then increased to 20 mg. So I am going to go back to 10 mg to see if that's a better balance for me. Hopefully I can keep some of the benefits without feeling so numb. Apparently for me, a little SSRI goes a long way!

Edited by suburgatory, 08 July 2007 - 08:49 PM.

[kstours]

Hi, suburgatory. Unfortunately I've noticed that effect too when I've been on Lexapro. It does lessen for me when I reduce the dose. I love the feeling of being unfazed when I'm on Lex, but I also always enjoy the intensity of my emotions when I come off it. It's a fine line to walk--I can go off it periodically as I suffer from SAD and do quite well without meds in summers, but if I felt the depression year-round I know the loss of intensity would NOT be worth it to me if I had to go back to feeling bad. Hope you can find the right tipping point to get the best of both worlds!

[mickyblues]

Hi,
Tomorrow will be 3 weeks on Lexapro. First week my doc started me on 5mg then last two weeks on 10mg. Even though, I feel a little better, I am no where near of where I need to be. I asked the doc today to up my dosage. I feel the 10mg is NOT getting me out of this phase. Any suggestions. What is the next dosage from 10mg's (15mg, 20mg)?

[Burgy]

Hi Micky,

When I first tried Lexapro 2 years ago, I was in such an awful state of mind, I needed more than 10 mg. My psychiatrist started me on 10 mg the first week, and 20 mg thereafter, and it was very effective. From what you've told me here and in other posts, I think it makes sense for you to go to 20 mg and stay there for a while. You can always reduce the dosage down the road if you find that it's too much. Personally, I found that 20 mg was very effective at treating my depression, anxiety, and obsessive thoughts, however I felt emotionally numb after a while, so I reduced the dosage. When you're suffering emotionally, a little numbness isn't all that bad, but I'm a professional actor, so after a while I wanted my full range of emotions back. I am now on 20 mg Celexa (which is roughly equal to 10 mg Lexapro) and 300 mg Wellbutrin, which is a nice blend for me. But it sounds to me like you'd benefit from more Lexapro. 20 mg is a very safe and common dosage, no need to worry. I think it would be good for you, at least for now.

[mickyblues]

Hi Micky,

When I first tried Lexapro 2 years ago, I was in such an awful state of mind, I needed more than 10 mg. My psychiatrist started me on 10 mg the first week, and 20 mg thereafter, and it was very effective. From what you've told me here and in other posts, I think it makes sense for you to go to 20 mg and stay there for a while. You can always reduce the dosage down the road if you find that it's too much. Personally, I found that 20 mg was very effective at treating my depression, anxiety, and obsessive thoughts, however I felt emotionally numb after a while, so I reduced the dosage. When you're suffering emotionally, a little numbness isn't all that bad, but I'm a professional actor, so after a while I wanted my full range of emotions back. I am now on 20 mg Celexa (which is roughly equal to 10 mg Lexapro) and 300 mg Wellbutrin, which is a nice blend for me. But it sounds to me like you'd benefit from more Lexapro. 20 mg is a very safe and common dosage, no need to worry. I think it would be good for you, at least for now.

Thank you so much. Your right, my doctor just increased my dosage to 20mg. He initially wanted to do 15 but I said 20 and he agreed.

[Burgy]

Good for you. You're going to feel better very soon. Lexapro is one of the fastest-acting antidepressants available.

Keep us posted. I'd like to hear how the 20 mg works for you.

[mickyblues]

Good for you. You're going to feel better very soon. Lexapro is one of the fastest-acting antidepressants available.

Keep us posted. I'd like to hear how the 20 mg works for you.

I will. Im just afraid, that I won't let myself get better. I mean I feel like it's so easy to have a bad thought and now this has become "my thing". This might not make sense to you but when I start feeling good during a part of the day I will remind myself that I have to have a thought to hurt myself. It's like an endless loop. I have been through this before and have gotten through this. However, I am afraid of myself.

[Burgy]

I understand your feelings, and so do many others on this forum, I'm sure. It doesn't make any logical sense, but there it is, nonetheless. Are you in psychotherapy now? Medication and psychotherapy is a powerful combination, much more effective than either one alone.

[mickyblues]

I understand your feelings, and so do many others on this forum, I'm sure. It doesn't make any logical sense, but there it is, nonetheless. Are you in psychotherapy now? Medication and psychotherapy is a powerful combination, much more effective than either one alone.

I am in seeing a psych who is wanting to see me on a regular basis.

[Burgy]

You're on the road to recovery. Hang in there.

[mickyblues]

You're on the road to recovery. Hang in there.

Thank you for your support and kind words!