Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Celexa?

Hi everyone,

I have been having alot of pain in my hips lately. It's been going from one side of my butt to the other for the last couple months. I finally went back to my dr. because I just couldn't stand it anymore.(Don't like to go unless I have to) Well, the doc deceided to try me on and anti depressant called Celexa. I don't know anything about Celexa and was wondering if any of you know anything about this drug. I've always been leary about new meds.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,

Wendy

Wendy

I think that is what Kat has been prescribed. Check out her post, it may help.

Best wishes.


Carol

Thanks Carol,

I checked out Kats post. I guess I should have read hers before I posted. I'd still like to know if there's anyone out there who has had good results from taking Celexa on a regular basis. Also what kind of side effects are there while taking Celexa.

Thanks,






Wendy

Hi Wendy, the website for Celexa is:

http://www.celexa.com

They do talk about side effects, but I must say that the write-up that my pharmacist gave me was much more comprehensive and lengthy. My psychiatrist told me that there are certain side effects that everyone experiences in the first 4 or 5 days of taking it, that will go away after that. It will either make you drowsy or keep you awake (so whether you take it in the morning or at night will depend on that). It may make you feel very jittery (I'm there right now). It might affect your appetite. And I can't remember the others right now.

I would check out the website and then call your pharmacist for a full list of the potential side effects. The one thing my psych. said was that this is very mild and is not known for hugely bad side effects.

Also, there is a narcotic aspect to Celexa, so you shouldn't take it with codeine, and be careful of driving while on it - not to mention drinking (although my psych said that I can have a drink every so often, as long as I make it last instead of downing it).

I have to admit that yesterday afternoon, I did notice a decrease in my pain levels. Not as good as tylenol 3, but definitely there.

Good luck with it Wendy.

Hugs,

Kat

Thanks for the link Kat. My doc has put me on 20mg a day at this point. They're 40mg tabs that I have to break in half. With the sleepiness your describing I was wondering how many mg a day your taking.



Wendy

Wendy
I have never taken Celexa but my step daughter Samantha does and it has helped her tremendously with no side effects... Can really tell when she forgets them... It is like Jekyl and Hyde... Obviously we all check to make sure she takes them regularly...
Mike

Hi! I don't know anything about Celexa but I've noticed a huge decrease in pain since I started taking Lexapro - another anti-depressant. Love - Helen

I'm on 20mg. You have to cut yours in half? ACK!! Maybe I should call my pharmacist and ask if I should be doing that. Nah. Surely they would have told me something as important as that.

What you have to remember about me is that before this year, I was virtually chemical free. I've been almost completely herbal for over ten years now. Any drug I take is going to affect me quite hard at first. Hell, used to be that I had to take Neo-Citron while I was in bed, as it used to knock me out cold on the rare occasions that I took it. All these drugs hitting my system lately are having a huge impact on me, I think.

Hugs,

Kat

Hi Mike,

I was actually put on Celexa for pain but I think I could prob. use the help right now for my mental state. I have had alot going on in my life this last year so maybe it will help me in both areas.

Take care,


Wendy

Hi Wendy, I just wanted to follow up on this. I have the print-out from my pharmacist infront of me and since you were asking about side effects...

***

Nausea, drowsiness, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, upset stomach or dry mouth may oddur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual or severe mental/mood changes, increased sweating/flushing, unusual fatigue, uncontrolled movements (tremor).

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: blurred vision, stomach pain, fever, joint pain, muscle pain, unusually fast heartbeat, decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability, change in amount of urine.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: weight changes, taste changes, changes in menstrual period, unusual swelling of the hands/feet/face, seizures, painful and/or prolonged erection.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requirement alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.

***

There's alot more to do with breast feeding, the elderly and drug interactions (a list as long as your arm). That those're the side effects.

Hugs,

Kat