Hi Mrs. WLD. About a week ago I posted a message asing about the potential side effects my W might experience now that she's taking antidepressants. You wrote that you would be able to offer me more information if I could find out which drug she's taking. I found out that she's taking Celexa (sp?), which she says is in the same class as Zoloft.<p>I saw her Saturday, and was a bit concerned by her appearance. Most disturbing was the fact that she trembled constantly. She says this was due to anxiety, but she also complained that she felt cold. I wonder if she might be coming down with the flu. Anyway, she told me she has almost no appetite, and her eyes made it seem to me that she hasn't been sleeping well.<p>Can you shed some light for me on the effects of Celexa-- how it will help her, and what side effects are common?<p>Thank you very much for your help.<p>BP

BP --
I've been taking Celexa for a few weeks, and I have experienced the same side effects that you're describing.<p>I have virtually no appetite. I think the shakiness is coming more from a lack of eating, than the drug itself. I know that I ate absolutely nothing for the first 4 days I was taking it. After that I've gotten better -- but still have to almost force myself to eat. <p>I also feel tired a lot, but have trouble sleeping at nite. I tend to fall asleep early, like 9 - 10 pm and sleep soundly for 3 hours -- then am awake for 2 - 3 hours, then sleep for a couple more.<p>But I also feel happier, calmer, and stronger.

Be_Positive,
I am going to do a bit of research and get back with you on this one. My H is an RN and his best friend is a pharmacist. Now that I know the drug I can get you specific answers, not the vague ones I gave before.
I do want to tell you that loss of appetite, fatigue, shakes, feeling cold...all of these are also symptoms of clinical depression. IMO, MOST of us suffer from depression at one point or another. Think about it...we just have a feeling of lack of energy, easily irritated... just my opinion. [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img]
As I said, I will look into Celexa specifically for you. I will get back with you tomorrow, ok?

Lexxy, thank you for sharing your experience with me. I'm glad to hear that taking Celexa has made you feel happier, calmer, and stronger, and I'm also glad that the side effects have somewhat subsided. Good point about the shakiness-- that really helps, as that was the one thing that has worried me the most.<p>Mrs WLD, I really, really appreciate your willingness to do some research for me. I'll be watching for a post from you. Do you really think the loss of appetite, the shakes, and the cold could all be symptoms of depression? I'd guess that must indicate a pretty severe depression. If so, do you think taking Celexa will help these symptoms in time?<p>Again, thank you very much for your help.<p>BP

ok, I'm so sorry it took longer than a day! [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img] I asked around at work today and even got a pamphlet and website for you. I have to go for a while (daughter has choir practice) but I will return tonite and post what I know, I promise! [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img]

ok, here you go...straight from the patient handout--<p>"The most frequently reported side effects of Celexa are nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, insomnia, increased sweating, tremors and problems with ejaculation. Most of the side effects experienced by patients taking Celexa are mild and transient and they usually do not cause patients to stop taking Celexa."<p>It also says "Relief from symptoms may begin after taking Celexa for only 1 week, but most people can expect to feel the full benefits in 4-6 weeks."<p>I thought this would be helpful as well...
"...whatever the circumstances, depression is caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. Normally these chemicals help nerve cells communicate with one another by sending and receiving messages. These "chemical messengers" help influence a person's mood. In the case of depression, the available supply of the chemical messengers is low, so the nerve cells can't communicate effectively. This often results in symptoms of depression such as sad mood, fatigue or lack of pleasure."<p>And lastly...
"Celexa is an anti depressant that is a member of the family of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Celexa helps to restore the brains chemical balance by increasing the available supply of a chemical messenger called serotonin. It appears to work specifically on serotonin without affecting the other chemicals of the brain."<p>I hope this helps! I also hope that it wasn't too much information. I do tend to get a bit detail oriented at times! [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif" border="0[/img]
If there is anything else I can do for you, please don't hesitate. OH! the website, I almost forgot... www.celexa.com I have checked it out and I think you'll get any more answers you may still need here.

Mrs WLD, thank you so much! This is exactly the sort of information I was looking for. I had done some research on the web, but none of the sites I found offered anything as clear and concise as what you've given me. It sounds like my W's symptoms are pretty common, so I'm a lot less worried now.<p>Again, thank you!
BP

You are VERY welcome! It was my pleasure, please ask away about anything, anytime! [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img]