[tealBumblebee]

These last few weeks have been a bit weird for me. I'm in a better place psychologically but also a worse place because I'm not sure how to handle this new place. Sundays, for whatever reason, tend to be my worse day. I woke up okay, but then the crying spells hit.

I've never been on meds - always been "crazy" but no meds. I haven't even shared any of my mental health issue with my doctor. However, I worked up the courage about two weeks ago to do so (when I felt like this) but I couldn't get an appt (highly unusual; I guess because of flu) and had to work the next few days. Then, I felt okay. So I didn't pursue it.

Today, I had the courage and went to the local urgent care (pcp closed). I signed in for depression, the nurse put anxiety on my sheet, and the doctor diagnosed me with Adjustment Disorder with depressed mood (which I didn't mention I already have a diagnosis of, so I guess she knows what she is doing).

She asked what I wanted her to do to help me. I told her I don't know. I asked for a low almost placebo dose medication, maybe even an herb. I mentioned a natural thing called "Rescue Remedy" but that I couldn't use it at work because it contains alcohol. She was highly against that product from the time I mentioned it. She was very very relieved that I was in counseling and asked me not to stop, and prescribed Celexa saying that it has the least reported symptoms. She said to do 10 mg x 5 days and then 20 mg a day.

I saw a lot of complaints about side effects on this medication and that you could take as low as 5mg a day. I don't know if I should just start the meds, talk to T about it (Thursday) or try to get an appt with my pcp before starting (won't be until next week probably). I don't even really know who to ask so...i'm asking you all. What do I do?

[pegasus]

Hello tealBumblebee,

I don't know if you checked out the reviews on Celexa here >>> Psych Central Reviews - Celexa (citalopram)

It's up to you, just bear in mind that it can take 4 - 6 weeks for the antidepressant to get fully in your system so it's not something that will work like magic straight away.

[gayleggg]

Hi, TealBumblebee. I took Celexa once and didn't have any side effects. Like Pegasus said it will take a while before you can start to feel the benefits. If you are in doubt, ask your therapist, but if you are suffering so much I don't see any harm in giving it a try.

[meganb22]

I was actually on Celexa for a few years until it stopped working for me and I got on a similar med called Lexapro. I never noticed any bad side effects and it helped me a good deal. If you look up any medication there will be a long, long list of all the possible side effects and of course some people will experience them and some won't. It's unpredictable. But if you are really feeling that bad I would say just try them out for a few days or weeks. Ultimately, it is your body and your choice. Don't be afraid to speak up to your doc about your questions and concerns.

Good Luck!

[AstridLovelight]

Everyone's different, but I found celexa to be pretty mild when I was on it. No real side effects other than slight drowsiness.

[striking]

I was resistant to the idea of medication for several reasons that you may be considering, sign of weakness, fear it may be addictive, that it may get in the way of treatment, etc.
I first started at 10mg and upped to 20mg.

I started a new job around this time, one which took me way out of my comfort zone, and what I experienced were panic attacks because there were too many people around. These were much worse than what I normally experience. I am only telling you this for full disclosure.

So i ended up at 40mg of the generic citalapram. It does what its supposed to which is allow me to focus on treatment and recovery.

PS if you do go for it, please consult your doctor before discontinuing

[tealBumblebee]

Hey guys.

So I talked to T via email and she (whose is also not a strong proponent of meds) suggested that it would be worth giving it a try. So, I did. I've only taken one half of a pill (as instructed) last night and tonight.

Last night, about two hours in and throughout today I had some mild nausea but I was on the way to bed so it didn't matter. I woke up this morning with a mild headache which passed on its own (I just imagined it was like little chemical warriors fighting off some toxic brain ninjas). Other than that, I had no side effects and today was a pleasant day.

If this is the worst of the side effects, I think I will be okay. Two hours into the second dose, no issues at all. Now to find the words and energy to explain this whole ordeal with my gp...

Thanks for you alls advice! It really did help me to decide whether or not i'd give this a shot.

[Remi Love]

For one congrats to you . Your taking the first steps twords getting better . Seeking out medical help is a big step. as for meds and side effects its different for every one I was on celexa for years it made things better for me for a while I have bipolar type 1 so after a while the celexca made the bipolar worse but thats just me . For you this could be the thing that gets you back on your feet . you will of side effects from everyone this one had this that one had that . What you have to do is try things out for yourself . I cant tell you how many meds I have been on some worked great some worked ok and ,pst really did not work for me at all thats why you have to try meds for you not what others have said . Good luck to you .

Good to hear the medication is making a difference (:

[phaset]

Teal, most side effects that you have initially will likely go away over time. I hope they help.

[Hellion]

I have taken Celexa, and it cause me too much stimulation and I couldn't quit grinding my teeth, so certainly not a good medication for me. But the only way to really know if it would help is to try it...if the side effects are very bothersome and it doesn't help its not like you have to keep taking it forever.....you can tell the doctor its not working or what side effects are and they can try other things. Not sure why the doctor would have been so against that herbal remedy though, or do you just mean they didn't see it as a viable depression treatment?

I currently started remeron(mirtazapine), its more of a like sedative/anti-depressant so I take it in the evening, have taken it three days and so far I am not noticing any side effects...except maybe feeling a bit more relaxed.

[avlady]

I hope everything turns out for the good in the process, and it is great you went to get help yourself!!!