[ouch]

I was told by my psychiatrist to increase the dose of celexa - taking 20mg and he wants me to take 30mg. The thing is, I have had really bad side effects with other AD's and scared to get them back. Anyone tried increasing the dose? Does it make a difference? Do side effects get worse?

[Zen888]

Hi ouch

(((((((ouch))))))

I had my Celexa dose increased from 20mg to 40mg. My main difficulties are anxiety and mild-to-moderate depression. I was taking a sedative as well but it wasn't controling my anxiety, ocd paranoided thoughts,...etc. Once I had stabilized on the 40 mg of Celexa I felt 100% better. The sky was no longer falling in on me.

[ouch]

I guess I'm scared of medication - especially of increasing the dose...

[Zen888]

Hi Ouch

I would recommend utilizing your support system if you do decide to increase your dosage.

[CamW]

ouch - Increasing the dose of an SSRI, like Celexa™ (citalopram) does often increase the efficacy (effectiveness) of the antidepressant, especially if the lower dose resulted in a partial response. There is a point where an increase in dose of an SSRI will not result in any further effect. For most people this occurs at doses greater than 50mg to 60mg daily.

The increase recommended by your psychiatrist is a reasonable next step when the lower dose of Celexa™ has not resolved the symptoms. Since Celexa™ is a very "clean" drug, the risk of increased adverse effects is minimized. What I mean by "clean" is that Celexa™ does not bind, to any significant extent to receptors other than serotonin reuptake receptor.

Usually, if you do experience any further side effects from the increase in dose, they will be mild and transient. Any side effects (eg. dizziness, upset stomach, etc.) more than likely will disappear within a week of increasing the dose.

Give the dose increase a try.

I hope that this is of some help. - Cam