Celexa

debisongbird

Hi there, I was wondering if anyone out there is taking Celexa? I am considering asking my doc for some (as I have been having awful, awful depression.) Some people I heard take 10mg and some as much as 60mg. I was wondering what is a good start off point. I was gonna ask for 20mg. to start. Has anyone had success with 20 mg. or under? I've been on the ARomasin for over a year now, but the depression has to be dealt with. I'm tired of crying.

flash

There is a protocol for amount to start.  The doc will know the appropriate amount.  Have you considered talking to a psychiatrist who only deals with cancer patients?  Sometimes they are more aware of the se's and which anti-d's work better.

good luck

cathmg

Hi Debi,

Yes, I took Celexa and it worked like a charm to alleviate my depression and anxiety. I think I started at 20 mg and ended up taking 40 mg for a year or so. I have been able to go off it, but I wouldn't hesitate to take it again if I had the deep depression I ended up with  after diagnosis.Good for you for getting help, you deserve to it.

Best,

Catherine

tabbysis

I as well am on Celexa.  Its great!  I don't think I could have gotten thru all this without it.  Dr. does blood work to just to ck my levels.  So far so good.  Good luck!

debisongbird

Thanks you guys, I did e-mail my Onc to see if he would order me some. Otherwise, I would have to wait until the end of July to see him. Haven't heard from him yet, but I hope he is able to help me. I have never had this much depression and anxiety. And, thanks again, for sharing. It helps.

3monstmama

Celexa is my friend.  I started with a small dose and noticed an improvement pretty darned fast.  I am soooo very glad I recognised the problem and got some help.  With the celexa I am also seeing a therapist and trying to go to theraputic sessions.  Ultimately, when things settle down I plan to be off the celexa but for now:

celexa is my friend!

debisongbird

Well, I spoke with my Onc and he ordered me some, but I haven't taken it yet. We discussed that I would start out with 20mg. once a day - but when I went to get it, it was 10mg. I'll see him in July so I can ask then. I did wonder about whether I could still take my ativan .5 mg if I wake up at night and also whether the occassional pain pill is still OK (I sometimes get bad joint and bone pain.) These are my concerns re: taking the Celexa, but when I talked to the pharmacist, he didn't seem to have any answers for me. In the meantime, I will take the Celexa in the morning and still take the other meds (as needed.) Does anyone else take other meds besides the Celexa? Thanks for all your input everyone. I do appreciate it.

nobleanna007

I have depression and anxiety and take 150mg time released effexor and 1-2 mgs of clonzapan. I have been on alot of diffrent antidepressants and I am not sure if the effexor is helping, I do know when I took it without a time release I was numb which I hated! But I am still struggling mentally with everything.

Are you ER+ cause if your taking Tomixifen their is some antidepressants that are not good and you should talk with your onc. about. Effexor is on the okay list. I am not sure about yours since I have not heard of it.

Bridget

revkat

Celexa is ok with tamoxifen (as are Effexor and Lexapro).

Did you get instructions on starting the Celexa? I'm wondering if you got 10mg pills in order to be able to "ramp up" by taking the 10mg for a week and then doubling it to 20? Often that's how antidepressants are started.

The other meds you mentioned should not be a problem, except you should be aware of any side effects -- that avoiding operating heavy machinery until you know how the meds affect you would go double! 

If you aren't able to reach your doctor with some of these questions, your pharmacist might be able to give you some help, especially with the drug interaction questions. (oops, I just reread that you tried that. Sorry.)

debisongbird

Thanks for your posts my friends. I take Aromasin. That is a heavy-duty Aromatase Inhibitor, that they give to women who are either post-menopausal or for Stage lll or above. (I believe it's used as a first line of defense on some later staged cancers.) I do know that it is very strong and leeches the calcium from your body. Unlike Tamoxifen (which curtails estrogen), Aromasin is somewhat steroidal in nature and prevents your body from producing ANY estrogen at all. They wouldn't give it to you if you are still getting periods.

Anyway, haven't started the Celexa yet. I had bone pain last night and took a pain pill and then was afraid to take a Celexa in the morning because I'm not sure how long you should wait before taking one after you've had a pain pill. I'll ask.

Thanks for answering and sharing your experiences, ladies. I appreciate it.

mradf

Debi -

I used to take Celexa and was eventually switched to Lexapro.  As a matter of fact, I thought Lexapro replaced Celexa, but I guess I'm wrong.  I take 10mg at bedtime for about 8 years now, and I have no plans to go off it.    I also take Buspar which is a long acting anti anxiety drug which I was given when I needed a "boost" to the Lexapro early on, rather than doubling up the doses, and a .5 mg of Xanax as needed - which is every night at bedtime; But I used to take those like M&Ms.  I always say that these drugs do not make me feel drugged, but they gave me back my "self", and I'm always grateful to have them. When I started them, I was a mess, but within a few days I was able to think more clearly, food tasted better, music sounded better,  you get the idea.  Within a few weeks I was functioning normally again.  I fought depression and anxiety as long as I can remember, and I finally got help after turning 40.  I always tell other women that you cannot rely on the medications alone, you have to help yourself along with the way you think and react to what's going on in life, and the medications are such a huge help in achieving and maintaining that mindset.

Be well, feel better.

Maria

debisongbird

Thanks for your post. I hope you continue to be well and enjoy life!

nursecal

debisongbird, please see the article on this site.  go to forum index and there is an article on the right about SSRI's and hot flashes.  it is a study regarding antidepressants and the different AI's that go long with them.  hope this helps.

nursecal

Is there anyone else out there who has taken Effexor and switched to Celexa or vice versa.  I am currently back on the Effexor and am worndering if perhaps I should try Celexa since I was on the Effexor for so long prior to just getting back on.  If so, those who have taken Celexa, can you tell me some of the SE's you may have expereienced:  weight gain/loss, insomnia, loss of energy, etc.  Anything will be greatly appreciated.  I understand that after being on certain SSRI's it can be a good idea for better results to switch sometimes.

DonnaDio

I have been on 40 mg for a while and would almost like to go a little higher.. did not know you could do 60 mg? I had tried Lexipro and it was not good for me at all... strange. Celexa has worked for me as i also had a general anixiety disorder prior to my BC.Wish it did something for my hot flashes though!!!!

LeggyJ

I started on 10mg Celexa, went to 20mg, and just emailed my psychiatrist, telling her I think it's time to "ramp it up".  I've been on Tamoxifen for about 17 long months.  I have chronic pain from arthritis everywhere, and neuropathy in my hands and feet.  At 54, I'm single and have to work to support myself, and work on my feet for about 7 hours, five days a week....  I'm depressed just thinking about it. This just sucks.

debisongbird

Well, I started the Celexa today (10mg.) Within an hour I had diarrhea, nausea, felt like I was gonna throw-up and then headache. And it's my first day! I wonder if I should give it a few weeks to see if these symptoms subside. Also, maybe I'm just taking too many pills. Truthfully, I was just hoping for something to make me happy again. Guess it's not in a pill.

pod1257

Hi Debi-

I have taken Celexa 20mg for 7yrs (3yrs before my dx). I started it then d/t stress, anxiety as I was working part-time with 2 young kids and just too much to deal with. Celexa has helped alot to calm me down (I even feel my breathing is slower!). Another benefit for me was it really helped with sleep. I am 4yrs out from dx. My internist recently asked if I would like to stop Celexa, as things have calmed down in my life. - I said, absolutely not! I feel very comfortable on this low dose.

It's no wonder many are depressed and anxious between the breast cancer and the AIs taking away all our hormones. - As I understand it all the SSRIs, including celexa, up the serontonin level in our blood (adequate estrogen does the same) to keep our mood's more even.

Debi- while not a pharmacist, I am in health care. From what I know most drugs can have mild side effects initially, but these decrease as you go along. Did you take celexa on an empty stomach? I think you can half the pill. - You might try that for a few days till your body get's used to it. I don't think, most likely,  it will interact at all with your pain meds or anti-anxiety med, at such a low dose. - But to be on the safe side, as someonelse said, you may want to take it at bedtime or when you don't plan to drive, just in case you get sleepy.

Best of luck.

Julie

debisongbird

Thank you so much Julie. Hope things are going well for you. Yeah, my onc said stay away from stress, but I am having a hard time. I tried the Celexa 10mg. on an empty stomach and had diarrhea and sea-sick like symptoms. But, I also was taking a very high dose of magnesium (I've lowered it since) and also a stool softener and 1 senna as I was having some trouble with that. I no longer have those troubles so I may try the Celexa again. I meant to ask, does it dry out your throat or anything? I am a singer, and I already have to deal with the dryness that the Aromasin gives me. Singing brings me such joy, I don't want to take anything that will increase dryness. Of course, I could try it and see. thank you again for your help. God bless. - Debi

Kitwe

Wow thanks for all your input.  I had taken Effexor for hot flashes when I was diagnosed with LCIS in left breast in 2007. I was also taking Tamoxifen.  I had gone for a physic reading and the first thing the reader said is my body chemistry is off (I hadn't told her anything)  I brushed it off but at my next Onco appointment I asked about something else and she suggested Celexa  WOW what a difference!! I started at 20mg and moved to 30.

I am 12 days post op from BMX.  DCIS was found in right breast.  I am always the strong one.  My Mom was a real caregiver and she has Alzheimer's.  I am having a hard time.  I have been crying and I don't do that.  I was thinking maybe I should talk to someone.  Does anyone know a good therapist in south Florida? At Sloan support was part of the process...I'm not good at asking for advice.

Also I have not gotten my voice back since surgery 6/24.

lwd

Hi, debisongbird,

I've been on Celexa for probably 8 years, just 10 mg.  After my recurrence 1 1/2 yrs ago I asked about increasing the doseage and am now on 20 mg, which does help the depression considerably.  I can't remember ever experiencing SE's, but it has been so long, perhaps I've forgotten.  If anything, they were minimal for only a couple of days.  I've not been told that I can't take any pain meds while taking Celexa, although right now, all I'm taking is Ibuprofen for the muscle and joint pain I have from Femara.  Sometimes I wonder what I would do without my Celexa!  I have heard, though, that if you do go off it you should do it gradually.  Good luck!

Lane 

debisongbird

Thanks LWD for your input. I can't imagine yet giving up my pain medication. Sometimes I get bad pain. And I'm not sleeping well lately, either. I deal with the depression on a daily basis. I tried the Celexa 10 mg (and got diarrhea ) so I'm kinda scared to try it again. I have been thinking of switching from Aromasin (which is drying out my eyes terribly and causing pretty awful depression) to Arimedex. But, I don't know. The Aromasin seems to be working. At least my tumor marker tests are within range. I hate being indecisive, if I could just sleep well at night. Anyway,thanks again for your input, and positive blessings are being sent your way. Thanks, Debs

lwd

Debi,

I get very dry eyes with Femara, and I think other of the AI's also cause dry eyes.  My doc gave me a prescription for Ambien, and I usually take just half, and, man, I can really sleep!  You might want to try it.  I have no groggy or other after effects.  For a while I was taking half every night.  Now only once in a while, when I just know I won't sleep.  Within 1/2 hour I'm usually zonked out.  You might not have SE's with another of the anti-depressants.  Don't know what I'd do without my Celexa.  If I get hooked on it, SO WHAT???  I NEED IT!  Keep in touch,

Lane

LAM2

 Glad to hear someone else speaking up that Celexa and Lexapro are also on the ok list to take

with Tamoxifen. The first onc I went to deceived me with info that only Effexor and Effexor XR

are ok. The second onc did the same thing. After taking the drug, at a beginning dose that

was mulitple times the recommended amount (should be 37.5 mg), and then suffering severe side effects, I discovered both doctors gave incorrect information and overdoses of beginning amount.

 Now I've been suffering withdrawal for the past 6 wks, trying to get off it, with no end in sight.

  Any ideas as to why a reputable doctor would give incorrect medical advice and dosing amounts? Should I report this mistreatment to someone?  I am often naive, but I cannot fathom

a reason for this behavior, unless it is a "God Complex" that their opinion is greater than the

existing studies, or there is a (God forbid!) financial gain from the pharmaceutical company.

  I don't know who to trust anymore. As I suffer physically, I also suffer wondering what to do.

 Please lend a helpful understanding.

LAM2

lwd

Hi LAM2,

I'm on Femara, not Tamoxifen.  Although they're both hormonals, they work differently.  You might want to do an on line search and see what you can find out, such as "antidepressants okay to use with hormonals for breast cancer treatment."  Hope you can get a definitive answer.  How frustrating for you.  We need to be able to trust these doctors!  Let me know what happens. 

Lane

LAM2

 Thanks for your response, Lane.  I never got as far as taking the hormonal therapy. I am still

dealing with the withdrawal from Effexor. Now going on 9 weeks.  Two people- a friend, and then a radiology nurse recommended that a psychiatrist would be of help with this particular problem.

No doctors recommended it except for my Imaging Specialist, once I went into her office sobbing

from withdrawal, but determined to keep my appointment today.( I certainly appear to need an

anti-depressant now!!) She could only recommend one dr from personal experience, but that

dr accepts CASH ONLY! What is wrong with the medical profession? My motivation to get

well now is get away from the doctors! Angry about having to search internet for accurate info

on my own.

 The good news is that the second onc, in a backwards plan to try to convince me to undergo

chemotherapy (which is not recommended by anyone else) ordered an Oncotype DX test.

The results show that I'm in the lowest risk group for recurrence of breast cancer. Those

results sealed the deal that I'm not risking anymore side effects from future hormonal treatment.

But, once again, why didn't any of the so-called specialists order this test for basic info, until

after I had so many problems? This test sounds like a GOD-SEND for many patients who

are acting out of fear of recurrence, and risking life-threatening side effects.

   Today I have received the names of other psychiatrists to try for help with the withdrawal.

Unfortunately, I go with fear and trepidation of what on earth some of these people will prescribe!!

All trust is destroyed at this point, but driven by desperation!!

   Your response (read today) and my doctor's compassion today, inspire me to keep trying!!

Thanks again!

LAM2

lwd

Hi LAM2,

I do hope that you can get all this worked out.  Hard enough to have BC without worrying about the possible side effects of treatments and wondering whether you can trust your doctors, while at the same time you are suffering from depression.  Before I started my initial treatment 12 years ago (radiation) I was given a chart which showed the likelihood of a recurrence based on my stage, grade, etc.  Although it did come back after 12 years, I was able to put things in perspective.  At the time, Tamoxifen or chemo didn't decrease the odds of recurrence by more than about 2% within 12 years. So lumpectomy and radiation were recommended.  Odd that it did return right at the 12 year point, isn't it?

All my best.  Keep in touch,

Lane 

LAM2

 Hi Lane!

 I got a bumped up appt to see a psychiatrist today. The receptionist, herself, had experienced

withdrawal from Effexor and confessed that she had thought she was going to die from the drug!

So she was very helpful in getting me in right away.

 This dr agreed to continue my use of Tramadol, which I had found info regarding on Wikipedia,

as somewhat beneficial in alleviating withdrawal symptoms. He thinks I will kick this in about

one week (I wish!) , but to come back if not better in 3 wks. Also willing to monitor Zoloft if

I wish to go back on it, in very small increments of 25 mgs to start. (My onc and primary care

both wanted me to take 50 mg to start.) I believe that I am in the right place, and feel relieved.

 I feel confident with my lumpectomy and radiation, and my decision not to move forward with

Tamoxifen,due to my sensitivities to drugs. So sorry that your IDC returned. I think all we can do

 is take the info available to us, and make the best possible decision at the time. I'm

sure you had peace with your decision, and hope you will continue to be at peace with your

decisions in the future.

Best wishes in everything.

LAM2

Diagnosis: 2/2010, IDC Stage 1, 7mm, Grade 1, 0 nodes, LCIS, ER+/PR+, HER 2-

lwd

Hi, LAM2,

I hope everything will be worked out now for you.  It sounds like you are on the right track.  We never know how we will react to these drugs.  But, hopefully, you have a good team working for you now!  Keep in touch!

Lane 

Resting

Hi - QUESTION:

     I have a question for those of you who have taken Effexor - have  you ever noticed a SE of irritableness or anger. I had to change from Prozac which I had taken before and it worked like a charm on me. Since I started the Eff ( about a month now) I wonder if this could be a SE. I only take37.5mg and really don't want to take anymore. Maybe it's just the chemopause - or I'm just really tired.

   Thx - any infor. would be appreciated

Lowrider54

I started with the 37.5 and only went up to 75 and have stayed there for almost a year.  Xanax for anxiety and percocet for the pain - I have bone mets - seems a good combo.  My onc only precribes the pain meds - I have to see the psychatrist for the others.  

37.5 wasn't quite enough - the 75 does not make me numb or without emotion - 150 is the normal dosage so I am quite happy to get relief where I am.  Anger was not a part of the se's - but I have noticed now that I am taking the generic, I can be a bit more snippy - I may have to return to the real deal - something in the non-active ingredients may not agree with me.  That happens.