Celexa/citalopram

[Boo1667]

I started taking Citalopram (40 mg) last March. At first I got on it because quitting smoking was causing a mental breakdown of sorts (I went to the ER for panic attacks, I became obsessed with death, ect.), and it's worked well for me. I've always suffered from depression, and I always refused medication for a variety of reasons, but once I quit smoking I just couldn't hang anymore, and I was hanging on by a very thin thread as it was before.

I'm having a lot of trouble losing weight on this, but I hope a low carb lifestyle will fix whatever problems I've been having, because I don't think I can go off the medication anytime soon. Although, the look on my husband's face when I tell him I'm considering weaning off of it is priceless.

[Mirya]

my PDOC told me its best to take it in the morning. I am curious did/do you get bruxism (tooth grinding) as a side effect? I have this condition anyway from stress and some antidepressants, celexa<citrolapram> being one, will cause bruxism side effect and I am afraid if i do I'll have my case of it increased. Bruxism aka tooth grinding has symtoms of unecessary tooth pain and jawp ain and is occassionally misdiagnosed as TMJ aka Temporomandibular Joint Disorder aka Jaw pain. I already have to use a night guard due to stress so it doesn't mess up my fillings, crowns and cause more tooth damage.

CURRENT MEDS:
citalopram (possibly sedating)- 20mg 1/day for 7 days then 40mg 1/day - depression and anxiety
gabapentin (possibly sedating)- 300mg 2/day 7 days then 300mg 3/day - bipolar and migraine
hydroxyzine (IS sedating)- 25-50mg 2/day and 25-50mg at bedtime (as needed for anxiety)

PREVIOUS MEDS:
Depakote, Cymbalta (3 days in was shaking uncontrolably to the point I couldnt physically function at work, home, could not eat as it woudl get flung), lexapro (bruxism side effect but worked), Lamictal (has a rash around mouth side effect that I DID NOT get and worked), Wellbutrin (for quitting smoking - DID NOT work), Xanax (alprazolam - narcotic and sedative - worked well), Nicotine (quit smoking on my own with the help of Quest Cigarettes in June 2007)

EDIT: 02/20/2008 2pm
I literally just now got off the phone with my PDOC and she said to increase the hydroxyzine to 50mg 2ce a day.

Originally Posted by yemenitegreen

When I was on citalopram (the most horrid experience in my life) my doctor told me to make sure to take it at the same time each day. I guess it depends on your reactions .. it may make you want to sleep a lot, so I'd rather take it at bedtime, but your mileage may vary. yemenitegreen

What do you mean by it being the most horrid experience? I am just curious if you don't mind talking about it.

Originally Posted by fluffyman

I just started taking 20 mg last week for my depression. I haven't had any physical problems, but I don't feel any better either. The doc said to give it 3 weeks, so hopefully it will work for both of us.

My PDOC told me the same thing 3-4 weeks

[Ugroove60]

Does the Celexa inhibit your Atkins progress? I am a male taking it for severe depression. I am on 80mg per day; no real help with the depression though.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks, and congratulations to those of you that lost weight in the photos above. You look Hot!!