Scared to start antidepressant - Anxiety Message Board

canadianguy902 · 07-06-2008, 08:58 AM

I am likely going to try an antidepressant, probably celexa, this week for a combination of anxiety/depression. I'm scared to start it because all I've heard of the side effects. I also have a phobia of vomitting/feeling nauseous and I've read those are some of the side effects. Have any of you been on celexa and had no side effects or very minor ones? I guess I'm just looking for reasurrances.
Thanks.

Daniella28 · 07-06-2008, 10:01 AM

I have been on many meds and I know it is hard to not worry about the side effects but try to stay in the moment. Some pass very soon and doing small things like taking with food can help stomach issues. Of course follow the directions set by your doc. Can you have someone support you and share your fears and concerns with?If you live alone maybe going to a friend/families home for the first couple daysGood luck

violet312s · 07-07-2008, 08:15 PM

The first few weeks on an SSRI type drug are not pleasant. Expect to not feel well at all. In fact, you'll feel worse. I started on Lexapro and yes the stomach issues are not fun. Your experience may be different.

However, that being said, once you get over the initial period where your body is adjusting if that's the drug for you it'll feel like a giant weight has been lifted.

So suffer through the first bit knowing that within a few weeks you'll hopefully start to feel less anxious and depressed. Hang in there!

prettyfish13 · 07-08-2008, 08:36 AM

I also am emetophobic (phobia of vomitting). I was on Celexa years ago, and never had a problem starting it, nor any other SSRI. I started Zoloft about 3 months ago, and that DID make me feel rather nauseous, but only for the first day or two. And I'm pregnant, so my body/hormones are all out of whack anyways, so I honestly don't believe I would have had the same reaction if I wasn't pregnant.

A friend of mine is on Celexa, and she never had any problems with nausea or vomitting. I only remember her complaining about dry mouth. You should try going on it if you think it will help. It will be worth a day or two of discomfort, and if you really cannot stand it, you can always stop. Believe me, I cried my eyes out when I took my second dose of Zoloft because I was so terrified of getting sick, but I was much more determined to beat my anxiety!

canadianguy902 · 07-10-2008, 07:33 AM

Did you start feeling the nausea after the first pill or did it take a while? I took my first 10 mg of celexa yesterday afternoon and don't feel too bad. Not much appetite and maybe a little nauseous, but that could also be my anxiety tricking me.