Hi -

I am new to the board. I have suffered from PTSD and depression for about 2 to 3 years now. I tried, unsuccesfully, to "just deal with it". Of course, I just sank lower and lower and at times had thoughts of suicide, which rationally I knew was not a good thing. :rolleyes:

Anyway - I also began to suffere from chronic physical illness. Last week, I just decided enough was enough and finally dragged myself to the doctors. I was sick of exisiting instead of living. I felt like I was just in a dream and felt bored and joyless almost all the time.

So, the doc suggested I go on a 6 month course of 20mg Citalopram HRr (Celexa). I would say that I am feeling better already, and I am only on day 4. I don't want to jump the gun though, as I used to have ups and downs through the month anyway (PMT etc).

But - I have several disconcerting side effects. The first was nausea, which I had kin dof expected. The second is insomnia as I feel a little jittery. I have also lost my appetite, which may be a good thing since I have read weight gain is a common side effect. Worst though - and sorry to be blunt - but I have gone from finding it quite easy to orgasm to absolutely unable to do so within the space of 4 days :eek:

Is this a common side effect - I am pretty miffed about it. Despite my depression, my hubby and I have a pretty active intimate life, and I *always* reach orgasm - so this is very annoying. Is it something that will come back - has anyone else had this???

Thank you

I have heard sexual side effects are somewhat common and the usual solution is to either switch to a different drug (there are many options, it's usually just a matter of finding the one that works best without bad side effects) and/or sometimes they can give you a second medicine that counteracts the side effects of the first.

:) Thank you for giving me some hope - LOL! :p I guess I am leary to change drugs just yet as I am only in the first week of this on (Celexa) and so far I am starting to see a slight increase in mood. I have also had the side effects of nausea, a bit jittery and insomnia, although I am willing to live with those if the depression is lifted.
Thanks -

BOOBOO :D

Sorry to hear about your side effects. But the good news is that a lot of times the side effects go away after taking med for 2-4 weeks . Your body has to adjust. Don't stop taking them now. If you continue to have the side effects you described after about 2-4 weeks, talk it over with your doctor. Good luck. :)