Does taking Celexa cause weight gain or is there gain when you quit taking it? Can it cause headaches and does Celexa increase effects of alcohol? I read that it is best to not use alcohol with this drug, but what are the effects if you do? What is the best way to taper off to stop taking this medication, or can you just quit it without tapering off? I would like to hear about withdrawal experiences and how to deal with them. Thanks for any light you can shed on this for me.



[This message has been edited by KarenDGT (edited 07-06-2003).]

I have been on Celexa for about 4 years now and I have noticed I have gained about 25 lbs or more. I also sweat like crazy when I am out in the sun doing nothing. Before Celexa, I was taking Effexor and had no problems, but my doctor suggested I give Celexa a try after having my baby. I will be going back to Effexor my next doctor visit. As far as tapering off of Celexa, the best thing to do is consult your doctor and do it with him/her. Headaches have been no problem for me, other than the occasional one.

Hope I have helped out a little!

Thanks Windy! I hadn't thought about the sweating, but when I read your reply, I realized that I do get very hot during the night. My weight has increased and I have taken Celexa less than a year. I plan to call my doctor this week, as I want to quit taking it. I notice also that I get too wiped out if I drink alcohol. I tried halfing my dose, but I felt awful and slept a lot. It took a few days to feel "normal" again when I went back to the full dose. I am concerned about how I will feel and for how long as I quit using it. I don't want weeks of misery. I didn't want to take something daily, and had used Xanex as needed, but my doctor said I'd be a happier person if I used the Celexa. I don't think I need it anymore - but that could be because I use it... I guess.

[This message has been edited by KarenDGT (edited 07-06-2003).]

You may think you are feeling well enough to go off Celexa...and your right...it is because you are taking Celexa is why you feel you don't need it.

A person should not just stop taking Celexa...they should taper off of it...because the withdrawals can be sometimes uncomfortable for a person to handle.

From reading the boards, everyone has experienced bad experiences from certain antidepressants...but don't let that scare you...I myself was a better person on Celexa...no weight gain....no sweating...and very happy.

Hope this has helped!

Your right! You are feeling better...because you are or were taking Celexa. Don't just stop taking Celexa...you should taper off of it...or you will experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptons.

I myself liked Effexor...no weight gain...no sweating. Everyone experiences different side effects from antidepressants...but we are all different.

Hoped this has helped

Thanks Windy, I am tapering off and hope to avoid too many ill effects. I am hoping that the weight I have gained will soon disappear as well. I can already notice unusual feelings in my head - hard to explain exactly. I hope that I don't have to start another daily drug & wish I would have chosen not to in the first place.