Celexa? - Interstitial Cystitis Network Support Forum

LoisLane_04 · 07-09-2004, 01:10 PM

Hi everyone,
Is anyone currently on Celexa for IC?
That's what my Dr. prescribed me and said it would help with IC and fibro.
I've ran out right now and we're in the process of getting more, but, we order from Canada and that's going to take a while.

Actually, I was just wondering if it really does help with IC and fibro or if they just told me that to get me to take it. Is anyone else on it?
I did go through a lot in the past where I have needed to be on something (Long story I may share sometime but, not now don't feel like getting depressed lol). I was on Paxil in the past and it didn't help anything, even Zoloft for a while.
So we switched to Celexa and it even sees to help with pain does it have anti flamatory pain in it? Or is it just in my head that it helps?

No what I mean?
Thanks for any info.
TIA.
Lois.

vm · 07-09-2004, 02:11 PM

I am on Lexapro which is really similar. I started taking it for depression and anxiety. I felt better after taking it for a few weeks. I don't know if it was the drug's action on my IC or the reduction in anxiety that helped. All I know is it helped.

carole10 · 07-12-2004, 03:39 PM

Hello,

Just read your post about Celexa. I've been on it since the beginning of Dec. 2003 and it's help my IC big time. I rarely get up during the night now and my days are much better. I can honestly say that I am feeling "normal" now.

How long have you been taking Celexa and how many mg are you taking?

P.S. I take 20 mg but for a month doc wanted me to try 30 mg (didn't find it more beneficial)-happy with 20mg.
Good luck!

Carole10

gypsyjoy · 07-12-2004, 04:09 PM

I take Celexa and it helps with the depression and that was my main concern. I take 20 was takeing 20 mg but Dr. decided to lower it to 10 mg but just for 2 weeks to see if it helps with my being sleepy all the time.
JOY

ALICE · 07-30-2004, 03:25 AM

I am on Lexpro and find that it really helps my IC. I foolishly switched to Effexor for a few weeks because I thought it would work as well and help me lose weight too, but within a week I was back in the bathroom all day, in constant pain again and up all night trying to pee.

I am back on Lexepro and I will not stray again!

Cheryl529 · 08-01-2004, 02:10 AM

I used to be on Celexa and was at 20mg but then got switched to Lexapro which is it's newer sister brand. I find for myself and have also been told that most people can take a smaller dosage of Lexapro compared to Celexa and it does just as good of job if not better. It's supposed to have less side effects, including sexual side effects.

I've also been told by my doctor that an antidepressant also works on your pain tolerance to help with that. Are you on other meds besides Celexa? I would recommend seeing a urologist. It might be a good idea to take your antidepressant and IC medication. Good luck!

IcyAngel22 · 08-01-2004, 05:31 PM

I'm on celexa now . It has been about three weeks I've been on it. I'm taking it for depression and if it helps IC I was never told that. It is suppose to help me deal with IC emotionally but if it does more great. I was on paxil for two months but I found I had sexual side effects. I loved paxil I felt like myself before IC. The celexa doesn't really help with depression yet but I was told it would take awhile to fully work. I say anything that can help IC thank god so I'll keep on it and monitor my pain,Freq & urg to see if it improves on Celexa. Up until a few months ago I had never taken antidepressants before and never needed to. IC is hard to cope with at any age but I'm in college and I'm so close to finishing. The pills really help me take back a part of my old life. I fought taking antidepressants because I really thought it was for crazy people. I now think well maybe the one's who are crazy are the one's who don't know when to get help. Thanks for the original post it made me think and now I feel like I can be hopeful and stick with celexa.

Cheryl529 · 08-02-2004, 02:55 AM

KP, keep up the good work. Celexa like any antidepressant may take awhile to get into your system but don't give up. The longer you stick with it the more it will help. A lot of people make the mistake of thinking to themselves that they now feel fine and thus don't have to take it anymore. Many people including your Dr would say that is the wrong choice. Most people need to continue taking their antidepressants. Make sure to talk to your doctor to work out what is best for you.

I don't think the Celexa will necessary help you with urgency, frequency and somewhat of the pain but I was told by my doctor that it will help somewhat with your pain tolerance (if that makes sense). You still may wish to see a urologist and see what they suggest. There are a lot of meds out there to try and help with the symptoms of IC. Sometimes you have to try different ones to see what works best for you. Make sure to talk to you doctor. Good luck!

Bea · 08-03-2004, 07:19 AM

may I ask what the side effects of this drug are?

ALICE · 08-03-2004, 07:27 AM

Lexepro is supposed to have few side effects. My thoughts on it are whatever the side effects I don't care because I am out of pain...... and the bathroom. I do think it makes me tired but everything does, and it is so worth it. I thank God for it because I was suffering so much and now I am almost normal.

Cheryl529 · 08-03-2004, 08:41 PM

Bea, I don't know all of the side effects of Celexa memorized but I do remember a main one can be a low sex drive. I would suggest looking at Forest Pharmacuticals website. They make both Celexa and Lexapro and they list information on the drugs there. This might be spelled wrong but I think it's www.forestpharmacuticals.com. If that doesn't take you there do an internet search and you should find the correct website for them. -Good luck, Cheryl

carole10 · 08-05-2004, 02:47 AM

Regarding one of your post on Celexa. Celexa has helped me a great deal with my urgency and frequency. I used to go to the bathroom every 10 to 20 min. a day and night. I can honestly say that since taking Celexa (2 month in treatment) I feel "normal". Each drug is different for each person.

megg47 · 08-11-2004, 02:01 PM

Hi. I have been on Celexa for over a year. I think it does help me. I have learned and accepted the fact that I must use something to help me with low feelings...blue when I have no real reason to be. I know that IC has totally impacted my life. I am trying to get it back by taking yoga, making friends and living life to the fullest. I think Celexa helps because when I tried to go off of it I felt really sad. I am feeling much better now that I am back on it. Anyway, take care and good luck.