side effect question

[esthergreenwood]

Years ago, I took zoloft for a few months and it made me fat and gave me terrible heartburn. I switched to Luvox, which gave me no side effects. Then I was off of any medication for about 2 years, then I briefly used prozac for a few months, and it gave me heartburn but no other side effects. These were all for times when GAD was really bad.

It has been 5 years since I took anything. I am supposed to start Celexa tonight for my panic disorder. Is it reasonable to expect that I will possibly experience similar side effects to the ones I had on other SSRI's but that I will not experience anything worse? I am just scared of having some crazy, rare, adverse reaction or feeling really awfully. My psychicatrist has said I can call her cell phone any time if I am having bad side effects and has me taking klonopin to keep me calm for the first few weeks on celexa, but I just wanted to see what others' experiences have been in terms of side effects between different SSRI's.

[Bama21]

No way to really tell.  There are so many different experiences with all the different ssri's.  I have been on Celexa for about 8 weeks and have only one DEFINITE side effect...which is decreased libido.  Other side effects that MIGHT be attributed to the celexa are shakiness/internal trembling and some insomnia.  I'm not positive that both are related to the celexa, though.

Overall, I've had a pretty good experience with the Celexa...especially considering it's my first ever try at any type of anti-depressant.

[FeelingOptimistic]

Celexa has really helped my GAD, panic, and depression.  I've been watching the scale closely and haven't gained any weight yet, that was a worry of mine as well.  I take 10 mg and have a little dry mouth.  Other than that, no horrible side effects.  I was terrified of some adverse reaction, too.  Start slow with it and take it with food or milk.  I did that and it helped with some mild nausea in the beginning.  That only lasted a couple days.   I wish you the best!

Feeling Optimistic