Question:
Will I be able to come off Celexa post-op?

I have been on celexa off and on for the past 3 years(more on than off) I have anxiety disorder, and while I apprticiate the medicine for controlling my stress and anxiety, I hate it for stealing all the joy from my life. I had went off the meds. to enjoy Christmas this year and I loved it ! However I didnt love the frequent panic attacks. I started researching this surgery around Christmas and recieved my approval around Valentines and I was so excited and looking forward to my new life. But shortly after I had to go back on my meds and now with only 2 weeks to go till surgery I couldnt care less. People are asking me if I am nervouse or excited and I'm like eehh I guess. I hate the way this medicine kills all emotion. Has anyone been on it pre-op and been able to come off after?thanks    — Lindsay F. (posted on April 28, 2003)

April 28, 2003
Hi Lindsay- I was on Prozac for 5 years, and then celexa for a year, both pre-op and post-op. I use it more for depression than anxiety, so our experiences with it can be different, but I definately think it's possible. I was abruptly taken off Celexa after an ulcer about 6 months post-op and now I am 11 months post-op and doing fine without it. I have more of a positive outlook on life and not as depressed and have a great self-esteem for the first time in life, and feel I am doing well without any of those meds. It's trial and error ofcourse, and don't stop taking it right after surgery, b/c those can be emotional times as well. Goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.

April 28, 2003
I will be interested to see if I can stop taking Celexa after weight loss also. I know that my PCOS and messed up hormones from being MO help to cause my anxieties. If not, though, it's fine with me. I don't find that Celexa interferes with me emotionally other than to control the anxiety...in fact I'm happier than I have been in years now that I can relax and stop obsessing! Good luck and keep us posted.
   — Maria N.

April 28, 2003
I was on celexa pre op, but had to change to wellbutrin post op because of an insurance change. i just went back on the celexa 2 days ago and i am suffering from major side effects with it. i'm going to keep taking it and hope that it passes but i am extremely fatigue and weak. those are things that come with it.
   — candymom64

April 28, 2003
Perhaps you could consult with a psychiatrist to see if there's a medication that has the good effects of Celexa without the side effects. I had to stop taking Celexa because all I wanted to do was sleep, and am now on Lexapro which is much better. There are lots of medications out there; see if you can find a psychiatrist who specializes in them. Good luck!
   — sjwilde

April 28, 2003
I am 2 months post op and am also on celexa been on it for almost 2 years and have had no side effects with it making me lose emotions for me it is just the opposite it helped me enjoy life more, and I also take it because of panic attacks and stress. Since the surgery I don't take it as much because i have such a more happy outlook on life but if i go with out it for 4 or more days I can tell my mood starts to slip and things start stressing me out and keeping me up at night. So i take one for maybe two days and it evens me out. M
   — Jill C.

April 28, 2003
I was on Celexa for a few years and recently they changed me to Lexapro, they say it is the same thing only they took out some ingredient it didn't need???? So they tell me anyways, I never had a problem with either one!
   — Saxbyd

April 28, 2003
I tried going off it, and had to go back on.
   — Danmark

April 28, 2003
I had been on and off my Celexa pre op...I have ambivilent feelings about taking it anyway. I did try to take it about 1 month post op when I got really down but it made my stomach/pouch hurt really bad as well as making be unable to sleep, even with Ambien. I stopped it immediately and have not gone back since. Some days I get panicked and think I need to be on SOMETHING but then I get worried about the side effects and I never seem to be able to push myself any further (to getting on something.)
   — Lisa I.