Paxil vs Celexa

I am currently using Paxil to help with premature ejaculation (20 mg/day)and it is working very well. The only bad side effect I have is I am very tired. I’m wandering if anybody here is using Celexa and if they are having the same side effects -also Lexapro is suppose to be the next greatest thing out there as well - has anybody had any experience with either, if so any negative effects.

First suggestion, try taking it at night, if you aren’t already.

I have been on both Paxil and Celexa, and although I think Celexa handled depression better, neither medication made me sleepy (75 mg Effexor, on the other hand, was like a sledgehammer).

I’ve been on Paxil for about 3 months now and it has not helped me at all with prem ejac

Freedman. How do you like Celexa compared to Effexor for depression, sexual side effects? Iam on 75mg of effexor and it has killed my sex drive completely, and I can sleep hours at a time.

Let me qualify my answer:

When I was on 75 mg of Effexor, it knocked the crap out of me, too. However, I believe that with Effexor, the “stimulating dose” is 175 mg, and I eventually increased the titration to the max, which is 350 mg (XR, not immediate release).

At 350 mg, Effexor is a totally different drug. I was pumped and energetic, maybe a little manic (I decided to get married while on it, whoops). I had no sexual sides with it and it was excellent for depression. At that dose, however, you have to watch out for cardiac side effects (BP).

I was also on 20 mg of Celexa and absolutely loved it, it could be my “wonder drug”. No side effects, great for depression.

My suggestions (I am not a doctor, this is my anecdotal experience, talk with yours):

1. Take the Effexor 75 mg before bed, if you aren’t already. It should help you sleep and may get rid of the sexual sides. If that doesn’t work,

2. Ask your doctor about increasing to 175 mg and stay there for a while to evaluate the difference.

The above makes sense to me because the Effexor seems to help your depression, so before switching meds, I would see if a dose change helps the situation. And again, I am talking about the XR, timed release. If you’re not on that, talk to your doctor about switching.

3. If that doesn’t work, then try Celexa.

I have been on virtually every SSRI antidepressant and thought Celexa was great for depression. Effexor was also great for depression, but I felt a little wired when I was on it, like a mild hit of Adderall. Celexa felt more natural. But I know a lot of people who like the way Effexor feels at 175 mg, so, if your doctor agrees, give it a shot.

I am surprised by your comments because celexa and cipralex (called lexapro in the US I think) have the least sexual side effects (i.e. prolonging ejaculation). For me, celexa delayed ejaculation a bit but cipralex almost has no effects at all on ejaculation.

I think I might give celexa try. I really dont want to up my dosage on effexor, mainly for the sexual side effects. I haven’t had a real strong erection in months, haven’t jacked off at all in the new year. My doctor gave me a sample pack of all ed drugs, and still no real results from them.

Freedman, I’ll give that a go, as I’m currently taking it in the morning.

Celexa helps me maintain my endearing qualities to both females and males. I am a very happy, kind, pleasant person to be around.

On the serious side, I’ve been on Celexa for a few years and have had no adverse effects. Other SSRI’s have not worked well at all. (I deal with a tremendous amount of stress daily)

Again, and this is something to discuss with your doctor, upping the dose on Effexor may reverse the sexual side effects.

It seems contrary to logic, but, like the 75 mg sleepiness that went away (for me) at 150 mg, the same may be true of the sexual sides. Good luck.

Cajun: Celexa and cipralex (lexapro) are the same drug, but cipralex is double the strength with fewer side effects because celexa is a racemate while cipralex is an enantiomer.

If you’d like to read some older threads, do a search for Celexa, Paxil or both at once. For example, here’s an old discussion: Paxil and SSRI’s delay orgasms