Finally been to the doctors - thanks MN and another dilemna.....

[Summerbum]

Thanks again for your advice recently, hardly anyone knows about this in RL so I'm really grateful for the support on here.

I saw another doctor today who was sympathetic, I have been diagnosed with depression. She has given me 20 mg of citalopram.

I'm still worried about taking medication but know it is for my own good.

I've seen previous posts on here about this AD but my worry/concern is when is best to take it? In the evening so I can sleep through adverse side effects? Can anything like exercise help deal with potential side effects?

I'm back at work next week, I can't and don't want to sign off as the working environment is not the sympathetic sort (bullying/ intimidation/ lack of support) to look on my condition favourably. Previous colleagues have been pushed out or 'whispered about', it's that sort of positive working place . Will people notice anything different in me as one of the side effects mentioned is dizziness and drowsiness?

Please can anyone allay my fears? Thanks in anticipation.

[GoTeamkozy]

Congratulations on getting a diagnosis. It takes balls to see your GP about mental illness. Don't forget that not everybody gets adverse side effects, but do start taking them so they have a chance to start working before you go back to work. They can take a few weeks to kick in properly, so don't worry if they don't act as an instant fix.

Your colleagues probably won't notice any difference unless you turn up wearing a placard. :o

[Summerbum]

Thanks Goteamkozy, I'm glad I've finally seen a doctor, I've been stalling on doing this for ages.

Looking at the previous posts in this section on citalopram, I'm now scared of the side effects. I really do not want sweats as I get hot at the best of times, plus the thought of vivid nightmares scares me.

Maybe I won't get any side effects, hopefully. Can you or anyone else tell me at what time is the best to start taking them? They are still in the box looking at me. After finally going back to the doctors I feel like I am going to chicken out of taking the stupid things!

[puds11]

I took it in the evening because it can make you feel tired, and i couldnt risk that. It does make you feel sick at first, and does take a while to get going, but it does work. It really saved me earlier this year, without it i think everything would have fallen apart. Ive stopped taking it now, and am feeling better. Good luck with it

[Summerbum]

Thanks puds, did you suffer the sweats? weight gain? Glad you're back to feeling well again.

I really shouldn't read so much, everyone is different but I'm starting to think I'll just stick with counselling.

[FireOverBabylon]

I take mine at night, mainly because that's when I take other medication and it's easier to take them all together. You need to take it consistently every day, and not forget, so choose a time for you which you can associate with the medication so you always remember to take it.

[puds11]

No i didnt sweat or gain anymore weight. I did throw up a lot though, and it got me drunk quicker and i got worse hangovers.

[MerryCosIWonaGold]

I take it at night. I had no I lost some weight (probably because I was comforting eating a lot less), but nothing drastic. I think it makes me a bit thirstier, but that's all. Really helped me and wasn't expecting it to!

[MerryCosIWonaGold]

I had no side effects that should say!

[LeeCoakley]

I take it just before bedtime. The only side effect I can think of is that I hardly drink alcohol any more! The combination was the worse hangover feeling ever. When I first started taking it I was scared incase I got any side effects (I didn't have any in the end) but for actually getting my life back - it rocks! Good luck.

[Summerbum]

Thanks for the advice all, I really don't want any nasty side effects, I'm willing to avoid alcohol too!

I'll take it at night time rather than daytime then, I still feel scared about starting the dose. But then again, it is really reassuring to see so many positive stories on how taking it has helped you all.

Thanks all for your support MN.

[Showtime]

Had forgotten I'd had citalopram for a year or so, the only problem was being a bit dizzy, but I've low bp anyway and simply moved a bit slower until I got used to it. It's generally well-tolerated by most people, so please don't be worried about taking it - you'll wish you'd started earlier.

[Showtime]

p.s GP told me it might help with sweats too.

[Summerbum]

Thanks Showtime, feeling a bit woozy but that could be imagining it as I've been reading too much on the side effects. Interesting that you said it helped with the sweats, I'm hoping I don't get that side effect!