Do I need to come off ADs?

[Unsurprisinglysurprising]

I started on citalopram in December. I felt nauseous and so, so tired so after a month my GP switched me on to escitalopram.

I don't feel any better on it. If I let myself nod off during the day I can be asleep for up to 3 hours. That's not normal. I'm taking the tablet in the morning and I can still sleep at night.

This morning I woke up with my heart pounding and have been feeling progressively more anxious throughout the day. I know it can make anxiety worse to start off with but my problem had been more depression than anxiety when I started, though my thinking can be obsessive.

Should I give up and focus on other ways to improve my MH and life? I'm stuck in a limbo with no energy and motivation and had hoped that 5 weeks in I would be feeling much better.

[Unsurprisinglysurprising]

Bump. I'm feeling nauseous again today though less anxious so far. I would love to be asleep but am working.

[PhoebeFriends]

I would recommend going back to your gp and explain how you feel. I was in a similar position with citalopram then sertraline but found fluoxetine better. Also, it is hard to persist but I have found I need to wait at least 6 weeks for side effects to diminish. It is a battle but gets better.
Maybe also try excercise if you can push on past the feeling of tiredness it may help - I know this is hard when you just want to sleep though and I am the last person to do this but so many others say it’s the best solution.

[Unsurprisinglysurprising]

Thanks. It will take at least 2 weeks to get a GP appointment. I will book one in and struggle on until then. I think exercise such as a brisk walk does help but it's finding time to fit it in and the motivation when I can barely keep my eyes open.

[KarBB]

Agree to following up with GP to check things like dose as well as considering other options (different meds & also things like CBT). It took me about 8 weeks (which felt like an eternity) to get over the side effects of Citalopram and start to feel like a human again. It was one of the toughest times of my life, but definitely worth it as I got through and am doing well now.

[thesnapandfartisinfallible]

I don't think Citalopram is a good fit for you. By now the side effects should be tapering off, even if it's too early to see any benefit from them.