Antidepresants?

[Montessorisam]

Hi

I've been having a bad time of it lately (single mum, 3 kids, husband left recently, had to give up job..) and have been described Citalopram an antidepressant. Before taking anything I like to get other peoples experience and opinions. Has anyone had this? What are your experiences? Would really appreciate feedback. Thanks

[whiteandnerdy]

You may also want to post in Health->Mental health section of MN as the question doesn't necessarily seem to be specificly for lone parents.

[Lovemelillady]

Hi Monte

I was on Citalopram 20mg for 18 months and have recently come off them after asking the doc if I could. I have to say I feel 100% better than I have done since my dd was born. I can't believe I wasted 18 months of my life moping about and feeling sorry for myself and hoping the anti-ds were going to create a fantasy life filled with fun and laughter. The only thing that can turn your life around is you, and you alone.

I can imagine what you're going through, I'm a single mum, 1 dd, xp is an arsehole and I don't have a job, so I feel your pain and anguish about life. Would be nice to get a break, something good to happen etc?!

Before you take your anti-d's have you thought about herbel? I used to take 5HTP which you get from Holland and Barrat. They're good as you take them when you need a pick me up and not on a reg basis, plus they're an appetite suppressant which kerbed my comfort eating too (although not why they should be taken!)

I will also add, coming off Citalopram was dog rough too. I've been on prozac before and tried seroxat, but citalopram, jesus, awful, awful side effects and took me about a month to get them out of my system. Were you also referred to counselling? I'm pretty sure the NHS when prescribing anti-d's should offer some form of talking therapy in conjunction with meds.

Hope you chose whatever is right for you!

[Montessorisam]

Thank you so much for your advice. I'm really unsure about taking them. I really feel against them but at times feel I can't cope alone. Had some very dark days recently and feel very anxious. Maybe I should continue with what I have been doing - relaxation CD, walks in sunshine, wine! The 5HTP sound better. I will look into that. ThanksX

[equinox]

I have taken ad's on and off for years but I am now on St John's Wort which I would thoroughly recommend as they luckily have shown no side-effects for me other than a slightly looser bowel (sorry if TMI!). I was sick of feeling below par on lofepramine and it seemed to react badly if I drank an odd glass of wine too.

I am so happy I am on these.

Hope this helps!

[hairylights]

I have been on citalopram (and Prozac)

They helped my depression
They definitely eased my anxiety
The side effects were non existent
They were easy to come off if phased off over a couple of months

[Lovemelillady]

Definately look into 5htp, it's great stuff and as someone previously mentioned St Johns Wort is another. I do think GP's are so quick to get people on anti d's but then I shouldnt comment as Ive been on them for donkeys now!

Citalopram is definately more geared towards anxiety, and helped me a huge amount but eventually I think I realised the underlying problems were still there with or without the meds.

You seem to have realised already that lifestyle changes are a great start! Have you been for a few walks? Especially in this sunshine? When I was depressed and anxious I never enjoyed walks, even in this type of weather! Now it's great. I notice everything, smells, sounds, the views. Everything I missed out on before. And I really enjoy it!


Good Luck in whatever you choose, antid's may work for you and they may not, just do whatever you feel is right.

[Montessorisam]

Thank you for your feedback on this. I decided to look into St John's Wort and I will be giving it a try next week. I have done all the destressors today - running, yoga, reading but then unfortunately had to spend a few minutes with husband when heropped kids off and totally stressed again now. grrrrrr!

[BooBooGlass]

Be careful with St Johns Wort. It messes with all sorts of things, not least hormonal contraception which I understand may not be your first concern, but it's worth bearign in mind. I think it also has an effect on antibiotics.

[angrywoman]

I've tried st johns wort.. Didn't feel right on it so stopped. Was given beta blockers for anxiety and sleeping pills by my doc for recent stress. Aromatherapy is undervalued, check out whats in H and B...
And do some nice things for yourself..! :)

[Montessorisam]

Thank you all. I don't feel half as stressed this week. I've even cut out the alcohol and am sleeping better. It seemed that getting rid of husband and job sorted me out a treat! Am getting myself back together and trying to think positively. I started taking St John's Wort today and will watch closely how that goes. ThanksX

[bacon]

Watch Ads with anxiety - it made mine a lot worse. Side effects light headiness and sleep issues.

Agree that cutting the alcohol is a good move as that just makes anxiety worse.

ADs are only a short term solution and sorry to say GPs dish them out which is totally scarey IMO. Any depression or anxiety issues should be addressed before popping any pills (unless serious).

[equinox]

The only problem I have with my St John's Wort is that it is slightly laxative I can only wholeheartedly recommend them and they do not react badly with me at all. Indeed in Germany they are the first port of call for the medical profession I hear across the board so it goes to show how effective they are.

I would imagine you need to find a make that suits you. Mine are Good n Natural from Holland & Barrett I got them half price take 3 x 300mg daily.

HTH.