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Original poster

Citalopram or life?

16 replies

Oaksgetbatteted · 13/02/2022 12:52

I started citalopram on Wednesday because of a family tragedy where I am a supporter, I feel dreadful. I have been averaging 4 hours sleep a night for a week but last night didn’t even get that, today I feel cut off from everything but worry. To be honest I felt like this before I started taking the tablets and another problem has been added to the load today. I feel as if I’ve a tonne weight on my shoulders but could the tablets be making it worse? The doctor said it might be tough for a couple of weeks but the next couple of weeks had it in them to be the worst of my life anyway.

OP posts:

EmmaH2022 · 13/02/2022 12:56

When I tried this one, it was a very tough couple of weeks.

I came on and off three times, same each time.

There is an argument for doing it when things are tough anyway. I had a friend working nearby and one day I spent my lunch hour sobbing on her shoulder and lied to my boss saying I'd had bad news in the family!

If it's too much, reduce the dose? They often give too much IMHO.

PostThenGhost · 13/02/2022 12:57

Things can quite often feel a lot worse before improving.

Citalopram was life changing for me I hope things improve for you soon.

wtfwasthatmate · 13/02/2022 12:59

Are you taking them morning or night? Some people find lexapro or Setraline works better for them.

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EmmaH2022 · 13/02/2022 13:10

Actually OP I'm a bit slow today...

Did they give you these in lieu of tranquilisers? There seems to be a worrying trend of giving anti depressants to people who need a temporary med.

GeneLovesJezebel · 13/02/2022 13:11

How much are you on ? DH went straight on 40mg years ago and it has literally saved his life.
Took weeks to see a difference.

iklboo · 13/02/2022 13:17

It does take a couple of weeks for them to start working. What does are you on? I started on 20mg, upped to 30mg. Literally saved my life.

HerRoyalHappiness · 13/02/2022 13:18

Citalopram has made a huge difference to me. Literally saved my life. I was suicidal. The first few weeks were tough, I found it difficult to get through each day. But then I suddenly realised I didn't want to die after all. That I felt happier. That I was able to get through each day and actually find the joy in each day.

NoneOfYour32Potatoes · 13/02/2022 13:22

@EmmaH2022

Actually OP I'm a bit slow today...

Did they give you these in lieu of tranquilisers? There seems to be a worrying trend of giving anti depressants to people who need a temporary med.

Agree. It would appear that this is what has happened.

Your response is normal to a tragic event. If you aren’t sleeping then a sleeping tablet and short term anti-anxiety meds seem more suitable.

Original poster

Oaksgetbatteted · 13/02/2022 13:29

I’m on 10 mg, so a low dose, I can’t take tranquillisers as I have to be able to drive, the doctor did discuss this with me and because the situation - a sudden terminal prognosis- will not have an end for those affected it was thought this would be for the best medium term.

OP posts:

EmmaH2022 · 13/02/2022 13:37

@Oaksgetbatteted

I see.

I couldn't drive for a couple of weeks on Citalopram or Fluoxetine either. My brain was adjusting and I couldn't judge the road properly.

Please be careful.

I don't want to add to your woes. Just a note to say after 26 years of meds, I am familiar with many and keep on top of prescribing patterns. I am not opposed to them in any way. It's a running joke in my family hiw much I am a walking chemical.

Even I am feeling they are prescribed in odd situations now. I was on a reduced dose when my dad was diagnosed terminally ill and the doctor asked me to increase again. I didn't. I don't think it would have changed anything.

Much as I lurve my meds, I will add that Stressless pills are good, and don't cause any issues for me even when added to other meds.

LoopyDream · 13/02/2022 13:55

Hey OP, it’s only been a few days, it does get easier I promise. Thinking of you

iklboo · 13/02/2022 13:59

It does seem a bit odd the doc has jumped straight to ADs, even on a low dose. I hope we're not going back to the days of Mother's Little Helper (Valium) being chucked at every problem.

EmmaH2022 · 13/02/2022 14:04

@iklboo

It does seem a bit odd the doc has jumped straight to ADs, even on a low dose. I hope we're not going back to the days of Mother's Little Helper (Valium) being chucked at every problem.

This is literally the opposite though, in medication terms.

Original poster

Oaksgetbatteted · 13/02/2022 17:07

Many thanks for your help everyone.

OP posts:

Painintheass22 · 10/06/2022 00:11

PostThenGhost · 13/02/2022 12:57

Things can quite often feel a lot worse before improving.

Citalopram was life changing for me I hope things improve for you soon.

@PostThenGhost hi, I hope u see this. Was Citalopram really life changing for you? I’m about to start 10mg tomorrow. What were ur symptoms x

Kfjsjdbd · 10/06/2022 09:27

@Painintheass22 Citalopram has been life changing for me. I started it because I was going through a difficult time. But since being on them I’ve realised just how much anxiety dominated my whole life. I’m a much calmer version of myself. I had bitten my nails my whole life but since taking Citalopram it stopped.

I did feel rough for a few days. Like the first bit of pregnancy- headaches, sickness etc. but it stopped after a few days.

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