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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To feel fantastic even though the pills can't be working yet...

22 replies

HeavenlyPeas · 08/02/2016 20:52

Started citalopram 20mg two weeks ago for (late diagnosed) PND. Took me ages to go to the doctor as I wasn't keen on medication, tried various 'getting a grip' methods etc. Doc prescribed it, says it takes 3-4 weeks to work properly, and the first two weeks would be hell with side effects.

In fact from about 4 days in I've felt on top of the world, better than I have in years. Bar a bit of nausea and insomnia, no side effects either. I'm torn between being utterly thrilled and worried that it can't possibly be real and is all in my head/ some kind of psychological effect from finally having my misery recognised, and it's all going to come crashing down soon.

Give me a shake?

OP posts:
theycallmemellojello · 08/02/2016 20:57

Nah I had a very positive effect on my depression from SSRIs before they were supposed to have an effect. The time they take to kick in is just an average - everyone's body is different and reacts differently to drugs - I get the feeling that that is especially true with drugs for psychiatric issues. Of course the placebo effect could be at play too, but that's no bad thing either!

CornishDoll82 · 08/02/2016 20:58

I had an effect from about a week! Glad you feel better

startingmylifeagain · 08/02/2016 21:01

Actually I've been on fluoxetine and citalopram, and in each case they took about 2 weeks to start having an effect.

Sunflower1985 · 08/02/2016 21:02

They wouldn't want to say it takes less time, in case it didn't and you get disheartened and stop before it has a chance.

coughingbean · 08/02/2016 21:03

I felt better the first day! Positive it was just the placebo effect but I didn't care as I felt sooo much better!
ThanksOp

Fourarmsv2 · 08/02/2016 21:07

I felt better very very quickly. No side effects either.Equally I feel rubbish if I miss one too. I have an awful grumpy cross day and then go to bed and realise I've missed a tablet.

I take sertraline.

Hope the upward trend continues for you :)

Fatrascals · 08/02/2016 21:10

This reply has been deleted

Withdrawn at request of author

Slutbucket · 08/02/2016 21:11

Yep 4 days for me and again I feel it if I missed a dose.

bakeoffcake · 08/02/2016 21:14

It took two weeks for me to feel much better too.

So glad you're feeling goodFlowers

RedOnHerHedd · 08/02/2016 21:33

I've been on sertraline for 6 weeks and I feel like I've turned the corner, but definitely no where near better yet. However, I did feel better finally admitting that I was ill and needed help.

DontMindMe1 · 08/02/2016 21:39

when i took my first sertraline 50mg tablet it hit me within about 2 hours. i had such a wonderful buzzy feeling and was giggling away, felt like i was spaced out and high at the same timeGrin

Needtobebetter · 08/02/2016 21:40

OP I could have written your post! I've now been on 20mg since December and although I've had a few down days they are no where near as bad as they were before. I had anxiety as a side effect for a few weeks but because I knew why I was feeling like that I could control it to a point.

I feel it if I miss a dose though, I feel very tired and demotivated. It's been amazing for me, I feel like I've got my life back. Glad you're feeling well OP.

MotherKat · 08/02/2016 23:21

You can tell in less that 12 hours if DH skips a dose so I don't think yabu.

GloGirl · 08/02/2016 23:24

I'm normally better within 2 weeks. Think my first bout of depression was 4 weeks but I was very low.

I do think it's probably placebo but who gives a shit! The sun is shining and food has real beautiful flavour again! Enjoy!! Flowers

lougle · 08/02/2016 23:44

Well wiki says it's 1 week to get steady plasma concentrations so yanbu.

TitClash · 08/02/2016 23:53

YANBU and I'm glad you are getting a good result. Smile Flowers

I'm also glad you posted this, the stiff upper lip anti AD brigade have been getting their own way for far too long. Smile

ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged · 08/02/2016 23:58

I felt the same with sertraline. I was much, much happier within about 48 hours.

Good luck op. I hope they keep working for you.

sandy30 · 08/02/2016 23:59

YANBU. I felt elated for a day 1-2 weeks after starting 20mg Citalopram. After that, never looked back. Only side effect was a dicky tummy. But if I miss one, boy do I know about it! I have to reduce very slowly when coming off.

Original poster
HeavenlyPeas · 09/02/2016 08:16

Yay good to know it's not just me! I passed out when I was feeding DS to sleep last night as well so looks like the insomnia is subsiding too Grin.

OP posts:
witsender · 09/02/2016 08:19

I felt an improvement from day 3 from memory...I decided at the time that placebo or not it suited me!

Doodlekitty · 09/02/2016 08:22

I had a really rubbish 1st day then an amazing week. 2 weeks in it seems to have settled a bit. I think the instant effect for me was from the realisation that the way I had been feeling wasn't normal and the acceptance that I needed meds

acasualobserver · 09/02/2016 08:29

Sometimes the very act of seeking help and beginning treatment can have a hugely uplifting effect on mood.

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