When will the meds help me? :(

[needhelpplease21]

Sorry I know this isn't AIBU but I'm desperate and posting for traffic. I've got severe post natal depression and reached the point recently of wanting to take my life. Im on citalopram 10mg only just started taking it yesterday. How long before I feel the benefits? Has anyone taken it? I really am scared and want to get better for my baby. Please no horrible replies I can't cope with anything else.

Usually a couple of weeks. Be wary though that it may make you feel worse before you start feeling better.

Sounds like you need some more help, and quick.
Please reach out to friends, family or even another mother who may understand- if you have no one around.
No one would want you to harm yourself or you baby.
Citalopram is amazing once it kicks in but may take a week or two- don't let this put you off- persevere and seek help in the mean time.

I started this last week and was warned a few times in the conversation with the GP that it will make you feel worse before you feel better x

2 weeks felt the benefit, 3 weeks improved, but upped my dose to 20mg after a couple of months when symptoms returned. Wonderful now.

I got headaches, weird dreams and possibly exhaustion for about a week but don't know if that was the meds or the situation that led to the meds.

When I started on this ( not in the uk) I was given xanax as well to take in the short term before the citalopram kicked in. It could be worth asking if this is an option.

Citalopram works quite quickly, as others have said you just need to hang on for a couple of weeks until you feel the benefit.

Take things one day at a time.

Do you have a follow up apt with your gp booked? I would hope they're keeping a close eye in you, so having a chat scheduled with them each week before you feel the effects from the anti depressants will be helpful.

You are going to get better, how you're feeling right now is only temporary I promise.

Lots of us have been there. Find one thing to get you through each day, you only need to hang on by your fingernails to hang on and you will come through it.

Do you have much in the way of support from family and friends? Don't be afraid to reach out to them and lean on them during this time, no one will judge you.

I take citraolopram, it works very well for me. I would allow a couple of weeks for it to be fully effective. In the meantime, try telling yourself you've done something positive by seeking help and getting the medication you need, and soon you'll be starting to feel better. That mind set shift alone should help a bit

I had terrible anxiety and panic attacks for the first few days and couldn't sleep. The positive effects kicked in from day 4. If you need support or feel things getting worse please reach out and call someone.

No one here will be horrible to you for having PND. 💙