Dp just perscribed Citalopram. What should i expect?

[rosabelrain]

hi my partner has just been to the doc for some antibiotcs and came out with citalopram for depression.
he has been emotionally distant for as far back as i can remember, he takes little pride in this appearance/ body care any more, takes no interest in my life, basically works and sleeps.
I have recently discussed with him the possibility of us seperating because i cant live with his emotional detatchment any more.
have tried for years to get him to have therapy of one kind or another. And now this.

Should i expect any improvement in his general state of being.

how can i support him?

what side effects should i expect?

and why does the doctor perscribe antidepressants before talking therapy?
any advice or thoughts very welcome.

Maybe the doctors take the view that it would help to be on antidepressants to get you out of the hole enough so that you could benefit from talking therapy. I haven't been depressed but from how people describe it, I can't imagine you would much feel like talking through your problems when experiencing that.

My ex was prescribed this after we split up; he too had been emotionally distant for ages. He seemed to be ok after, but obviously I couldn't tell you in any detail as we were no longer together. But apparently it stopped the symptoms of depression. But he has been on it for over a year, which I was quite surprised about, I thought they were supposed to be a short term measure.

I would suggest that you read up as much as you can about depression and the various types of intervention. I regret now not being better informed; not because I think I would have stayed with my ex but I think I could have dealt with it better and made it less painful for both of us if I could have appreciated more that he was ill, not simply a nasty selfish pain in the arse (although he could have been that as well, but depression adds a whole new dimension of difficulty to a relationship)

I would get as much info as possible, try to understand and support - but if nothing has changed within six months to a year, seriously consider getting the hell out because life is short.

It may make him more anxious for the first few days, and should take 4-6 weeks before it starts to work on the depression (if it is going to work). Ususally, it is a minimum course of six months.

I agree with Spero, life is short, it is time for some changes to be made to make your lives better. CBT is one option, and his GP probably discussed it with him, exercise should also help.

Best of luck.

there are wait lists for therapy.
there are no wait lists for a prescription

having said that - it may be better anyway to start therapy once the anti depressants have kicked and the mood is more stable
it is good sign if your p is willing to take these.

have a read of depression fallout and other books on living with someone with depression