Citaloprin, how long to work

[mygpisoppositethecemetary]

Old poster name changed for this.
I have been feeling low in mood for some time and went and saw my GP this morning, she is lovely and did a depression quiz on me.
I scored 20 out of 27 and she has prescribed citaloprin 20mg which I have to take for a month then go back to see her.
I could (and do) weep with tiredness and lethargy. How long for the wonder pills to make a difference please?

They usually start to work within a fortnight. Be prepared to feel a bit peculiar for the first few days as the ADs build up in your system - these side effects usually only last a couple of weeks and then start to fade as the meds reach an optimum level and you start feeling better.

Thanks for the reply. How peculiar is peculiar. Will I be able to drive and cook and care for DC or should I ask DP to try to get some annual leave? [clueless]

You should be fine to carry on as normal. Everyone is different and you may not have any noticeable side effects at all, you may get a bit of a dry mouth and a headache, or you may feel a bit spaced out. Read through the leaflet and it will explain all side effects associated with citalopram. Citalopram does tend to be one of the better ADs as far as side effects are concerned. They made me feel strange for the first couple of weeks but a friend just had a dry mouth for the first 2-3 days and nothing else. I just wanted to warn you as many GPs dont tell patients about this and then people often panic when the side effects kick in. Its completely normal to have some and they should fade after the first few days.

Has she also referred you for therapy/counselling? These things work best together. A couple of weeks, yes, but not every drug works for every person. Do you have someone looking after you at home? It makes a big difference. A few things that you can do, it helps to do - to eat regularly - even when you don't think you want to eat as that's the depression talking, to try to get outside and to have some kind of social contact, even if small, makes a difference too. If you start to feel worse, you should go back to the doctor straight away as sometimes the side effects mean that it's the wrong drug for you - this drug can work great for some but for others be worse than being without it.

No counselling offered and I didn't think to seek any TBH. I've just read through the list of side effects . The biggest drawback I can see is no alcohol.
Normally, it is just me and DC, DP works long hours so I'll ask him to try to cut down a bit.
Thanks for the responses. Much appreciated.

This may be TMI, but watch out for the drug's effect on orgasm, very common side effect. It can be worked through to a certain extent. NHS trusts seem to vary a lot on what they offer - I had CBT and through work I had counselling as well. Both helped me more than the drugs, to be honest. I did do some CBT from home though - you can get workbooks on it from the library and online: www.moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome and these www.ecouch.anu.edu.au/welcome I have seen recommended but haven't tried myself.

There is an NHS search tool you can have a look at here: www.nhs.uk/ServiceDirectories/Pages/ServiceSearchAdditional.aspx?ServiceType=PsychologicalTherapyservices if you put your area in hopefully it will come up with a few options. Often you can self-refer and don't need to go back to the GP. Or of course there are lots of private counsellors out there.

I agree with msweather that ADS work best with counselling. Ask your GP about it when you next go.