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Mental health

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Original poster

Citalopram

31 replies

Peachmelba90 · 28/11/2011 18:11

I've been having to deal with some anxiety issues and finally went to the doctor to talk and get some advice. Basically I'm worried about finding a loo in time which then kicks off my IBS which in turn makes me anxious even more.

She offered me low dose citalopram 10mg a day. I've got the tablets but am wary about taking them. She said I can come off them whenever I want, they aren't addictive etc. I just don't know if it's a slippery slope

OP posts:

EllenandBump · 28/11/2011 21:09

I am a bit confused as to why they have put you on citalopram as i am prescribed citalopram (but dont take it) for post natal depression, this is an anti-depressant drug and therefore i do not understand why they have prescribed it to you for anxiety issues. I was also prescribed diazepam for the anxiety related effects of my post natal depression as i was told that citalopram would not have an effect on my anxiety. Maybe you should read the product information leaflet. I never did( oops). AND surely a better way for the doctor to be able to help you would be to help find a way to keep your ibs under control so that you dont struggle with anxiety in the first place? Maybe you should try talking to your health visitior who may be able to help you more or go back to your doctor. Citalopram does have side effects which is why after a few weeks i stopped taking it, and i am now coping (marginally but coping) without it. I dont feel its a slippery slope as i managed to come off it without a problem, but it is SUPPOSED to be medically supervised.

Best of luck. x

OberonTheHopeful · 28/11/2011 22:01

I was recently prescribed citalopram for both depression and anxiety. My GP said they are effective for both conditions.

craftyknickers · 28/11/2011 22:05

I have been on it for both depression and anxiety. I had 10mg and I think it was more the thought that the doc took me seriously and actually prescribed something helped me more than the drug itself.

I ended up increasing my dose, mainly because my situation got worse, but no bad side effects to report.

My only advice is try them for at least 4 weeks before writing them off or becoming disheartened that they aren't helping.

Original poster

Peachmelba90 · 30/11/2011 21:44

Doc said the higher dose is for depression where lower dose is for anxiety.

The anxiety is really silly when you think about it. Worried about going for a walk because you don't know if you will need the loo and if you do then you will need a toilet like now and what happens if the worst happens. It's so tiring

OP posts:

moomoo1967 · 01/12/2011 14:55

I have just been prescribed this for "mild depression" has anyone ever suffered from any side effects ? And have you ever had a couple of glasses of alcohol when taking it ?

Sparklingbrook · 01/12/2011 14:58

I am on 40mg, started on 20mg. Lots of side effects at first. Dry mouth, yawning, sleep pattern, and felt quite sweaty. 4 months later-I feel great. no upset tummy-I had constipation! Good luck.

Sparklingbrook · 01/12/2011 14:59

I have had a pint of cider.

soaccidentprone · 01/12/2011 15:03

Hi PM

I take Citalopram at 40mg a day for depression/stress/anxiety. But I also have IBS. I have found since taking the tablets my IBS has been virtually none existant, and I can eat anything I want, whereas before I started to take it I couldn't eat wheat or dairy at all.

In essence I believe it slows down your digestive tract and regulates the spasms (if this makes sense). I missed a couple of does earlier this week due to not being organised enough (forgetting to order from the GPs ) and have just had to take some Immodium. Good job I'm not at work today!

Hope this helps

soaccidentprone · 01/12/2011 15:05

Agree with SB, there were side affects at first, my anxiety and panic attacks got 10x worse, but GP warned me about this. They only lasted 2 weeks. Feel loads better now, thought still have the occasional bad patch.

Angelswings · 01/12/2011 15:06

Yes, your dr is telling you something I've heard too, that low does is good for anxiety.

It can be difficult to stop higher does suddenly, but from 10mg you would be able to wean off them easily

Give them a few weeks to work and the side effects to wear off

Sparklingbrook · 01/12/2011 15:07

Were you quite organised before the Citalopram soaccident?. My memory seems to have fallen to bits. Peoples birthdays, appointments that type of thing. Leaving my car keys in the shop etc.

EllenandBump · 01/12/2011 20:21

Maybe i should have stuck with them.Was scared to say though that they didnt seem to be helping. And i hated taking them as i already take regular medication, which can also help stablise your mood apparently, which is why i didnt go to the doctors before. Life isnt easy with a child. I think everyone forgets things from time to time. x

Sparklingbrook · 01/12/2011 20:26

Ellen I really wanted to give up, those first few weeks were quite tough when nothing seemed to be happening but the side effects. I gritted my teeth and stuck with them and they have honestly changed my life.

soaccidentprone · 02/12/2011 12:04

Sparklingbrook, I've never been that organised, but yes, thinking about it, I am much less organised than I used to be, and a lot more forgetful. My GP said this couldn't be the Citalopram, but I think she's wrong!

Never left my car keys at the shops, but quite often leave my purse at home - , and only realised when I get to the checkout.

Sparklingbrook · 02/12/2011 12:06

Exactly so-have done the purse thing too!! My Gp says it's because I am more relaxed in general. I am, but I never did things like that before. I have a lot of lists now. I can put up with a bit of forgetfulness though-for the overall benefit.

EllenandBump · 02/12/2011 19:44

Do they really make a diference then? cos i havent been taking them (i already take tablets for epilepsey and prescribed painkillers). I feel better though now i am back home wth mum and my friends. Starting to wonder if it was my ex husband that was the cause of my depression and whether it was post natal depression at all. x

qkate · 02/12/2011 20:20

I have been taking Citalopram for anxiety for 2 years now, first 20mg and for the past 6 months, 10mg. Obviously I can't speak for everyone, but for me it's been a wonder-drug. It's absolutely turned my life around.
I do drink alcohol occasionally. I was too frightened too for the first few months, but it's been okay. I just find that alcohol lessens the effectiveness of the medication, so I drink in moderation and infrequently.
As for side effects, I have been mostly fine. The one thing that is a little annoying is that I feel it has diminished my libido a little, but that could be to do with other medical issues going on.

nickinoo · 02/12/2011 20:47

I take 10mg for anxiety. I have been on it for around 2 months so far. Had a few minor side effects.

I was prescribed it for general anxiety caused by emetophobia. I also have toilet related anxiety OP and it has defintely helped. For the past few weeks i haven't even thought about it when I am out and about.

Defintely give it a go, you have nothing to lose, just remember it takes times to get results, its not an overnignt thing.

onessa · 02/12/2011 21:39

Hi , I take it for fibromyalgia. It does help reduce (but not totally alleviate) some of the muscle pain. Without it life is much worse. Maybe it will have an effect on your muscles that will helpwith the IBS? Certainly worth a try butneedto take them forat least 6 weeks before you feel any benefit as tha is howlong it takes to build up in your system. Good luck.

DollyTwat · 02/12/2011 21:57

I've been given these today for depression. I'm glad I found this thread as the side effects stated in the leaflet were quite worrying.
I'm going to wait til I'm on holiday for Xmas to start them so I can cope with anything whilst not at work

Sparklingbrook · 03/12/2011 10:20

My advice would be to try them but expect the side effects, and carry on even when you feel like giving up. See your GP who may adjust your dose if you are feeling like you can't continue.

I am so glad I did.

OberonTheHopeful · 03/12/2011 11:27

My GP advised me that I could take them every other day for the first 7-10 days to reduce the impact of the initial side effects.

SilentBob · 03/12/2011 20:12

I had citalopram 40mg prescribed for depression, changed when I was diagnosed with bpd. I don't know how much it would have helped with ibs? In my experience, ibs is a physical rather than mental occurrence? However, I am neither a doc nor a healthcare professional?....

scaldy · 04/12/2011 03:55

hi i am new to this i have been taken citalopram 60mgs for about 7 years my gp sent me a letter to say that they are are getting withdrawn and that i have to come of them i am at a bad time anyway and didnt want to start reducing medication but she informed me that it had nothing to do with her it was the goverment but there was nothing in the papers and this is how i came across youe site i cant sleep i am on 50mgs this week really bad sweats the dye of my hair is on my pillow i am dreading going down to 40 tomorrow but i enjoyed all your feed back but i am still scared.

OberonTheHopeful · 04/12/2011 09:13

I had a review with my GP on Tuesday and he didn't mention anything about it being withdrawn. I'd be very surprised, it's been around for a long time, and out of patent for several years, and it's very widely prescribed (a lot of doctors consider it a first choice for patients who haven't been on AD's before).

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