how do you know

[puds11]

if your feeling better because your heads better, or because of the medication your on?
ive been given a months trial on citalopram, and after a wobble, i feel great. Now though i have to decide if i want to keep taking them or not, but dont know if i stop taking them whether it'll all go back to shit or not? i dont have time to end up how i was before
Any advice please???

I think usually, if it's depression caused by a chemical imbalance, you need to be one ADs for a few months before coming off them. Have you spoken to your GP about coming off them?

Hi puds I have been on Citalopram since July 2011. the first month was seriously shit but now I feel ok. Just back to normal IYKWIM.

I think i was told to at least take it for a few months. I see my GP every three months and she's happy for me to stay on it.

They take at least 2-3 weeks before having an effect. It's good you are feeling better.

A month is nowhere near enough. I too felt better after the initial shitty period and wasn't sure whether it was Citalopram of I just felt better. 7 weeks in and the first dose wasn't enough anymore and I had to up it. This is not to say that will be in your case too. You really need to wait and see.

its for anxeity, but the thought of having to decide is making me anxious IYSWIM. Im approaching exam period at uni, and when my anxiety is bad i literally get nothing done! should i just keep taking them?

I would keep taking them but go back and have a chat with your GP especially with your exams coming up. Don't run out of tablets either.

I went from 20mg to 40mg via 30 mg.

im only on 10mg so its a very low dose, but i dont want to become dependant, i dont know how likely that is though, and i dont know if they are intended for life or not?

I do think a month isn't long. I would ask your GP if you can continue taking them through what will be an anxious time then worry about coming off them when the exams finish?

i think that would be the best idea sparkling i really dont want to mess up my exams

I asked my GP what happens when you finally come off them and she said you need to find the right dose first and take it for a few months and when you gradually come off you should feel normal. Until something new and really stressful comes along apparently.

Ask your GP how the ADs work and what happens when you stop taking them.

I'm sure your GP will understand.

drinkfeckarse so effectivly i may well be on them for ever! life is always stressful!

Not forever, but til you are better able to cope with stressful situations. If the ADs help get you back on a more even keel, you might find things less difficult and worrying. And once you've been stable for a bit, you might be able to wean off the meds. But some people do take ADs forever. If it makes life more bearable then it's not a terrible thing.

It tends to be a good idea to keep taking them for 4-5 months after you start feeling well again. And if there are underlying issues causing the depression/anxiety the best time to address them is once you start improving and before you come off the tablets.

What is the rush? There is a long middle way between 1 month and forever!