Switching from Citalopram to Sertraline very nervous can anyone help?

[tutu100]

I have been on 20mg of citalopram for 4 years. In the first year I gained 3 stone and could not lose it. Last year because I thought I was better and was fed up of being fat I weaned myself of the citalopram. In the four months I was off it I lost a stone without trying but my anxiety and depression came back so I had to go back on it.

Since then I have not only regained the stone I lost, but put on another 1/2 a stone even though I have been careful with what I eat and I've increased my activities. I am now suffering with problems with my periods which the Dr thinks could be linked to my weight so she has suggested I switch to Sertraline to see if I can lose weight.

I have been told that it is fine to just take the setraline tonight instead of my citalopram but I am worried about side effects as the ones I got when I started the citalopram were horrible (more panic attacks and nausea) so I am having panic attacks just at the thought of taking the tablet. I was just hoping someone might be able to reassure me. The dr was lovely, but the appointment was just not long enough to go through my fears.

Hi I was in exactly the same situation as you 6 weeks ago.

I was literally in despair and did not know what to do. My gp was fantastic. She said you have to trust someone so why not trust me. And I did.

I switched from citalopram to sertraline. No side effects at all. I had horrendous side effects going on citalopram. I wish I had switched a year ago.

I have not had a panic attack since starting sertraline. Weight has stabilised. I'm sleeping better. Still get hot.

Pm me if you would like support.

Good luck

I found citalipram completely intolerable. The shaking, the sweats, the sickness... Awful. I have been taking sertraline for 4 weeks and fingers crossed no side effects.

Thank you both. I bit the bullet in the end and so far it seems ok. A bit of nausea, but nothing too bad. Today I got a few dizzy sensations which I got before when I came off the citalopram, so I think they are down to that rather than the sertraline. I must say I feel a bit clearer headed than I do on the citalopram - I used to feel a bit foggy most of the time.

I was most worried about side effects in the first few days. Fingers crossed they won't get any worse now and hopefully I'll start to shift some of this excess weight.

Thank you so much for your comments they were very reassuring.

Glad it is going well foe you tutu, good luck.