Had a horrid time first time...

[Tea1Sugar]

Oh ffs I'm driving myself insane. I had a torturous time of 2 tablets of Citalopram previously so stopped (10mg caused dilated pupils, sweating, spaced out, insane anxiety). Now GP has prescribed again but at very low dose - 5mg every other day. But I'm petrified to take them. I keep reading threads on here about suicidal thoughts/hallucinations etc which scare the absolute shite out of me.

I hated it for the same reasons and am now on Mirtazapine (not an SSRI but still a damn good anti depressant). If you really aren't happy with it there are plenty out there to try so go back and ask/be firm

I agree with Orchard - there are SO many different ADs I can't understand why a GP would prescribe one that has already proven to be very unsuitable because of the side effects. I also don't think this every other day business is helpful either. I saw a psychologist last year who had an expertise in helping people come off prescribed meds for MH and she told me that GPs shouldn't be telling patients this "every other day" thing as it really messes things up. I had a really bad time changing ADs last summer and stupidly I followed the advice of "every other day" and it really mucked things up for me.

It's hard to be assertive when we feel so crap, but I honestly think you need to see the GP again (or preferably a different one) and get another AD. It doesn't make any sense to prescribe citalopram again.

I was on Citalopram about 4 years ago and had really bad time! Never settled on it properly, side effects were still there 6 months on. This time I went to see my GP and asked for a different medication as didn't get with Citalopram too well first time around and he prescribed Sertraline - no questions asked. Good luck! Also agree that 'every other day' doesn't really work when trying to get on AD's. For me it only works when I'm weaning myself off slowly....

I echo what others have said about the huge number of anti-depressants available and there being no need to persist with one that isn't right for you. However...when I first started Citalopram, I had some symptoms similar to what you describe (increased anxiety, sweating, feeling spaced out) and I have to say, they all subsided within one or two weeks of starting the drug. I've since found Citalopram to be a really helpful medication. I wouldn't advise continuing with any medication if you feel truly awful but if you can stick it out for a few days, things may well improve. Good luck!

If GP is reluctant to consider a different AD, and the citalopram doesn't suit you, perhaps try a different GP in the practice, or ask if a referral to a mental health specialist (psychiatrist) could be considered.