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Mental health

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Original poster

what dosage of citalopram or similar are you on?

18 replies

ffffffedup · 06/10/2015 22:11

I'm currently on 30mg citalopram, every time GP ups my dosage I'm fine for a few weeks and I think yes my anxiety is somewhat under control then all of a sudden I feel back to square 1 again.

My question is how much is my dosage likely to be increased to before another option or drug is offered and if an alternative is offered what would it be?

OP posts:

rosenylund · 06/10/2015 22:36

I take citalopram 40mg and mostly its worked well for me, although Im a distinct low for lots of reasons at the moment. 40mg is the max they will prescribe in the uk.

How long have you been on it?

MirandaWest · 06/10/2015 22:38

I had a 40mg dose of citalopram. I thought you could have up to 60mg but it is a few years since I've been on that dosage.

rosenylund · 06/10/2015 22:39

Apparently there is a small risk above 40 of heart problems so generally in the uk they won't go up anymore in most cases.

Cat2014 · 06/10/2015 22:41

I'm on 30mg too. I've been on 20 mg, then 10 mg, then 20 again then 30! For 4 years now.
40 mg is the highest they will prescribe now, reduced from 60 because of possible heart issues caused by the higher dose.

rosenylund · 06/10/2015 22:43

I generally find its worked well for me over the years, with no side effects at all, unless you miss a dose which can feel a bit rubbish.

limon · 11/10/2015 08:14

I take 10 and 20 on alternative days it seems t9 be the best balance for me. 20 daily makes me more anxious 10 daily makes me more depressed.

TreeHuggerMum1 · 11/10/2015 20:38

My highest dose was 40 how we my best friend has just been increased to 100. It's different for everyone.
Good luck.

TreeHuggerMum1 · 11/10/2015 20:39

*however

Puttheheatingon · 11/10/2015 22:20

I'm currently on 20 but I'm not sure it's enough. I've been on 20 on and off for years but for some reason it's not doing it now. I am starting counselling soon though so I'm hopeful (but incredibly anxious).

Borninthe60s · 11/10/2015 22:59

Been told it can't be increased. Couldn't function without it!

piperchapman44 · 12/10/2015 20:51

can i just slightly jump in and ask how it makes you feel? I'm starting to realise i need to see the GP for anxiety. Scoring sky high on the NHS online test and others. I'm nervous about medication though, I don't want to feel drugged up - or does it just make you feel normal? This is my first brush with mental health issues so I'm a bit at a loss of what to expect or what to do. Been through a couple of significant traumas in last 6/7 years and I think it's just got to me. I'm hardly functioning at work and I'm creating a very bad reputation for myself with irritability. Presumably this is something you take to help you recover and then it is possible to come off it?

dementedma · 12/10/2015 20:53

20 mg. I have taken it at other times of my life and have had no problems coming off it. It just makes me feel less despairing and tearful.

piperchapman44 · 12/10/2015 21:00

less despairing and tearful sounds a good way forward. how do you know when it's time to come off it? i had cancer a few years ago and earlier this year finally got out of an abusive relationship. I'm feeling that my mind just needs a break from having to "cope". It needs a bit of a rest!

Puttheheatingon · 12/10/2015 21:05

It doesn't make me feel drugged up at all, just like there's a little more colour in my life. Everything was completely black over the summer. That's what depression and the throws of anxiety feels like to me: complete blackness.

The doctors recommend that you stay on them as long as you have been having the symptoms. The two times I've withdrawn previously I've known it's been time.

dementedma · 12/10/2015 21:09

On previous occasions I have just known that I felt better and more able to cope, or that my circumstances had improved

piperchapman44 · 12/10/2015 21:12

did it give you trouble sleeping . I have that anyway and if it got any worse i think i'd be over the edge.

sorry, will stop hijack now. to everyone on here

Original poster

ffffffedup · 12/10/2015 22:03

Hi piper for me it just makes me feel a bit "normal " not drugged or sleepy, it gives me more of a level head. I too struggle with sleep my GP suggested I take mine in the evening which did help because normally I'd be awake from 2/3am onwards mind doing overtime etc obviously the medication wearing off. As I said in OP I take 30mg citalopram some days I'm absolutely fine but then other days like today I'm a mess but I do seem to have more good than bad days which I suppose is better than nothing.

OP posts:

SiencynArsecandle · 12/10/2015 22:31

I'm on 20mg and have been for 8 years. Had a rough time to start with so tapered up very gradually. When I have tried to reduce the dose Ive really noticed it so I just accept now that I need something like a diabetic needs insulin.

I suspect I could do with more though as some days it doesn't quite kill the sadness, emptiness, sheer dread??? Im not sure how to describe it but Im certainly better on something

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