Please advise on Citalopram

[abouttoloseit]

Have just been to GP because of mild depression and am unsure about taking Citalopram. I am feeling down but compared to some of the posts my life is really easy so I feel guilty about complaining.
Has anyone taken this AD? I'm worried about the fact that my GP told me I would be on them for at least 6 months. Also, no drinking??? What, none??
We have our dd's baptism in a few weeks where I would normally indulge in several glasses of champagne. If I'm not drinking, everyone will ask why and I really don't want to have to explain. I honestly don't drink very often but the thought of six months without a few glasses of wine ...
Any advice would be gratefully received.

Don't feel guilty - what matters is how you feel, not how everybody else feels.

You are always advised not to drink while taking ADs but I know several people who, once the first few weeks are over and they know how they respond to the drug, have the occasional glass of wine. I would see how you go before deciding whether or not to drink.

I'm no help with Citalopram but I know there are other MNers who take it and will be able to help.

thanks for taking the time to post. I think I will take them but it feels like such a failure. I know if I heard anyone else say that I'd tell them not to be silly but I guess we all like to feel we're in control. I don't even want to call it PND.
Am also worried about weight gain. Have been doing Weightwatchers and have lost a stone through hard work. I really will be depressed if I put it all back on!

Hiya,

I have just started taking citalopram (well, 2 weeks ago) and honestly, it has done "something". I actually feel abit better, and more able to cope, less tearful etc. on it. I had some wine last night so I guess drinking is OK (ish) but don't go mad as I think it exaggerates the effects of alchohol and will make you more drowsy. One or two glasses should be ok... sip slowly {{hugs}} xXx

Thank you. Hope I don't sound like a raging boozer! Can you tell me what time you take it? My GP advised the evening but many of the things I've read suggest the morning.

I've been on Citalopram for almost a year now - am in the process of weaning off as I am much better. I can remember being really shocked when my GP told me I'd be on them for 6 months - in fact I could have written your posts word for word. But it's not that it takes 6 months to make you feel better - you just need to keep taking them so that your body gets used to manufacturing the necessary chemicals itself when you eventually come off them.

I felt worse for the first 2 weeks- very tired , sometimes nauseous and dizzy, but then it got better. And after the first few weeks I went back to drinking normally (which before my current health kick meant a glass or 2 of wine most evenings) I've even been totaly hammered occasionally over the last year.

Good luck - i can honestly say that my experience of Citalopram has been almost entirely positive, and coupled wth counselling, has not only got me over my depression, but has made me mentally stronger now than I have ever been.

Oh and I take mine in the am - tried evenings first but found the nausea was keeping me awake at night - much easier to ignore it when I was busy in the day

Thanks so much Prufrock. Baptism is two weeks on saturday. Am worried I will still be feeling rotten then as a few people have mentioned the first 2 weeks are worse. Not sure if I should delay taking them.

take mine before bed - no side affects yet

Start now. By the time the baptism comes round you will be feeling so much more able to enjoy it.

Thanks so much for all the advice. Think I'll bite the bullet and start.

I'm on escitalopram. I've found it takes a good few weeks to get used to ADs - or a change of ADs, and you can get some unpleasant side effects like nausea and weird dreams for a while until you get used to the ADs but coping with the side effects is infinitely better than suffering depression. And I still have a glass of wine most evenings!

Hi. Will echo what prufrock said, felt exactly same as you when first prescribed ADs. First night I took them I woke up several times , felt really naseous and shaky and decided that i was just being pathetic and should pull myself together rather than take drugs that would make me so unwell and leave me less capable to take care of my ds (14mo then). The next day I got teary at work over something ridiculous and realised I really did need to try something so bit the bullet and took the pills, took a good 2 weeks for side affects to stop but felt slowly but steadily better emotionally after first week of taking them. After about 7/8 weeks was amazed that I felt so different but still the real me - had been really worried about tales I had heard about losing any 'range' in your emotions - ie never really happy or really sad. When my gp said I'd be on them for 6 months I just thought yeah yeah that won't be me. I was also v traumatised about the idea of no alcohol (priorities!?) but as you say mostly because I didnt want to explain rather than cos I coulnd't live without a drink. My gp said drink as normal (a couple of glasses of wine in an evening) and if you're planning a big night just be aware of the fact that alcohol is a depressant and you may not feel your best the next day - no major health reasons not to drink. Anyway, it is now 5 months, I'm on 20mg of Citalopram and we are talking about me coming off them in May/June. Anway, what I wanted to say was - go for it, they will more than likely be worth it and if Citalopram don;t suit you there will probably be another SSRI that will. Good luck.

Have only recently discovered Mumsnet and I can't believe how lovely you all are! A problem shared and all that... Thanks so much for all the advice.

Hi
I started on 10mg, but the dose wasn't enough, so I am now on 20mg and the difference is great. I feel so much more in control and more relaxed. Started in October 06 and I will see the gp in February just to check how things are. I don 't really drink, but indulging in a glass or two (especially champagne!!) only occasionnally shouldn't do you any harm Good luck and big hugs

Thank-you. I'm also on 10mg and someone warned me not to be disheartened if the dose needs to upped. Took my first tab last night and feel fantastic today!! Am guessing that's a placebo effect!