Anti-Depressent experiences?? Considering GP visit...

[Blossom4538]

Hi all,

I'm considering visiting the GP but terrified.

Any experiences of Anti-Ds appreciated.
I don't want to feel spaced out or detached/numb on them?

When did u realise u may need them? Thanks

I was on a very low dose of citalopram for six months because of workplace bullying. My GP said it was ADs or being signed off.

She described it really helpfully: Imagine you're trying to climb over a wall. You can get your nose over the top but can't can't any further. ADs are like someone coming along and putting a shoulder under your bum to give you a boost. They'll help get your chin and one arm over and you can scrabble the rest of the way yourself.

I really liked that way of thinking about it

I have just started taking them but I don't think this particular type suit me, I have had a headache for a week and they seem to be exacerbating symptoms of another illness. I am going back tomorrow to get them changed. I see them as a way to sort out a chemical imbalance my body has, my family need me to be more stable x

I've had citalopram in the past and found it really worked for me. The only side effects were a slightly sicky feeling when I first took it (that wore off) and an inability to orgasm (which didn't!) but I think the latter is rare and to be honest, at that point I didn't care.

ADs saved my life, I wish I'd asked for them sooner the first time. I now ask for them at the first signs that my mood is slipping. I've been on Flouxitine which worked well the first 2 times, but wasn't working this time so now on Mirtazapine which has helped a lot. I've not had bad side effects with either and they mainly pass after the first few weeks. It can take a few gos to get the right AD though. Definately speak to your GP about how you are feeling. I think ADs work best when combined with talking therapy so ask about referal for that too.

Yep, I have been on a few different kinds at different times. I've never had a spaced out feeling, personally. With Fluoxetine, I just felt more like myself, if that makes sense.

Citalopram saved my life. And I do mean that literally, I was suicidal.
I was on it for a couple of years, most of that time on the max dose of 40mg.

It got me to the stage where I could actually benefit from talking therapy and it also got me through leaving a relationship, changing jobs and two house moves. I love the wall analogy.

The only symptom I noticed was heavier periods. When I felt ready to come off, though, I did it VERY slowly - over several months - and I could still feel the changes in my brain. As if a woolly scarf was being unwrapped from around it, but now I was strong enough & had the tools to cope without the extra buffer - if that makes sense.

The first AD you try might not be the right one or right dose for you but that's why it's so important to keep in close touch with your GP. I was started on 20mg but when I told them how I was still feeling they whipped it up to 40, fast. And then it started working.

Mixed experiences here. I had low-dose sertraline for PND and it was a godsend. I felt about 1000% better after two weeks and had no side-effects at all. Came off them without any problems too because the dose was so low.

Had them again a few years later, at a higher dose, this time for anxiety. I came off them after 10 days because they were making it worse. On top of the agitation and sleeplessness I was now trembling all over and couldn't concentrate or function at all. If I'd stuck it out for another week maybe they would have started to help but I really couldn't tolerate them.

So much depends on the individual, the type of AD's, the dosage and what you're taking them for. But having had great success with them in the past I would always give them a try if I needed to, despite my bad experience the second time.

Thank you. I'm not sure if I need them. I guess perhaps a low dose, I'm not too sure. I am low a lot after a hard few years, tired almost to the point of feeling ill with exhaustion, quite anxious and detached/going through the motions, almost acting Happy and putting on a brace face. I'm losing my temper more too and feel I can't focus/am a little fuzzy minded. There's just too much to think about and remember and it's overwhelming. I am becoming forgetful.

Tell your GP exactly that.

And don't be scared of AD's. They don't make you feel numb or spaced out, or have any effect on your personality. They only affect your mood. But they can have side-effects so be aware of that but don't let it put you off. There are many different types so if one doesn't suit you, you can always try another.

It does sound like you would benefit from AD's but I'm not a doctor. Get some professional advice and take it from there.

Thank you, I'm so nervous about it.

Good luck. I think you're being really sensible (and brave!)

After a hellish day on Sat, I had a slightly better day yesterday and feel a little better today. I am now questioning whether I should go to the Drs at all tomorrow and perhaps I should just stick it out...

I waited years (about 30) of ups and downs

It's safe to say by now that I have waited long enough to know it won't go away by itself

It's hard to imagine getting help on a good day but personally I know a bad day is always just round the corner

Go to the GP, a low dose of anti depressants, like Citalapram could work wonders for you. You shouldn't feel spaced out or weird in any way when taking them just less anxious and more 'normal'. Be prepared for a couple of weeks of getting used to them though.

Hi OP. Anti depressants are very much a case of trial and error/horses for courses and finding out what works for the individual.
Initially I was Px Fluoexetine (Prozac) and it sent me a bit funny, erratic behaviour etc.
I was subsequently prescribed Sertraline and was on that for 18 months and all fine with that. It's important to remember that whatever is Px it won't necessarily work immediately and takes a while for your body to adjust.
Additionally, its recommended you stay on them even when you start to feel better, for example I initially came off mine as I thought I was ok and relapsed, second time even after I told my GP I was feeling better she kept me on them for 3 months, then a reduced dose for another 3 months.
It's not an exact science or a case of a pill a day curing everything, but nor is it something g to be ashamed or embarrassed about and it was only when I was placed on anti depressants and talking to people subsequently I realised just how common it is.
Anyway best of luck and I hope you're feeling better soon

I have been on citalopram.for about 4 years. Best thing ever, I wish I had taken it earlier. Current dose is 20mg but my GO upped it to 40mg to help me get through my divorce.
In terms of the tiredness also get other things ruled out like iron deficiency, thyroid. Your gp is there to help, so is worth asking for some blood tests as Well. Would also second that ad's are best supported by therapy. (And also some exercise, even a walk.for 15.mins a day helps...)

I'm currently on 20mg of citalopram and 35 weeks pregnant. I am starting to feel normal again. I don't feel spaced out or anything. I feel like me again

I've just started on ads like you I was scared of going to the GP. I probably should have seen GP last year. But for me it was never the right time for me to need help.

I always found a reason not to go was probably my coping stratigy, othet things in life made me feel like I could put my problems on others. It got to the stage where I couldn't keep the facade up anymore and have got help.

It's only been a week so too early to tell but although I still worry about things like work it's more in perspective.

I only went and cried during the appointment (as expected!) - I have been prescribed 20mg Citalopram.

Any tips to prevent the poss nausea/upset Yummly Side effect? I was advised to take early evening and then I'll sleep through it..!
I'm pleased I finally went, I've been feeling like I should for such a long time. I hope it agrees with me.

Thank you everyone for all your replies recently and advice.

Good on you, Blossom.

I cried at my appointment too & was calmly informed that that was why there were tissues on the table.

I took my tablets just before bed which seemed to work for me.

Aaaw, thank you.

Day one, a few side effects: nausea, very, very light sleep with lots of waking, woke with headache, aching face, light headed, slight upset tummy.

I guess normal listed side effects. Hope just for a few days to a week and then they'll wear off?!