Medication for PND

[butterandbread]

I’ve just received a postnatal depression diagnosis, and have been prescribed 10mg of citalopram.

I’m also awaiting a referral to a counsellor and am planning on visiting a drop-in mental health centre until I receive an appointment through the referral.

I’m just very reluctant to be medicated which I know is probably ridiculous, but I just don’t feel comfortable with the idea of taking the citalopram, especially as my GP advised they may make me feel considerably worse for two weeks and may cause suicidal thoughts within that time (which I’m not currently experiencing).

I suppose I’m just looking for others experiences of taking citalopram, how long it took to work for you, etc. Would appreciate any advice!

Hi @butterandbread

I took the same dose as you for 14 months; I felt better after about 2-3 weeks, didn't have suicidal thoughts. I then changed my dose to 20mg when things got worse for me ... I've since come off of them completely but everyone around me said they did notice the difference when I was taking the 10mg

It might not make you feel worse, it's possible but not inevitable. You might feel a bit sleepy & woolly-headed.

It will take about two weeks to kick in fully, but that feeling of the darkness starting to lift as it takes effect starts sooner. The relief I felt after the first two weeks was worth it. I started feeling like me again. The first day I managed without crying since DS was born was a milestone.

I wasn't actually on citalopram, I was on a different one that isn't prescribed much any more, but the effects are similar.

I hope you start feeling much better soon. PND is horrible, but you will recover

Citalopram was a life saver. I was under the CMHT for 5 years but the meds kept me stable despite still feeling depressed. However 17 years later and I'm still on it! My GP said some people just naturally have low serotonin levels but I'm not sure if that's true. 10mg is only a starting dose to help your body/brain adjust - you can get this increased to 20 after about 4/6 weeks. I'm on 30mg now though due to other stresses affecting my mental health.

Thank you so much for your replies.

CrazyCat That’s reassuring to hear even the 10mg made some difference for you. Do you mind me asking how long you were on it in total? GP stressed they don’t like anyone to be taking it long term, but I’m very wary of becoming reliant on it and finding it difficult to come off.

Drama I’m glad you had such a great experience, I was sort of assuming I’d either feel worse straight away or no different for weeks and then possibly a little better, so good to know I would see a difference quite quickly. Did the sleepiness etc fade quickly?

SadVillageGirl This is my worry! Though it’s great it’s helped, and I suppose that’s all that matters, I just can’t get comfortable with the idea of being medicated long term. How have you found being on it for so long? Did you find the 10mg helped at all?

OP, yes, it's a while ago now but the dopiness was at its worst after about a week, then improved quickly. That's a low dose so it might not be too noticeable. Remember that if it doesn't suit you, you can come off it.

Hi,
I took citalopram (actually still take it, expecting baby 2 very soon) for PND and I couldn't believe how much better it made me feel. Yes, I felt wooly and a bit sicky for about a week but it really did lift that fog, probably within 2 weeks. I felt like a new person, and I'm now much more aware when I need to chat to someone about how I'm feeling.
I can understand why you don't want to be medicated, but I'm of the opinion if you need it, you need it!
Lots of love and look after yourself.

Honestly I'm better being on it than off it. I did have a break for about 5 years but have now been on it again for the last two. I just think of it as like taking a daily vitamin! 10mg did nothing for me though.

How long have you been poorly? If you're not experiencing severe symptoms (esp suicidal thoughts), I might give it a couple of months (at most).