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Citalopram/ sertraline

6 replies

Sux2buthen · 23/11/2019 10:30

My partner has taken citalopram for a number of years and after becoming more stressed he was switched to sertraline. It was done semi gradually. It seemed ok for a few weeks but then absolute rages started. Losing his temper and being generally mean every day over absolutely nothing.
I read a few things and after talking to him he went back to the doctor who has now stopped sertraline and put him straight back on citalopram.
It's been a week now and some of the fog has lifted. We've had some decent talks but there's still a darkness behind his eyes. He started today fine. We are going to a Christmas Event today.
All was ok but he just came in the living room and did the sigh he does when the red mist is forming. I can hear him banging about upstairs, no doubt stressing about untidiness.
We have 3 kids under 5 and one is still a baby. I have knots in my stomach about this sense of misery in the house affecting them and I'm bending over backwards to prevent setting him off.
Anyway. My question is will it take a while for him to balance out after all the tablet switching? He knows he's being unreasonable but he can't quite control it. I'm so sad for him but I'm getting more sad for myself and the kids.

OP posts:
Sux2buthen · 23/11/2019 11:48

Does anyone know anything about how long it takes for citalopram to settle back in?
Sorry I'm really desperate for a light at the end of this tunnel

OP posts:
DeadCucumber · 23/11/2019 11:54

Those types of drugs take weeks to have a full effect. There was also a study recently that they do not work for depression all too well. If he's taking them for anxiety (irritability is sign of anxiety attacks) if may well be a couple of weeks before your see a change from my experience, they can even make it worse before it gets better. Hand in there, I hope they have the desired effect soon x

DeadCucumber · 23/11/2019 11:55

Hang in there **

Sux2buthen · 23/11/2019 11:56

Thank you. Just reading that has made me tear up. I want him happy but I want us all happy too. It's just a really tough time

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DeadCucumber · 23/11/2019 12:05

It can't be easy, if no change after few weeks he take should go back for review of dose. Medicine helps but also look at why he's stressed and see if there is anyway of relieving it. Exercise and eating better can make a big difference.

Sux2buthen · 23/11/2019 12:18

He's been terrible at eating and I do find the snickers approach as I call it does sometimes help. Thankyou x
His doctor has suggested full blood tests for him

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