Pre-emptive SSRIs?

[Perpetuallydumb]

Background - I have struggled with anxiety for the last 13-14 years. Have been on and off citalopram for a decade. I wean myself off once I’m well, and every time I need to go back on them I tell myself “I won’t wean myself off them again” but it inevitably happens every time. I last came off them in Feb this year and have been well bar one or two wobbles. I have also had 2 x 6 week courses of therapy.

I am a teacher and since lockdown I’ve been working from home. I have also been promoted in effect from September, so I am anticipating lots change, both due to covid and my new (more stressful, higher responsibility) role. I generally do not deal with stress very well. I am nervous about how I will cope in September.

Does anyone have any thoughts/ideas about taking SSRIs in order to prevent myself getting too poorly?

Also, I didn’t like how zoned out, lethargic and numb citalopram made me. Has anyone switched from citalopram to a different medication with positive results?

What dose were you on ?

20mg

Perhaps try doing a low level dose just to keep it at bay. Say 10mg, if you feel you still feel zoned out lethargic drop it to half tablet 5mg. It may be too strong for you ?
Lots of people do low level dose, rather than come off altogether. Quite a few people who come off too quickly(less than 3 mths) find months later there feeling it again!

Or you could try something else

I have literally just done this after four years without citalopram.

I get really badly affected by winter, I left long term psychotherapy this time last year and battled through winter.

I'm also anxious about a new teaching job in September and decided to start citalopram now so I've adjusted by the time I go back.

I was hesitant about side effects as I had terrible trouble getting on them last time but I was hugely anxious when I started them last time and the 'rushy' feeling of being new to it exacerbated that. This time round I've just a bit of a low mood and tbh the side effects are just that I feel a bit chill.

I'm staring on 10 with a view that I can up it to 20 when September hits.