***Citalopram Buddies... ;o)***

[ShinyHappyPurpleSeveredHeads]

Well.. jumping in on the act of the other "buddy threads", there seem to a shed load of us on citalopram.

How many of us are there exactly?

What dosage are you all on? Is it working?

I'm on 10mg for anxiety. It certainly takes the edge off the panic feelings and stops me waking up with that dreadful, crippling anxious feeling, as if my stomach's in a vice. But being as things are a bit crap at the moment, I do feel generally down even though I've never been technically considered depressed (just suffering from lifestyle induced anxiety!)

DH is on 20mg. Similar reasons, slightly different symptoms.

We have been on it since June.

I came off mine (sensibly) a month of so ago but the horrid panic came back and I just couldn't face all that again. It makes life "un-do-able" and I have a lot of stuff that I have to get done everyday/responsibilities etc. So not sure what the answer is but I certainly don't want to stay on anti depressants forever and GP originally mentioned a 6 month time slot.

What are other's experiences?

PS I hate the "no orgasm" side effect of citalopram!! It really really bothers me.. main reason I wanted to come off it.. but I hate the anxiety more! Anyone else on it suffer in that way?

Hi Itsa

I have had these as well, thats why I got in a state on Monday and called the ambulance. I felt like every breath was a struggle. I'm not sure if it is the tablets or the illness its so difficult to know. I did have panic attacks before, but nothing as intense as these, more panic if I was somewhere where there wasn't a loo, how daft is that and then I would need to go!!!!

If you can have a look at Patient Doctor and search on Panic, there is a leaflet there from Tyne and Wear Health Authority where they recommend this breathing technique where you count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 breathing in and pressing out your stomach and then let go, also my doctor suggested distraction techniques. Its awful isn't it, but keep going your tablets should start to take effect soon.

thanks kk. I feel ok now that I am at home. It didn't help that my OH was in a man-mood this morning - but he has snapped out of it now. Silly men, eh?

Hi all and welcome Sparkler

I have been at mother's all day which is a very wearing experience lol but feeling OK.

Itsa I thought I ought to feel better by now too, but I still have 'sad' days. I think tho that the good days are better then they have been for a bit and the 'sad' days are not as bad or as long so I am hopeful.

Some sites say it takes 2 - 4 weeks for the tablets to work so it may be another week or so.

This lovely sunny weather is helping too - was out with ds on his bike yesterday afternoon

kk glad the new tablets seem OK maybe they are buliding on the old ones if they are similar but in a slightly different way which is why they seem to be working so quickly!

My friend whose mum has been in a bad way since last August, says that it is bad until the meds kick in - anytime from week 2 to week 6, and she says that her mum still has bad days, but it back to her useful self most of the time.

I just wish we could get a good nights' sleep, we did Friday but only managed about 1 1/2 hours last night and then its such a struggle through the day, wonder whether to have a bath and then ask DH for a massage to relax me, am going to change the sheets on the bed too, perhaps crisp fresh ones will help us sleep!!!!

DH's brother says its because we aren't doing enough, I objected to that as I have been flat out all day, keeping busy, washing, ironing and cleaning.

Hi All

I was on this thread a few months ago and have lost track of it. SOrry

Am struggling with my tabs at the moment. Keep getting bad headaches and am SO tired all the time. Any one else finding the same?

I was feeling really tired and had bad headaches but the tiredness has passed...for now!

hi on citalopram too 50mg can I join??????

bubblegum, welcome Thats a hefty dose you are on!! I am on 40mg, im not sure i could do 50 - would be too spaced

hey the sun is shining and I am actually showered and dressed before 11am!

go girl!!!

Hi girls I am back after having a brill time in the Emerald Isle and feel like shit now!!

I dont know if it is because i forgot to take a tablet and took it late or if im tired from the travelling but feel like i have a magnicifiant hangover!!

OOHHH welcome new girls

Glad you all are hanging in there. Been for a meeting with OHU this morning and they say i'm a risk and dont want me back to work for another 4 weeks. I have had enough of this.

Is anyone else really forgetful???

Welcome back Twigy - sorry you're not feeling good. What kind of risk do they think you are? I thought you looked dangerous when I met you
I drove this morning for the firs time in weeks - scary.

Hi Itsa

Well done for driving, your deffo getting there!!

I am a home carer and dish out meds, my forgetfulness could make that dangerous plus i drive for my job and it doesnt help that i have lost my car 3 times. God I feel like i have gone back a few weeks with these meds!!

Do you still fancy that coffee or is it too soon for you?

That would be nice - could we make it next week?
I wanted to ask you about your doggies too - is your Staff really mad and jumpy?

Cool whenever you are ready.

You seem to be a bit brighter now, do you think the worst has passed with the meds?

All my dogs are over 7yrs, the staff is still as mad as a hatter and chews things up!! He jumps about when you enter the room but gets bored after a bit and has a sleep on the sofa. Are you thinking about getting another dog?

I hope the worst has passed. I see the doc again on Thursday.
We are getting a doggie tomorrow . It's a staff x and he's 10 months old. He's absolutely gorgeous but as mad as cheese! Very lively and boisterous but just soooooooooooooooooooooooo scrummy! No doubt Dennis will have to suddenly get very sturdy!!

about the dog itsa, you must post a piccie My little dog is my little buddy, he proper loves me he does.

I will somehow get a piccy up for you all to see. He's gorgeous. I love him already!

Oh you lucky cow!!!

Id really love a new puppy they are great fun at that age. Oh do post a pickie please it might cheer us all up!!!

Dennis will be fine and it will be good that he has a little friend. Plus it will help you get some fresh air. The lady at OHU today said that walks in the fresh air are good for depression. Do you know i still find it hard to say that word.

Does anyone else stutter when the say post natal depression or is it just me!!! God I feel so homesick, hubby not home from work yet and the house is so quiet now that the wee man is in bed!!!!!

Weirdly, though, the dog looks old because he has got lots of grey in him - but he certainly doesn't act old! I think he will want lots of walks so I will be out a lot.

Twigy, when does your other half get home?

Nothing wrong with grey hair, My hair is all grey and im not old. Hubby not back until after 9.

Bit quiet here tonight WHERE IS EVERYONE ELSE

Hi all

Nice to see you back Twigy, hope you start to feel better soon and lose the 'hangover'. I hate the word depression too - I had an OH referral at work and it was plastered all over the form - made me very

Itsa sounds like you are turning the corner if you have been driving today and a doggie will be great for long walks whatever the weather!

kk how are you today on the new meds?

I went for a long walk last night and another tonight, beginning to feel much better, but still unsure about how i will be when dh is away - he is home all this week which is why i can go out in the evening; not that I have felt like it before anyway!

Shattered now tho; ds had a nightmare and woke us up at 3am - no more sleep after that

Do you have any chums near you that can pop over Autumn? My hubby is due to go away next mon for 5 weeks and not looking forward to it either. The first few days are great cause i can eat potnoodles followed by a mars bar for tea, have the whole bed to myself, then i get really bored and lonely.

Hi Girls

I've had a really good day, didn't feel too bad in the tummy dept. DH wanted me to drive 20 miles with him, was nervous but we went, just to get out. DS2 was being difficult tonight, but I didn't get stressed, and the terrible irrational anxiety has gone.

I think you are very brave to manage without your hubbies, mine was due to go on a course this week but he has re-arranged for another time. I am a bit nervous about next week when he goes back to work.

I have to go and see the Welfare Officer on Weds, not sure what he will say, a bit daunting.

Do you guys all sleep well, both DH and I are awake for quite a bit of the night, would like a good nights sleep, hasn't been like this since the kids were small.

Hi everyone, sorry I haven't been about much, busy, busy!

I'm feeling ok....thats about it really. I do get very tired and can only assume it is these tablets and a bit reflective I think. But no other scary side effects thank goodness.

I can relate to those of you whose DHs are away. Mine works away a lot and has just left to go to Hungary until Friday. Sometimes I really don't mind him being away (the house satys tidier for a start) but sometimes, like tonight it makes me feel quite lonely. He has been great this weekend after I told him I had started AD's again. I told him they may make me feel worse for a few weeks and not to get annoyed if I seem upset or whatever and he has definately taken it on board. I'm so grateful he has, I needed him to.

Doggies!! I think they are great for boosting your mood as I always find a good long walk really helps me. I went for a long walk on Staurday. DH took the boys swimming and I walked down to meet them (we live in a village so it was a nice walk too) and a good bit of exercise does wonders for me. I have to really motivate myself though which isn't always easy.

Well I have waffled now, as I have a habit of doing!

I hope you are okay x