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Citalopram for PTSD

4 replies

crikeycrumbs · 03/02/2024 19:34

Hello.

I was diagnosed with PTSD a little while ago. I've now been prescribed Citalopram and will be having some EMDR sessions once I've settled on it.

I've only been taking it a few days so don't feel any different yet and haven't had any side effects. I've been told because it's prescribed for PTSD, not depression, it's treated with a lower than usual dose. I have 10mg.

Has anyone had experience of treating PTSD with Citalopram? I can find lots of experiences of treating depression with it, but not PTSD.

OP posts:
Alwaystired2023 · 05/02/2024 21:05

I'm not sure OP, I found citalopram very helpful and I wasn't depressed but not necessarily diagnosed with PTSD. 10mg is a low dose though, and it takes a few weeks to kick in too, maybe discuss with your doctor (they may already have a plan to adjust etc)

Sorry I know that's a rubbish reply but also a hopeful bump that someone will be along with something more useful

Coffeesnob11 · 05/02/2024 21:39

I am on escitalopram for ptsd. I started off at 10 and am now on 20. It reduces the night terrors and the instructive thoughts. It took about 6 weeks to kick in

Losingtheplot2016 · 06/02/2024 00:56

I think PTSD is closer to anxiety than depression. I take citalopram for anxiety. It can take 4-6 weeks to be effective. Have you been offered any therapy too ?

Frogget · 06/02/2024 01:23

I was on citalopram for anxiety and depression for a couple of years and I cut down successfully to 20mg. Then developed ptsd after a difficult bereavement which has really just been managed with counselling and reduced hours. Gp hasn't suggested increasing dose again, but I think will see how I go if symptoms increase again in the future. I like citalopram over other ADs I've tried in the past, gradual increase/withdrawals have definitely been the way to go. Have been told to try trauma focussed cbt once everything to do with the bereavement is over (it's complicated and re-traumatising). I've certainly nothing bad to say about citalopram, but as with most mental health issues, they are usually only part of the solution.

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