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Sertraline or citralopram?

8 replies

iseethembloom · 13/06/2025 18:34

My husband died unexpectedly in January. Everything about it (including the year leading up to his death) has been extremely traumatic.

I’m carrying unendurable levels of guilt, regret and sorrow, and it’s clear that I’ve slipped into a major depression.

I can barely be bothered to do anything. I don’t want to see anyone or go anywhere. I don’t sleep well, and it takes me ages to get going in the morning. I’m vaping too much, and I’ve just squandered two weeks of annual leave from my (futile, pointless, unchallenging, underpaid p/t) job and I’ve barely done anything at all. I live alone (no kids) and I’m pretty isolated socially due in large part to the region where I live.

I have given up, basically. I cry a lot.

Perhaps ADs would be sensible at this point. I’ve never taken them before and would prefer not to, tbh. But I’m sinking rapidly. I know nothing about them.

Which would be the best AD to go on, for someone in my situation who’s never been on them before?

Thank you.

OP posts:
iseethembloom · 13/06/2025 18:34

I’m early 50s, if that’s relevant.

OP posts:
lyinginthebathpondering · 13/06/2025 19:45

I’m so sorry about your DH Flowers.

Well done for recognising you need some support. Your doctor will be able to advise best, I personally take Citalopram - sertraline wasn’t amazing for me. I tolerate Citalopram excellently and it has made a huge difference to my life.

however others find sertraline is best for them. It’s a bit individual..but what I would say is you’re doing the bravest first step in acknowledging you need help…medication can be very helpful
indeed and between you and your GP you can get started on one and see how you go. You can
always change if needed.

best of luck OP.

Tcateh · 13/06/2025 19:51

Hi I'm so sorry for your loss, I've recently been put on sertraline having been on Prozac for many years.
I had a similar loss and after 6 months had a breakdown.
It's very hard to recommend a type as they work similarly but also differently for each individual.

I guess I just wanted to reach out to you, grief is like nothing else.
Xx

hyggetyggedotorg · 13/06/2025 20:00

You should speak to your GP or MH Practitioner first & see what they recommend. Due to other meds I take & my pre-existing medical conditions, I take Venlafaxine as that was the recommended option for me.

iseethembloom · 13/06/2025 20:13

@lyinginthebathpondering@Tcateh@hyggetyggedotorg thank you for your replies. I’ll speak to my GP if I can get an appointment.

@Tcatehif it’s not too intrusive, what did your breakdown look like? I half wonder if I’m having one myself right now.

OP posts:
TheFlakyAquaSloth · 13/06/2025 20:18

I’ve taken Citalopram in the past. Took two weeks to kick it and I struggled to come off it and now reluctant to go back on it.

TheFlakyAquaSloth · 13/06/2025 20:19

Sorry meant two weeks to kick in and work. Was on it for 4 years. Struggled to come off it.

iseethembloom · 13/06/2025 20:31

TheFlakyAquaSloth · 13/06/2025 20:18

I’ve taken Citalopram in the past. Took two weeks to kick it and I struggled to come off it and now reluctant to go back on it.

Why are you reluctant to take it again?

OP posts:
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