SSRI stopped but awful hormone anxiety??

[Beebop37]

Hi all
I’m really hoping someone else has experienced similar or can shed some light.
long story short, I tried an SSRI for 4 weeks (citalopram) back in June mainly because I was feeling overwhelmed with life - work/kids/juggle of everything and it was affecting my mood - I guess I wanted a quick fix which was silly of me. I didn’t feel anxious or feel particularly depressed. I stopped as I had an awful reaction of panic attacks and basically a complete nervous system attack.

since then it’s taking ages to feel back to as I did before starting the tablets :(
The first few weeks were awful however things got better but now it seems every time I’m hormonal (prementrual and follicular stage) the anxiety is absolutely horrendous. Like I cannot function, I cry a lot and feel like I can’t see a way out. I’ve been off work since July and really want to try and get back but not sure how!

I use oestrogen gel 2 pumps daily which I’ve been on since last November due to horrendous migraines and has helped. However now I’m wondering if it’s making things worse. I’m worried to stop as scared of feeling worse again! I’m 37 but historically there is family history of early menopause.

basically I feel like I’m an anxious emotional mess 😩. The GP hasn’t been the most helpful and really just focusing on getting me back to work which I do understand but also I need some answers!

if anyone has experienced anything similar or can help I’d be so grateful 🙏

Perimenopause is a strange beast, that needs various interventions to tackle effectively. Anti depressants require an adequate amount of hormones to interact with and boost serotonin. When you're going thru peri your levels are constantly fluctuating, so antidepressants don't always work alone. This is where hrt comes in. It may be that you require BOTH in order to lift your anxiety.

And just to add, citalopram might not be the best antidepressant for you if you previously suffered panic attacks whilst on it. Mirtazapine is a more sedating, gentler antidepressant with few start up side effects.

Thank you for your help. I’ve tried many in the past which have all caused these issues for me unfortunately! Citalopram was a last attempt to try. I think the problem is I didn’t feel this anxiety prior to trying the citalopram which is the issue. Just not sure where I go from here

If you didn't get this anxiety before trying the citalopram, then it may be an increase in symptoms in your perimenopause. Anxiety is probably the most reported symptom! Could you try increasing the oestrogen to 3 pumps to see if that helps?