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Original poster

Citalopram - what's it like?

14 replies

amireallythatsad · 17/02/2009 19:15

Been given it to take by DR's for depression and anxiety.

Worried about the side effects I've read about - anyone got any experience - please let me know good or bad.

Thanks

OP posts:
PeachyHasABrokenKeyboardSorry · 17/02/2009 19:17

DH atkes it and of all the AD's he'staken its by far the kindest to him, and any side effects weremild and short lived.

mieowcat · 17/02/2009 22:02

hi, i have been on it twice, found it really really effective, no side effects. i was able to carry on working as there was no bad effects. it improved my mood and anxiety levels within weeks, and i took it for 4-6 months,
hope that helps or reassures?
x

Original poster
amireallythatsad · 18/02/2009 09:54

thanks, had read some really awful things about side effects but I need to go on something.

OP posts:
ByThePowerOfGreyskull · 18/02/2009 22:32

I have been on it since september,
started on 10mg to get used to it and that first bit didn't help me much but also didn't give me side effects.
dose now raised twice and am really feeling much better, less stressy, can get out of the house without crying (most days) and have been having deeper sleep with less nightmares.

I am taking it for anxiety related to PTSD and not depression so don't know if it would be different.

The thing is if you dont get on with them you can go back to your GP and stop taking them (don't do it without talking it through first though!)

Have they talked to you about the causes of your anxiety/depression?

LightShinesInTheDarkness · 19/02/2009 14:10

Hi amireallythatsad. Well done for going to the GP, its a really big step to ask for help.

I have taken citalopram pretty much non-stop for about 5 years. It makes a huge and significant difference to my mood, and I feel very low without it. In bad phases of anxiety, I take a low dose of Diazepam as well.

I have agonised and discussed with my GP my long-term use of Citalopram, but have reconciled the fact that my body has a deficiency which it helps make up.

Side effects for me are really only increased sweating, particularly at night, and very occasionally feeling as if I can't pee properly. But these are not major effects and are far outweighed by the advantages of being able to function on a day-to-day basis.

But if the Cit. does not suit you after you have given time for the initial side effects to subside, you should talk to your GP again as there is a wide number of anti-depressants available now.

Original poster
amireallythatsad · 19/02/2009 15:33

Thanks lights and bythepower

I've been prescribed it due to depression caused by relationship breakdown and anxiety and worry.

I'm pretty much a worrier most of the time regardless of my marital breakdown, so this recent event has taken me over the edge, on Sunday I was feeling suicidal (although my period was the next day and that has a MAJOR effect on me)

If I start taking it, how long should I allow for side effects, if any, to subside?

OP posts:
LightShinesInTheDarkness · 19/02/2009 17:28

Sorry to hear you have been struggling, but getting help really is the first step to getting better. Just hold on to the fact that you can, and will, get better. Honestly.

Has your GP offered you any other help- counselling, CBT etc?

I would allow a month to 6 weeks for side effects to subside, and the anti-d's do take a while to kick in. And it should be 'WHEN I start taking it' - not 'if....'!!

There is lots of support on MN.
Keep in touch.

memoo · 19/02/2009 17:32

it saved my life! I suffered really babdly with depression after DS was born, and still do to a certain extent.

I am still taking it now in low dose to stay stable, and I am pregnant so thats how safe it is.

I had absolutely no side affects at all.

It does take a while for it to really work though, at least a few weeks until you gradually start feeling better

Original poster
amireallythatsad · 20/02/2009 09:57

Thanks have started taking them - well yesterday.

Here's to a slightly more stable and happier 2009!

OP posts:
candyfluff · 20/02/2009 19:09

hope they work for you
let us know how your getting on xx

LucyEllensmummy · 21/02/2009 09:11

I have been on cit for nearly two years now - started on 20mg now on 40mg and considering coming off them soon.

When i first started taking them i had side effects - i fetl rushy and sick, I had a couple of major panic attacks but it outweighed the fact that i wasn't constantly terrified and suicidal. The side effects went within a week, although it is common for people to feel nauseous for up to two weeks when they first start. But do persevere with it - good luck.

Are you getting counselling too? If not - do.

Original poster
amireallythatsad · 21/02/2009 10:10

hi
started taking them, feel like there is a block in my brain - can't explain just feel emotional with break up but slightly numb as well.

DH has moved out today so feeling crap. Counselling starting next week.

Thanks will keep you posted.

OP posts:
ilovesprouts · 21/02/2009 10:25

ive been on them for a few years now and i take 30mg a day and no sids effects

LucyEllensmummy · 21/02/2009 12:04

Oh poor you xx sorry you are going through this - the block in your brain is probably due to what is happening. Keep strong

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