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Original poster

Antidepressants advice

38 replies

Surfdayssun · 20/01/2021 21:43

HV has asked the GP to contact me and thinks I need to start antidepressants. I’m so down, tearful and just......flat, is the only way I can describe it.
She said the GP will discuss options but if anyone could give me any advice, what they were given, any side effects, how quickly they worked etc I would really appreciate it.

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Autumn13 · 20/01/2021 21:47

I'm on citalopram 20mg and feel much better. They keep me level.

GentlyGentlyOhDear · 20/01/2021 21:49

Im following this with interest as need to try meds I think but mine is more anxiety and panic rather than depression.

Original poster
Surfdayssun · 21/01/2021 08:02

@Autumn13 how long did they take to kick in?

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Original poster
Surfdayssun · 21/01/2021 08:07

@GentlyGentlyOhDear I really didn’t want to take anything. I pretended to the HV I was ok before Xmas and probably should have just been honest. She said she could see I was slipping down the slope of getting much worse since two weeks ago and really recommended I speak with GP for something. I think I know I need too but also scared to.

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goldpendant · 21/01/2021 08:19

I was the same as you OP. Citalopram 10mg has sorted me out. Haven't cried since May! So much better now.

goldpendant · 21/01/2021 08:21

I felt better instantly for having taken the situation into my own hands. I'd say it took about a week to feel the actual effects of citalopram. I had no side effects other than I felt I was clenching my jaw a bit in the first 10 days or so which I later found out is quite common!

MrsSugar · 21/01/2021 08:27

I take fluoxetine and it took a few weeks to kick in. In that few weeks I felt very awake and jittery but it has honestly changed my life. I feel the most mentally well in my whole adult life. I have previously tried citalopram which did nothing for me. I think everyone is different

Original poster
Surfdayssun · 21/01/2021 09:14

The GP is due to call me at 3.30 and I’m so worried. What will they ask?

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goldpendant · 21/01/2021 10:45

Don't be! Don't worry if you cry (you probs will), it's a big deal admitting that you're not happy and need help. The doctor will be well used to dealing with this scenario, the pandemic has sent many women to this point so your case won't be unusual.

The GP might try to talk you done from AD's and suggest a talking therapy - I think you'll know in yourself if that will help or not. I was a bit adamant to my GP that I needed something to work "now".

The GP will probs also try to establish whether it's depression or anxiety most at play and prescience accordingly.

It's worth doing the online NHS assessment beforehand which gives you a score for depression vs anxiety. Google it.

Sending positive thoughts for a solution your way.

Original poster
Surfdayssun · 21/01/2021 11:24

@goldpendant Thankyou for your reply that’s reassured me loads. The HV did the PHQ-9 form with me and the score came back as moderate to severe so I am hoping the GP realises I’m not the type of person to want medication lightly and even now I’m reluctant to take anything but I’ve got to the point where I think I need to.

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goldpendant · 21/01/2021 11:33

Sorry, a few typos in my last post but I think it just about still makes sense!!

Good luck!

Isababybel · 21/01/2021 16:22

I hope that your phone call went well. How old is your baby?
I slipped into severe PND very quickly after having my dd last summer. I initially went on sertraline (which is usually the first AD that GPs try you on) but then quickly switched to mirtazapine as it can help with sleep which is something i very much struggled with. My baby is nearly 6 months old now and whilst i do not feel 100% like my old self i do feel a lot better. Being out of the newborn days and no longer doing night feeds etc has definitely helped too.
I hope you get the right help and quickly Flowers

GentlyGentlyOhDear · 21/01/2021 16:54

How did you get on @Surfdayssun?

Original poster
Surfdayssun · 21/01/2021 18:37

Thankyou for asking.....The GP tried to call two hours before the time he was due to. I missed it, so he left a message. I tried twice to call back and both times there was a queue of over 20 people on the phone line 😥 ive almost been in tears or on the edge of, all day .....

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GentlyGentlyOhDear · 21/01/2021 18:42

Oh no thats rubbish! Especially as you had psyched yourself up for it too. Hopefully you will get through tomorrow. I didnt ring the doctor in the end as chickened out so will maybe try tomorrow or next week...

goldpendant · 21/01/2021 18:53

Oh no @Surfdayssun that's infuriating - were you able to leave a message? Are you able to get to the surgery tomorrow to demand they call you again at an agreed time?

Original poster
Surfdayssun · 21/01/2021 20:27

@GentlyGentlyOhDear yeah I know i was set to be ready for the call so wasn’t expecting it to be that early otherwise I would have had my phone near by. I felt like I could speak today, tomorrow I might not feel able too. I hope you are feeling ok ish. Do you think making an appointment for a GP to call you back might be easier. I think because the Hv made the appointment for me, that was one less thing to worry about.

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Original poster
Surfdayssun · 21/01/2021 20:31

@goldpendant nope I didn’t even manage to get through in the end. I couldn’t be on the phone waiting that long with DD needing help with school work and DS needing me too. I have been on the phone to get a repeat prescription for DD’s nebulisers and antibiotics in a 19 long queue and it took 53 minutes until they picked up. If I feel up to it tomorrow I will try to phone and just leave the phone on loud speaker until i get through. I’ve been so fearful today, I’m not sure if that’s better or worse that feeling numb.

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Original poster
Surfdayssun · 22/01/2021 12:48

So the GP has prescribed me Citalopram (might be spelt wrong) really hope the side effects don’t make me feel worse than I do now Sad

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GentlyGentlyOhDear · 22/01/2021 13:18

Hi Surfday thats good youve spoken to them and have a plan. How much have they given you? I expect the first few days will be hard with side effects but if you can ride them out you will hopefully feel much better soon.
Im feeling a lot better today and I think thats because my period is here. Ive noticed I now feel horrendous with omt since my periods have returned.

Ohalrightthen · 22/01/2021 13:58

@Surfdayssun

So the GP has prescribed me Citalopram (might be spelt wrong) really hope the side effects don’t make me feel worse than I do now Sad
I found that Citalopram was excellent for my mood, with very few physical side-effects after the first week or so. It didn't work for me for other reasons, but it was brilliant in clearing up my depression.
goldpendant · 22/01/2021 14:02

That's great news @Surfdayssun - very few side effects for me too, now none. I've been on it for 9 months, I don't intend to come off it until Covid has gone!

Original poster
Surfdayssun · 22/01/2021 14:09

@GentlyGentlyOhDear I’m not sure she said one tablet a day to start and she will phone in two weeks to check I’m not having too many symptoms. I’m assuming from what I’ve googled this would probably be 10mg? I’m glad your feeling a bit better today - no being hormonal around your period certainly won’t help with feeling a bit wobbly but do you find once it starts you feel a bit more settled?

@Ohalrightthen thanks for replying that’s really good to know. At least if I know to expect a week or so of possibly feeling a bit off, I can be a bit more prepared.

@goldpendant thanks I’m glad it’s working for you too!! Did it take long to make much difference?

I do feel a bit happier that I know I’m potentially going to feel better soon and knowing I’m seeing the health visitor in about 10 days and phone call from GP shortly after. I’m lucky to have so much support!

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goldpendant · 22/01/2021 14:19

I take 10mg too, the lowest possible dose. I felt better from day one and noticed a proper difference to my overall mood and outlook by about day 10. That's when DH notices the change too.

If it's of any relevance, I've stopped drinking since Christmas and that too has made a huge positive difference to my overall mood. I'm so much calmer and less anxious than I was.

Original poster
Surfdayssun · 22/01/2021 16:14

@goldpendant wow that quickly!!! GP said it can take around 2 weeks to feel the benefits but I guess like any meds, everyone’s body reacts differently. I hope they work as quickly for me. It sounds daft but I almost feel a sense of relief just knowing I’ve told the GP.

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