Citalopram

[Gamereign555]

Citalopram made a drastic change in my situation for the better. It took about a week for it to start working it felt like. But the change was pretty profound and it only got better. I did have some kind of acute depression that suddenly kicked in while I was on the drug for about 2 weeks, it was a terrible experience and I ended up in the hospital getting an ativan shot. Don't be surprised if you get an increase in the dosage. I stuck it out with the drug and it's working really well. My anxiety issues are minor compared to what I was dealing with, still I feel like I could try and come off it one of these days.

 

[CaringMomma]

I've been taking the citalopram since 1998. I always take it in the morning, only because it doesn't cause sleepiness in me for some reason. I agree with the recommendation to take it at night to see how it affects you.

I have gradually up'd the dose to 40 mg, then up to 60mg last year when I had my breakdown. Now, because the FDA changed the max dose to 40mg, I was forced to drop it back again.

But, the doctor added Serequel to boost the citalopram for me. I'm finding it helpful because I have been taking Lorazepam for my anxiety for about 6 mo. and I don't want to take it anymore, unless I absolutely have to.

I would encourage you to just listen to your body and really try to notice how it affects you, personally.

It is a good med and I hope that it works great for you!

 

[Sazza]

I have been back on Citalopram now for about 6 weeks currently on 20. Hoping to get it increased next week as my mood is continuing to drop. I find it works good in helping my anxiety but doesn't really work great for the underlying depression that is usually masked by the anxiety. I find the apathy is hard deal with, my sleep has not been as disturbed this time round like was on Citalopram last time. I do find I'm lethargic though but the apathy probably adds to that. Also this time round on Citalopram my appetite hasnt decreased wish it had.

I didn't know dose maximum had been reduced to 40 when did that happen?

Hoping to get mine upped to 30 currently also on carbamazepine as a low dose stabiliser. Not sure it doing any good think it that worsening my mood.

 

[CaringMomma]

The change in the max dose by the FDA happened no more than a couple months ago.

 

[Gamereign555]

Ohh wow that is interesting, I didn't know that about the max dose, I guess I am currently already at max then. Is it due to side effects or was it deemed pointless to go beyond 40mg?

 

[KP the nut]

Now, because the FDA changed the max dose to 40mg, I was forced to drop it back again.

I'm in the UK and I am still taking 60mg. I don't think UK has implemented any changes. I've been on this dosage since Jan 11 and it has helped so much. I don't feel ready to try and reduce it, it works for me.

 

[CaringMomma]

Yah, I really liked the 60mg dose, myself. I'm in the US if anybody was wondering.

 

[CaringMomma]

gamereighn555- If I remember correctly, my pharmacist said it was due to some people having bad side affects.

 

[kimba]

I think I read that in a couple of studies the dosage difference between 40 and 60 didn't seem to make a difference in any lessening of symptoms. They probably figure why subject ourselves to more of a drug if there is no benefit. Hang in there Sazza and hope things improve.

 

[pokeprofrich]

I was using it and it seemed ok. Except the side effects of intimacy issues was taking its toll on my / my wife. She has been so supportive. I did switch to Cimbalta about 3 months after being on it.

Good Luck

 

[ButterflyPEI]

I am taking Cipralex which is quite similar to Citalopram. I found it gave me terrible night sweats when I took it at bed time. It was bad enough that the sweating was waking me up and my sheets would be wet! I have started taking it in the morning and it seems to have take care of the night sweating. I do find any side effects with it during the day.

 

[Sazza]

Well it's about 9 weeks or so since back on Citalopram. Things got better for week or so but it didn't last. We stopped the mood stabiliser as thought that may be increasing the-depression.so Now just on Citalopram and have say I am Sinking further and further into a hole, struggling to Do anything could easily sit all day staring at wall, I feel emotionless. Want stay on it as helps anxiety but can't put up with this depression, I feel dead but breathing.