Citalopram- Not Sure It Suits Me

[Ice_Fire]

I've been on a low dose of Citalopram (10mg/day) for about 3 months now. My mood is still low, I've had a few suicidal thoughts (but that's nothing new to me) and my anxiety is worse. So are the flashbacks and lack of sleep.

So, is it the stress of my life making me like this, or the medication or a combination of both?

Just as a side point, my gp prescribed this, I've not yet been referred to a psychiatrist, wondering if I should ask, as it was an option given to me by my CPN? :confused:

 

[cat]

Hi Ice fire

Did you have a medication review with your GP a month after starting Citalopram, 10mg is just a starting dose & usually increased to 20mg after a few weeks. The amount you are taking probably isnt enough to lift your mood. It would be worth going back to your GP & see what he suggests.

I've been on Citalopram for 3yrs & combined with therapy it has worked well for me :)

 

[Ice_Fire]

Hi yeah I did go back and said that I was still feeling depressed but the doc did the whole 'see how you go...' thing. I'll make an appointment

 

[lil_fighter]

Hi Ice_Fire

I have been on 20mg for the past month, I am 23 and have never been on anti-depressants before. My doc started me on 20mg straight away. It has been a really positive experience and I think the main benefit has been the boost it has given me.

If so far you haven't had any bad side effects, I certainly think upping the dosage to 20mg is a good idea. I occasionally have that all too familiar low feeling, but only for a few minutes and it is in no way as low as I would normally be if I was not on them. You've been on it for 3 months, I think you have the right as the patient to ask to try a slightly higher dose. Good luck and go with whatever feels right. :)

 

[Ice_Fire]

Thanks. :)

I saw my doctor this afternoon and she's upped it to 20, so I'll see how that goes.

 

[JustBe]

Hi, how is it going on 20mg? I have found it much more helpful than 10mg

 

[Ice_Fire]

Hiya,

Yes I've found the same, it's working a heck of a lot better now. Strangely, I've had less side effects since being on the higher dose?! :confused: Not complaining though!

 

[cat]

Hi Ice fire
Well done for sticking with it!! So pleased its working for you.

If it is ever suggested that you increase further don't worry, I thought it would make me drowsy or something but it hasn't & i'm much better on higher dose.

 

[JustBe]

I don't think I would have been able to fight my way out of this most recent depression without it but the side effects were nasty for a couple of weeks. Now they're starting to abate a little. Hope it lasts for us both Ice!

 

[Ice_Fire]

Yeah the side effects were horrible to begin with. Glad you've settled down with it now as well.

 

[saffy]

I took that for a while and It was far too strong for me and made me suicidal and unable to control moods and behaviours. It made me shake uncontrollably also, which was quite unfortunate at the time becuase I worked in a pub and everyone tought I had the DTs 'sigh' ;)

I immediately went to the doctors to have it changed to something that agreed with me personally. There are so many drugs out there and not everyone is suited to them all.

My advice if you do not get the feeling of improvement within the first two weeks change it quickly as it seems it causes even more problems in the long run.

best wishes
Saffy

 

[Gamereign555]

I had to switch from Citalopram to Paxil after they discovered I was borderline with a rare side effect of taking the citalopram that effects the heart. It's too bad really, I rather liked it. Getting off the Citalopram and taking Paxil at the same time wasn't fun.