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can anyone advise?

Posted , 4 users are following.

lorraine52317
lorraine52317

Dear all

I have been on citalopram for over five months. The last eight weeks on 40mg. I am constantly lethargic and don't seem to be myself until around seven each evening. I am receiving CBT but I just feel so down all day everday. I still get irritated by company of any kind and prefer to stay isolated all day. Strangely enough I can still empathise and try to support others here..and that gives me joy eg if I can help in some way. Sorry that was long winded!! Lol. I am due to see my doctor tomorrow as she thinks it's time for a switch of antidepressants. Have any of you here switched from citalopram to something else? If so what was it and did it work? Or should I give citalopram another month as I'm on in the evenings? Thanking you in advance

Lorraine xx

1 like, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • David_21660
    David_21660 lorraine52317

    Posted

    Hi Lorraine,

    I would stick with it for a while longer. Have you tried changing the time of day you take Cita? I was morning, then lunch, then tea-time, but have not looked back since taking me 40mg at bedtime.

    Re isolation, people etc, I have felt the same lately!!! There are personally concerns for me too regarding two familiy members and that (and other crap) may just be making me withdraw in doors again for a while. I forgot to take Cita on Monday night and realised last night when I saw the days on the card. Did think no probs I feel fine, but I had a bad night (I guess until Cita kicked in). Feeling a little better now though!

    I can't really answer the main part of your question, but I thought until someone who can does I'd say Hi! Have a chat and waffle on and possibly take yer mind of yer woes....

    Be strong!

    Best of Regards,

    David x

    • lorraine52317
      lorraine52317 David_21660

      Posted

      Bless you David xx that wasn't a waffle that was a great response. Deep down i was thinking give it another month but wow...This is a long road!! Lol. I take mine in the morning but will try taking in the evening to see if it helps. Did you switch from morning to evening instantly or did you stagger it?

      Lots of blessings and a big hug for making me smile xxx

    • David_21660
      David_21660 lorraine52317

      Posted

      Hi Lorraine,

      Thanks for the blessings and the virtual hug, it is appreciated.

      I staggered the change from morn to bedtime over three days I think however, it did work for me.

      I have a Dr's appt in just over a week and we'll probably be discussing the question of reduction. Can I? Do I need to? Should I bother if Cita's working? I would like to try, but as I keep saying to everyone it has to be gradual and slow and I have to remember that myself!

      Actually, about the day of my appt will be about a year anniversary in my relationship with Cita!

      All the Best,

      David x

    • lorraine52317
      lorraine52317 David_21660

      Posted

      Thanks David. Please let me know how your appointment goes next week. I will start staggering tomorrow and give switching from AM to PM a whirl.

      I think I will ask the doc for another month on cita.

      many thanks to you xx

  • cooda
    cooda lorraine52317

    Posted

    I haven't got any experience but I do get the lethergy. And that is one of the reasons I am coming off of cita plus I am ready. 

    You have already been on it for 5 months and on a high dose for 8 weeks and if it's not settling maybe your doctor is right and it might be time to try something else. Not every tablet works for every person which is why there are so many different ones. 

    Isolation is a horrible feeling and I wish you well. Good luck with what ever you decide to do 

    Kirsty x

    • lorraine52317
      lorraine52317 cooda

      Posted

      Hi kirsty

      thank you so much for responding. Do you mind me asking how long it's taken for you to feel ready to come off cita?

      Half of me says wait longer and the other bit says try something new!

      Thank you again kirsty xx

    • nicola45014
      nicola45014 lorraine52317

      Posted

      Hi Lorraine

      I can totally understand your situation, I am 3 months on cit, started on 20mg and increased to 30mg just over 2 wks ago, I do see some improvement, but i am still a million miles away from myself, I really thought I would be back to myself by now and it's very scary and disheartening when it takes such a long time.. the added stress of Christmas coming doesn't help😥

      If you trust your doctor I would go with whatever he or she recommends, I have heard that Lexapro is the newer version of cit and has less side effects, but then there's so many different meds out there. I wish you the very best of luck, please keep me updated as I dnt know if cit is fully working for myself.

      Nicola xx

    • lorraine52317
      lorraine52317 nicola45014

      Posted

      Thanks so much Nicola

      you are so right it seems to be such a long haul to recovery! I will let you know tomorrow what the change of meds are. It's disheartening starting over as I seem to get all the side effects of medications. I sincerely appreciate your response and whatever the weather...We will get better xxc

      blessings and gratitude to you x

    • nicola45014
      nicola45014 lorraine52317

      Posted

      Hi Lorraine

      I wish I could help you more, I understand what you are saying about starting over again on new meds, this cause's me extreme anxiety also as we just want to be better now and feel if we change medication its going to take longer, where as we should look at the positive side and say we might feel better faster if we take the correct medication..

      My gp has referred me to a pysciatrist, which I am waiting on an appointment for, he feels I will benefit from this as they offer CBT therapy and other therapies not only medication, I am nervous about this also but will give it a try, maybe you could ask about CBT ?

      Wishing us all a speedy recovery or just recovery xx

    • lorraine52317
      lorraine52317 nicola45014

      Posted

      Hi nicola

      bless you xx I'm having CBT it helps me a bit. It doesn't help me with the fatigue and low mood. But like you i won't dismiss anything that may get me better eventually.

      Wishing you better too

      god bless xxx

  • beth02382
    beth02382 lorraine52317

    Posted

    Hi, I was on citi and went to Escitalapram(Lexapro) it's a newer version of citi. It's stronger, works faster with less side effects. Maybe ask your doc about it, it's great for me.😀 Take care!
    • lorraine52317
      lorraine52317 beth02382

      Posted

      Thank you so much Beth. I will mention that to the doctor tomorrow. I cannot explain how touched I am for the response xx

      wishing you a continuous speedy recovery xx xx

      god bless x

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