1. Community
  2. Brain and nerves
  3. Citalopram

any advice please?

Posted , 1 user is following.

Guest
Guest

Hi all

I was on Citalopram three years ago for about 6 months for depression. I came off it at this time because my gp discovered I had an under active thyroid. My depression hasn't lifted since I've been on the thyroxine and am now thinking of going back on citalopram.

My worries are that will I be so tired that I won't be able to look after my children? Also, I already have a diminishing libido, will citalopram take that away.

I know that Citalopram takes a while to start working and I'm prepared for that.

Do any of you actually feel happy being on the drug? I'm looking for some kind of happiness and energy through this medicine. I suffer from low mood and have been suffering for 19 years due to a traumatic childhood. I don't want my children to see me unhappy. I just want to be normal and take them out.

thankyou

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi Of course I don't have your medical mackground but I was put on Citalopram 6 months ago starting at 10mg and increasing to 30 over a 3 month period. On 10 I got the sence things could be better. On 20 I began to feel a lot better but still felt there was room for improvement. On 30mg life was splendid. I had lots of energy, lot of enthusiasm and a very positive outlook on life. My only side effect was a slight loss of Appetite. After 6 months I began to reduce the medication. After 6 weeks I began to feel as unwell as before. The doctor was happy to let me increase back up to 30mg as of today and I look forward with happy anticipation to rerturning to a good quality of life. I hope this helps. Richard
  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi Daniie,

    there is no guarantee you wont be affected by side effects, but for me I had very few. I felt tired for first week or two and lost my appetite a little - this has gone now. As for libido - i went the opposite way (which is a problem being single!).

    Ive been on for 6 weeks now taking 40mg a day, and though i cant say i feel exactly happy i can tell a huge difference. where a few weeks ago id plan to do something then decide i couldnt be bothered/didnt want to/couldnt face it, now im getting on and doing things. im less irritable, dont cry in public anymore and generally feel more alive.

    dont let the worry of possible side effects stop you at least trying these pills as they may genuinly improve your (and your familys) quality of life.

    Good luck

    Kate x

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi have been on Cit for almost 4 weeks now and for the first time in many years I feel relaxed and able to laugh and joke with my family. The first couple of weeks were quite difficult to deal with - some of the side effects were quite scary! but now they've diminished I really wish I'd gone to my G.P sooner.
  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    thank you so much for your replies. it's been a month now and I feel alright on citalopram. Apart from an increased appetite and no libido, I feel quite good. I've been enjoying life a little more than before and I've started container gardening. I think the sunshine has also helped.

    I think I was terrible 3 years ago on citalopram because my gp gave me anti depressants before treating my thyroid. Now that my thyroid is regulated the anti depressants are working better.

    My advice to others is that always make sure you get a thyroid function test because if you go on anti depressants first it will make you feel awful.

    Take it from me because I've suffered needlessly for around 15 years when all the gp had to do was do a thyroid function test.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.