Day 16 citalapram day 12 HRT

Cita takes as long as it takes for each person. Everyone being individual experiences different types of side effects and different intensities, but you may not experience as many as the next person, then again you may experience more. Do not put any time limits or expectations on this "sticking plaster for the brain". You just have to go with it until such time you have levelled out and back to where you are happy.

I am 10 months down the line and currently on 40mg, I have discussed about trying to reduce with my Dr, but following recent surgery I'll wait a while, at least until I have recovered from that!

I came here with work related stress and am pleased to say earlier in the year I removed myself from that which was making me ill and have not looked back! I have no income and my Fiancee works part time so it hasn't been easy. However, one thing I decided when I started taking Cita (back in the days of angst, fuzziness and feeling down) was to do my part in my recovery so, I changed my lifestyle, gave up meat, stopped smoking and cut down by about 99% on the alcohol. The first 3 months I did drink at all. But I have had the odd bottle or two of real ale since, but again not at the moment while I recover from surgery.

One of the forum angels (katecogs) recommended taking Vit B6 and D3 to help the old seretonin levels while ill and they do help.

So, Welcome to the Club! Whatever side effects manifest, just try and embrace them and every time you feel good hold on to that for when you don't. The "ups" will eventually out number the "downs". What ever you feel try and feel positive as well, keep logging onto this forum, keep reading and keep asking, no matter how silly or insignificant it may seem. There are lots of nice people out here that are and have gone through exactly what you are to some degree or another. Dont worry if you just pop in for a chat sometimes this is a great help!

Best Regards,

David

You'll get the reassurance so that is one thing not to worry about.

Like many I get me down times too and that is why I am up as I have been low since last night, with constant buzzing (rare these days) Through the night I've woken up a couple of times, been having dreams again, not multiple and vivid ones like I did before taking Cita before bed, but boring, whats the point ones! Wouldn't be so bad if they were at all interesting!

I only have ESA coming in at the moment so know what it is like. What Ann and I did was to sit down and decide what we can do to not just save money (my lifestyle change certainly has helped this one), but also to make our own income. So we have applied to a local language school to register to take in a student and we may foster too. I am finishing a history of our town and would love to get it published (Ann, she's got an "o'logy" is working on that).

Since falling ill and trying to get to grips with what is happening to me I returned to art (and design) after 40 years of trying to find that "job for life!" Which has included private and public sector work, air force career and finally working for a charity - which was the final straw!

Anyway, if you have any kind of pastime, hobby, talent however good or bad do it! Just do it! I have found that returning to mine and doing the writing does help and goes some way to help meditation and keep mind, body and soul in a good place. I used to run and jog a lot, was sporty until the old arthritis got to me knees, I have been banned from that for the passed 10 year now. So wlaking and art etc 

Anyway, doing things you enjoy, even when down, helps you get through. Sometimes, more so in the early months, I felt I was on a rollercoaster or white water rafting without any control. Now, I have my hand on the oar and steer most of the time, but now and again my hand slips off and I just have to go with the flow.

You need a Dr like mine, I see no one but her. She is well read on "sticking plaster for the brain" and is amazing. I must say NO ONE should be advised to drop from any amount of  Cita so dramatically as you have been told. You'll get horrendous withdrawl! When I reduce it will be 40mg, as usual, one night then 35mg the next, then 40 then 35 and so on for at least I am ok with that (may be weeks may be months) then I shall try reducing the same way by 5mg again and so on. I would certainly seek out a Dr who knows what they are talking about or they'll just make matters worse!

One thing more, I promise this'll be it! earlier in the year someone was saying they felt down, bored etc., when one of the forum angels suggested turning the radio on, or putting on your favourite CD, cranking up the volume and dancing and singing around the houses, a little screaming and shouting was recommended too! I think that day quite a percentage of the population was rockin!

As promised that is it. Ann is off to her an hour, twice a day job, she's a school escort for a young chap with needs and I should get on prep breakie.

Try and sit down with your Family, see what your options are try and keep busy (on your terms) and I know what you mean about going anywhere, but MADRID now that is a difficult one to turn down.

Keep reading, keep posting and keep yeer chin up!

Regards,

David

Ps do you know I dfeel a little better for that, thanks!

Seek out a DR that knows what they are doing, try and stick with Cita and if you are at the moment going through this crazy reduction which is plain stupid, then you need to get back to 40mg and level out. It may not be the chemicals it is undoubtedly the irresponsible actions of that GP (General Practitioner!) who is causing you to suffer! As I said my GP knows about mental illnesses and she'd be very upset with yours if she know he was making stupid suggestions. I am not being rude just facing facts (even though the moderators for this forum are Dr's) I am just concerned for your or anyone else well being when being totally misguided.

There are plenty more forum members that will say the same!

Good luck, keep us updated.

Best Wishes,

David