1. Community
  2. Mental health
  3. Depression

I am 59 years old and first took an anti-depressant in O...

Posted , 2 users are following.

Guest
Guest

I am 59 years old and first took an anti-depressant in October 2004 when a family problem proved to be the straw that broke the camel's back! My GP was sympathetic and a good listener. He did not automatically reach for the prescription pad, in fact much of our discussion on that occasion was what would be the best approach to take. It was I who felt I needed to take something which would lift me back to a stage where I felt able to deal with the situation from my own resources. I certainly wasn't severely depressed, just felt I needed a little help to keep going at my normal level.

So I took Citalopram. What my GP did not warn me about was that I would feel worse before feeling better, but my pharmacist mentioned this. And it's lucky he did because I felt absolutely dreadful for the first ten days on this drug. I'm sure many people must give up taking it at this point. The good news is that if you stick with it, it really does help. I can honestly say that it did what I hoped it would do. I stayed on Citalopram for 6 months and stopped taking it gradually without any bad effects at all.

I then went onto St John's Wort without further medical advice and have been taking it ever since. This seemed to work for some months but I have now started to experience increased arrhythmia, for which I take medication anyway. I don't know whether there is any connection to St John's Wort here or whether I just need the arrhythmia medication reviewed, anyway I'm off to check it out with my GP this morning.

I hope this is useful to somebody and am happy to be contacted by anyone who wants to ask anything about what I've said.

[i:bcdaae7d9c]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:bcdaae7d9c]

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    i too took citalopram - initally for 6 months, then more recently for 2 years. For me it was the best approach - i had received counselling but felt in a way i needed my 'own space' which citalopram gave me. I came off it last July, unfortunately there were some side affects, but i am now 'drug free' and thanks it for the time to think that i needed.

    I also tried St John's but it made no difference, instead i have changed my diet, started Tai chi and more exercise and feel the best i have done in years!

    [i:7f45bbefa5]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:7f45bbefa5]

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hiya, did you notice any weight gain, especially fat when you were on Citalopram? Thanks J Edwards

    [i:f563e55d15]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:f563e55d15]

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    I've also begun noticing a strange arrhythmia. I started the st john's about two months ago. My doctor said the arrhythmia might be d/t the st. john's.

    [i:8f47edcbb4]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:8f47edcbb4]

  • Disolve
    Disolve

    Posted

    hello...I to am on that nedication 20mg..been neerley 4 weeks now..i did think no side affects apart from a few mild ones..all of a sudden i am having bad side affects..will these pass or will they get worse..i thought the first few weeks would be the problem..very adgitated at times..then sickly and sweats and muscle weekness as my legs are about to give away ..arms week and heavy..spending most time on the bed....had weid sensation of burning skin as if hot sunburn without the sun or redness..weird eh!! that was scarey but passed could almost feel the heat going thru all my veins from shpilders to hands then feet..all folowd by weekness..any one else had this? as if your skin was on fire! it ebbed of but it sacred me.

    do you think i will feel better soon im having bouts of goos feelings..but not wanting to go out or see peeps is at the mo a pain as i miss appointments even dont wish to drive?

    maria.

    im 57. and a bad speller. :?

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.