I've been on citalopram for 6/7 weeks. Thinking of giving up

Don't give up, you can feel better, Is there another doc you can see? There's always a bit of trial and error in getting the dosage right and you need to keep talking about how you feel. Some docs are better than others you just need to find one you get on with. Maybe you need some talking therapy too! Worth a thought.

You're not alone in feeling the way you do so don't despair.

Stay strong

Hi.

Many years ago I had a full mental breakdown. I was put in a lodge for people with mental illness and I will be honest with you,I thought I'd be there for life I was so bad.

I never thought I'd get better,thought them thoughts and feelings would never leave me and swore that there was something more to my illness than depression/anxiety. Week 7/8 on Citalopram and I was still as far down as I could possibly be,although other people said they could see me improving,my mind was saying different. 

Week 9 came and it was like somebody flicked a switch in my head. I woke one morning,went downstairs to the communal dining area and told the nurses I was ready to go home. They couldn't believe it. I don't know what happened or how but I woke that morning and knew I was gonna be ok. 

I left that day with full make up and my hair done. Spent that night with my son, a little nervy but mostly thinking this was too good to be true...I was going to come crashing down. The night after I went out with friends without the slightest thought of what happened over the last 9 weeks.....The turn around was as quick as that. From me  thinking I was never going to be well again,to me feeling stronger than ever.

This episode is the first I've had since that time but I don't think this would of happened if it weren't for a accident I had in work. I've had my first good day today and I'm feeling that feeling of ot being too good to be true again..but fingers crossed,this is the start of my way back up.

Please don't give up Hun because it could be just round the corner for you xx

I have been on cit for nearly 10 weeks now. Two weeks ago felt fine but last weekend all bad feelings came back also not sleeping again. I to dont know if its the tabs not working now. Trying to hang on till i go to drs again a week on weds. Dont want to up dose from 10mg. Any advice welcome. Gook luck 0897

Hi,

Just to go back to something I experienced, 10mg just relaxed me and helped me sleep better. My GP explained this was only a sedative dosage and woukdn't work on the depression. Don't be scared to up the dosage if it helps.

I take 30mmg which mostly keeps me on an even keel. It isn't a cure though, it can be part of a package of coping mechanisms, you need to find what works for you.

I still have some bad days but it doesn't frighten me so much now, I know that it willpass and I won't spiral again.

Good luck with your journey

Glad to have found this forum, it is very supportive. Happy to share if it helps x

Dont give up, iv heard it can easily take longer than that to get properly into your system. What dose are you on? I found 20mg good, but 30mg extremely good. Without them i am an emotional wreck. For me it took about a month to kick in and 2 months to kick in really well. For other people it can be quicker or even longer. Definitly stick it out a while or ask to increase your dose maybe?xxxxxx

Some people take longer to feel the benefits of Citralopram, and sometimes you can have the odd setback even when you've been doing fine.  You don't want to just suddenly stop taking the tablets as you'll have horrendous side effects.  You said you were late taking them and felt ill and panicked ...... well that's what will happen if you suddenly stop.  These need to be eased off so gradually if stopping them to avoid this.

6/7 weeks is still quite early days.  I'd suggest you keep on with them and if no change after 3 months then go see a different doctor and discuss a different SSRI.  There's many different types and all are tailored to suit different people.  But carry on for now ........ you will get there eventually, and this site is for support.

Your doctor should be more supportive and knowledgeable about this condition and the medication.  You can see a different doctor at your surgery, it's your right.  It's a very slow process recovering, especially when the effects of depression are so unbearable, but believe me, you will get better!

Good luck, and keep in touch here for support x

Hi 0897,  I do feel for you.  However, for me my GP was excellent explaining what to expect from Cit.  medication won't fix the underlying source and my GP also refered me to psych therapy on the day he prescribed Cit.  He has been absolutely right in his advice.  For me, Cit has helped greatly with the physical symptoms of anxiety and depression, the panic attacks, the constant state of anxiety and all the physical symptoms related to that.  What it hasn't cured at all, is this weeks utter insomnia and my night time revisiting the events that have caused my condition, brought on by my recently revising those events.  The thing is, I have no expectation of Cit undoing the events in my past.  Cit isn't going to right some wrongs from history, nor is it going to bring justice. I do feel however, Cit has been fantastic at assisting with the physical effects of deep anxiety, and what could be seen as a very negative week this week, taking me back to a time of awful insomnia and event revising, I'm viewing it as a positive as I can revisit, feel distressed, have a weep, and most importantly talk about it, without my body having an utterly panicked reaction.  Indeed, as I type this this morning, I am feeling more at peace with those events, I'm feeling more objective about how those events came about, and the confidence I have gained this week knowing I can revisit those times without dissolving into a shaking wreck, and look at some understanding of those times, I totally put down to the help Citalopram has given me.   Citalopram can hold your hand, but it can't right wrongs, or fight battles with those/or situations that have you under attack.   It is so important to get some sort of therapy, talking with a patient objective listener for example, please do go back to your GP to ask for additional assistance, or in the very least, discuss with him your expectations.  No tablets, drugs, alcohol, can ever right wrongs or fix negative situations we find ourselves in.  Be kind to yourself, you've already taken the first steps by seeking help, and you will get better and this is just the start of actually fixing everything.  Loads of love xx

Hi, Im coming to the end of my eigth week on cit, I have to say the last 2 have been tough. There has been some good times too but right now as I write this im very low and feel similar to you 0897. My problem (at the moment) is obsessive thoughts, well actually one thought, ive been told cit works a treat for obsessive/chronic worry thoughts, im on 20mg and have a visit to the dr Tuesday, will mention the possibility of increasing my dosage. I have suffered some form of anxiety/depression/ocd all my life, there is no "defining moment" when my life changed, hence thats why I feel I have some form of chemical imbalance and hope to god cit or some other med can help me, im in tears now, life is so ridiculously tough. Luke x