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Relapse after almost a year off citalopram

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Sourgirl
Sourgirl

Hello all, just looking for some advice. I started taking citalopram a couple of years ago, I found 'getting on board' with the drug very difficult indeed, I had very severe anxiety which got markedly worse when I began taking citalopram and - looking back - I do not know how I got through that time, it was the lowest of my life. However, I stuck with it and after about 12 weeks my depression and anxiety began to lift and I staged an almost complete recovery. I then decided to come off citalopram because my partner and I began trying for a baby. I tapered off very slowly and have been free of the drug for almost a year and all has been ok. Until last week when some work-related stress triggered another bout of anxiety that feels exactly like when I was first taking citalopram. I have horrible morning anxiety, racing & intrusive thoughts, I feel nauseous and am off my food (very unlike me) . I have also been extremely tearful, frightened and occasionally hopeless. I fear that if I go back to the docs I will be put straight back on the drugs which I do not want, as I fought so hard to be well and free of pills, but at the same time I can't carry on indefinitely feeling like this. Is this a blip or the return of this horrible illness? Any advice would be extremely gratefully received. Thank you.

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • nigel45109
    nigel45109 Sourgirl

    Posted

    hello, a lot of us have recurring depression and anxiety, where we need to take meds long term. think we are more sensitive than most people, too sensitive. you could try diet, excercise and mediatation, or make changes in your lifestyle. these work for some people, but i dont think for most. its very hard to change how we behave and think. one important thing, is to completely cut out all caffeine for good, no exceptions. its fuel for anxiety. this may be a large blip you will get over, or if it carries on, you may need meds again. if it worsens, you will need to see your dr, and probably meds again. one thing you should try before meds, is taking a supplement called 5htp. its the only one that seems to be credible. you can buy it pretty much in any health store or pharmacy. its the stuff we make from our food, to produce seratonin. it increases seratonin in the brain. this is different to how an anti depressant works, but achieves a similar effect. you cant take it at the same time as an anti depressant, but its fine if you arent taking any ani deps. a lot of people believe in it, including some pyscs, and there are no side effects like anti depressants. i would love to give it a go, but im on anti depressants, so cannot. all the best.

  • lois95799
    lois95799 Sourgirl

    Posted

    blips dont happened when your off the medicine.they only happened when your on the medicine .more than likely is protracted withdrawals or return of your anxiety.

  • lois95799
    lois95799 Sourgirl

    Posted

    blips dont happened when your off the medicine.they only happened when your on the medicine .more than likely is protracted withdrawals or return of your anxiety.

  • Emz3279
    Emz3279 Sourgirl

    Posted

    anxiety and depression is a horrible disease i hate being a sufferer, but i know that 4 years ago i was in an awful place and with citalopram i got to here and now. The last two weeks i have been up and down anxious and introusive thoughts. Can i ask have you been pregnant since coming off citalopram? I understand that you might want to conceive and go thru pregnancy drug free, however its well known that pregnancy can exacerbate depression and anxiety and many perinatal mental health teams would recommend taking medications to help with this. there are medications safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Id say its best to be mentally well to prepare for motherhood and pregnancy! iv been there both as a midwife and a mother. goodluck hun x

  • Sourgirl
    Sourgirl

    Posted

    Thank you Nigel, Em & Lois for your helpful replies. I have been taking 5HTP supplements but only 50mg per day, maybe I will increase this and see if it helps. I fully agree that it feels like we are more sensitive to things, I can't seem to take anything in my stride at the moment and its horrible. Em, you are right, I have been hoping to be drug free in case we are lucky enough to conceive, but I am worried that I won't be able to cope. I have read that it is best not to take citalopram when pregnant, do you know if there are any other medications that are safe for use during pregnancy? I know that I need to stay well and maybe I cannot do that without the support of doctor and meds 😕 Sending very best wishes and healing to everyone battling these awful feelings x

    • Emz3279
      Emz3279 Sourgirl

      Posted

      we have many women who remain on their meds this including citalopram but the drug of choice would be sertraline in pregnancy its an SSRI id speak to your GP and there is loads of perinatal mental health groups hun that are great for support also. Your GP should keep you right just let them know about your hopes to conceive. Good luck hun x

    • Sourgirl
      Sourgirl Emz3279

      Posted

      Thanks so much for your advice, I will see the GP this week. I'm still so disappointed and frustrated that it doesn't seem possible to live my life off these meds. Lots of love x

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