Citalopram
A couple of weeks ago I lost the battle to manage my depression medication free. That sounds bad but in reality, it was always a possibility. I was weaned off the Effexor because we weren’t satisfied with the quality of life it was giving me at the highest dose my body could tolerate. It was only the fact that I seemed to improve as the dosage lessened that we wondered if in fact I might be ready to go med free.
The difficulty with living in the country is proximity to medical services and so when I went into meltdown (which was fortunately nowhere near as severe or long lasting as my previous meltdown), my specialist could only do a telephone consult, which limited his options in terms of medications.
His suggestion was for me to go back onto the lowest dose of Effexor and get my condition stabilised. Being the compliant patient that I am, I flat out refused. I was in no state to speak with him so poor Farmboy was the “go between”.
I should point out that for the most part, I have been a very compliant patient. However, while my experiences with weaning off Effexor were better than others I’ve read about, it was still a 5 week process. And I didn’t enjoy the side effects I experienced while going on them either.
Frustrated that people kept pointing me back in the direction of Effexor even though it clearly wasn’t working well for me, Farmboy and I sat down and tried to nut out our options.
For those of you who don’t know the full history, we lost our regular GP just over 12 months ago. This guy delivered 2 of my babies, has seen us through the hospitalisation of 1 child and the almost hospitalisation of a second. And he’d been with me through the whole breakdown and recovery process. His leaving was more than a light blow.
We then went for 12 months without a regular GP, which is the reason I was seeing a specialist. That was the only way I could get any kind of continuity of care.
Our new GP started in September and while we’ve been happy with him so far, I haven’t built up the same level of trust with him that I had with our previous GP.
However, out of options, we figured it was time to go and see him and find out what his thoughts were in regard to my mental health.
It turns out my fears were unfounded (and how often does that turn out to be case?). He was very compassionate and listened to my fears with regard to medications.
His opinion straight out was that the things I had experienced while on Effexor (and the effects while going onto it) all indicated to him that it wasn’t the right medication for my body.
Oh.
It hadn’t really occured to me that not all anti-depressant medications might affect me in the same kinds of ways. I had simply assumed it was part and parcel of being on them that I would experience some side effects and problems.
So, I’ve started on a new medication. Citalopram.
I did make the mistake of googling for other peoples experiences with this drug. Really NOT a good idea.
Especially given I haven’t had much trouble at all with going onto it. Other than being thirsty and tired for the first few days, it’s all been much of a “non event”.
It’s now been over a week and I’m happy with the results so far. They’ve been subtle but I can tell the difference. I don’t feel like I’m going to fall apart any second. And my natural energy levels and motivation seem to be gradually returning.
They say it can take a month for the full effect of Citalopram to kick in so I guess we’ll have to wait and see whether I continue to improve while on it.
The good news is that I feel I’m functioning enough to have a decent quality of life.
It hasn’t been an easy ride but I’m hopeful things will be more uphill than down from here on in.
Similar Posts:
- Weaning Off Effexor
- One More Step Along the Road I Go
- D Day
- Not All Anti-Depressants are Anti-Depressing
- Effexor Withdrawal
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I’m glad to hear that your new medication is helping (even if you’re still in the early stages). I suffer from minor depression on and off (never enough to severely impact my life, but enough to be noticeable), although I’ve never really pursued the medication option. I spoke with my GP about it once, but he was happy for me to try some of the natural options as my situation wasn’t severe (I’ve since found fish oil helps a lot for me, but the quantity needed can start to add up in price).
I’ll be sure to send positive thoughts in your direction!
I’m so glad things are looking up for you. The new GP sounds like a gem - definitely hang onto him as long as you can.
Hey Lighteniing
There is nothing wrong with needing medication for depression, it is after all a medical condition, just like taking meds for diabetes etc.
My Dad recently started of effexor and is having side effects he doesn’t like, might email you if you’d be willing to chat on it some more.
I’ve been on and off zoloft myself over the last few years and it seems to work for me except it keeps me awake at night which in the end makes me more anxious which isnt good!
Glad to hear you are on the way up anyhoo
Hello Lightening,
Good news about your GP. Loved the Santa up a gum tree too.
Goodluck with that new medication.
PS. I’m a year round knitter, however it is a challenge when the temperature exceeds 30 degrees C.
Great to have an update and pray you react better this time.
Welcome to the Citalopram sisterhood!
I know it has made a huge difference for me in the past 13 months. I was actually shocked that its worked as well as it has despite hearing stories about having to change meds like you have. I am thankful I havent needed to. I wonder if our bodies build up intolerances to these drugs?
Thanks for your encouraging email recently letting me know its ok to be on the meds if we need them. Yes depression is a medical condition that is cause for concern like diabetes, heart attacks etc… so lets stand up and help others. The more we share about it the more its likely to help others who may be finding life tough too.
Love Lynette
I’m glad you are getting somewhere with the whole meds business and that you new gp seems on the ball.
Jason - I had hoped to be at a level where I could try more natural methods but I went downhill so quickly that we really didn’t have time to even try. Maybe one day… I’m glad you’ve found something that works for you.
Kin - Hopefully he’ll hang around - we’ll see.
Susan - you’re more than welcome to contact me privately. If you no longer have my email, you can use the contact form here.
Ann - thanks.
You’re rather brave to continue knitting through the warmer months!!!
Lynette - that’s right. It’s important to bring depression out of the shadows and help people see it as a regular medical condition like many others. I’m so glad you were able to find something that worked straight off. I’ve heard conflicting stories on whether or not we build up a resistance. Some say they have to go stronger and stronger while others remain on the same meds for years. I guess everyone’s body is different.
Bettina - thanks.
It sounds like you are feeling much more in control with the new meds Lightening. I hope this continues, so does the support from your new GP.
How great to have your fears about the new GP put to rest.
A little town near to where I grew up got a new GP a while ago. He thought it judicious that he take everyone OFF their medications to see if they needed it.
They did.
An interesting few months for the little town!!
Good luck - I hope that you can enjoy the benefits without too many nasty side-effects.
W00t! I’m glad your new GP is fairly knowledgeable in this area - many aren’t. Anti-depressants are all different, all work on the brain chemistry in different ways. They’re weird things! Interestingly, hubby has a bit of experience in this area (taking them, I mean) because he has epilepsy - and the medications tend to overlap somewhat. Great to hear that C seems to be working for you. Fingers crossed it continues.
Glad to hear your new GP is not too bad, and that you seem to have your meds under control.
I will continue to remember you in prayer.
Try not to look at it as a setback, it’s a change in direction, there is more than one way to skin a cat! Not that I would EVER skin a cat. What a horrid thought. Who came up with that saying anyway?….might be going a little off subject here…
Anyhoo…praying that you are feeling fabulous so you can thoroughly enjoy your favourite time of year!
It’s a relief when a new doctor is just as easy to get on with as the one you’ve known forever, the trust will come with time.
Hubby’s Effexor is hiding out in his bedside drawer. After mucking around with his dosage he’s decided not to take it at all…..so far, so good……
I hope the Citalopram continues to work well for you.
Thank you for your post. Somebody else gets the conundrum that is depression medication. For the first time I found one that works … then made the mistake of thinking “I’m cured!” … and going back downhill. I didn’t have side effects (thanks heavens), but have had bad ones on other medication. I’m slowly increasing it again, and though I don’t fully like it, I accept that I will need it for some time. This post gives me comfort, that somebody else understands. Cheers!
I hope the new medication continues to help you feel more in control of your life, Lightening. I hope the support and understanding from your new GP is the change you need too…
I’m glad you’ve found an understanding GP- they’re not thick on the ground. I’ve had the opposite experience with the medications- been on Citalopram for a year- hardly any effect, and then onto Effexor about 6 weeks ago and instantly felt a lot better! I never get side effects that are particularly nasty when I go onto something new, although all the SSRIs give me periodic terrible toe-curling cramps! Funnily enough, a lot less on Effexor than anything previously. I have been pretty non-functional for years and really feel I need to see a shrink again- but the GPs won’t refer me. They want me to see a psychologist, but there are none who will see me for the common fee who are not personal friends of mine… I think I might have to lob at Casualty and try my luck. I was really good, working fulltime with only a few wobbles on Prozac for many years, but since it failed, I’ve never got back to a proper life. I’m too scared to even apply for jobs now, having had so many insulting and hurtful rejections- but I have virtually no income and it’s depressing!