Topic: Antidepressants

[Big Geordie]

I take 40mg Citalopram per day, which is for anxiety and have been on this dose for just over two years now. Doesn't really do anything to me (like zonk me out, etc) although it can delay orgasm which is a well known side-effect. However, they do the job and I'm quite happy with them, though am having a review in March to possibly drop down to 20mg per day (we shall see) Think I'm also right in thing that Citalopram isn't addictive......

I've suffered from bouts of anxiety for the last 14 or so years no, with the frequency roughly every 2/3 years. Not aware of a specific trigger what brings it on, though I do have issues with regards to confrontation as a result of when I got thumped in Legends back in Jan 98. Was only hit once (unprovoked) but the lad was wearing a knuckle duster apparrently and as a result smashed my right eye socket and cheekbone. Put me in the General for 4 days and left me with PTSD. Have had a range of counselling/CBT over the years which have helped, but one of the best ways of dealing with this is to know your enemy. Do some research into it, I can point folk in the direction of a great self-help site which has a great forum. Also don't deal with it yourself - surround yourself with good friends and family is you can. Talking really does help.

I worked out the other year that my anxiety problem will probably come back in the future - it's here to stay, but I arm myself with the right tools inorder to be able to deal with it and become well again. It can be done.

[Richo]

I suffer from anxiety and depression and have done for years, but when I started what is still my current job a number of years ago it got much worse and I felt I had to go to the doctors about it. I was prescribed seroxat and was also given cognitive behavioural therapy, which was either every week, every two weeks or every month, I can't remember it was so long ago.

When I started taking the seroxat it made me feel much worse though. I ended up having a few days off work and stopped taking them, my doctor prescribed Citalopram instead and I have been taking 20mg a day ever since, which thinking about it is around 9 years, which is quite a shock as I have never thought about how long I have been on them.

It's not ideal taking medication, but I had tried books and self help stuff and nothing worked for me. Taking Citalopram at least allows me to work and "get on" with my life. Although I know I still avoid certain situations (especially social) that I think will cause me anxiety or stress.

The cognitive behavioural therapy was quite good because it forced me to put myself in positions that I would normally avoid, and keep a journal of dates, places and anxiety level. So I would recommend that if your local GP offers it.

[huss9]

citalopram is very good for anxiety. has less side effects than setraline and  you can start at a low dose of 10mg and gradually increase to the dose that suits you.
if the side effects of the sertraline are still there after 2 weeks they are unlikey to improve, so would return to your gp and let him know.

[Big Geordie]

You often have to ask your GP for CBT and it can take a good while for an apt (was about 8 months for me), such is the waiting list on the NHS. Would be great if there were more therapists around, but that's life at the moment I guess.

[huss9]

Some good online sites for self help and CBT - only can think of moodgym off the top of my head

[Big Geordie]

Well worth a look - and it's free;

http://www.llttf.com/

[gavo]

i've been on sertraline 100mg for years for panic attacks, they really worked for me, but the down side is i'm s*** scared of ever coming off them now.  Done all the cognitive therapy stuff as well which helps, and getting fitter also really helped with them.

i know what you mean about the side effects though, but they do get better after a couple of weeks.  Except the not being able to orgasm one - there's no such thing as a "quickie" for me any more...

hope it goes ok for you, but if the side effects don't get better you should go back to the docs and ask for something different.

[Cajun]

You often have to ask your GP for CBT and it can take a good while for an apt (was about 8 months for me), such is the waiting list on the NHS. Would be great if there were more therapists around, but that's life at the moment I guess.

My Dr referred me and I was seen within a few weeks, could be better now.

[Big Geordie]

Good to hear, Cajun. CBT helps if you have access to it when you are ill, not 'better' like I was by the time my apt came round!

[Cajun]

Sorry I meant the time taken to get it might be better

[Slim]

I got told to take Citalopram.  Had a look on google and the side effects look mad.  Ended up having st johns wort and it helps a bit. 


Tbh you need talk to someone helps 10000x more than drugs

[Slim]

I got told to take Citalopram.  Had a look on google and the side effects look mad.  Ended up having st johns wort and it helps a bit. 


Tbh you need talk to someone helps 10000x more than drugs

You often have to ask your GP for CBT and it can take a good while for an apt (was about 8 months for me), such is the waiting list on the NHS. Would be great if there were more therapists around, but that's life at the moment I guess.

My Dr referred me and I was seen within a few weeks, could be better now.

Good to hear, Cajun. CBT helps if you have access to it when you are ill, not 'better' like I was by the time my apt came round!

I was offered cbt and went twice.  Tbh she was s*** and lucky for me the company paid for 4 sessions with a therapist.

[Cajun]

I went to a psychologist after CBT and found CBT much, much better. Maybe a bad experience but the psychologist didn't seem to pay any attention and kept getting on his high horse about smoking and getting all arrogant about how he "hadn't even tried it". I don't smoke by the way, which makes all all the weirder that he kept banging on about it.

[Slim]

Strange mine said me taking pills can cause despression...seem to try blame it on that.
Shut her down when I said tbh after taking them I have prob become more social.

[Haris Vuckic]

I take 40mg Citalopram per day, which is for anxiety and have been on this dose for just over two years now. Doesn't really do anything to me (like zonk me out, etc) although it can delay orgasm which is a well known side-effect. However, they do the job and I'm quite happy with them, though am having a review in March to possibly drop down to 20mg per day (we shall see) Think I'm also right in thing that Citalopram isn't addictive......

Wor lass is going to be over the moon.

[Parky]

I take 40mg Citalopram per day, which is for anxiety and have been on this dose for just over two years now. Doesn't really do anything to me (like zonk me out, etc) although it can delay orgasm which is a well known side-effect. However, they do the job and I'm quite happy with them, though am having a review in March to possibly drop down to 20mg per day (we shall see) Think I'm also right in thing that Citalopram isn't addictive......

Wor lass is going to be over the moon.

[Big Geordie]

[Rocker]

All side effects have worn off and I can now ejaculate in a normal time frame.

[La Parka]

Citalopram. Make my mouth dry, and I get sleepy as f***

Made me wanna f*** everything in sight. Glad to be off it.

[Chief Piggum]

So's the Dog.

[ED209]

I have had issues in the past, and have been on sertraline for just under a year since my work troubles all kicked off. To be honest I am not sure they make any difference at all. I think i am on a low dose 50mg?? i think but i certainly didmnt feel any effects when i first took them and i dont really think i feel any now.

[Rocker]

These are doing wonders