Citalopram

[Lenore]

Hi everyone,

I usually post in the ACOA section, so hello to everyone I haven't yet met

I was just wondering if anyone has had any experience of switching meds form Fluoxetine to Citalopram? I have been on Fluoxetine for 12 years now, and I've realised (took me long enough!) that although it definately eases my depressive symptoms, it makes me anxiety unbearable.

I spoke to a psychiatrist about this recently, and he agrees that it may not be a good idea for me to continue on this course of medication and has suggested I switch to Citalopram, as it is prescribed for both depression and anxiety. The only problems are that I will be free of anti-depressants for 6-12 weeks while it starts to work and that is very dangerous for me. Also I don't really know much about how effective Citalopram is. I should have asked him at the time, as I won't be seeing him again, but I was a bit upset at the time and didn't think to.

Has anyone had any experience of either Citalopram or of coming off Prozac after long-term use?

x

[Bozo]

I stopped taking Prozac after 10 years because I was starting to get depressed and had too many suicidal thoughts.

So I was put of Zoloft and have been on it ever since. I feel it is good for obsessive compulsive behavior, but not much for depression or anxiety, but that is just me.

Good luck.

[OzSandy]

I found Citaprolam very good, though I recently read stories of others who had difficult adjusting symptoms to it, which surprised me. But after a few years they started causing some side effects and I've been off them for several weeks. I'm due to see a psychiatrist next month so I don't know if another type will be prescribed. I've been through just about every class of anti-depressant now, some just weren't effective and others had side effects because I seem to have abnormal chemical sensitivies. I think I've tried both Prozac and Zoloft but I get them mixed up now in my memory.

In my early 20s I found Aurorix worked best for me for both anxiety and depression but I tried it again some years later and it didn't seem effective at all. In fact I had side effects.

Maybe if you have to go off your meds for a few weeks you could try some of the herbal anti-depressants (regular exercise can also help) in the meantime - ask your doctor first though about this.

[Lenore]

Thanks for your replies.

I guess it's a process of trial and error to find out what will work for each individual. Think I'll just have to bite the bullet and go for it, as the anxiety is so bad now that I really feel like I cannot stay on Prozac any longer.

OzSandy, that is a very good idea about the herbal anti-D's, I'll speak to my GP about it. I've just started going swimming regularly and the psychiatrist stressed to me how important it is, so I'll make sure I keep up with it.

xx

[historyteach]

Lenore,
Please talk to your doc before trying the herbal anti depressants. They too can interfer with the meds that are still in your system while you wean off one. And they *may* cause serious side effects. The best person to talk with is your pharmacist, actually. they have more information on this type of interaction than the docs do! LOL!

Also, even if you're not due to see your pdoc for awhile again, you should be able to talk to her/him on the phone, or at least leave a message and s/he get back to you. This is an important question with real consequences for your physical and mental health. You owe it to yourself to get all the information before imbarking on this type of change.

Wishing you well. Please let us know how it goes.

Shalom!

[Lenore]

Thanks, historyteach. You're right, I'm sure I can ask the Psych to get back to me if only by phone to help me with these questions. I'm seeing my GP tomorrow so I could also ask her about what her other patients have experienced in terms of Citralopram effectiveness.

I'll let you know how I get on, thanks so much for your suggestions and input everyone!

[RockyGirl]

I'm on Citalopram 20 mg daily, haven't been on it for too long, since about November last year I'd say....to be honest I don't think it does a lot for me...I still get my depressive episodes and it doesn't help my anxiety at all...

I also take Olanzapine (Zyprexa) 10 mgs daily and that helps with sleeping and anxiety. But i've been taking that for only around 2-3 months.

So yeah...Citalopram is okay I guess...maybe I just need a higher dosage

Hope it all works out well for you!

[scott]

Actually prozac will stay in your system for up to 6-8 weeks after you stop taking your last dose. The amount in your system will gradually decrease. I was on prozac back in December but it made me shake, exacerbated my anxiety, and made me have suicidal thoughts. Since then, I have tried Wellbutrin, and finally now Abilify and Abilify seems to work BEAUTIFULLY for me. I have two friends on citalopram and they do great on it as well. They say they take it for anxiety and depression and seems to quell both.

Best Wishes to you in your search for an antidepressant that works well for you. I know it can be a long hunt.