Depression Forums
General => Medication => Topic started by: Nay on October 21, 2012, 04:18:53 PM
-
Hi guys,
Just joined the forum. Quite desperately looking for help.
I started taking Citalopram 4 years ago. Have been up to 40mg but now on 20mg. 4 weeks ago, me and my partner split up, so I've been quite low and upset, but I feel like my tablets have stopped working? I'm unable to cope with the smallest things, everything seems too much for me to handle.
I have been having suicidal thoughts, but don't intend to act on them. It just keeps popping into my head with alarming frequency now and it's scaring me. This isn't like me at all. I can't sleep, have no interest in food and constantly feel low or am crying. Feel like I'm back to how I felt before the tablets :(
I had a very low point over 2 years ago where the Dr increased my meds. With this increase I felt suicidal and had crazy hallucinations that I believed were really happening to me. I often felt like I was dying and considered walking in front of a bus or drowning myself in the bath to try and make it stop, though I never acted on it. My Dr dropped my meds again and I eventually felt more on an even keel. Similar things happened when i tried to come off the tablets, so I've been on 20mg ever since.
I went to my Dr last week to explain how I was feeling etc, and I asked if we could consider trying a different tablet. She refused and asked me to go back in a week and see how I'm feeling then. I think she will refuse me again. I don't know what to do, this is driving me nuts (quite literally!).
Can anyone offer any help? Do meds stop working after that amount of time?
Thanks all xxx
-
Hello and welcome to the forum!
It is frequent to need to give meds an increase here and there so please try not to worry, it's happened to me and after the dose was increased I was fine.
I would see a different GP if yours is unwilling to do anything about the situation though as it is not fair to let you suffer like that!!
Big hug to you *()
-
Hello and welcome +-_. I was also on Citalopram for several years and it stopped working for me too. I had my meds changed and am now so much better, I did have counselling also, and with the new meds and the counseling I am now feeling much better. Maybe you should consider seeing another dr if at all possible and discuss a change of medication also consider some form of counselling as it seems you are having a rough time of it personally in your life. Medication can certainly help but very often we need help with what is the cause.
S x x x x
-
Thanks guys,
I am currently seeing a counsellor at my Dr's surgery, but I only have 3 sessions left. It is helping, but I know I need more than 6 sessions to help me deal with this. I have been on the waiting list for CBT with MIND for 2 years now, but still nothing. I called up last week to see if I was any further up the list, but they say they've already contacted me, though I've heard nothing. grr! Waiting for a phone call on tuesday from the therapy coordinator to see what's going on.
Bookletters, my dose has been put up before, but they had to lower it again as i had these similar thoughts on the higher dose that would not shift. They put me on Diazepam on top of 40mg Citalopram to help me sleep. it didn't work. When i try to come off the tablets, I just have similar effects as putting my dose up. I feel like I'm eternally stuck on this 20mg level.
They really don't feel like they're working for me now, and I'm scared I'll do something stupid to rid me of the thoughts, even though I know I don't really want to die. The hallucinations I had previously absolutely terrified me, I got sent home from work once because I believed my arm had been slashed open and blood was pouring down my arm. I couldn't understand why no one would give me first aid. I really believed it was happening.
I'm really struggling now, but don't know if this is the tablets or if I'm just going crazy :(
-
%^% you are not going crazy, you are ill, depression is an awful illness and affects us in so many ways. I strongly urge you to see a different dr, you really should not be suffering this way. My dr referred me to our local mental health team as he was concerned that meds were not working. They totally understood what I was saying when I described how I was feeling they also changed my meds. Citalopram is clearly not working for you, there are many different anti-depressants to try and we are all different so not every drug works for everyone.
S x x x x
-
The Dr said she wouldn't change my meds as I would have to be weaned off the citalopram, then gently go up on the other meds. She thinks the same thought processes will happen if they change my meds over. But i'm going back on weds, i still feel the same. What will she say then? Can they keep saying no to me? I know nothing about other drugs to try, but there has to be a better way than this.
I'm scared and i'm tired :'(
-
%^% for you. I understand you being scared. I think you just have to keep telling her how you feel.
S x x x x
-
Thank you Shaz xxx
-
Depression does make you feel scared Nay, it is total normal and doesn't mean there is something really wrong with you, it is just depression (or essentially the "calming / feel good" neurotransmitters aren't transmitting the correct info to your brain so your brain is trying to make up for this by making more of the neurotransmitter that makes you alert / agitated / scared, ready to fight or flight etc). Please don't worry, it is nothing your doctor can't help with. xx
-
That's the problem though, I don't think my Dr will help me. I'm quite shy normally and not very self confident at times, so I would feel uncomfortable asking to see another Dr. I know my depression, and this doesn't feel right anymore. But is it me or the meds? Can meds stop working all of a sudden, after working fine for 4 years? I've been through a lot worse than this before and the meds really helped me, but I just don't feel like they are helping me now.
I don't know much about meds. I was put on Citalopram after being diagnosed and I've been on them ever since.
-
Yes the meds can stop working after working fine for 4 years.
Your doc will help you, go and see him!!!
-
I have an appointment to see her on Weds after counselling. Fingers crossed!
Thanks for your help and advice guys, feel completely at a loss at the moment x
-
It is normal to feel lost, it is what the illness does, we've all been there and yup it will make you feel lost and scared, like you are in a real mess and can't see the light at the end of the tunnel etc etc
Please try to be gentle to yourself, your doc will review your prescription and you will be well before you know it!! xx
-
%^% Nay, I do hope you get on ok with your dr on Wednesday.
S x x x x
-
Thank you both. Will let you know how it goes.
Your support means a lot xxx
-
No problem, we've been through this so we know what it's like xxx
-
Well, i went to see my Dr yesterday for the second time about changing my meds. Again, she was reluctant to do so. I told her that I was feeling worse and that I needed to do something about it. She then discussed putting me onto Prozac. I've heard bad things about Prozac in the past, so I didn't really want to be prescribed that.
I mentioned the possibility of trying Venlafaxine, as my friend said it has done wonders for her, and I had read good things on this forum. Eventually, she agreed to try it, so gave me a script for 2 weeks worth. It was a battle, but I got there =+-
I'm a little worried about the dosage though. When I was taking Citalopram, I was on 20mg. The Venlafaxine I have been given is 75mg split over two tablets a day! this seems like a massive increase, after telling her that when my Citalopram had been put up to 40mg i suffered hallucinations and my suicidal thoughts were rife.
Is this too much of an increase? I forgot to take my Citalopram in the morning yesterday, so once I'd collected my new script I went straight on to that. She said I don't need to wean off the Citalopram then slowly work up on the Ven, I can just start on the Ven straight away. Am I being silly worrying about it?
This is my second day of taking them. I feel a bit spaced out, am clenching my teeth (I got this with the Citalopram, but it eventually faded and just reappears when I'm feeling under pressure), I got snappy with a colleague earlier - which is not like me at all - and I feel generally weird. No major side effects as yet, so I'm doing ok.
My mood is very low and the suicidal thoughts are still there, but I want to at least try this to see if it helps. I have an appointment to go back in two weeks to see how I'm getting on, but she said to go back earlier if I need to.
Am I right to worry about the dosage or is this normal practice?
(P.S. Thanks for all your support so far guys, it really does mean a lot x )
-
All meds have different dosages. Mine is duloxetine and I am on the normal dose of 60mg but as I say they are all so different. It may take a while to work. Again the time span varies with meds and the individual. I am so pleased that your Dr listened to you %^%. S x x x x
Sent from my BlackBerry 9300 using Tapatalk
-
Me too.
My counsellor gave me a pep talk before I went in to help me stand up for myself and get the help I wanted :D
-
Hello Nay!
You have nothing to worry about, maximum dosage for citalopram is 60mg, venlafaxine is something like 375mg!!!
It is perfectly standard for you to start at 37.5 x 2, this is what I am going to be taking from Monday onwards.
It is also fine to go from citalopram to venlafaxin as they are both part of the same family (well citalopram is SSRI, venlafaxin is SNRI as it acts on the norepinephrine neurotransmitter as well as on serotonine like SSRI)....
Clenching teeth, loss of appetite, feeling worse, feeling more anxious is all completely normal, give it a little bit of time and these will go away. It can take 6 -12 weeks before the meds have full effects although really it is likely you will start seeing improvements before that.
I hope venlafaxin helps you as much as it is helping me!!!
-
Oh, and don't hesitate to see your doc if you are having trouble sleeping. I know when I first started on venlafaxin I took a small dose of sleeping aid as I couldn't sleep very well and this made me very tearful....
-
Thank you lovely.
Sleep is a big issue at the moment. I couldn't get to bed until 5.30am Friday night / Saturday morning. I was so tired but just not tired enough to sleep. Just can't switch my brain off.
Thanks for letting me know about the dosage, not quite so nervous about taking it now :D The symptoms I've listed are pretty much what i had when I first went onto Citalopram, apart from the suicidal thoughts. I did notice that I did a lot of staring today. The floor of the bus, a particular part of the keyboard at work etc. Just seem to find a point and drift off without realising.
I have spoken to my managers today about the effects I am experiencing and may experience, just so they can look out for me. Don't want them to think I've completely lost the plot!
-
That is so good of you to tell your managers. I am not very good at doing that!!
Well some of the staring will be due to you being knackered as well you know....
However, do ask your doc for sleeping aid if needed. They aren't a good idea in the long run but can help until meds kick in....
-
I'm really crap at talking about myself normally, but I just had to make them aware in case they though it might cause any issues. If I hallucinate again or start behaving oddly, they'd want to know why. And because I'm dealing with vulnerable adults, it wouldn't be good for them to see me going a bit bonkers!
I'm going to see how I get on over the weekend, and if sleep doesn't improve, I might see my Dr again. Just don't want to take more meds than I really need to.
-
Did you hallucinate because of the AD or do you have psychotic depression or sthg?
Yes, that's fair enough, I feel like that too!
-
I had the hallucinations because my meds were increased. Never had it before then. Kinda had it when I tried to come off the Citalopram previously but no way near as severe, and not had it since.
-
ah okay, yes must be the side effects
-
Yep, which is why I was scared about thinking i was on a high dose of the new meds. Do NOT want to see the things I saw when my meds were increased last time!
-
Hi Nay.... I've just been reading through your posts. I haven't been around much lately.
I'm pleased to read the Doc eventually agreed to try you on Venlafaxine. What a cheek refusing in the first place.
Your counselor is right, you do need to stand up for yourself and push for what YOU think is right for YOU
As Book has said, the side effects are perfectly normal and I do hope you start to feel the benefits very soon. I reckon your hallucinations on high doses of Citalopram was simply because it wasn't the right drug for you. That doesn't mean the same will happen with Venlafaxine. Try not to worry too much. Bookletters is having good results from her dose....I really hope it's the same for you.
Last thing I'd say, is try regulate your sleep. You need rest especially when your in employment, which I think says a lot about you. Many people, including me, cannot cope with work. If you need to, go back to the GP and ask for a temp sleeping aid, if you continue to have insomnia.
Good luck. $%$ I'll be watching out for how you're getting on
-
Cat your posts are really good!!!
-
That's very sweet Book, thank you
-
Hey Cat
Keeping my fingers crossed that it works for me. Had a chat with a couple of colleagues that i work closely with today to give them a heads up incase I look like I've lost it! Didn't want them to worry if I did have hallucinations. Thought it might help for them to be aware of the situation (they already know things aren't great right now) and to alert me if they see me behaving oddly. If they make me aware of it, then hopefully it'll shake me out of it a bit and help me focus.
Hoping that the feeling spaced out feeling is all I'll get during the transition. Would be helpful for something nice to happen ;)
And Book is right, your posts are great $%$
-
Thanks Nay. This job you're doing sounds really great. I managed a Drug Rehab for 7 yrs in Glasgow (where I'm from) I had art and drama therapy as part of the programme. At first, the big tough burly lads (and some of the staff) thought it sounded a ridiculous idea, but often they were the ones who benefited the most.
Is it a permanent job or do I remember you mentioning someone saying you wont get through the probationary period?
How ya feeling on the Venlafaxine?
-
Yes, it seems some of the lads are more receptive in a way. I had a group of blokes folding pretty patterned paper for an origami session last week. They all pulled faces in the beginning, but by the end they loved it!
It's a temporary contract until end of March, but as it's a new post, I need to be able to show I've worked hard and achieved good results during my time there in order to get the funding to keep me on. I am on a probationary period and my manager has said on paper it looks like I won't pass. Just going to work as hard as i can.
The Ven is making me feel very spaced out. Finding it hard to focus on anything for a long time. Had the shakes a bit today and clenching my teeth. Heart rate up a bit. Lots of staring at things.
-
Venlafaxine made me feel spaced out when I first started it. Took a few weeks for things to settle. I'm now on 225mg because I'm not getting any relief. I hope it helps you x
-
Thank you Leo. Had bad case of the shakes this afternoon. Really not enjoying it. Will have been on them a week tomorrow, so got a week's worth left before I go back to the dr. My mood hasn't lifted at all, maybe I need a higher dose. Will ask when I see her.
Hope you're doing well x
-
I know exactly how you are feeling because I've been there. Just give it a little bit more time, ADs need time to build up in your system become fully effective....
Sending you and Leo a big hug, hope you feel better very soon xxxx *()
-
Thank you lovely. Virtual hugs mean a lot to me on days like this xxxx
-
I know exactly how you are feeling Nay.
Have you tried relaxation CDs before bed time? It's helped me in the past. Please remember that even though it's tough, you will be able to be happy and enjoying life soon.
We're here for you xxx
-
Thank you.
My counsellor suggested a relaxation cd today actually. Tried it before, but i'll give it another go.
-
Yeah, it is not easy when you are in that state but a relaxation CD can help. Keeping your mind occupied too. I find TV helps as it gives me something to concentrate on....
-
(((( hugs )))) for you Nay. Its awful to feel this way. I remember shaking uncontrollably. So I do feel for you. S x x x x
Sent from my BlackBerry 9300 using Tapatalk
-
The shaking freaked me out a bit actually. It drained me for the rest of the day, and still I could not sleep in the evening. Will try to find my relaxation CD.
-
Its worth trying Nay. I found mine helped. Take care. S x x x x
Sent from my BlackBerry 9300 using Tapatalk
-
Thinking of you Nay xxx
-
Nay, two things come to mind;
Are you eating and drinking enough in the day time?
Are you taking the AD in day or night? I've always used my AD last thing at night and I barely suffer noticeable side effects. Sometimes, you need to play around with them a bit and take it when best suits
-
I have one to take in the morning and one to take in the evening, both with food. My appetite isn't great at the moment, but I am making sure I try to eat 3 meals a day. I have a cup of decaf tea in the morning, and drink water for the rest of the day. I'm drinking lots of water at the mo as I have that horrid dry mouth that accompanies anti depressants!
I'm feeling a bit better today. Took some of my residents on a trip to the beach, and even though we got caught in a hailstorm, we al really enjoyed it. It helped them to get out of the hostel, and a change of scene did me the world of good. Feel like I brightened a couple of people's days today =+-
-
Fantastic, so glad to hear Nay!!!
I have had a bit of a low day but I think it's because I am stopping citalopram this week and increasing venlafaxin.
Overall, it's going okay just a bit of up and down.
-
I know that feeling. So how come you're still on the Citalopram as well as the Ven? My Dr got me to stop taking Citalopram last Weds and start taking the Ven on the Thursday. I'm not sure it should have been like that?
Hugs for you xxx
%^%
-
My doc did a cross over: cut citalopram in half and take venlafaxin 37.5 for two weeks. Now take citalopram one day out of two for a week and take 2 venlafaxin 37.5
There are many many different ways to swap meds. I personally find stopping abruptly a bit too brutal (even if some doc don't seem to see a problem with it!). I much prefer a gentle transition....
-
Wish i could've done that. Then maybe the side effects wouldn't have been as bad. Too late now :(
-
Yes, I've had some "butcher like" doctor in the past who went "ah well, stop taking this immediately, for all you are taking, it's not going to make a massive difference"... then you find yourself shaking and having massively high rates of anxiety thank you very much!!!
-
Indeed. The one thing that has amazed me is that I suffer with anxiety and with it I have had panic attacks for years, but during this recent bout of depression I haven't had a single attack. Small victories make a big difference.
How long does it take for citalopram to leave your system? Worried I may be in for possible withdrawal symptoms or stronger side effects once the citalopram has left and the ven really kicks in.
-
Erm, how much citalopram were you on?
Not long, I am tempted to say about 5 days?
-
I was on 20mg for the last two years. Two years before that i had been up to 40mg.
-
How have you been feeling today?
I don't think you are going to get more side effects, every day less anyway xx
-
I agree with Book. Citlopram should be out your system in a few days/1 week. However, when I came off 5-6yrs usage, I still occasionally took a Citalopram if I couldn't sleep (GP's recommendations). I think the way you're doing your swap over, Nay, is okay, the Venlafaxine will counteract any adverse symptoms. It's never easy changing over meds no matter how we approach it, I know only too well from experience, but things should start looking up for both of you very soon
Bookletter's, sorry to hear you're not feeling your best today, I hope that improved with your day.
-
Thanks Cat, yes today has been a better day thank you.
-
My doctor changed my meds the same way as yours Nay.
I thought I had been taking 10mg for the past year but turn out it was 20mg of Citalopram.
I weaned slowly, 3/4 a tablet, 1/2 tablet 1/4 then nothing for 3 days. The 3 days were so hard. Then I started Venlafaxine.
How are your symptoms now?
-
Yes, Leo, I had to come off 5-6yrs of Citalopram within a 3wk period before Psychiatrist would try me on something new. It was one of the worst times of my life, particularly the last week
Pleased you had a better day yesterday, Bookletters, hope today's even better!
-
Thanks Catb, another low day today hehe! Not too bad, just not as good as yesterday!
Nevermind, it will go, as ever :)
I have been able to do quite a bit today so trying not to be too harsh to myself.
-
Yesterday was an ok ish day, but I did have a short fit of the shakes again in the morning. Generally felt a bit more chipper though :D
Last night, I was so tired so thought I'd have a lie down about 6pm. Ended waking up at 8.30am this morning, and pretty much slept the whole night solidly! I got up for breakfast and sorted the cat out, then had an overwhelming sleepy sensation wash over me, so went back to bed for a bit and woke up at 1pm. Made myself get up and went into town to get my dad's birthday present, so at least I've had a few hours out of the flat. Now I'm back in bed again (mostly because it's the warmest room in the flat, and I'm freezing).
My mind feels strange at the moment though. Like there's a barrier around it keeping all thoughts in, not just the upsetting ones. Like everything is fighting to break free but it can't. Nothing can get out. Hard to explain.
-
Nay, so glad to hear you are sleeping well and able to go to town, look after the cat etc :)
Think the sensation you describe could be side effects from venlafaxin?
Hope you have a good day xx
-
Last night was the first night i have slept properly in 4 1/2 years! Hope it carries on!
I don't feel happy today, but don't feel particularly down either. Kinda numb, not really knowing what I am feeling. Had some crazy dreams last night too.
-
So pleased for you!!!
Oh yeah weird dreams are classic side effects and / or beginning of depression, I've had those too!
-
Yeah, I get really vivid dreams every night. When I'm really stressed, i tend to get strange dreams about colleagues or people I work with - usually sexual in nature. I am stressed, and very sexually frustrated at the moment, so that's probably why!
-
hahaha deffo!!!!!
-
The AD's always increase the vivid dreams. (http://www.easyfreesmileys.com/smileys/sleep-051.gif) (http://www.easyfreesmileys.com/facebook-smileys.html)
Book, it's a real bummer when we have a consistent low. I've been the same lately, but this afternoon, I tried to remind myself of all the things I have achieved today, rather than habitually beating myself up. Are you due for an increase in meds soon? I certainly relate to that flat feeling at the beginning of meds, when we're just ready for an increase. Pat yourself on the back, for managing to plough through the day, regardless.(http://www.easyfreesmileys.com/smileys/free-animal-smileys-361.gif) (http://www.easyfreesmileys.com/skype-emoticons.html)
Nay, that long sleep certainly sounds positive. My flat's always warm, I can't stand the cold, it makes the depression feel worse. I'm cutting back on the heating this year, so have put on an extra layer. My two kitty-babies are having an evening indoors. It sounds like the London blitz out there, from nearby displays. I taught them not to be afraid of fireworks when they were kittens. I think it's the flashing lights that trouble Missy-Squeak. Jack (the dog) is sound asleep at my feet; Missy is sprawled out on the desk to my right and Oscr is preening his bits to my left(http://www.easyfreesmileys.com/smileys/free-tongue-smileys-792.gif) (http://www.easyfreesmileys.com/facebook-smileys.html) MMMmmmm lovely
-
yeah, now i'm on my own i need to cut back on the bills. Me and Derek the cat will be huddled up later x
-
Catb: don't know if I am due for an increase as I just had an increase on Monday... think it's wait and see really. Doc wants to review in a month.