Hello to all

[Frannigan]

Hi there,

I have suffered with depression and intense anxiety for years now. It was only in March of this year, with the loving support of my partner, that I went to see my GP when I literally couldn't function any longer. She prescribed me Citalopram 20mg which helped initially. 2012 has not been kind to me though, and with one thing after another, I felt myself going back down again, so I have been upped to 40mg which is helping.
I have known for years that I have suffered with depression, but chose to try and hide it from people. It ruined many relationships and opportunities for me. Having a very bad relationship in the past really didn't help. When I confided in him that I thought I needed help, he would say that depression didn't exist and that I was loosing my mind. I guess I never really realised how crippling my anxiety was until I started taking the Citalopram and it began to lift.
Anyway, don't mean to ramble on, I just wanted to introduce myself a little, meet some of you guys and maybe go on to pick your brains about side effects etc in another topic.

xx

[Zaf]

Hi and welcome  *()

I think many of us could have written your post

Z xx

[Sweetpea]

Hello and welcome. All you have written is very familiar to me. S x x x.

[Catbrian]

Hi Frannigan and a big welcome to you  +_+

Many of us on this site have had good experiences on Citalopram.  I’m sure you are now on the highest dose.  In my experience, that particular anti-depressant had less and less effect on me after approx 4yrs.  Personally, I like to change them every few years.

Your anxiety sounds like it is still a problem despite the increase in meds.  And, by the way, your ex-partner’s attitude about depression stinks!

Other medications are available to specifically treat anxiety.  However, I’m unsure if they will be on offer from a GP.  Maybe it might help to ask for a referral to see a Psychiatrist.  They are invaluable in assessing our needs and, if you think it will help, they will refer you onto a therapist.

I’ve just been trying a couple of those meds, initially to treat neuropathic pain.  I’ve found they inadvertently eased my anxiety and paranoia.  These drugs have a combined use, from epileptic anti-convulsion to healing nerve pain and treating anxiety.  You can use them in addition to Citalopram. 

I’ve just finished trying Gabapentin.  It eased a lot of anxiety.  I’m now trying Pregabalin, which is a stronger version of Gabapentin.  It immediately chilled me out… almost feels odd not to be anxious about one thing or another! 

Good luck with everything.  The Forum is a great place to share and get support

Cat  *)*

[Ezel]

Welcome  +-_

Although citalopram goes up to 60mg GPs don't generally prescribe higher than 40mg, can't remember why tho'  =+-

[Buttercup]

Hi & welcome

Off the top of my head I think it's something to do with irregular heart rhythms

[sad sack]

welcome along...

 *()

[Zaf]

My GP wont prescibe more than 40mg, I think it is because of potential side effects of heart problems

[Frannigan]

Hey guys,

Thanks for welcoming me, I'm looking forward to getting to know you all

xx

[Catbrian]

That'll happen very quickly as everyone is friendly and supportive.

How you doing now Frannigan?  Are the pills helping?

[Frannigan]

I'm doing ok, thanks for asking :) . Things have been really tough this year. My Mum was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive kind of cancer and my partner's mother has also been very unwell and in ICU for months unexpectedly. All this and trying to run my own business in this economic climate, it's been a complete nightmare. The Citalopram has definitely helped and if I didn't have the odd bad day now and again, I would be surprised with everything that's going on.
It's the occasional day of intense tiredness that washes over me. I can wake up after 8 hours sleep and feel like I could sleep 8 more. When I get up I feel shakey and find it really hard to get anything done, even getting in the shower seems a mammoth task. I don't know if anyone else has felt this with Citalopram, but especially on my 'bad days' I feel like I get these little shocks. It's almost like little bursts of adrenaline that shock me and snap me into the moment. Does that make sense to anyone?

hugs x

[Catbrian]

Hi Frannigan…  +-_  Good to hear how you’re getting on.  Sounds like you’ve been going through a lot this year.  I know how difficult the current economic climate is on businesses.  It wouldn’t be so bad if the Government were to relent a bit on all the taxes and rates you have to pay.  It must be a worry.

Very often exhaustion comes hand in hand with depression.  If you’re running your own business, it wont be easy to take that extra time for yourself.  Relaxing and sleeping is very often the best thing you could do for the blues.  The Anti-depressants offer us a crutch but never a cure.  That needs to come from within.

The little shocks you mention…  I too suffer from something similar and I believe it’s common when reducing or discontinuing certain anti-depressant.  My little shocks travel from my head to my toes and fingertips with momentary dizziness.  The intensity happens very quickly but continually occurs until I take a dose of whatever I’m withdrawing from.  When do you take your med?  Have you recently come off another med?

Hope you’re finding the site helpful.  Here’s to more good days, eh?