Citalopram - It makes me sick and doesn't help

[stevespoc]

Hi

Having been on citalopram for about 6 months - I can't deal with the sickness feeling ....

Can anyone recommend an alternative that relaxes and has less side effects

Thanks

Steve

[Hidden]

You need to go back to your doc and talk about it. Most GP will use two different SSRI (like citalopram) then try a drug from another class such as Mirtazipine. I was put on Venlafaxine after 2 SSRIs but I'm told now it would be 3rd line because it interacts with lots of other meds. The nausea should last no more than 4 weeks so book with GP to review new drug in 4 weeks after starting it

[stevespoc in reply to Hidden]

I have only tried this one ... so was unaware you could combine them with something else - I am seeing him on Thursday and will bring this up, and see what he says

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Often a straight switch between different drugs in the same class is fine. With SSRI drugs they tried fluoxetine and then paroxetine and both had different unacceptable side effects for me. Venlafaxine has some side effects but none that are unbearable (for now). My partner did escatelopram then fluoxetine, and his psychiatrist who looks after his ADHD suggested moclobamide, which is even older than fluoxetine and has turned out to be a magic bullet for him.

My big sis went amytriptaline, fluoxetine then venlafaxine. My brother and other sister are fine on paroxetine. Dad is on escatelopram and Mum when she needed them was good on fluoxetine.

Currently I'm taking zopiclone if I've had a bad night of poor sleep - taking it the next night, but 1/2 the lowest dose knocks me silly, so everyone is different!

[stevespoc in reply to Hidden]

Wow ... I did not know there were so many different options out there ..... I am so tense all the time .... so low and just can't get that initial push in the day to get over things.....Zopiclone - I wish I got knocked out on a small dose lol .... it takes about 15mg to work on me !

[Hidden in reply to stevespoc]

Once you've tried to split the 5mg tablet you would not want to be reactive!!!

All these drugs have slightly different effects...and it can be hard to translate effect into outcome for an individual. My partner had the extreme lastitude, so moclobamide is known to be activating. But it is from a class of drugs called MAOI, and you have to stop all other ADs for 2 weeks before you start them. Venlafaxine is known to be good at higher doses for anxiety, but is a pig of a drug to get off if it's not working for you

[stevespoc in reply to Hidden]

What do you mean .... do you mean some of them have side effects when you want to stop them or change to something else ? is this why they want to try and combine with other things

[Hidden in reply to stevespoc]

Venlafaxine made my housemate as sick as a dog when he came off it too quick. All MAOI drugs act in such a way that combining them with other ADs can make you very unwell. So each medication has to be started and stopped in specific ways.

My rule is "check with a pharmacist that your doc has got the advice right on changing drugs..."

With venlafaxine if I miss a dose by more than 6 hours I need to take a fast acting tablet to stop the nausea from missing the controlled release drug.

[Suzie40]

Did you start with a very low dose and build up gradually? Nausea after that long is very unusual. Could it be caused by something else maybe?

[stevespoc in reply to Suzie40]

Yes was on 20mg - then moved to 40mg ..... but the sickness feeling is still there - and it is not a bearable feeling either !!

[Hidden]

Hello

You need to see the GP or CPN and they will change your medication if they feel it is necessary.

With regards to what medication you are spoilt for choice. So please do not worry it will all sort out I am on a mixed script

All the best

BOB

[stevespoc in reply to Hidden]

Ah thank you ..... I am so relieved I found this site as I don't feel alone any more

[Weelamb]

Mirtazipine is good but go bk to ur doc x