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[AbbieC73]

Hi,

Hello to everyone. I've only recently joined and have been just watching and reading posts for a while but i joined so i can try not to feel so alone and to maybe have some sort of outlet for my feelings, so have pulled on my brave pants to write a first post.

I have Depression and Anxiety, i take Citalopram, which has helped up until the last few months. Nowadays i just feel overwhelmed, low, anxious nearly all the time. Has anyone experienced their previously helpful medication having less effect? I trying to build up the courage to go back to my GP to ask for an increased dose.

Thank you for reading

[bigup]

Hi Abbie

I have recently stopped the Citalopram. I believe in the end it was a placebo and the side-effects were not great.

I've found that only counselling has helped with my anxiety and depression. It's been years, but it's finally beginning to work.

I would go back to your GP soonest. I felt bad having to back there all the time, felt like a 'frequent flier', like a time waster.

But the reality is this is how we take back control of our condition.

Get all the help you need (deserve.)

Try an increased dose, but consider the counselling. (Which again is so scary - but is actually taking control.)

Best

[AbbieC73 in reply to bigup]

Thank you Bigup, I have thought about counselling on & off for years but I've always felt really daunted by opening that can of worms. I know I need to go back to the Gp but it makes me feel so inadequate, I never seem to be able to articulate properly to them about how it's affecting me & tbh they never seem interested.

It's interested what you say about Citalopram. I've had some side effects but overall they seemed to drag me up from feeling suicidal. Are you completely drug free now? I'm really glad you finally feel you're getting somewhere with your treatment.

Thanks for your kind words ☺️

[bigup in reply to AbbieC73]

Starting counselling was the purest form of terror. Now though, it improves the quality of life. I'm fortunate that I can afford it.

Don't be afraid to change your GP. Like medication, you might need to try a few to get one that works. I refused one guy because he wasn't on my wavelength.

If Citalopram works then good. I'm male so the side-effects are likely to be different. It did help give me 'space' though when doing the counselling. The best meds for me by far is propranolol (for anxiety, which I take whenever I want and I'd be lost without)

So not drug free, but the beta blocker is a life saver, and I just carry it with me.

I totally get the sense of inadequacy. It's a case grit the teeth do it. But you will feel stronger for having taken control. All GPs are happier that you went to see them than suffered in silence.

[Hidden]

Hello Abbie,

A relative with anxiety/depression, who we are supporting, was first prescribed mirtazapine, then citalopram, then mirtazapine again, by different GPs. The local NHS psychiatrist has now prescribed Prozac (Fluoxetine), which seems (so far) to be the better option, so I believe that it is a case of whatever works for you.

The same applies to counselling for mild/moderate anxiety/depression. Some counsellors are experts in particular areas and, as with any profession, including GPs, some are better than others.

Best wishes,