Depression

[Gfl70]

Hi just joined bin diagnosed with depression and anxiety plus have sleep apnea am on citalopram and queitapine think that's how it's spelt .but lately things are getting much worse bin on meds 5 months is there different meds I can ask doctor for am back on 15,th august thanks

[MAS_Nurse]

Hello Gfl70, Welcome to this community and I hope you will find it a safe and supportive environment to discuss any issues you have. It seems you have been having a rough time but I'm sure some of the community members will have useful tips and information to share. Keep in touch and take care.

[addham]

Sertaline

[retrorichmond]

Hi there, I have joined up today but have been suffering with the same as you. I was on citalopram 40mg and 50mg of quitepine for about 6 months. The citalopram just didn't help me and I progressively got worse and ended up in the hospital. Anyway I swapped to 90mg of duloxetine and this has helped alot more. Citalopram is a very popular ssri but not very effective for major depression. I would try and ask your doc for a more effective antidepressant. I hope this helps. Everyone is different but some people do better on snri,s.

[blackcat64013]

Hi and welcome,

There are about 20 different drugs available for depression so there is sure to be one for you. The thing is each body processes medication differently and there is no single answer.

You have been relative patient putting up with unpleasant side effects for 5 months.

Most drugs start to do their work 4-8 weeks after starting them so you will have to taper off the current medications. Going cold turkey has unpleasant side effects.

I would suggest you swap Quetiapine for Mirtazapine (Avanza), taken at night for it's sedating effects. Duloxetine (Cymbalta) or Venlafaxine (Effexor-XR) are alternatives I found worked for me.

As you change over, it's worth booking an appointment with your doctor just for a meds check, every 3-4 weeks or so until you feel confident your are doing well.

If you have a sleep apnea this should be investigated. A lack of quality sleep is a killer in depression/anxiety.

Go well