I started my treatment for GCA Nov. 2014. I am now down to 1mgm and have not had any further headaches.
Just after Christmas and after three lots of antibiotics for uti's,
I started becoming depressed and it has not let up. My GP gave me antidepressants (citalopram) and sleeping tabs. I didn't need the sleeping tabs. I was very reluctant to take the antidepressant's and only took 6, which I know is no use. I know both steroids and GCA have side effects of depression. Has anyone any suggestions - should I grit my teeth and take the anti depressant's regardless?
I would try them - you are on a very low dose of pred so that is far less likely to be the cause. If you have got to such a low dose without a return of symptoms then it is most likely the autoimmune cause - and also the probable cause of the depressive mood in GCA and PMR - has burned out.
Depression is depression and needs taking seriously whatever the underlying cause, even when it is "merely" advancing age. In the absence of the option for "talking therapies" the pills are a good start. Once you start to feel better it is a spiral - upwards not downwards. The downwards spiral of depression is horrible and difficult when you get too far.
The prescription says one to be taken once daily, double after two weeks. Do you think I could just keep on one daily?
Maybe - but you need to start with the one daily! See how you go, then talk to your doctor about it. You don't say what dose it is - and that makes a difference too. It is normal to start with a low dose and increase as you get used to it and different people react differently. I assume you are starting on 10mg/day?
If you feel worse go straight back to the GP - not that I think you will, but don't ignore any feelings you may have.