Citalapram

[Barbteeth]

Hi ladies

Well I gave in and asked my oncologist on Wednesday for some happy pills...I’ve tried therapy for a month but tbh it’s not for me

Anyway she’s prescribed me citalapram 10 mg which is the lowest dose..I’ve only taken 2 doses..today and yesterday

However I felt queasy and a bit weak today..I understand that it takes a while until one gets used to them but I felt awful

Have any of you girls tried this medication for depression and did it eventually help?

Barb xx

[Barbteeth]

Thanks Sandra

I’ve obviously read the leaflet but the list of side effects as with any drug is enough to put you off taking it but I do need a mood lifting med so I’ll be patient and let it do it’s magic

Barb xx

[LIMEHOUSE3]

Hi barb, I have been on 20grms of catilapram for about five years, as originally I was looking after my husband with liver cancer. I find they really work, because I am much more later back and seem to be able to cope with little emergencies without getting stressed. Asked my doctor should I come off them after my husband died and she said best to keep taking them as my system was now used to them. I get no side effects. Take mine just before I go to bed. Really hope yours helps.

Jenny xx

[Barbteeth in reply to LIMEHOUSE3]

Oh thanks Jenny

It does say in the leaflet that you may feel worse and get side effects but these should diminish after a few weeks..did you struggle at first?

Barb xx

[LIMEHOUSE3 in reply to Barbteeth]

Hi barb, I remember feeling sort of off colour and a bit lathargic, but it didn't last long and you really will feel the benefits. It will take a few weeks, remember you are on the lowest does. I have stomach and bone mets, so I have to watch what tablets I take, but these seem fine. I think we both live in England so it is not a problem if you did these to be increased to 20meg. Take care

Jenny xx

[Barbteeth in reply to LIMEHOUSE3]

Oh thank you..I’ll persevere with them

Yes I live in Nottingham

Barb xx

[mariootsi]

Barb, antidepressants take awile to work. I wish you success with your new med. So many to choose from if it doesn't work! Hang in there!

[Kathyquilts]

I’m on Cymbalta. It takes time to adjust. I had some queasiness, and some balance issues for a few days. Now I feel so much better.

[Barbteeth in reply to Kathyquilts]

Hi Kathy

That’s made me feel a bit more positive..I was seriously thinking of quitting which is silly but I feel weird but will persevere..it’ll be worth it if I feel better eventually

Barb xx

[Aimee95 in reply to Barbteeth]

Barbteeth

I just started happy pills too and it's supposed to help with hot flashes. My Dr prescribed me Cymbalta and started a week ago. So far few side effects and it is already helping the hot flashes.....takes the edge off them, not as frequent and not as sweaty. I wish you well on you 😁pills and keep us posted. Hugs to you. Aimee

[Barbteeth in reply to Aimee95]

Hi there

They’re a different type to mine but as long as we feel better that’s the main thing

Wonderful if they reduce my sweaty nights..I don’t have a problem during the day just wake up saturated some nights..vile!!

Barb xx

[Lisa11171]

I wouldn’t call antidepressants happy pills. As someone who has suffered depression my whole life, and been on several antidepressants, I can assure you none of them made me “happy”. They have helped lessen the depression for periods of time, but as I stated, they did not make me happy. Maybe I stopped being suicidal for a while, and maybe I was able to get out of bed without crying. But if you’re looking to be happy, there is no magic pill. I’ve had to put a lot more into my depression on top of taking an antidepressant. Sorry, you just really hit a nerve with that comment.

[Barbteeth in reply to Lisa11171]

Hi Lisa

It’s a slang term we use round where I live for antidepressants

No offence intended..I just want to feel a bit better than I am now..not crying all the time

I have had experience with severe depression with my mum..she was addicted to Valium for about 40 years and definitely not happy..it was after my sister was killed in a road accident

Barb xx

[laurac1014 in reply to Barbteeth]

sorry to hear Barb,

good luck with the meds. My mom has been on from time to time and she calls them her happy pills.

[Gwennie123]

I use an anti depressant called Pristique. Started 3 years before mbc.

Don’t know what life would be like without it. It seems to be working.

[Barbteeth in reply to Gwennie123]

Thanks Gwennie

I’m just waiting for it to start working..I want to emerge from the black hole..never experienced anything like it until now....horrible

Barb xx

[Marlom]

I used citalopram in the past for several years and I think it helped me a great deal. However it gave me dry mouth that I very much hated. I just stopped after a while because it can be hard to come off of. All this was pre cancer. Give it a month and see how you feel. Good luck.

[Barbteeth in reply to Marlom]

Thanks I’ll give it a chance

Early days with it

Barb xx

[SeattleMom]

Hi, Barb,

I've been taking a 40mg dose of citalopram since I was diagnosed with primary BC almost 20 years ago. After treatment (surgery only), I remained on the prescription because I found that it had significantly reduced overall anxieties in my life. Hope you find one that works for you. These meds can significantly improve your emotional health! XXOO Linda

[Barbteeth in reply to SeattleMom]

Ooh I do hope they work

Glad they did for you..I think I feel slightly better today than yesterday nausea gone...so a step in the right direction

Barb xx

[Lisa11171]

Sorry, I’m feeling so awful I’m taking it out on others.

[Barbteeth in reply to Lisa11171]

Lisa I understand ...we are all walking a tightrope to some extent..some more than others

Look after yourself

Barb xx

[Lisa11171]

I really am sorry. My depression is through the roof right now, but it’s a different than usual depression so I am blaming the cancer and the Lynparza that I take for it, but my oncologist refuses to believe that my tiredness, lack of appetite, and constant crying may have something to do with it also. My poor psychiatrist and I have spent more time trying to figure out what to do because to the oncologist, this is hers to fix. I’m so miserable and haven’t been able to get up lately. But I have scans this week so hopefully I can clear up some info. Again, I’m so sorry!!!

[Barbteeth in reply to Lisa11171]

Lisa there’s absolutely no need to apologise..I understand..well I actually don’t as I’ve only suffered depression since my mbc diagnosis..so to feel like this all the time must be horrendous

I wish you well with your next scans

Will think of you

Take care sweetie

Barb xx

[Lisa11171]

Thank you!!! I wish you well. ❤️❤️❤️

[Lisa11171]

Than you Sandra. Poor Barb, I didn’t mean to fly off the handle. I have a PT Scan this morning and I’m just getting ready to leave to have that done. I’ll definitely let you all know my results when I get them.

[Hidden]

I have been taking it for years. Give it 2 weeks for the side effects to level out. Once it level puts it will hopefully work well for you. I take 20mg a day. I also take it on the morning with food.