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Change of ADs - not feeling so great

Last post 12/02/12 at 11:51 by poemeelectronique, 18 replies
Post started by poemeelectronique on 08/02/12 at 16:18

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  • poemeelectronique avatar
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    Posted by: poemeelectronique 08/02/2012 at 16:18
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     Hello,

    My GP recently changed me from Citalopram to Sertraline because she thinks it deals with anxiety better than the original ones.  I've been on them a week but not feeling so great now.  I actually feel much more anxious, really tired and a bit bleugh (iykwim).  I asked the GP and pharmacist if I'd get any problems and they said that they were, basically, made of the same things just in a different way.  Has anyone else experienced this?  

    If I don't start picking up in a day or two I'm going back to the doc because I feel like I've regressed a month in terms of where I was in my recovery.

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    Posted by: lilachardy 08/02/2012 at 17:08
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    Side effects are often the same as what's being treated...  and remember that they can take up to 6 weeks to kick in!
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    Posted by: poemeelectronique 08/02/2012 at 17:36
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     Yes, that's what I experienced when I started the Citalopram a couple of months ago.  I didn't realise I'd have to go through the whole ordeal again with this change.  I feel as though I'm NEVER going to get better at this rate Sad.  Thanks.

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    Posted by: geminiteach 08/02/2012 at 18:33
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    Hi, I have been on exactly the same meds. I found that the effect of the citalopram seemed to wear off and have been taking the sertraline for 4 weeks. I had headaches and anxiety first few days but it seems to have evened out my moods now. I wouldn't say I am 'over the moon' but I have improved my scores on the depression questionnaire by a few points and I'm crying less :) Hope you start to feel better soon x
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    Posted by: poemeelectronique 08/02/2012 at 18:50
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     That's good to know geminiteach, thank you.  Thing is that I was actually feeling alright on the Citalopram, much less depressed, but the anxiety when I think about "The Issue" (that caused all of this) wasn't any better.  I think I'd feel better about this change if I'd been warned - I thought I was losing the plot or something!

    Hope you continue to improve and feel better soon too x

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    Posted by: geminiteach 08/02/2012 at 18:59
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    Think the anxiety caused by 'the issue' is completely normal really, I still feel very anxious and tearful thinking about my issue at work. I have found relaxation tracks helpful, especially to get to sleep. I have also cut right down on caffeine and my GP has given me some sedatives if I really can't sleep.

    I have been off since end of November and would definitiely say give it time. At first I thought I would only be off a week....... I am hoping that my anxiety will be sorted by changes work should make after OH report.

    Take care x
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    Posted by: JennyMus 08/02/2012 at 21:49
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    Nothing to say on the advice front but just wanted to wish you well Poeme, sorry to hear you're having a setback on the road to recovery, take care xx
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    Posted by: MrsArmitage 08/02/2012 at 22:28
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    Did you switch straight from one to t'other? Or did you sort of phase one in and one out? I'm not actually sure why I asked now! I feel a bit daft....

     If you remember how long it took to feel 'ok' with the Citalopram, I imagine it will take a similar amount of time to adjust to the new meds. As everyone else has said, give it time to settle in. 

     PS did you have really WEIRD dreams on Citalopram?

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    Posted by: emmadrg 08/02/2012 at 22:39
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    I'm looking to change from venlafaxine to citalopram, just because I think it would be better for me if I was to fall pregnant.  Obviously no AD during pregnancy would be best, but there are more risks associated with venlafaxine during pregnancy.

    Did citalopram help those that have changed onto it from another AD?  Just curious really.

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    Posted by: Torey 08/02/2012 at 22:53
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    Did you ever get referred for a talking therapy? I'd guess that the only medications that make a difference will be the ones that are highly addictive. It is normal to have anxiety that is related to an ongoing stressful situation and your GP should be looking at ways other than just medication.
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