Hi I was wondering if anyone could help so I started citalopram at the beginning of September I was on for 25 days before my anxiety and depression went and got worser and more intense than it was before I started ,so much so I stopped them, it's been a couple of weeks off now and the initial anxiety calmed down to how it was before still bad but not like it felt that day but now I'm experiencing depression that is worse than I've ever had it .I can't seem to get happy or enjoy anything anymore which is a scary feeling I still have my senses about me like get up do the house work ect but I can't shake it . What I'm askin is, is this because I stopped the medication? Was it the medication that caused me to feel like this after stopping ? Or is it just me and mabe have to either try citlapram again or another kind . I don't do well with th side affects at all and the way it felt the last day I took it was horrendous woke up at 4am in state of anxiety that lasted for 2 days then my mood plummeted and hasn't raely risen since .I've made an appointment with my doc but it's so hard to get one here so not till the 26th of October. I don't want to go on the meds as I get bad side affects but I think it needs to be an option I'm just scared the same thing will happen again . And I can't put in to words how horrible it felt .now depression is really bad . Any input or positive feedback is welcome or if u have any idea if it was the meds that has now caused my depression. Thanks so much
Citlapram made depression worse?
Question posted by Kcook31 on 18 Oct 2022
Last updated on 18 October 2022
Answers
Hi, Kcook!
It's true that antidepressants can cause increased anxiety and depression but these side effects generally resolve within a couple of weeks. It also only stays in your system for about 10 days. You were on the medication long enough that these could be symptoms of withdrawal especially if you stopped it abruptly.
It sounds like you need help now... you might want to try your doctor again and let them know that you're really struggling and need to know whether or not to restart the citalopram.
But don't give up on citalopram or another antidepressant if your doctor feels you need to switch medications. Just because you have a problem with one doesn't mean it'll happen with another. There was a good reason you went to your doctor in the first place so it would be good to follow up on that.
Personally, I also had severe clinical depression and anxiety to the point of being almost non-functional until I started an antidepressant. It totally changed my life and I've been on them for years. I can't imagine not taking them.
Best regards and I hope you can start feeling good quickly.
PS, I agree with kerry that therapy is important. It'll help you recognize the stressors that are causing the anxiety and depression. It'll help you learn ways of better coping with your emotions.
Thanks for your reply . I originally started them for my anxiety not so much for depression as such yes the anxiety gave me low moods ect but not to bad that I couldn't deal . But now it's turned the opposite way I still have anxiety but my moods are very low . Instead of the other way about . That's why I asked if the meds can cause this if a person's brain wasn't used to it ect . I have a consultation with my doc on the 26th to have a chat about it ect . Obviously if I can self help without meds it would be great but I'm also open-minded to meds also I just seem to take every side affects known :( thats why im more hesitant this time around
I am not sure at this point that antidepressants etc really do much good. I am s trauma survivor. Bacterial meningitis of my brain. I have had and am still getting therapy. I do take sertraline 100 mg daily. I have taken your medication in the past. What helps me is trying to stay away from negativity processing my emotions CBT DBT. Also addressing a problem as soon as it arises or preventing one altogether. I did try a prozac withdrawal. Unsuccessful. I felt sluggish. The new research indicates that antidepressants are not helpful.
Thanks for your reply , so what your saying is that there are ways to get better without the medication? Because before the meds I was bad with anxiety which obviously got my mood down .but since starting them and then stopping them from side affects my depression has gotten worse than it ever was before . I'm not sure if it was the meds thats actually caused my depression to get worse . I'm not taking anything currently as I hate the side affects and if there was a way to get better without them then that would be brilliant!
Yes there are ways to get better besides medication. Especially with behavioral health issues. It takes work planning. You may need another antidepressant. Talk with your physician
Related topics
depression, anxiety, citalopram
Further information
- Citalopram uses and safety info
- Citalopram prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Citalopram (detailed)
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