Citalopram 20mg for stress?

Question

I have been ill for a few months and my doctor thinks it is stress due to work. He has told me to stay off work for a bit and also prescribed me citalopram 20mg. I am worried about these tablets as they seem to be for depression and so far I have taken one and it has left me feeling terrible. I'm not going to take anymore of these until I have spoke to my doctor again.

Any advice?

Any other recommendations to help with stress, i.e. herbal remedies, etc?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

I am not a doctor, but my British Medical Association New Guide to Medicines and Drugs has the following information..(excerpts) about Citalopram.
"It is used for depressive illness and panic attacks. Citalopram gradually improves the patient's mood, increases physical activity, and restores interest in everyday pursuits."
"Common adverse effects such as nausea, indigestion, and diarrhoea usually diminish with reduction in dosage. If convulsions or rash occur, consult your doctor immediately."
You are on the 20mg dose. For panic attacks, the book says starting dose 10mg, Usual range 20 - 30 mg.
"Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor. Stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms."
My own (amateur) comments are on the lines of always check with your G.P. as soon as possible. Sometimes things take a while to work. The book says "Some benefits may appear within 7days, but the benefits may not be felt for 2 - 4 weeks."
Obviously if you have an allergic reaction like a rash, then it can be dangerous to continue a drug, but sometimes temporary side effects are worth putting up wit in telong run.
It's worth remembering, too that not all "natural" things are good for you. Deadly nightshade, foxglove, etc need rather careful handling. Also, ifyou go on the internet, any ".com" address is commercial, and trying to sell you something, so treat them accordingly and do a bitof checking before taking miracle cures.
I wish you all the best with this difficult situation.

Answer 2

I doubt that one little pill will make you feel terrible.

Why is it that punters know better than doctors?

Is it a death wish?

Answer 3

Citalopram are designed to relax you. Take them at night about 1-2 hours before bed and they will help you sleep. I take 40mg and for the first few weeks felt drowsy. But they are designed to relax you. Persist with them, because they will help you sleep, and relax, which will set you up for a more positive day. Kalms are a herbal drug from Boots, which relax and de-stress you.

Answer 4

hi there, i have been prescribed citalopram 20mg after a quite traumatic family crisis, this was 5 months ago. i was not depressed but was struggling to focus and be motivated in both my job and with my family, lethargy and hopelessness did seem to take the upper hand, but after taking citalopram 20mg i very very gradually have noticed i am almost back to as near my oldself as i will go. So in my experience i am glad i trusted my GP and gave them a try. I am stopping taking the citalopram over the next 4 weeks. Good Luck !

Answer 5

Here we go. Don't be one of those people who ask a professional for help and then dis them for doing it. Look up the term and see what it is used for. If your doctor believed you need it, you need it. Also talk to the pharmacist, you should have rec'd a pamphlet with the meds with the side effects. I am not telling you you aren't having side effects-all drugs have side effects, that's why the long disclaimer on the package. I took prozac had headaches for a month (small ones) but I was so desperate to stop being anxious all the time. I told my dr. and I switched to another anti-anxiety drug. Unfortunately, I had cancer and menopause (a side effect of the treatment) and afterward, even tho I kept the stiff upper lip for everyone, I was diagnosed depressed, then bipolar depressed, in other words if I'm not on the meds I run around doing things and talking alot-it's not bipolar 2 which is very serious without meds. So, I am on klonopin for anxiety, Wellbutrin for depression and lithium for mood swings. It isn't a negative thing to get help, it is very brave.

Source(s):

Licensed psychiatric social worker

Answer 6

Citalopram 20mg is an antidepresant belonging to class of drugs called SSRI (selective serotonine reuptake inhibitos), that balances the chemical level in brain that are responsible for mood.

Your doctor is the most trustable person for your treatment than anyone else. For sure he has carfully studied your individual condition and then prescribed this drug. So dont go in for amature openion as this would shake your belief in your recovery. I assure you only your doctor can help you best. Never put ears to general openion as they would only confuse you.

About your terrible feeling of taking medicine i would say that every new drug/medicine you start initially shows some things like that with varying severity individual to individual. I assure you that even if therapy causes some insatisfactory feelings initially, they will go off in 4, 5 days. And then you will feel better.

At last I will strongly suggest you that you must trust your doctor and rest asure only he can help you. Never consider any other openion

Answer 7

Nothing will come of taking just one. Citalopram is for depression with anxiety so you need to talk to your Dr and discuss if this is right for you.

Answer 8

my gp told me it takes at least a fortnight before i would feel any benefits from same med. persist with them cos man they work.