Posted by Mtom on May 20, 2018, at 10:08:44
I've read many articles that state it is common to feel worse for a while after starting AD's. However all vaguely state different amounts of time.
Some say the first week or 2, some say the first "few" weeks.
I've been on very low dose Citalopram 2 weeks, 5 mg due to past experiences with AD hypersensitivity. There is evidence I am a slow metabolizer. The plan was to titrate the dose up as I could tolerate, which I have not yet done. I'm pretty sure I'm feeling gradually worse, although I had been feeling increasingly worse for a while before starting. Depression & anxiety being most problematic.
Nothing I can find says precisely how long to wait this out.
My Doctor & I chose Citalopram for my depression and anxiety because it is widely reputed to be the "gentlest" AD for side effects. I know it is not FDA approved for anxiety, but it is reported to be widely prescribed off-label in the U.S. and Canada (where I live) for anxiety as well as depression. Citalopram is approved in many European countries for anxiety as well as depression.
I took a generic version the first 10 days then switched to the name brand Celexa 5 days ago. Could this change have made an impact? I have experienced a few bouts of a new symptom - diarrhea - only since switching to the name brand (this is listed as a "common" side effect).
If, as reputed, this is the "gentlest" AD, I don't know if I have any other options. Had poor experience with amitriptyline with an earlier depression many years ago, some years later a terrible hypresensitivity to Zoloft. Tried Naturopathic supplements for a while without success - even 5HTP induced increased anxiety. Omega 3's and Turmeric did nothing.
Tried very low dose Trazodone for sleep issues for a couple months a year ago, Doctor insisted dose much too low for side effects but I had them anyway - increased anxiety, tinnitus, gastrointestinal, dizziness, etc. Spent the last of the 2 months weaning off slowly (ending with minuscule amounts) to be safe but felt side effects for a long time after anyway.
If it is possible that I need another week or 2 on Celexa for the side effects to dissipate, I will try to wait it out. But how long?
poster:Mtom
thread:1098789
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20180331/msgs/1098789.html