Citilapram

[fruitsalad]

I am due to visit the GP for a review regarding my repeat prescription for citilapram which I have been taking for about 9 months now, if the doctor stops prescribing them to me because I am feeling better than I did 9 months ago (so there is a chance he will) what concerns me though is once I stop taking them, will I go back to feeling how I did before I started taking them.

[Barmaid]

You are probably feeling better because they are working. I am fairly certain he wont just stop prescribing them, I think with these they normally reduce slowly.

Tell him your concerns! He may take the view you are not ready to come off them just yet.

[BlackadderV]

I was prescribed them a year ago. After a fortnight I felt so depressed that I stopped taking them of my own accord and immediately felt much more cheerful. My GP was not impressed but I am much happier.

[andy-hughes]

Your doctor is unlikely to simply stop your prescription.

More likely, he will discuss a 'wind down' process whereby you gradually reduce your dosage, dependent on feeling OK as you do so.

It is a perfectly standard fear after a course of anti-depressants to worry that the symptoms of Depression will return without the medication.

It may be that your Depression was, and is temporary, and you will not need further medication - but you won't know that until you reduce.

If it is that your symptoms return, then you have the option to request an icrease to your former dose.

I have never regarded my medication as something to lose, as though it is a medical equivalent of a tumour, and must be exorcised as soon as possible.

To me, anti-depressant medication is mental insulin - if you need it to stay balanced, then you need it, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Anti-depressant medication is vastly more sophisticated than the 'liquid cosh' approach of years ago, so there is no lasting harm in staying on them long term if your circumstances require it.

So go in with an open mind, and be willing to try a reeduction, but remember the safety net is there if you need it, and that thought may well prevent a residual anxiety that can re-trigger some or all of your initial symptoms.

Good luck - come back if you need more support, there are plenty on here who have experiences to share.

[andy-hughes]

I have cross-posted with the previous two answers.

I would absoutely not reccomend Blackadder's actions!

It may be that in Blackadder's case, this was not the correct drug for him - not all medication suits all individuals - circumstances and physiology has an effect on the effacacy of any medication - so please have a talk with your GP, and I am sure he / she will be able to give you proper medical advice tailored to your individual case.

[fruitsalad]

Thank you...yes I think I'm getting in a state worrying that I may go back to feeling how I did, but yes I will tell the doctor my concerns, I even manage to laugh now and again since being on this medication something I couldn't do 9 months ago, so I know how much its helping me.

[in a mo]

Your doctor can only go by what information you give to him/her If you are feeling better than you did it seems to me that this type of medication is something that one needs to stay on long term depending on illness Please do not mistaken "Feeling Better than you did" for being cured of your problem I know I stopped my medication which helped me with one problem but in turn gave be a much bigger problem to deal with .
I trust all turns out well
In A Mo

[chrissa1]

I agree wholeheartedly with andy-hughes. I think your doctor is quite rightly reviewing your prescription.

[fruitsalad]

Just a quick update the doctor decided to keep me on them, at least until next spring/summer when she said they will review again, which is a relief to me.

[andy-hughes]

fruitsalad - obviously your GP has assessed (correctly from the information you have given us) that you are not yet ready to consider reducing your dosage - and that is backed up by the obvious relief you feel.

Good luck with your recovery.

[fruitsalad]

Thank you