Citalopram

[Baby_Sham]

I'm not happy today. I phoned my GP surgery this morning to get a repeat of the medication I've been on for a while (diazepam) and was told I'd "need to make an appointment as there was a note on the screen to say I wasn't allowed to make a request over the phone".
So, I managed to get an appointment and have just been. My doctor wasn't there so I had to see someone else who's prescribed me something completely different - 20mg Citalopram??? I asked why I couldn't have my usual medication and he said "it's not something they like to prescribe long term".

I'm in a right state now. Just the thought of having to go without it is sending me into a massive state of anxiety. In twelve years of suffering with anxiety and OCD this is the only thing that's helped, so I don't understand why they would think it a good idea to take me off it?

Can I appeal against this decision?

Also, does anyone have any experience of this drug? I need to know if there's any side effects, or anything 'bad' before I start taking it (and no I cannot read the leaflet).

Thanks.

[cupotee]

I have no experience of Cilitopram but know exactly how your feeling now having suffered Panic & Anxiety all my life.

I don't know if you can appeal either but maybe make another appointment to speak to your own GP.

Worth a try.

[Mamyalynne]

I am a little concerned the doctor has told you to stop taking the Diazepam suddenly, a gradual weaning off is the preferred route.

[Baby_Sham]

I'd literally just started to feel a bit better about things this past few weeks, with a combination of CBT and medication, and now I feel like it's going to go to pot.
I asked someone to have a look on Google for me, regarding these new drugs, and they've said they "don't sound very good". Whilst I don't really want to hear about nasty side effects, I don't want to take something which is going to make me feel even worse. I have enough 'dark thoughts' as it is, without taking something that's going to accelerate that! :-(

[Baby_Sham]

mamya, well that's exactly what I said. When I've taken them in the past, my GP has just lowered the dose until it's been so low I've not felt any side effects from stopping them. I've now got to completely switch to something else, just like that, and I don't feel 'ok' about it at all. In fact, I don't feel ok about even taking something new.

[chelle7272]

It's a seratonin based antidepressant so less risk of dependence. I take a different brand but no adverse affects for me except initally some slight nausea.

[Baby_Sham]

I have to go now, but I'll be back later if there's any further responses. I need to go and try to calm down a bit.

[237SJ]

It`s an SSRI drug (same type as Prozac). People can be on Prozac long term so I presume Citalopram is OK long term as well.

[cupid04]

I was explained to about some of the ill effects of being a long time on
diazepam. On my repeat prescription it now says:- patient aware.
But there's one particular doctor who keeps chasing me to give them up
but I've managed to avoid her.

[cupotee]

If you scroll down below this thread there is a lot of questions and answers in Cilitopram.

[pixie373]

Many people are on citalopram (i know several personally). It isa very good long-term treatment for depression and anxiety. My sister swears by it. It is unusual to give diazepam long-term. It is more common to take as and when needed.
In my opinion, the doctor has made exactly the right decision. I'm not sure whether you can also take diazepam in a crisis, as well as citalopram. Might be worth checking. In two weeks you'll be feeling much better about it.

[Baby_Sham]

Just a quick note, thanks for the further responses, it's much appreciated.
I've got my prescription now, but put them to one side and have yet to take one.
I'm feeling much more calm now, than what I was when I posted this question, so will leave it for now and try not to dwell too much on it.

[divegirl]

Do you have any of the Diazepam left? Is there anyway for you to half the dose yourself for the next few days and start on the Citalopram?

Whilst I agree this doctor should not have changed you over just like that I have taken Citalopram in the past and found it really did help with my anxiety. Please try not to get yourself too upset by it all, I'm sure you'll be just fine and we're all here if you need us.

Lisa x

[Baby_Sham]

Thanks, that was a really nice message/thing to write :) I have a few diazepams left, and have now taken one. I feel a lot less 'het up' and a lot calmer.
I am also going to make an appointment with my own GP in the morning and see if he will prescribe me with a lower dose, before I start on the new ones.

My original message is a bit frantic, but I was in a bit of a state when I wrote it. I'm a drama queen like that... :)

[pixie373]

I'm not convinced you want to reduce your diazepam, especially while you're anxious. The citalopram will take a while to kick in anyway, so i would suggest finding out how much diazepam you can take on top of the citalopram and start that asap.

[Baby_Sham]

That's probably a better idea. My fear is that I'll be 'without' and will then start feeling anxious again. I was just so disappointed this morning, as I'd only just started to feel a bit more 'normal' again, and now he wants to change it - and I don't understand why.
I'm seeing my own doctor tomorrow, so hoping he'll be a bit more understanding/helpful. That's a good idea though.

[pixie373]

I really think you'll be better off on citalopram, to be honest. Just work out with the doctor how to manage the 2/3week changeover. I think you'll be glad you changed. Good luck.

[Baby_Sham]

I just like the feeling I get with diazepam, it's almost instant relief... although that may be more of a "in my own head" kind of thing, if that makes sense.
Thank you for your advice though. It's appreciated :)

[wolf63]

My GP refuses to give anyone Diazepam due to its long term addiction type problems. I trust him so accept that his judgement is much better than mine.

I was on Citalopram for a couple of years and had no problems with it - thee are many similar anti-depressants (SSRIs) and they have a good reputation.

Once you start taking them you **may** feel a little bit worse (edgy and weepy) to start with but it will settle down and after a couple of weeks you will begin to feel more settled and calmer.

[friedgreentomato]

Do you think you are addicted? you say you like the feeling it gives you!

Sounds like the doctor has made the right decision!