From "Citalopram" To "Sertraline"

[grandpajoe]

At the beginning of December I asked about Diazepam and its side effects. I was/am taking it to alleviate the effects of post Covid Anxiety/depression I was also on Citalopram 40 mg and have been for over ten years. Doctor informs me I should be on 20. I eventually, through M I N D , got a consultation with a psychiatrist who suggested this plan.. Take Diazepam for 7 days and 3 per day if required and cut the Citalopram to 10mg . After this I switch to to "Sertraline" instead of Citalopram . That's the plan and I look forward to the change. Have asked around and have had good reports about Sertraline. Maybe after so long on Citalopram a change will do the trick. Any thoughts??

[barry1010]

I think you should take your psychiatrist's advice - he is the expert, after all.
Good luck

[jennyjoan]

Not too sure but do think Sertraline is a much stronger antidepressant than Citalopram. So it should help you.

[Sqad]

I am not a Psychiatrist but the use and effectiveness of both drugs are equal in almost all respects.

The regime that has been suggested to you appears to be getting you off antidepressants altogether.

It looks good to me and I would suggest taking the advice of your Consultant Psychiatrist.

[Ken4155]

We are all different, Joe, and our bodies react to certain medications differently. Citalopram had the reverse desired effect on me - after just a few weeks on it i was climbing walls and eating wallpaper - bad news when you're a decorator:-(.
I have been on Sertraline a number of years and have had no ill effects. I am currently attempting to wean myself off it - couple of months back i began taking one tablet every two days and have now cut that to every three days.
My reasoning is i have now retired from work and i maybe don't need to rely so heavily on medication. Of course, i may be wrong and i may have to resort to the one a day? Best of luck, Joe.

[grandpajoe]

Good answers and thank you. I had no ill effects with citalopram for 11 years but the doc insisted that the dose for an old nutter such as me had been halved to 20. I think my body (head) is due a change and am looking forwards to using Sertraline. They say it can take up to 6 weeks to get into one's system. I spoke to a 50 year old , very large ex rugby playing weight trainer last week who said Citalopram had him climbing the walls as well Ken . T'other thing as well is, that whilst the G P is a doctor he is not a psychiatrist so have high hopes for my future with Sertraline. Wish me luck please Chris

[Sqad]

Who's Chris?

[bednobs]

chris is grandpajoe perhaps?
In any case, i wish you good luck!

[grandpajoe]

"Chris" is ME grandpajoe

[Sqad]

LOL....O.K.....I get confused.