I have been on citalopram for arounf 4/5 months (im not too sure). The medication has most certainly helped with my anxiety and panic attacks, i mean sure now and then i feel a bit panicky or feel a bit of anxiety but thats normal and it doesnt bother me too much but it hasnt touvhed the depression? my mood swings are awful, i can be in a great mood for about 5/10 minutes of the day and then ill be in a foul mood not want to talk to anyone and will just want to sleep all the time?
It took me about 6 months to recover and from then on I noticed I recovered even more over the next 6 months. It could be that though you feel quite well, you still have a lot of recovery still to come maybe? My son had a breakdown 2 years ago and it was 9 months before he was completely well, and was still having depression at 4/5 months though the anxiety was so much better.
Also, my first medication was a different SSRI called Seroxat, and after about 2 years I noticed that though I was really well I'd often get really angry, moody and didn't want to talk to people either. I was changed to a different medication and this angry side of me stopped. That medication was eventually withdrawn from sale and I was put onto Citalopram with equally good results too.
It could be that a different type of SSRI would work better for you? All SSRI's work on different neurotransmitters, and all of us are more suitable to different ones - depends on your individual body.
So it might either be that you still have lots of room for imrovement, or a different type of meds would suit better.
If it were me I'd wait some more time, and if after 10 months I'd consider a change of meds or at least a chat with the doctor.
hmm there are many other drugs that can help you with your anxiety and panic...and although Citalopram is one of those drugs....I found it after 8 years of use...to be causing me anxiety.
Well said Kate I agree they take different amount of time to make people feel better, I stopped my meds about 2 months ago after weaning long term and I've had one bad day since and the signs are there so I just learn to manage the depression/anxiety which also takes time to find confidence hang in there have faith listen to poeple like Kate who have been there