Do I need any increase in my Citalopram dosage?

Mental health
1

Hi all.

I first posted in here about 3 years ago when I was first officially diagnosed with anxiety and depression. When I eventually went to the GP I was put on Citalopram and have been on it ever since.

I started like most people on 10mg, then went up to 20mg and soon after 30mg. When things seemed to be better, the GP talked me into going back down to 20mg and that's what I'm still on today.

I'm starting to wonder though if it's enough. I've had a bit of a relapse in the past 6-8 months and referred myself for counselling to see if that would help. It certainly helped a bit, and made me realise there's a lot from my past that has had an impact on how I am today, but I'm still not functioning as well day to day as I should be.  I struggle with motivation, sleep a lot more than I should, and am generally not what I would call 'happy'.  When I was on 30mg, I didn't feel like this at all - I personally felt it was just right.

Do you think I should go back to the GP and ask for an increase? I know a lot of people will say I shouldn't be relying on meds but I just don't think therapy is ever going to work in the same way.

Any help or advice appreciated.

Dougie.

2

Hiya dougied85 for me personally like you my childhood I believe is where my depression stems from,I too have been on antidepressants for 3yrs +I am on sertaline as citopram didn't suit me at all!i started off on 100mg but hated how I felt on them so went down to 50mg and now only take half a tablet a day so 25mg,I've booked appointment as I want to cut down further and wean myself off them completely hopefully 😬I would say to you is ,you need to address what is the root cause of your depression to me there is always something that has happened that has triggered it all off!!do you really want to be upping your meds to kind of mask your sadness and anxiety 

3

If you have had a relapse then it's worth talking to your GP. If 30mg was better for you at that time it could be worth going back up for a short while. It may give you the motivation and energy to explore in more depth the issues still troubling you from your childhood.

Many people with depression have relapses from time to time and there is no shame in relying on medication to get you through them.

Good luck smile