Hi, I was just wondering if anyone esle had problems with their doctor refusing to increase dosage of citalopram for depression.
I was diagnosed over a year ago and have been to therapy twice, since then I was prescribed citalopram, starting with 10mg, then increased to 20mg. I've been taking that for a few months when I had a really bad relapse involving severe depression and self harm. I've been to see the GP and he's said I'm on the highest dosage so there is nothing he can do and to just go back to therapy because I'm not "engaging with it" apparently. However, I've seen posts from people saying they are taking 60-90mg of citalopram.
I battle with self-harm and suicidal thoughts everyday and my life is falling apart because of it and the doctor refuses to help or listen to any of my problems. I'm probably going to change my GP, but I want to know if there are higher dosages available of citalopram? And is there any treatments that anyone knows of used for treating depression?
Hello Lilmiss i must admit it does seem rather strange that your doctor is unwilling to try and up the dosage or to try a diffrent drug if it is not working for you citolapram is often prescribed at 30 and 40 mg also there dont often allow higer doese then tha apart from special cases anymore due to the fact it may cause long term heart issues in does of 60mg but has an NHS patient you have the right to a second opinion has a matter of fact has many opinions has you wish if that doesnt work you can try changing gp you can call nhs 111 get advice there are many options out there i would firstly ask to see a diffrent doctor at your curent practise and see what there opinion is but i know there are a lot of diffrent drugs some people find that some work and others dont i was on mitazipine for a long time and it didnt work citolapram has caused me horrid side effetcs for the first 5 weeks ive been on them but i feel better in myself already and citolapram is seen has less strong then mitazipine so its all down to the person i guess but there are a whole bunch of options out there best of luck.
I'm sorry your doctor won't increase your dosage but I am sure he has his reasons. The most that doctors are willing to prescribe is 40mg, but if you get to this level and higher and ever want to come off it, it is an extremely slow process. Have a word with your doctor about alternatives. See if he will prescribe you Lithium a very old but much used drug which sometimes works when other things don't. Alternative you could ask of you could go on a mix of Pregabalin and Depakote. Please remember that there is no sure cure and prescribing medicine for depression is very hit and miss as we as human beings are so finely tuned and what suits one person doesn't If you keep having the suicidal thoughts contact the Samaritans who are very helpful.
My GP told me that 40mg can be prescribed by GP anything after that it has to be a psychiatrist. This sounds very odd and not very understanding by your GP although I dont know your history. My GP was really wanting me to up to 30mg but luckily I improved on 20. Can you see a different GP?
Thank you for all replies and advice given in regard to my post. Yeah I was on the understanding that 40mg of citalopram was the normal maximum dosage. I understand the doctor wantsme to get a more long term solution for the depression but feel like he doesn't care that the tablets are having no effect at the moment and that I am struggling every day> I just find it odd that he askes me no questions about self-harm and how I feel on a day to day basis. I've started therapy for the 3rd time and am hoping to see a different GP at the practice that seemed more understanding. Again thank you for all the replies and support