Increase to 40mg

Treatment and medication
1

Hi all, I increased from 30mg to 40mg 16 days ago, I feel awful, absolutely awful, very sad, very tearful, suicidal thoughts, severe obsessive thoughts, knotted stomach again. I started on cit (properly) on sept 8th 2014, first 20mg then 30mg just before christmas. I was pleased with my progress around november and december but since the new year its not been so good. I feel like im losing all hope now.

2

You have got to back to your doctors if you are feeling like that. Why did your doctor increase the dose to 40 if you felt the 30 was working during nov/dec. It might be that the 40mg is too much maybe ? You have to go and tell your doctor how you are feeling.

3

I agree with MrG1 you need to go back to your doctor. 40mg a day is quite a lot and maybe your body can't cope with it. Maybe you are actually rejecting the citalopram. So consult your doctor again and see if he can suggest  an alternative medication for you.

4

Thank you MrsG1 and gwen, I went up to 30 at the start of nov, nov and dec were pretty good but then jan and the first half of feb I was REALLY struggling so I saw my dr and he agreed to up the dose to 40mg, that was just over 2 weeks ago, I have had the odd and very short lived decent spell on 40. Do u think it may be the increased anxiety is a symptom/side effect people get when starting cit or increasing the dose. ? Many thanks...luke

5

Hi Luke, is the 40mg you are taking now the same brand as the 30mg?

I ask this because it could be making you feel the way you do if you are taking a different brand..

6

Hi blu and thanks for replying, it is yes, the 20 and 30 were in a burgandy with a green stripe on box, dont know the name unfortunately, the 40 is by accord

7

Hi Luke, interesting!

I know with Sertraline there can be bad adverse effects with some who change brands and I'm wondering if this could also be a problem with citalopram?

Take a look at this link:

https://patient.info/forums/discuss/sertraline-what-brand-are-you-taking-right-now--337262

8

Thanks blu, I also just read that the jump from 30 to 40mg can be hideous, its mentioned by quite a few people on here, they all say its common but horrible and to stick at it......any advice? A few people also said they once again becam very weepy, I have too. Thanks luke

9

If some say the jump to 40mg can be bad it may well be that and not the change of brand! Wonder if going up to 35mg for a couple of weeks then the full 40mg might help? Just an idea..

10

Simple go back to your GP and talk through your problems and decide on a course of action with the GP this may or may not include Cit

11

Hi Luke

Sorry to hear you're struggling.

Remember that each time you up your dose, you will get side effects all over again.  These can include heightened depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, obsessive thought etc.  They will subside in time, but like the others, I also suggest you go back and see your doctor.  Maybe 40mg is too strong for you, or maybe you just have to give it time as you did before.

In my opinion each time you start a dose, or up your dose, you have to go through side effects, then you'll start to feel better, and then you might hit a brick wall and feel flat again.  When you feel like this it's when people start to panic and increase their dose, having to go though this process all over again.

This flat time is quite normal, and throughout recovery you'll be up and down many times.  Each time you're down, just wait, try and stay calm and you'll find in time you'll begin to feel good again.  This pattern will continue until you feel good all the time.  I think this happens on any dose you take too - seems it's something you have to go through.

Suicidal and obsessive thoughts are quite common whilst taking this medicine at the beginning of each dose.  It's not you, it's the side effects of the medicine.  It will wear off.  Please speak to someone though please.  I know they're scary, but you're not alone.  I've been there.

Thinking of you

K x