Should I start taking antidepressants?

Mental health
1

I asked my GP for Citalopram 10mg, he agreed it'd be a good idea so writ me a prescription. I've had it for 2 months now and haven't taken it because I'm afraid. Initially, I wanted it for anxiety and bouts of depression. I still have these problems.

I thought it got better but over the past 2 weeks I've been having terrible anxiety - it's overwhelming and it affects my personal life as well as work. I find myself feeling shaky and unable to breathe over minor things or no reason at all, I can't force myself to interact with colleagues or be sociable without fear - so I'm making a bad impression since I'm still new to the job. I'm also stuttering a lot which makes me afraid to talk at all to anyone. My resting heart race is always high (90 per min) and they physical symptoms are super frustrating.

I've also been feeling very flat, I don't really cry anymore but I find it hard to be motivated to do simple things like get out of bed, clean, groom myself, follow plans etc. I don't even feel enthusiastic about most things or enjoy things I used to because my mind just feels so grey and fogged. Suddenly I struggle to remember things, think clearly and even find the right words to finish a sentence. I have little energy. Most mornings, I just lay there for a while staring at the tv or wall for a while trying to talk myself into getting up. I'm fine going to work but I'm lazy and miserable throughout the day.

I'm starting another new job soon and want to be in a good mental state to meet people and do good on the job. I start in 19 days. I've been contemplating taking the Citalopram - I feel like I need it but sometimes I worry that it'll do more harm than good and perhaps my issue isn't so severe to need it. But since I have some time away I'm thinking now is the best time to start. I'm really torn. I've tried most things and they never help, always just temporarily. Need some good advice.

2

Hi

I have also been prescribed Citalopram 20mg for anxiety and panic attacks and I havent taken it as I am anxious about the side affects. However, I have been on Citalopram before, up to 40mg, and it completely changed my life around. I was able to function as a normal healthy person. No anxiety. No panic attacks. It was great! So why am I scared to take it now? No idea. I am thinking of starting off on 10mg for a weel and then upping to 20mg to see if the side affects arent as severe. With citalopram I have found that for the first couple of weeks you feel slightly worse but when its in your system there is a vast improvement and you do start to feel normal again. I just wish I could pluck up the courage to start taking it again! x

3

Hi sometimes in life you have to take a chance.Not everyone gets side effects going on medication and if they do they are minor.Side effects do not last and l believe a lot of people stop the drugs before they have a chance to work.You should take them and give them a chance to get into your system.I will also add drugs on their own are not an effective treatment for anxiety and depression so also get referred to a therapist.

4

I was in the same predicament. I'm on day 2. Having some pretty gnarly side effects. Headache, lethargy, nausea, diahrrea. I'm having a hard time wanting to continue, but I know these side effects aren't supposed to last too long. I'm a mama of 5 so it's hard to feel so crappy when all I want to do is feel better. I'm gonna try to stick it out and see if those nasty side effects go away. I've tried a few other medications for anxiety and depression in the past that did not make me feel this yucky. I'm hoping it just means it's going to work really good once my body has adjusted. Wishing you the best of luck. I say it's better to try then to wonder what if.