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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Alternative anti depressant to Citalporam, as very sleepy side-effects, is this normal?
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Alternative anti depressant to Citalporam, as very sleepy side-effects, is this normal?
by JB7, Apr 11, 2007 12:00AM
Hi,
I have been taking citalopram for a week, only 5mg a day (but I seem to be very sensitive to drugs). It's making me feel so sleepy that I find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning, and even less motivated than I was before taking it so not getting anything done. Although it has helped with my anxiety and depression very slightly. Obviously I was going to try to start taking 10mgs a day, but I can't face taking it any more, as I'm feeing so tired and sleepy all the time on it, as well as run down, although there hasn't been any other strong side effects.
Is this normal, and does the sleepiness stop after you get more used to the drug? Is there an alternative drug anyone can suggest?
My history:
I have been suffering from insomnia and anxiety, as well as mild depression and a lack of motivation for a year and a half. My insomnia was very bad, although I'm not working at the moment so this is not an issue. I am someone who suffers from very little energy even when I haven't got insomnia, and have generally got a slow-paced temperament. Currently I have next to no motivation to get the stuff I need done in the day. I have suffered from several life changes, that have added to my depression & anxiety: moving house, splitting up with long term boy friend, a stressful job, and my parents long divorce and legal battle. Although I have also suffered from bouts of depression since I was a child. I suffer from anxiety in the sense of repetitive negative thoughts and worry, but no panic attacks or anything.
Any advice would be much appreciated. I don't want to take exeffor (I think it's called) because of the bad withdrawal and when I tried it, it also made me feel physically ill. I've been on this site once before. Thanks so much for any help and sorry for this rather long message.
I have been taking citalopram for a week, only 5mg a day (but I seem to be very sensitive to drugs). It's making me feel so sleepy that I find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning, and even less motivated than I was before taking it so not getting anything done. Although it has helped with my anxiety and depression very slightly. Obviously I was going to try to start taking 10mgs a day, but I can't face taking it any more, as I'm feeing so tired and sleepy all the time on it, as well as run down, although there hasn't been any other strong side effects.
Is this normal, and does the sleepiness stop after you get more used to the drug? Is there an alternative drug anyone can suggest?
My history:
I have been suffering from insomnia and anxiety, as well as mild depression and a lack of motivation for a year and a half. My insomnia was very bad, although I'm not working at the moment so this is not an issue. I am someone who suffers from very little energy even when I haven't got insomnia, and have generally got a slow-paced temperament. Currently I have next to no motivation to get the stuff I need done in the day. I have suffered from several life changes, that have added to my depression & anxiety: moving house, splitting up with long term boy friend, a stressful job, and my parents long divorce and legal battle. Although I have also suffered from bouts of depression since I was a child. I suffer from anxiety in the sense of repetitive negative thoughts and worry, but no panic attacks or anything.
Any advice would be much appreciated. I don't want to take exeffor (I think it's called) because of the bad withdrawal and when I tried it, it also made me feel physically ill. I've been on this site once before. Thanks so much for any help and sorry for this rather long message.
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Apr 11, 2007 12:00AM
, Apr 11, 2007 12:00AM
Unfortunately these kind of medications can make you tired and sleepy, so increasing the dose would not be the answer, but waiting a little longer, another week to two weeks might help, allow the therapeutic effect to kick in, and the side effects to subside. I don't think you should rely exclusively on medications but instead should see a therapist and get your life moving again, that's the very best medicine..
It is an overall very good book to have just when we are normal (not saying that we arent normal..........what is normal?)....but you know what I mean. I guess what I am saying is this book has helped me look at myself and learn how to deal with the things in my life.....ie eating and what to eat...and what to think and something to work on........(when I am not exhausted myself). It gives me food for thought and feels like I can "DO" something with my life even if it writing down my negatives and balancing it with positives and trying to do the positive. It is empowering for me.
Check it out.....I know his web site has it.
I will pray for you.
ps. I believe what the doctor has said is important as well.