Deciding between taking Citalopram or Effexor- advise please?

[JB7]

Hi,

I've suffered from bouts of depression since childhood.  At the moment I'm going through a lot of life changes and feel like I need to take an anti-depressant for 3 to 6 months to get me through this time.

I was going to start on Effexor as my doctor says that is the best one, but having looked up the side effects from other users and I'm not too sure.  Also I tried to take it for a couple of days and felt quite strong side effects (although it was probably not long enough to really work out whether it suited me).

So he has given me Citalopram instead.  I was hoping I could get some advise from people to which one they would recomend?  I know it's different for everyone, but this effexor sounds like harsh withdrawal symtoms.  I was on fluxotine (I think it was called ) for a year five yeats ago, and it worked and I'm glad I took it during that period of my life as I needed something, i tapered off the drug and got no withdrawal symptoms.  My doctor does not prescribe this one any more as he says the amphetamine-like side effects are too strong.

I'm not very motivated at the moment and feel like I've kind of got a sedated mood anyway, so I was hoping that Citalopram wouldn't make me feel even more sleepy as I might not get out of bed! Also I'm scared of getting fat, I know this is stupid...but there you go.  Also I have been suffering from insomnia for about a year and a half, but I'm not working at the moment and I don't get insomnia.

Would be very greatful for any advise.

Thanks so much.

[mommyjenny98]

I have been on Effexor XR 150 mg for a year and am currently going through the withdrawal process.  While I was on Effexor, I felt wonderful.  I do honestly think it's a drug that does what it states it will do.  The only problem I have with it is the withdrawal symptoms.  It's been 4 days since I've introduced any Effexor to my system and I feel like death!  Between the hyper feeling and the sleeplessness, not to mention the feelings of electric shocks in your head and the tingles in my hands, I don't know which is worse. I was glad (in a strange way) to see I'm not the only one who is having this kind of withdrawal problem but, had I known before I started taking it what the withdrawal would be like, I don't know I would have even started on it.

[carrie08]

I use citalopram and its been great. Gained a bit of weight but needed it. Not really any other side effects and I have been on it a year now.

[moonflower13]

Citalopram is the only medication I've ever been on, and it's been great for me. Like you might know, Citalopram works on serotonin only, while Effexor works on more than one neurotransmitter. I've heard great experiences with Effexor too, but also, they say it's much, much more difficult to wean off of.

I agree that you should give it a try, either to one of those two or something else. Medication is good when used properly. Talk to your doctor and he/she will prescribe you the most suitable for you.

[romanss]

well, it is good to use Liquorice . It is known a very powerful antidepressent. It is especially good in stress relief. Take a  boiled decoction made of 2-5 g of dried root, three times a day. You will see the effect so soon.

[jdtm]

My sister is taking citalopram and this medication is working for her.  She has no side effects.  My niece is taking Effexor XR and this medication is working for her.  The only side effect is an increase in "sweating" when nervous.  The only way you will know what is best for your body is to try one.  I really think it is "six of one" and a "half dozen of the other".  If one doesn't work, then you try another.  Life really is too short to not feel well then there are options out there.  

[weedle101]

Effexort works wonders but you can't miss a dose or you feel like a crack head who needs a fix. I call it the whooshes, where you turn your head and feel and hear a whoosh woosh woosh! But it really does fix your head!