In a quandry

[SK8RGRL]

Hi everyone, I am in a muddle and don't know what to do. Today is day 42 for me and things do seem to be getting easier, I think - finally. With the help of my doctor I am doing better than I ever have. I am currently being weened off a sedative and he has now prescribed me an antidepressant (citalopram) to continue to assist my recovery. I have taken 2 but missed last nights as I am concerned about the side effects...( not that I've had anything major so far, just a headache and a strange taste in my mouth) but I have now googled the drug and am freaked at the exhaustive list of the side effects... "rapid" weight gain, sexual dysfunction and tiredness... great. However It's mainly the weight gain I am concerned about. (I have a history of eating dissorders which are now under control). The doctor told me I would not gain weight with these tabs but all the info contradicts this. What I really want to know is, if anyone is taking this medication, what side effects did you suffer and do the benefits outway the side effects. I know I need something because sometimes the depression and anxiety are unmanageable to the point of me not wanting to "be here" anymore. I had one failed attempt and i don't want to go there again. Does anyone know if all SSRI's cause weight gain and tiredness ? I do a lot of sport and need to be focused. I'd appreciate any feed back on this from anyone who can help as I don't know whether to take them or not. Cheers Guys

[dexterhead]

In a quandry

Hi SK8R. I'm not familiar with that particular drug. but i do take Zoloft, an SSRI, and it did not make me gain weight or any major side effects. The only thing was a little dizziness in the early days. Oh, and I was tired first couple weeks, went to bed early, but that effect also went away. otherwise, it saved my life. pretty much all of these drugs have a monster list of side effects that can look very scary. hopefully someone else will be more familiar with that particular drug. good luck !!

[SK8RGRL]

In a quandry

Thanks Dex thats very encouraging

[dexterhead]

In a quandry

maybe you should post on another forum if you want more people to see?

[lilnev]

In a quandry

I've been taking Citalopram since last summer, and it's been very good for me. I specifically asked my doc for one that could help with anxiety as well as mood. (Actually, anxiety is still a problem, but at least my mood is a whole world better). And within the SSRI class, she said it was less associated with weight gain than some of the others (e.g. prozac). My only side effects were trouble sleeping for a few days when I started, and again when raising the dosage, but nothing that lasted. I lost about 15 pounds fairly quickly, mostly due to drinking less empty calories I assume, but that still leaves me ~20 over my ideal. Ah well, a fight for another day....

peace,
lilnev

[SK8RGRL]

In a quandry

Thanx both. and dex, I have now reposted in general ta for the tip

[nancy]

In a quandry

Hi

You might want to do a search for citalopram for old messages on this topic.

There are definitely posts on it.

A number of SSRIs have weight gain as a side effect. Some are more associated with gain than others. Welbutrin doesn't have that side effect but is associated with seizures in somc cases and not good if you are coming off booze. As I remember reading, citalopram is less associated with weight gain but there is still a link. I gained 12 pounds while on it but I had a lot of life changes going on at that time so I cannot be sure it was the drug. I tried unsuccessfully to lose weight and could not until I went off the pills but again, I still can't be sure it was the medication causing the increase and difficulty in losing weight.

For me a 10-15 pound weight gain is a lot!

You might want to step up your exercise and monitor your weight while you are on it.