Citalopram - Another Question.

[Baby_Sham]

I've been feeling really great recently and am considering knocking the Diazepam on the head, by halving my tablets and reducing my dose.
What I want to know is, I have this prescription for Citalopram and I was wondering if the effects of this would be 'instant' (like Diazepam), or does it take time to get into your system?

I have spoken to my GP about this, and my therapist, and they don't think I'm "ready". I have found their responses disheartening and frustrating, and I really believe I am ready to 'move on', if you like.

My main concern is withdrawl symptoms, which is why I think taking the Citalopram alongside a lowered dose of Diazepam will be helpful. I'm just wondering if it will kick in straight away though, or can I expect to feel a bit crappy for a week or so?

[mikey4444]

Don't under any circumstances, change the dose that your Dr. prescribed for you without asking him first. If your Dr. doesn't think you are ready, why disagree with him...he's the expert after all.

[Baby_Sham]

Ok, that's a fair thing to say, and one I accept. However, he made that diagnoses on the basis of seeing me, for 5 minutes.
I know how I feel and I know that I've struggled much less over the past week or so, so think the time is right.

I wouldn't do anything I thought would have horrible adverse effects, but I was just wondering if my thinking (halving my current pills and taking them alongside a new, milder pill) would work.

[pixie373]

Citalopram isn't necessarily milder, but should be more stable. It'll probably take 2 or 3 weeks to get into your system really. Am i right in thinking you don't take a particular amount of diazepam, but as and when you need it?

[Baby_Sham]

Yup, that's right. I used to take it once a day, but just recently I have cut right back and have been taking half a tablet at night times. I am thinking of halving this again, so I get a really low dose, and then taking the citalopram on top of it?

[jd_1984]

Question for your GP only IMO. As helpful as the folks on here can be..

[Baby_Sham]

But I'm getting nowhere with him. He won't even give me another prescription for Citalopram! :-/

I think my question has been answered now anyway, as Pixie says it will take 2-3 weeks to get into the system.

Thanks.

[pixie373]

You will know whether you are ok to reduce the dose, you can always up it again if you need to, as fairly instant (you can't do that with citalopram. You have to take it regularly). Has your doctor confirmed it's ok to take the two medications alongside each other?

[Baby_Sham]

Thanks Pixie. He said a low dose of diazepam would be ok to take alongside citalopram "when the time was right"... which I think is now.

Thanks very much for your help - much appreciated. :-)

[themorrigan]

In other words you think you know better than your GP and your Therapist? How do you know that these last few weeks feeling 'high' is a Manic episode brought on by new drugs? You don't 'know best' because you are not in full control of your mental state. I am not being derogatory but medical . If you had a broken leg and the doctor said you had to keep the cast on a couple more weeks because the leg was not ready -would you contradict his diagnosis? and pull off the cast....because you felt it was better....?

[jd_1984]

I appreciate that but my opinion about talking to the doctor was regarding you taking both medications at once and whether this can have adverse effects. Citalopram can kick in anything from 1 - 4 weeks after first taking it and depending on the dosage 10mg, 20mg, 50mg etc.....

[pixie373]

You're welcome. Keep a close eye on it. I saw 4 incompetent GPs before i was diagnosed and treated correctly. Change doctors if he isn't listening to you. I can't stress enough, though - you will start to feel better on citalopram, but don't miss it for a day or so because you feel better (very common to do that). Think of it in six-month stages and see how you go.

[friedgreentomato]

I am currently on 80mg of citalopram, my doctor will not give me a new prescription each month without meeting with me.

He has been a complete gem, have you considered changing doctors?

[divegirl]

''People with mental health issues must be the bane of GP's lives.''

Wow what a sweeping and rude statement to make. The OP asked for advice and doesn't need your rude rebuttal.

If I remember correctly it was a different GP that gave you the Citalopram Baby Sham, any chance you could ask to see them again?

Lisa x

[pixie373]

You don't get a high, if it's not bipolar and the new drugs haven't yet been started, so i would gloss over that post. Also, saying "you're not in full control of your mental state" is a little patronising. Babysham is probably more aware of her mental health than most people are.

[friedgreentomato]

i don't have words to express my disbelief at your statement morrigan!!!

[themorrigan]

Pixie373 and divegirl I didn't mean to be either rude or patronising to the OP or anyone else on medication for mental health disorders. When taking mood changing or enhancing drugs you are not in full control of your mental faculties and not in a position to self-diagnose because if the medication is working then you 'will' feel better. How many people have self-diagnosed that they feel better, come off their medications and had severe relapses? The last thing you need in that situation is random people on a Forum telling you that its ok -do you not think that if her Doctor and Therapist don't think she's ready then maybe she's not??? even if she thinks she is?

[themorrigan]

FGT if you want to be ' horrified of AB' thats up to you. My post made it quite clear why I said what I said but if you choose to put a different angle on it for your own horrification then feel free. I know how being horrified at posts on AB on a daily basis makes you feel better. :-)

[pixie373]

That is exactly what i said in the above post about citalopram. Don't stop because you start feeling better. She isn't delusional. I have been on seroxat for 14 years (reduced myself to alternate days now) as i had a very good doctor who understood and explained exactly how they work. I can tell better than anyone what i need.

[themorrigan]

pixie373 you have managed your medication working 'with' your doctor -that's the way to do it. OP wants to work against the advice of her doctor. maybe she should get a second opinion from a medical professional, though surely her regular doctor is in the best position to make a prescriptive diagnosis?