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[babyjane]

I have been on 5mg escitalopram for 4 weeks now after getting a lot of side effects on citalopram.  I am now beginning to feel better and the side effects are nearly gone.  Strangely my hot flushes have also nearly gone which is a co incidence I am sure as I am post meno and things have to tail off eventually, time will tell.

What I wanted to say is that if you are getting side effects from medication that do not settle, please don't just try to grin and bear it.  Go back to your doctor.  Antidepressants are like HRT I think, in that one size does not suit all, but there are many different options and there is probably one that will suit you.  When you do find one that suits you the relief is enormous, last night I slept for 7 hours  and I wasn't rolling round dreaming or sweating or getting up for a wee either. 

It's early days but I do feel hopeful so please take heart and lean on the support here until you start to see the wood for the trees again 

[CLKD]

 

Great News!

[babyjane]

I also have the yoga book that Dulciana recommended.  I can only manage the breathing and the stretches so far and cannot manage the required number of repetitions so I am going to stick with them until I can before attempting any of the poses as I am likely to topple over without the core strength 

[Dancinggirl]

babyjane - your post is really helpful and encouraging - SRRIs can be wonderful for controlling mood and meno symptoms like flushes so it's clearly working for you which is really great.  My gynae does recommend one tries these SRRIs if HRT is not an option.  Delighted you are doing well as you've had a tough time.  Dg x

[babyjane]

thank you dancinggirl, it's very kind of you to say so.

I read so many really sad posts and my heart goes out to the ladies and I just want them to know that there is a way through and it does ease, it just takes time and trial and error but I believe that most people can be helped. 

I realise how very fortunate I am with my GP who is helpful and attentive.  To all ladies whose GP is as much use as a chocolate teapot, do consider changing to another GP, there are some good ones out there it's just a matter of finding them.  Don't settle for second or third best, you are worth more than that. If your GP is letting you down ask friends, family, neighbours, colleagues, anyone you can think of to recommend a good, meno friendly GP.

[coldethyl]

Really great to hear that things are improving for you. I think if you need one and can make it work for you, an AD is a good way to get through the psychological symptoms of the menopause. I know they are no longer recommended as first line treatments , but some do indeed help with flushing and also , HRT doesn't always help enough with the mood side of the hormonal decline. Wishing you well xx

[babyjane]

Thank you coldethyl.  My anxiety was there from a very young age, the menopause just brought it right out.  I never needed HRT but I did need help when I started drowning under the anxiety for which I am also having psychotherapy.

[Bettyboo]

Thanks so much for your positive post BJ. 

I can second BJ's advice to preserve with ADs. It was the encouragement of BJ and a couple of others that made me preserve with e-cit and try a third time to take it. It's early days for me yet - only been on full dose just over a week - but I am feeling much better. I noticed the other day I was in a DIY store and was acting normally. Usually any shop or supermarket will bring on a panic attack.

I'm interested in the yoga book - can you direct me to the post? I'm doing the Headspace app which is really helping.

Thanks everyone, have a good day 

[babyjane]

so glad to hear I could help bettyboo.  I really started to notice my brain rewiring itself after 4 weeks.  Up until then I had foggy head symptoms but they have gone now.

Keep going, it sounds like it will work for you.  PM me if you feel you want to.

[Justjules]

Glad to hear you are doing so well BJ   

I'm a month into Citalopram now but to be honest, apart from not crying and feeling hopeless, it's not touching the anxiety. Still waking with racing heart and weak shaky arms and legs so don't know why it won't hurry up and get lost!  I've had Citalopram over the years and it's always done it's magic but I'm only on 10mg so may be I need to go up to 20mg as I have in the past.
x

[Milamam]

BJ, great post! So glad for you! Keep going! I have been following your posts and have felt sorry that your initial therapy didn't work. I hope you will continue to feel better and better !
Milamam

[babyjane]

thank you Milamam, I appreciate your support. 

Perhaps in time I will be able to support others 

[SadLynda]

Great to see you doing so well BJ, really glad to hear it.  I am one of the few here (it seems) that setraline works for, but 100g a day helps me feel more human than I did that's for sure.

Also agree about the GP, I had to change practices 3 times to find the wonderful one I have now.

[Milamam]

You are already supporting many women here ! 

[babyjane]

You are already supporting many women here ! 

Aw shucks, thanks