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[Jaymacleod]

  been to the docs today and has advised me to take citalopram 10mg and go back in 3 weeks to see her. I had bloods done which came back as post menopause. Doc agreed I wasn't post as I'm 47 and still have the odd period. What I'm struggling with is the mood swings and anxiety. My concentration and able to multi task has gone right out the window. Anyone had experience with citalopram as a bit nervous about taking AD's. Thanks ladies

[CLKD]

Did your GP discuss full HRT with you?  What other symptoms have you had in the last 3-6 months?

I have taken various ADs since 1989.  Now take the sister drug to Citalopram without problems.  I take 5mg night and morning, if you take yours at night then any side-effects will be less noticeable ;-).  Don't read the leaflet 

[Justjules]

Hi. I have taken Citalopram for many years on and off, just back on....no problems for me, found them great. Everybody is different so some side affects can occur but if I were you , just take half a tab for a week and ease yourself into them....I usually always do that with anything new. Good luck. They are a good AD and are supposed to have less side affects than some.

[Hurdity]

Nooooooo!!!  The doc should not give you Citalopram for menopausal symptoms without first offering you HRT and especially at your age and stage!!!!!!! This goes against NICE Guidelines. If you are getting hormonal mood swings (including anxiety) then you should first treat these with hormones especially at your young age when you need to oestrogen to protect heart and bones!! Blood tests are completely unnecessary at your age too ( for menopause) and the doc need not have done them (again this is according to the new Guidelines).

Please go back and ask to start something like Femoston (if there is no medical reason not to try HRT) which is very well tolerated by many women - you could start with 1/10 and increase to 2/10 once your body is used to it. This should help enormously!!!!

Hurdity x

PS  and I sympathise with your plight!

[Dancinggirl]

Hi and welcome Jaymaccload
As always Hurdity has given you excellent advice - get back to that doctor with a copy of the new NICE guidelines and ask for HRT - Femoston 1/10 is a good one to try first as it suits many women really well. Keep us posted.   Dg x

[Jaymacleod]

Thanks for your replies. I discussed hrt with my doctor and we both agreed I don't need it. The reason for this is I am not flushing and the overall menopause symptoms are bearable. We decided on citalopram as my mood swings, anxiety and panic are at a high volume. I am scared of taking them as I have had bad experiences of AD in the past. However I do think I brought on alot of the side effects myself as of course I read the side effects.. bad move I know. I guess I just wanted some reassurance from those who have tried citalopram.  I still haven't taken one and keep saying I will take tomorrow etc. I'm thinking take at night but then I think what if I don't sleep.. head in a pickle..

[Tinkerbell]

Are you against taking HRT? If you are missing periods your oestrogen levels are getting lower and you may start getting other problems like VA and increasing your risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.
 
I do realise that HRT is an individual choice, but as Huridity said Nice guidelines suggest trying HRT first.

I am against taking anti d's myself, although I do realise that some people really do need them. My mother in law was on the for 40 years and they just left her in a trance, these were the old types though.

[Janice68]

Hi I'm on ciprmil which is citalopram I've been on 20mg and has helped with anxiety and mood I swapped from mirtazapine 45mg which didn't seem to help me made things worse any way have noticed the difference between the two of them. I take mine in the morning I've been on it before so I no it's okay and such a low dose too just hoping it will help anxiety etc from the Meno. cause I can't take hrt due to side effects and the fact it makes the symptoms worse too! It's good they are taking it slow with 10mg with you as anything it will take time! Good luck  Jan x

[CLKD]

There may be no need for Jaymacleod to take HRT    I haven't needed to, other than for vaginal atrophy.  My AD/BB/emergency regime is enough.  Add to that regular exercise which helps keep bones healthy and regular visits to the Dentist to keep my jaw line intact …….

Taking the AD at night will allow you to sleep through any symptoms ;-).  My worst was nausea but otherwise, although not a cure, taking my mix enables me.  I take mine an hour B4 bed to avoid heart-burn  [another joy of The Change!]

[Jaymacleod]

Thanks for the reply. I just wish I wasn't such a chicken when it comes to taking meds. It is so silly as they are there to help. I just fear it will make me panic more and that scares me. 

[Janice68]

I agree with clkd! I can't take full hrt but I take local oestrogen for VA and I'm off to see a pelvic floor specialist for my prolapse to see about excerises for that so it can be strengthened hopefully! By changing my AD over to cipramil
 has helped I too have loads of health issues due to Meno including dental problems I wasn't far off gum disease 4 months ago I had to change  my dentist .Since then I have had big improvements to receding gums and inflammation. My dentist does regular 3 month checkups on gums now.
We are all different and not everybody can take hrt but being on the right AD can help to keep you going thats for sure I to had to change my doctor for this! Jan x

[Tinkerbell]

 You also need to remember that not everybody gets side effects or maybe just mildly.


I take betablockers, there seems to be a lot of people who hate them because of side effects....I have been on them for 15 years and they cause me no problems so far.

My daughter took them for a while because of anxiety, I was concerned about her taking them but she tolerated them really well and they helped her through a sticky patch.

[Jaymacleod]

Thankyou Jan and I hope it all works out for you. X

[Jaymacleod]

Thanks tinker bell.  You are right we are all different to need to pull up the big girl pants and take my first one..

[Tinkerbell]

And remember you can discontinue if you don't like it...although do get advice on how to do it.