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[Clare11]

Hi ladies, just been for my 2 month review and going to carry on with the citalopram for another 2 months and have another review. Things have improved but not gone altogether. But no crying and feel happier and more content than i have done for a while.
Still have the tinitus and get some headaches but far better overall. Night sweats seem a little bit less which is good and so sleeping better. Just thought i would let you know just in case anyone else is thinking about AD's. Maybe not for all but does seem to be helping me. But also still doing some CBT.
x

[CLKD]

If they are working then don't be persuaded to stop them ...........

[cubagirl]

I've been weaning myself off them for last couple of months. I had them reduced to 10mg every second day. I wanted to come off them as no longer felt they were necessary, but GP wouldn't let me, so did it myself & feel fine. I could have understood it if I was on high dose. 

[Kimbo1451]

Hi all,

Thanks for this thread. Have been reassured having just been prescribed Citalopram. I believe I am about 2 years into peri having realised my symptoms after experiencing hot flashes. At 36 I have concerns about the health worries that early meno can bring, so have just been monitoring my symptoms the last 18 months with diet and exercise control. I had noticed a real dip in my mood the last few months, and anxiety was starting to go through the roof. I also had a 3-4 month episode of horrible heart palpitations late last year which I failed to associate with peri. Had ECG's and several tests done as I also have a low heart rate but all came back fine.
Anyway, hot flashes have been coming back and low mood becoming debilitating, so went to GP expecting to be put on the pill. I had got in my head that I was low in estrogen because of my low mood, however having read through the forum I think I may also get estrogen surges due to out of normal cycle pinkish mucus. Periods are now shorter, very watery and every 23 days.
Also having VA symptoms and the GP advised using lubricants. Due back in one month to see how I am progressing on the Citalopram.
I came away feeling concerned that the AD will not protect my bones (have had three fractures in last 2 years), but GP stated that as my DEXA scan came back fine last year, there is no need to address this unless I have another fracture.
I am going to give the AD a go and off for blood tests to check FSH, Vit D, Thyroid etc tonight.

Thanks again ladies, this forum is amazing.

[CLKD]

In the meantime maybe keep a food/mood/symptom diary. Also browse round and make notes.  Treatment Details in the green menus, top of page.

 Once the AD begins to work you can decide whether you need HRT as well as or instead of ......... your GP should not wait until you get another fracture, frankly I would be asking for advice on extra calcium etc..  HRT will certainly protect bones and heart.

Was the scan done of your pelvis and hips which is where the main bone density is.  Brisk walking, 10 mins. weight bearing exercise twice a day, can help stop fractures, did your GP advise you?  The idea being that bones need impact in order to remain strong and we are a 'sitting' society these days  - walking, skipping, dancing can all help.  [we have threads about exercise here too  ]

Vaginal atrophy - needs oestrogen replacement! We have threads about that too!!! [My Bladder etc.].  For me it was like razor blades up there  beginning with urine infection-type symptoms.  Samples came back clear so my GP prescribed appropriate treatment.  Do NOT wait, ask your GP for treatment ASAP.

Have a read of the 'daisy' web-site too, for ladies with early menopause symptoms!  (details on here somewhere)

[Kimbo1451]

Thanks CLKD,

I started my mood diary three cycles ago and it helped so much, especially as I was recalling my symptoms to the GP and forgot brain fog 
Will add the food diary too. I am loosely recording my diet, as keen to maintain my calcium level. My DEXA showed that my calcium although O.k was slightly low. This surprised me as I make up shakes every day using spinach and raw broccoli. Maybe a supplement is needed so will seek advice as you mention. The scan was done on my pelvis and hips. The fractures have been in my hands and wrist.

The treatment sections on here have really helped, and one thing I did notice was when I added flaxseed oil and linseed to my diet, my hot flashes were more frequent and more intense. I've just started having 0% fat yoghurt and granola, so wondering if they may have contributed to my recent surge of flashes. I also want to look at magnesium, as suffer from cramp frequently and now getting jittery and achy arms. 
On my original GP visit they gave me the leaflet on osteoporosis, and I have maintained an exercise regime with that in mind. Luckily for me I do enjoy running, and have added some light weights as well.

Once I discussed my VA symptoms I was hoping the GP would prescribe Vagifem. When I visit next month I am thinking I should ask for it directly? I did explain that I feel as though I have a urine infection after intercourse, and the pressure is so bad and painful that I walk hunched for the next two days. I need to keep a diary of this though, as it doesn't happen every time. I'm wondering if it could be cycle related?

I'm signed up to the daisy site, but find MM so incredibly helpful and responsive.

Thanks again for your help.

[CLKD]

I would ring my Surgery and ask for prescription for VA treatment ;-), based on your current symptoms.  Don't know how you would improve the situation in wrists, other than walking on your hands  ...... but do wear trousers and not a skirt ..........  .......

My Granny always said that cramp is caused by a lack of salt! so if you run then maybe you need to cook more veg. with added salt?  Certainly M-in-L suffered with cramp in her hands and feet and eventually calves, her GP had told her to cut back all salt but that nearly killed her.  When she eventually took my advice: after 12 months of us nagging : and added salt to her veg. symptoms improved.  She was on a diuretic too which would drain her body of minerals. 

[Clare11]

Hi, just to say I am still on citalopram. Went on to 20mg for 2 months, now back on 10. It definitely has helped me. I still have my issues and concerns but I don't stress out or panic or get anxious. All in all I have been on the AD's now about 4 and half months. Not that long really compared to some but it seems to be working for me.  Still have hot flushes but not that bad or for that long. Have catarrh issues but we all have problems. AD's do help and I can say I have had no side effects.
x

[Two hoots]

I have been taking citalopram for about 18 months, but I get many different brands of them. I get 3 months supply at a time and in May I received a brand I hadn't had previously, I don't know if it was a coincidence but I had a few low days so I went back to the pharmacy and exchanged two of the packs.

I've had a new supply today and I've had a different brand again.

Does anyone else find they get different brands and do you think some brands have less side effects ?

[CLKD]

Nope.  Also our Pharmacy will destroy any packets taken back ......... they used to be allowed to send them abroad but no longer