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[pease]

My GP has suggested I move from Tibolone to a low dose Citalopram (10mg) to control menopause symptoms. Citalopram is a SSRI anti depressant. I am in no way depressed. Does anyone have experience of taking this drug?

[Aprilflower]

No, but I took Prozac which helped me greatly.

Some ADs do help with hot flushes, which was my main symptom.

[CLKD]

Why does the GP think that Citalopram will help menopause symptoms?  What were you hoping to ease when you began replacement and has the Tibolone helped at all?

Some ADs do ease hot flushes as Aprilflower mentions. 

I take the sister drug: escitalopram for depression.

[bombsh3ll]

How is that a reasonable swap?

One supplies analogues of your lost ovarian hormones and protects you against osteoporosis, the other is a psychiatric medication which has been associated with increased risk of falls and fractures.

Reminds me of when my dad's car was stolen and wrecked, and the insurance company only paid out enough to get a bike!

I hope you told them where to go!

[CLKD]

 .    psychiatric medication which has been associated with increased risk of falls and fractures.   . 

[GalwayGirl]

I was on citalopram for 11 weeks, but due to the nature of my depression - a very agitated one - it didn’t help me and I couldn’t get past 10mg as found it too agitating and made my insomniac worse but I was very depressed. But I am a highly anxious person and don’t accept medication well. It is so individual so do not be put off by others experiences- I have 2 friends on citalopram who swear by it. The thing is to ask the questions as to the rationale behind thier advice so you can make informed choices that suit you and your personality.

[GalwayGirl]

But also if you are in no way depressed I wouldn’t take it !

[Terri123]

A friend then in her early 50s started on low-dose Citalopram for hot flushes.  It worked to an extent but did not make a huge difference.  Therefore she and her doctor made the decision to discontinue use.  The subsequent withdrawal, although carefully planned and gradual, was horrendous for her.  She ended up staying on this medication for a further 10+ years (the rest of her life). 

Personally I'd avoid it unless your hopes  about its potential to maybe reduce menopausal symptoms outweigh the fear of possible problems of withdrawal.

[CLKD]

Terri - what was your friend's problem with withdrawal?  It can be difficult , it took me 9 weeks to taper off one AD - can't remember which.  It wasn't pleasant that 's for sure.

[sheila99]

You gp needs some education (she could start by reading the NICE guidelines). If you had any other deficiency she wouldn't suggest a bind bending drug instead of replacing the deficit so why would do it for oestrogen deficiency? This makes me so cross. If it was me I'd replace the gp before I considered replacing the hrt.

[Terri123]

Terri - what was your friend's problem with withdrawal?  It can be difficult , it took me 9 weeks to taper off one AD - can't remember which.  It wasn't pleasant that 's for sure.

Brain disturbances causing very distressing night terrors and nightmares.

[CLKD]

That is awful.  I get brain zaps at times but have learned to live with that symptom, it's here and gone so fast!  My main problem with many of the ADs has been intense nausea.

Pease: how have you been over the weekend?

[Mariab]

Hi all..
I am taking citalopram...it is the only ad I could tolerate..I'm also on hrt...which I started a good 6 months before , but my anxiety and depression became so bad I had no choice...
Although citalopram works well for me it has made my body alot hotter increasing swearing especially at night...
But I would rather that than the gut wrenching feelings before...

[pease]

Thanks everyone. The Citalopram was suggested because, after many years on tibolone, I had changed to a patch. Then I fancied my hair was thinning so I panicked. However, I think that might have been a reaction to an earlier period of stress. I read the sheet that came with the Citalopram and promptly put it all back in the box. I'm giving the patches another chance, but if I lose more hair, I'm going to return to Tibolone.
This is a minefield isn't it? I'm 74 and menopause symptoms are as bad as ever......

[CLKD]

pease that's awful.  Which symptom would you like to ease first?

Apparently as we age into our 70s the hair follicles don't regenerate as quickly = apparently hair loss - some find that they can pull out 'clumps' when washing/brushing.  So far I've been lucky though it needs washing more often 

Some ADs need to be taken 6-8 months B4 benefit is noticed.  Ignore what's in the box, Companies have to cover every possible eventuality - I never read the inserts unless I have symptoms 4 more than 3 days or when it's obvious that the drug is causing problems. 12 months ago I was given a cheaper AD and it made me feel even more weird than usual