Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: rebelyell on March 19, 2015, 02:54:04 PM

Title: Hot flushes & citalopram
Post by: rebelyell on March 19, 2015, 02:54:04 PM
In case anybody is taking this, or thinking of taking it, for hot flushes - I can confirm that it works!  I started taking it just before Xmas for panic attacks/anxiety and took it alongside half a tablet of progynova.  As I don't like the side effects - gastric upset [lost over a stone and feel food goes straight through me] and racing mind mainly, I am weaning myself off, starting this week.  Half a tablet for three days so far and the hot flushes are back in the day already! 

Just thought I would let you know.  It was great actually being able to wear nice knitwear again, even if only for three months - back to short sleeves and using a fan!
Title: Re: Hot flushes & citalopram
Post by: CLKD on March 19, 2015, 03:19:12 PM
Has your GP suggested an alternative?
Title: Re: Hot flushes & citalopram
Post by: rebelyell on March 19, 2015, 04:16:12 PM
Don't be silly!  Am going to carry on with the low dose HRT and try something natural. 

Main course of action is for me to keep busy and try to forget about menopause.  Easy! :-\
Title: Re: Hot flushes & citalopram
Post by: CLKD on March 19, 2015, 04:17:46 PM
Natural - menopause is 'natural'  ::) and I'm sure that many GPs think it's easy to sail through something 'natural'  >:(

Title: Re: Hot flushes & citalopram
Post by: dazned on March 19, 2015, 05:23:34 PM
Yep we are sailing,we are sailing !  ;D
Title: Re: Hot flushes & citalopram
Post by: CLKD on March 19, 2015, 08:28:45 PM
 ;D  - I've got an ear worm now  :lol:
Title: Re: Hot flushes & citalopram
Post by: rebelyell on March 21, 2015, 06:27:56 PM
Am feeling loads better every day - really don't think ADs are the answer for everybody.   Hot flushes are back but they are preferable to flat feelings caused by Citalopram.

I am even facing a tooth extraction on Tuesday and haven't done more than 10 minutes catastrophising about it!
Title: Re: Hot flushes & citalopram
Post by: Kathleen on March 22, 2015, 10:39:30 AM
Hello rebelyell.

I just wanted to chip in and say that I take an AD called Venlafaxine which is also supposed to reduce hot flushes. The dose is one tablet morning and night and when I forgot to take a tablet recently I did notice an increase in flushing so I think they do help. In all honesty I don't know how they affect me mentally as my mood changes so much anyway, although of course I always feel brighter when the physical symptoms have reduced.

I suppose this is another example of how we all respond differently and that basically anything is worth a try.

Wishing you well and take care.


K.
Title: Re: Hot flushes & citalopram
Post by: thorntrees on March 22, 2015, 11:20:25 AM
I was prescribed citalopram for hot flushes and anxiety  when HRT wasn't an option and once the side effects wore off and now on them for nearly a year I have to say the flushes are greatly reduced during the day and just down to one hot sweat at night and perhaps one on waking. I only take 10mgs each morning and that seems to be enough, I'm not anxiety free but it is manageable and I don't want to up the dose of AD. As Kathleen says we are all so different in our reactions to medication  and finding something that helps is such a relief.

Thorntrees