Citalopram - Time to change??

[Kendra]

Hi all,
Quick question. I'm currently on 30mg of Cit and have been for about 6 years. Not sure if it's stopping working. I feel like I am getting worse with the anxiety, overthinking and avoidance. I've got an appointment with gp at the end of the month so will discuss. Do you guys think this happens?
Also would I be able to just switch the meds straightaway or not? Don't think I could cope with all the side effects etc to start new meds??
Thanks 😁

[sne3646]

Kendra,

What did you decide to do? How have you been doing?

[Kendra]

Hi stuck on it Hun. Im a bit scared to change incase I feel any worse. Having another blip at the minute and trying so hard to ignore it. Xx

[panic_down_under]

Im a bit scared to change incase I feel any worse. Having another blip at the minute and trying so hard to ignore it. Xx

The easiest solution would be to either increase the citalopram dose to the maximum recommended 40mg, or to supplement the current dose with buspirone. Buspirone is a GAD specific med which only works for some, but which can boost the effectiveness of SSRIs and sometimes kick-start pooped-out SSRIs. Switching to the more refined version of the med, escitalopram, sometimes works too, but buspirone would be the better option, imho.

Alternatively, most can tolerate switching to the equivalent dose of another SSRI either overnight, or via a short cross-taper, but there could be some side-effects for a week or so as the body adjusts.

[Kendra]

Thanks for your reply. I think at the moment I am going to stick with it as it is a while longer. Xx