How do I get GP to prescribe Citalopram?

[Monostich]

I've been taking Mirtazapine since April 2011 but don't feel that it works for me as my anxiety levels are high and my mood is often very low.

Before that I had been on Fluoxetine and Paroxetine, both of which seemed to do a lot better than Mirtazapine does.

So I think that SSRIs are the way forward for me. I'd like to try Citalopram but I've read on various websites the doctors are wary of patients that ask for a certain medication.

What's the best way for me to approach this situation?

[bignik]

I had same problem I had to be referred to the Psychiatrist by my GP , so I am on both just now only started citalopram 4 days ago and all going well with it will work down on the mirtazipine. my reasons for the change were same as yours and I had been on mirtazipine since same time. It worked fine for a while but I feel about 4 months ago a change , dont know if the med or perhaps me

I didnt even mention the med she actually did after I just expained my problems , so perhaps it is a good match

How to ask is a toughie like you say they dont like it when you self recommend perhaps just do it in a round about way , I know a friend ..... who found it beneficial ... or something

end of day same drug works differently in different people

[Monostich]

I could say that brother suffers with depression and anxiety, and that he's found Citalopram works well for him?

[nicola1980]

Hi ive just come onto mirtazipine from citalopram as the cit just didn't help me at all, i found it heightened my anxiety and panics no end, ive persevered with it at different doses since sept but couldn't cope anymore, i had my first appointment with a physchatrist today and shes swapped me to mirtazipine 15mg to start with xx

[bignik]

I found with mirtazipine nicola no side effects and straight away you will get a good nights sleep I would take it early as to start with you may find 10-12 hours of sleep and as you get used to it it eases off. Some say a little tired when they awaken but again you get used to that , I didnt consider that as a side effect really as when I started taking it I was very sleep deprived , best of luck and I hope you settle with it better.

[Monostich]

Maybe I should just ask to be referred to p.doc? They said no last time :(

---------- Post added at 18:56 ---------- Previous post was at 18:55 ----------

Hi ive just come onto mirtazipine from citalopram as the cit just didn't help me at all, i found it heightened my anxiety and panics no end, ive persevered with it at different doses since sept but couldn't cope anymore, i had my first appointment with a physchatrist today and shes swapped me to mirtazipine 15mg to start with xx

Different drugs work differently for people Nicola, good luck with Mirt! It did work for me but I just feel flat on it these days, does nothing for my mood and anxiety. I can handle initial side effects of SSRIs, Prozac has the worst apparantly and I managed to get through that.

[bignik]

if you explain no longer working they have to consider an alternative , I would ask to be referred , GP's are relectant I think at times to prescribed alternate medications on mental illness patients simply I think because they feel a pyschiatrist better trained at assessing your situation etc . Nothing ventured nothing gained but they cant leave you to suffer , end of day you know your body and mind best even though at times it can be difficult to get your emotions across in words

[Monostich]

Thanks Bignic - I'll ask to be referred when I visit

I hope there isn't too long a waiting time for it.

[nicola1980]

I asked to be referred and got seen within a week by a physchatrist but i was at rock bottom so def demend a referral its your right good luck xx

[Monostich]

Thanks Nicola, I'll definitely do that.