Citalopram sapping my energy and motivation

[theharvestmouse]

I've been on Citalopram for nearly 6 months, and gradually my motivation and energy seems to have been sapped from me. Last summer I was doing lots of exercise, and felt really motivated but since christmas I just can't be bothered for some reason.

Feel like its not me being like this, I'm normally quite a get up and go person but this medication just takes it out of me.

I might ask to get off it because whats the point in being on medication that makes me feel so lethargic.

[Ingenious]

Yes it might well be that you've hit the wall with it. Maybe it's time for a change or to come off it as you suggest? Medication should always have a positive effect, if you're still not right after 6 months it doesn't sound like it's the right one for you.

[morning_blues]

Hi Harvestmouse,
Really interesting to hear that..I've been on it just less than 6 months and feel similar. It's been great for me and got me back on my feet. However I do feel like I've hit a wall and although I'm ok and functioning normally, getting up, going to work, going out, I can't shake this lacklustre feeling, as though I'm just going through the motions. I'm scared to come off it though, as I don't feel confident enough coping with anxiety without it just yet. Cit feels like a safety net to me, it gives me confidence knowing that I'm not going to hit a low and can cope with stressful situations without crumbling.
Good luck with the route you decide to go down...

[theharvestmouse]

I don't know if its done anything to me, when I went on it I was in a very bad state but I did become more stable but perhaps that was just time healing me and not the medication. I'm so fed up of this lethargy that I feel. I'm going to the doctors this week to tell her that I want to stop taking it.

[LAURA48]

Hi - what dose are you on?

[theharvestmouse]

I'm on 20 mg, and I don't want to up my dosage as I think that would only worsen the energy thing, I want to come off it, really not a fan of medication at all.

[morning_blues]

perhaps that was just time healing me and not the medication.

It's hard to know isn't it? Have you had any other treatment at the same time e.g CBT / therapy? I've found therapy really helpful and am preparing for life after cit, when I'm brave enough to take the plunge!
I think medication helps tide you over the really rough patches, but is just a quick fix, the cure has to come from ourselves.
If you do decide to taper off, good luck and share your progress.

[theharvestmouse]

Hi morning blues, yes I had CBT about 5 months ago, I did find it useful, I've never been keen on medication but I just went along with Citalopram because at that time I was desperate to find help through any way I could.

I'm doubtful it has ever done anything apart from reassuring myself that I'm taking medication for my anxiety.

[morning_blues]

Me too - felt I had to take something just to get me up and running again as I didn't want to take more time off work. But I wonder if taking my foot off the pedal and having a decent break might have been just as beneficial - hard to say!