Re: Just stopped working? Migraines?
Originally Posted by
Cgraham
Early last year I went through a stage of constant migraines with aura but the weird thing is that the actual headache isn't the blinding pain you would normally associate with a migraine. It's more of a constant dull pain but I also get the other symptoms. Nausea, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound. It eventually went but then came back again a few months later.
Migraine with aura, but no, or only moderate headache pain is relatively common. I have them 3-4 times a year. If you're experiencing them only occasionally then the citalopram is less likely to be the cause, although it might be adding to whatever is triggering them.
I spoke to the GP and I thought it could be down to changing brands of citalopram from one chemist to another. I did the old Dr Google and imbalances of serotonin can affect and cause migraine so is the higher dose causing all of this??
Citalopram might be exacerbating them by a different mechanism. Serotonin isn't just a brain neurotransmitter. In fact this is only a minor function. It has many other roles in the body including in mediating blood vessel tone, constriction and dilation. Serotonergic antidepressants (ADs) can effect this so if the migraines occur often that could be the reason, though I suspect it won't be the only factor.
But even though I've upped my dose to the maximum my anxiety seems worse than it was on say 20mg or 30mg in the past. Can it just stop working?
Antidepressant 'poop-out' does happen and the SSRIs are more prone to quitting than the others.
If it was would they just switch me to a different SSRI or would they all be the same?
Failure of one SSRI doesn't necessarily mean the others won't work either. Switching to another SSRI can be the easiest and quickest route to regaining control of the anxiety as in most cases it can be done overnight. However, as with everything AD related, there are no guarantees. I suggest you discuss your options with your GP asap as the heightened anxiety and pain is counterproductive.
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The opinions expressed above are based on my observations and, where applicable, interpretation of cited data and are general in nature. Consult your physician before acting on anything stated.