Escitalopram

Since my husband died 20 months ago I have been severely depressed. My GP offered Escitalopram. Having read quite a bit about it, I am extremely hesitant. Yet I can barely cope from day to day. Has anybody here taken this and what have been your experiences. I have never posted a new thread and my searching efforts on the site have returned: no results found.

I have never taken this, but your GP obviously thinks you need some help. Is it just this antidepressant that concerns you? Perhaps you could try seeing GP again and discussing the options in more detail.

I am sorry that you are feeling like this - I too lost my OH and it is quite a challenge I know. Take care.

Hi Goldie
Been on these for 20 years, just 10mg to keep the black dog away.

No discernable side effects.

downtoearth

*Hi Goldie*
Been on these for 20 years, just 10mg to keep the black dog away.

No discernable side effects.

Me too, but they do knock your sex drive for six, but not a problem for me😳🤣

Sorry to hear your struggles. Talk it through with your GP. Nobody chooses depression.

Nanny me too, but not a problem either😂

Sorry to know how bad you are feeling. I have no experience to offer but I would urge you to try the antidepressants. Thinking about you. 💐💐

I have been on Citalopram 10mg for about a year, and feel it helps me. I changed from Sertraline which was giving me digestive problems. All medicines have side effects, don’t they, but if Citalopram would help you through a very difficult time, maybe give it a try? Don’t be afraid to ask your GP for more information. All the very best x

A couple of people close to me have been on citalopram for more than 10 years with no side effects. Both on 20 mg.

I’ve not taken this but worked with and have family/friends who have. All been helped.
I empathise, the loss of my husband left me feeling drift. I’ve felt very sad, lost confidence in many things since he died in October 2022. I’m managing as I’ve felt low at times but not sunk into depression. I’d take medication if my GP felt I did.

I changed from a higher dose Citalopram to a lower dose Escitalopram a number of years ago and they have worked well for me. Try them (obviously it will take a number of weeks for them to kick in), if they disagree with you you can easily stop them 💐

Worked well for me and I was very reluctant to take them. My GP said he felt they would help me short term but took on board my worries about being on them long term. I took them for a year and then with tapering advise from the GPs' clinical pharmacist reduced the dosage and was free of taking them 20 months from initially starting them.
They are there to help you and you have control over the ultimate outcome and can reduce them and come off them when you are ready at some point in the future. Loss of a loved one is always hard to deal with and there's no shame in accepting a little help.

Thank you all. Very grateful. As am not very good at working the site only found your replies today. Very encouraging