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Is Citalopram A Better Drug Than Paxil?
Question: I came off paxil in September unfortunately I was taken off over three weeks, I had been on it for three years for depression and anxiety. Was in hospital for a while. The only reason I came off it was weight gain. I had dreadful symptoms, burning sometimes or pins and needles in the genital area although I could feel the burning and pins and needles it was more like an aura, you knew it was pain ful but couldn't touch it. Unfortunately the depression came back 4 weeks ago and withit the burning anxiety. I have been put on citalopram 20mg was on paxil 30mg. I don't feel any relief yet and keep being told it should start having an effect. I was told the same with paxil but it took a good 8 weeks before I felt any benefit. I just wonder why doctors say 4 weeks when it just is not true. I've been told to go up to 30mg on Monday if not better. Just don't understand the reasoning.
Brief Answer:
Titration of citalopram
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
I am sorry to hear that you are having difficulties with your anti-depressant medication. As with all anti-depressants the average person will start feeling some changes to taking their medication in 2-4 weeks. But not all people as it appears you are one of those persons that takes a higher dose and takes more time to be affected. This is not unusual and should not alarm you. Anytime a physician starts a medication like citalopram we must start at the lowest dose and gradually increase. In starting at the lower dose we minimize side effects and can get a better understanding on how a person will react with the medication. Citalopram right now is the appropriate starting dose. I agree with your doctor to increase your dose on Monday. You may still need additional increases in your medication if you do not respond. We as physicians do not know what the appropriate dose is for a patient until we try it and then titrate it up. I would not be surprised if you need up to 40mg before you see results. You must be patient and see how your body reacts to the citalopram.
In summary
1. Start citalopram in starting dose as advised
2. Wait 2-4 weeks to see effect and then increase if needed
3. May need additional 2-4 weeks and additional titration before correct dose discovered
I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again with any of your medical concerns or questions.
Titration of citalopram
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
I am sorry to hear that you are having difficulties with your anti-depressant medication. As with all anti-depressants the average person will start feeling some changes to taking their medication in 2-4 weeks. But not all people as it appears you are one of those persons that takes a higher dose and takes more time to be affected. This is not unusual and should not alarm you. Anytime a physician starts a medication like citalopram we must start at the lowest dose and gradually increase. In starting at the lower dose we minimize side effects and can get a better understanding on how a person will react with the medication. Citalopram right now is the appropriate starting dose. I agree with your doctor to increase your dose on Monday. You may still need additional increases in your medication if you do not respond. We as physicians do not know what the appropriate dose is for a patient until we try it and then titrate it up. I would not be surprised if you need up to 40mg before you see results. You must be patient and see how your body reacts to the citalopram.
In summary
1. Start citalopram in starting dose as advised
2. Wait 2-4 weeks to see effect and then increase if needed
3. May need additional 2-4 weeks and additional titration before correct dose discovered
I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again with any of your medical concerns or questions.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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