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Suggest Treatment For Panic Attacks, Depression, Nausea And Indigestion

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Posted on Tue, 13 Jan 2015
Question: I have been taking citalopram for 6 months and felt really well eventually, but recently started with feelings of panic and depression again so GP raised dosage to 30 mg week ago. Although I feel a bit better I still feel dreadful when I wake up and no appetite because I feel nauseous, can only eat small amount in evening.
Also bad indigestion and nervousness. GP said I would feel better in about week, but I haven't noticed much
Difference at the moment - I am so worried it's not going to work, is this normal?




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Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (59 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Wait for 2 more weeks, if side effects continue ask your gp to change drug

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for writing to us.

I read your query thoroughly.

Recommended maximum dose of citalopram is 40 mg per day.If symptoms are not controlled with lower dose, higher dose is needed.

One principal of treatment is to give the same drug which was effective in past.
In your case you were better on citalopram with lower dose. Your problem reappeared/worsen so first thing is to increase the cirtaloparm. Your GP has done right thing.

Clinical effects of anti depressant medicines seen after 3 to 4 weeks. You have been on 30 mg since 1 week.you should wait for 2 more weeks to see improvement.

However if nausea and appetite problem persist for more than a week, you should consult your GP for stopping the drug.

No need to worry.Other medicines like escitalopram or sertraline may work better, if you can not tolerate citalopram or there is no improvement with citalopram.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to answer again if you have follow up queries.

regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Chintan Solanki

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2406 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Panic Attacks, Depression, Nausea And Indigestion

Brief Answer: Wait for 2 more weeks, if side effects continue ask your gp to change drug Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX Thanks for writing to us. I read your query thoroughly. Recommended maximum dose of citalopram is 40 mg per day.If symptoms are not controlled with lower dose, higher dose is needed. One principal of treatment is to give the same drug which was effective in past. In your case you were better on citalopram with lower dose. Your problem reappeared/worsen so first thing is to increase the cirtaloparm. Your GP has done right thing. Clinical effects of anti depressant medicines seen after 3 to 4 weeks. You have been on 30 mg since 1 week.you should wait for 2 more weeks to see improvement. However if nausea and appetite problem persist for more than a week, you should consult your GP for stopping the drug. No need to worry.Other medicines like escitalopram or sertraline may work better, if you can not tolerate citalopram or there is no improvement with citalopram. Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to answer again if you have follow up queries. regards, Dr.Chintan Solanki.