I have been taking it for over a year and was doing well. It seems like all of a sudden it just stopped helping.
Does Citalopram just stop working?
Question posted by cheflucy on 30 Aug 2013
Last updated on 30 August 2013
4 Answers
Dumpster Diver
30 Aug 2013
Thank the Gods, this has not happened to me, yet? It has been awhile since
I started Citalopram 20 mg. About 7 years..allready... I love not being
depressed all the time. But, of course, certain days and situations get to
me. I also take a low dose of Clonazapem, with it. As other people, suggested
talk to your Dr. about maybe an increase. So sorry your times are rough
right now. One day at a time, it will get better. Hang in there, we care! ~~DD~~
cheflucy
30 Aug 2013
Thank you!! I did increase it to 60 mg. yesterday and seem a tiny bit better today. We'll see. Thanks for all of the care. that helps!
kcfp
30 Aug 2013
Have you recently started on another medicine? sometimes the new drug can negate the effectiveness of citalopram.
cheflucy
30 Aug 2013
No other medicine started.
kcfp
30 Aug 2013
As advised by my respected associates, please see your doc about this. He may do a blood test to check your blood plasma concentration before he ups the medicine or he may replace the current medicine with another atypical AD. Good luck and all the best.
Inactive
30 Aug 2013
Hello chefrlucy.. Yes it can. The body over time will build up a tolerance. I suggest you ask your doctor to increase the dose. If not possible, a new drug will likely be implemented to replace the Citalopram. Regards pledge
cheflucy
30 Aug 2013
I have been taking 40mg the whole time and have read conflicting info. Some say over 40won't help and some people are taking more.
Delila
30 Aug 2013
Have you had any new trauma's in your life that could increase your depression? This could make it seem as though the medication isn't working as well. If nothing has changed & there are no life changes happening, then a dose increase may be considered? I don't know what dose your are currently taking, but you can take a maximum of 40mg per day. You should discuss this with your doctor though, don't increase your medication without seeking advice. Other than that, a change of antidepressant may be considered...
cheflucy
30 Aug 2013
Yes! My husband's brother just passed away. And the entire deal has been dropped in our laps. I lost my Mom a little over a year ago and that's why I had to start on the medication in th first place. That is something I had not thought about but makes sense b/c I do have p.t.s.s. thank you for that info.
Delila
30 Aug 2013
You are welcome. Speak to your doctor about how best to get through this tough time. Maybe an increase will help? It can reduced again when things are more settled...
Delila
30 Aug 2013
Sorry, i've just read that you are already taking 40mg. Sometimes a benzodiazepine can be prescribed to be taken alongside Citalopram, on an as needed basis. This shouldn't be used long term though. Or as the other members have suggested, a change of medication entirely
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Further information
- Citalopram uses and safety info
- Citalopram prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Citalopram (detailed)
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