Anxiety and medication?

[RubySoho]

So about a year ago, I was put on Fluoxetine hydrochloride. They gave me terrible side effects. I was being sick, feeling dizzy, nothing seemed real. It lasted a month and a half, and I came off them because I couldn't deal with it.
Now my new GP has given me Citalopram for anxiety/depression.
Now for the ironic part- I'm too anxious to take them, because of the possibility of the side effects. But I'm getting worse lately.
So I was wondering, how do you deal with this situation, if you've been in it yourself? I have a job, and can't take the time off, so I'll need to still be able to go to work, regardless of effects.
Thanks :)

[kbeth]

I've been on too many diff meds for my anxiety/depression to count. Here's my two cents: :)
Fluoxetine is a much older drug than Citalopram. Generally, the newer the drug, the fewer the side effects.
Second, just because you have side effects from one SSRI doesn't mean you'll have them from a different one. I've had bad side effects from one med and zero side effects from others. I haven't been on Citalopram, so I can't say anything about that one.
I know starting a new med can be really scary for me too. I've had to do med changes while working--not fun, but do-able. My suggestion is to take your first dose on Friday night or Saturday morning. If you do have side effects, they'll show up before you go to work on Monday. That way, if they're really bad, you can stop the med in time. I'd say there's a good chance the side effects, if there are any, won't be disabling--maybe some dry mouth or something. But if they are really bad, call your GP and let them know. You can always try a different med--there's no reason to suffer through horrible side effects for a whole month and a half this time.
Bottom line is, it can't hurt to try. The worst case scenario is you have a miserable weekend. And the best case scenario is you don't have any big side effects and your anxiety gets a lot better. If you do try, let us know how it goes! :)

[MrsNutkin]

I agree with what kbeth says. If you have any concerns find a good GP (you have a choice about who you see) For example, I only see one GP in my practice if I have any choice (obvs. if it's an emergency I can't be picky) but that is because 99% of the Doctors at my practice aren't specialists in mental health. I'm lucky there is a GP at my practice who is but most practices in the UK should have at least one good doctor.

[overcome.]

I know the feeling of not wanting to try a new medication after a negative experience with one prior to that. I was prescribed citalopram for the same reasons a few years back, It didn't help me as much as I'd have liked but that doesn't mean to say you won't get on well. I'd encourage you to give it a go, you've got nothing to lose in the long run, it may turn out to be one of the best things you ever did. Of course every drug has side effects, but they'll vary from person to person and you may well have zero-very little problems with this new option. One step at a time, taking it would be a start though. If you're concerned about anything I'd say to do some of your own research and speak to your GP.