Hi all I have just joined this forum. Really need a supportive place to get help and reassurance. My partner is amazing but it’s not the same as talking to people who know what it’s like. I was on citalopram for 4 years for crippling GAD and health anxiety. I’d had it for years but it got worse after my father died. I can off in April as I was feeling better but after stopping my IBS got worse and then I started fixating on that and my health anxiety came back and then the GAD. Now I feel anxious all the time again and really worried about the IBS. I have started taking the cit again. This is day 4. Did 2 days of 5mg and yesterday took 10. Feeling really anxious in the mornings. Worrying that’s it’s not going to work again and I’ll be stuck with feeling like this. Just need some reassurance that it will work. Many thanks
Restarting citalopram
- Thread starter Windywel
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Hi Windywel,
My doctor prescribed citalopram for me a month ago and I'm afraid to take it. I need something because my depression is increasing - along with panic.
I can't provide much direct encouragement - just letting you know someone is out here facing the exact same issue
My doctor prescribed citalopram for me a month ago and I'm afraid to take it. I need something because my depression is increasing - along with panic.
I can't provide much direct encouragement - just letting you know someone is out here facing the exact same issue
Hi Rathgar. Please take. When I went on it the first time it made such a difference. I became a normal person! This is my 4th time and no side effects except the anxiety. If you’re really scared take 5 mgs for a few days then 10. After a while you can move up to 20 if you need to. I am going back on it because I know I felt so much better on it last time. The anxiety is making me fearful again.
You could be anxious in the morning because your body produces the most cortisol in the first hour when you wake up and that is the same thing it releases when you have GAD. It’s been happening to me.
Hurt&Hopeful
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Hey there! I had trouble starting medication the first time, too, but I'm SO glad I did. It helps me to remember that nothing is permanent. Just because you take it now doesn't mean you will always have to take it, and you are in complete control of it.
Most of the SSRI meds like citalopram need to build up in your system before you really start to feel better. The waiting sucks for sure, but hang in there and it will get better! And if not, you can try something else. For me, it takes about 2-3 weeks for the side effects to wear off and the benefits to kick in. In the meantime, hope you find some good support here.
Most of the SSRI meds like citalopram need to build up in your system before you really start to feel better. The waiting sucks for sure, but hang in there and it will get better! And if not, you can try something else. For me, it takes about 2-3 weeks for the side effects to wear off and the benefits to kick in. In the meantime, hope you find some good support here.
Hurt&Hopeful
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Yes, I get more anxious at the start, too! It does get better.
PanickyChick
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Hi! I’ve been on 4 different antidepressants over the last 20 years, including citalopram, and experienced anxiety too. It always takes me at least 8 weeks to get through those initial side effects, so try to give it some time. Remind yourself every morning that it’s just anxiety (even though I know anxiety sucks) and you will power through it just as you have before.
Hi Rathgar, can you explain what exactly you’re afraid of? Maybe we can help. I’ve had fear of taking new meds before, but I overcame it. It took time and patience with myself, and lots of reassurance from my very logical friends and family who don’t understand anxiety, but are great at explaining things to me completely rationally and logically. I may have some helpful suggestions for you if I know what you’re worried about exactly.
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Thanks for responding. I am afraid of side effects - I made the mistake of reading reviews online and worked myself into a panic attack about taking Citalopram.
This morning I saw my doctor and I agreed to start taking it. He agreed to let me start at 10 mg (very small dose) and if I don't have any of the dreaded side effects, go up to 20 in a week or two.
I just took it an hour ago.
I really hope it helps
This morning I saw my doctor and I agreed to start taking it. He agreed to let me start at 10 mg (very small dose) and if I don't have any of the dreaded side effects, go up to 20 in a week or two.
I just took it an hour ago.
I really hope it helps
PanickyChick
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I’m glad you started it! Just keep checking back here for support along the way!
Hello! Was wondering how you have been doing on the meds so far?
Hi,
Thanks for asking!
Day 7 of the med. Side effects seem to be gone - today I felt like I was going to be anxious going into Costco (I always have trouble in big stores with high ceilings) and I was thinking about the usual panic feeling I get. However, it feels like something is stopping me from getting the full blown panic attack.
Wondering if eventually the medication will stop me from even thinking about it.
So I think something is working. Sleep has improved a bit as well.
Thanks for asking!
Day 7 of the med. Side effects seem to be gone - today I felt like I was going to be anxious going into Costco (I always have trouble in big stores with high ceilings) and I was thinking about the usual panic feeling I get. However, it feels like something is stopping me from getting the full blown panic attack.
Wondering if eventually the medication will stop me from even thinking about it.
So I think something is working. Sleep has improved a bit as well.