Was doing great on Citalopram - now suffering again

[feelingcrappy]

Hi, been on Citalopram 20mg for 6 weeks - 1st 2 weeks were difficult while I adjusted then a whole month of feeling just like my old self. In the last week, though, I have felt my anxiety levels creeping up again - TERRIFIED of the depression descending again. How do I know if this is just a blip or if I need a dosage increase? Thanks in advance x

[smk84]

saffyronron - I have just seen your post and I expect my reply is too late but I will write it just in case. I believe that the dose can be as high as 60mgs for people who are really suffering. I was in a bad way on 40 mg, but it's all relative - what was bad for me may not be for you and vice versa. It sounds to be like you are being hard on yourself. Going to the doctor is a very brave thing to do. I definitely think that just before and at start of period mood can be much lower. How are you feeling now?

[saffyronron]

smk84, thanks so much for your kind words. I've never been on AD's before but have learned a lot on MN. I definitely don't feel great and realised I feel very alone and maybe that's why I'm feeling low. Xmas can be a difficult time of year. I'm hoping I'll feel better in the new year. I have to go back to my GP so I'll see what she has to say - she's very nice so that makes things a little easier.

[smk84]

Saffyronron - glad to hear your GP is nice, that really helps. Once I had been on 40mg for 6 weeks, I was feeling much more able to cope, and things got better from there. I was under the care of the mental health team for a while and they used to tell me all the time that it was a depressive episode and that it wouldn't last forever. It used to get on my nerves when they said this, but it was absolutely true. I have been well for some time now. So just want to encourage you that things will improve. I will keep checking on here just in case you want to stay in touch. You are never alone (but I completely understand that you feel that way - I always had people around, but it was the loneliest time of my life cos no one could understand!)

[mummmypirate]

Hello all, I'm back for some words of encouragement please - you were so wise and supportive last time. I've changed my name by the way, 'feelingcrappy' was such a downer! Anyway, 4 weeks into 40mg and was doing great but in the last 48 hours my old enemy has returned. The anxiety isn't as bad this time but it's very much there again.

Last time I had a setback my GP increased my dose and I was really hoping to stabilise at 40mg. I just need some reassurance that I can ride out this blip without some radical change and that it doesn't mean I've stopped getting better and the citalopram has stopped working.

Thanks in advance...

[kizzie]

Hi Ive written on your other thread too (re. blips) but just to say that this isnt at all unusual (ie to start to feel better but then have a set back.)

Sometimes the set backs feel even worse because you have had some better days so youve got to come to terms again with just how horrible it is.

It doesnt mean you arent going to get better x

[mummmypirate]

Hello again, just thought I would update. Went to GPs this aft as I was despairing. He was great - as usual - assured me I was on the right medication at the right dosage and this episode was inevitable in the road to recovery. Nothing needs to change, I was doing well and will get those good days back again soon. Just need to put this excellent theory into practice then...

[kizzie]

Thats good - Gp sounds great

[Tomandnick1]

Please let me know setbacks are normal. Seems like it took so long to get where I am today. With side effects and all .I have been feeling good for 2 mo and then wham dont know when it occurred. Didnt feel like I did happy and glad all of this is in the past. So upset iam crying texting this . Will it get worse I want my life back. PLEASE GOD Help me. Tomandnick1