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Original poster

Citalopram

41 replies

myBOYSareBONKERS · 23/06/2011 18:48

I was started on 10mg per day of citalopram for anxiety. I had a severe increase in anxiety symptoms and decrease in appetite after taking it.

I had to increase to 20mg after a week but after taking one 20mg tablet I felt so ill - sick, shaking, faint, pins and needles in arms and very very panicky.

I spoke to the GP who said these were all side effects and normal. He said I could either drop back to 10mg, stay at 20mg and "ride it out" or alternate between 10 and 20mg. I knew I wouldn't be able to work in that state so I dropped down to 10mg and my symptoms improved but the anxiety never went completely.

Last Friday I increased to 20mg (was on the 10mg dose for 2.5 weeks) and I didnt experience the same extreme in side effects at that time. However as the days have gone on my anxiety is increasing. I am also feeling more and more tired.

Is this normal? Should it be increasing ? I am working tomorrow and that is where my anxiety's lay so it could be the thought of that.

I just so want to be well Sad

OP posts:
Original poster
myBOYSareBONKERS · 01/07/2011 18:44

I have had a good day!!! anxiety levels at a minimum!! I see a light at the end of the tunnel!!

OP posts:
ItsMyTurn · 01/07/2011 21:35

is anyone listeing to me? I got my prescription today but didnt collect it. too scared. Is it poss to get through anxiety without meds? Please?

Onemorning · 01/07/2011 21:53

I'm on day 8 and starting to feel more like myself, despite a really full-on day at work.

Hello Itsmyturn What is it that scares you about the pills vs not using pills?

ItsMyTurn · 01/07/2011 22:16

the fact that the symptoms seem as awful as the reason you get them! INcreased anxiety, nausea, diarrhea (sp?!), dizziness, loss of appetite? Sound just a fucking hideous as the original anxiety which is shit enough in itself. Feel fuckng shit and sick and tired of it. Sorry to rant. Had e-fucking-nuff

CatPower · 01/07/2011 23:21

I don't feel great tonight.
I feel low, and confused, and I can feel myself getting worked up about absolutely nothing at all. Yet I feel like I can't do anything about it.
Just another week until the Citalopram kicks in. Just need to keep going until then.

ItsMyTurn · 02/07/2011 07:45

how are you feeling this morning all? I havent taken any tabs yet. Still have prescription in my bag.

Fatimalovesbread · 02/07/2011 08:42

Itsmyturn I got prescribed citalopram for depression and sever anxiety. FWIW I didn't get any of the side effects such as increased anxiety etc. And now, along with a bit of CBT, my anxiety levels are minimal.

If you try them and don't like then you can always stop but they may make you better

Smile
PonceyMcPonce · 02/07/2011 08:52

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

weimy · 02/07/2011 16:55

itsmyturn I still have not taken mine for the same reason. I am thinking about trying reflexology, changing my diet exercising etc. I don't know it is never as bad at the weekend mostly during the week.

I keep thinking though maybe I am being a drama queen and don't really need them.

ItsMyTurn · 02/07/2011 18:11

weimy - I am worried that they will make me feel worse. i have been OK today - only glimpses of panic which I can deal with. I think I need to do more. I am a stay at home mum and widow so I just potter aroundthe house doing bits. I need my mind occupied then I am fine. But when it hits, it is horrific. I am totally consumed by anxiety and upset stomach - my head feels fit to burst, but today I am fine - I don;t get it

weimy · 02/07/2011 18:20

maybe you should see if there is counselling available. xx

BeckleinDisguise · 03/07/2011 01:23

I have just been prescribed these for anxiety. I too was gobsmacked when my Doctor suggested I was depressed although anxiety makes more sense to me.

I started taking them today (only 10mg) and my Doctor said to take them in the morning rather than the evening (because I don't struggle to sleep I think, I can sleep anywhere, anytime!)

They scare me. But carrying on feeling so bad also scares me.

Its so nice to hear the difference they have made to some of you, it makes me feel so much better about taking them! I really hope they work for me, I want to be myself again.

Weimy, I also worry I am being a drama queen and that I don't really need them!

Weimy and ItsMyTurn, I have had my prescription since Tuesday but didn't start until today. I knew the GP wanted to put me on them a month ago but avoided going back (until I had no choice as I needed to see him for something else) as I was scared to. I don't know why the thought of them is so scary but a friend of mine texted me today to see if I had started them and said this "You have to remember you are in control. I felt that I wasn't when I was first taking them and that they would change me as a person but they haven't" Perhaps that is why the thought of taking them is scary? Loss of control? Loss of self? A sign of weakness? All of them in my case. I'd like to try other ways to bring myself up, I've been trying for so long but the can't-be-arsedness gets worse and I do nothing. I'm hoping these will give me the lift I need to help myself properly.

BeckleinDisguise · 04/07/2011 09:53

Okay, today is the third day of taking these, so far they just seem to be making me thirsty...

ItsMyTurn · 04/07/2011 11:38

Still not taken the meds. Got first appt tomoz with counsellor. Gonna beat this

weimy · 04/07/2011 18:14

Hi Beckleindisguise

It does feel like a huge step. But like you I feel that I need to find ways to bring myself up. I'm not sure about the tablets yet, we shall see. Hope you start feeling better soon.

Itsmyturn good luck with the session.

ItsMyTurn · 04/07/2011 18:23

weimy - thank you. x

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