How do you know if you need to increase the dose of ADs?

[brooker9]

I've got a review with the GP tomorrow, and am wondering if I need to increase my citalopram again. (I'm also on wait list for CBT)

I started at 20mg in November, went up to 30mg a month ago. Been feeling a lot better the last couple of weeks (but have been off work). Today I went to town, and met two friends from work for lunch (first time I'd met them since going off work). Felt really panicky beforehand, and on the brink of tears before/when I met them. Went home and cried. Now I'm doubting myself - am I well enough to return to work/do I need to up the dose?

The last week has been absolutely fine (although have not had to engage with anyone/deal with anything too stressful) I have kept up with the housework, cooking, been to the shops, been on long walks etc and really thought the 30mg was doing it's stuff and that I'll be ok.

How do you know if you need more? I feel so much better than I did last year, I'm noticing things that I'd forgotten all about and actually enjoying doing some things and was hoping to go back to work next week...

Anyone got any experience of this?
I'm looking for ways to judge if you need to raise the dose and also how to know if you are ready to return to work. I will discuss both of these with my GP tomorrow, but was hoping to go in having some idea of what will happen so that I can get used the idea beforehand.

Hi I've only just seen your post. Did you see your GP yesterday?

I'm wondering the same thing so would be good to hear what happened at your go. I feel so much better on just 10mg but do wonder if I could feel much better iyswim. Someone on here once said don't settle for just ok.

I am on 40mg. GP upped it from 30mg to 40mg because I was still waking up feeling anxious. I feel fine on that dose and it has made a big difference.

Hi, I was having a good day on Friday, so went to the GP and gave one of my more lucid/cheerful appointments. First time I haven't bawled my eyes out and spoken incoherently to the poor woman so things must be getting better. Decided to stick with the 30mg as there has been improvements since I've moved up (and to be honest I don't like the idea of taking the highest dose - it's taken me enough to go to dr/start on ADs as it is). I was offered another sick note, but I want to go back to work and try to get back into a normal routine (been off a month now). Dreading it now it's getting closer - the questions, the concern from colleagues setting the tears off again, the overflowing inbox and work piled up... I've also got a two hour meeting to discuss absence first thing :( Terrified - will be bringing multipack tissues :(
Anyway, we decided to stick to the 30mg and review in another 4 weeks (or go back earlier if it all goes wrong). Hopefully once I'm back at work I'll be able to judge better if I need more. Hanging around the house doing what I want to do (mostly nothing) is not really a good test of mood.
Still on the waiting list for CBT - it's taking ages - what's the typical wait - I was told 2 months, but it's taking longer.