Should i still be feeling really panicky and anxious 4 weeks after starting citalopram?

[25goingon95]

I started on citalopram 10mg 4 weeks ago. Ive noticed my head feels a little clearer, my mood has improved but i feel so tired and really panicky. Im doing my best to ride the anxiety out but it is really hard. Does it tend to get better after 6 weeks or is it worth going back to the GP and upping the dose? Also if i take the 20mg will it make me even more drowsy??

Hello. Yes i would go back to your GP. I am on 40mg but started on 20. they may say it hasn't had enough time to reach the optimum level yet, or up your dose. I started In July last year and I can honestly say it has worked well for me.

You probably need to go up to 20mg. The drowsyness should wear off - that's an adjustment thing usually rather than a permanent side effect.

Thanks :)

I went to my appointment last week and she said i should go back in 3 weeks to see how its going..just wondering whether i should go back sooner or give it another couple of weeks until my appointment...

I keep telling myself it will get better soon..but it is really hard when i keep feeling so anxious and panicky :(

Mine was upped because I was still anxious in the mornings. i don't think it would do any harm to go and have a chat with the GP. It can make you more anxious to start with.

How long were you on the 10mg sparkling?

I started on 20mg. I don't know why we missed the 10mg out TBH.

Ah right. I wish i'd started on 20mg..might have to ride it out for another couple of weeks and see if it gets better.

It's good to start on 10mg to help you ease into it - makes the side effects easier to manage and some (like my dh) never need more than that.

I started on 10mg and found I needed it increasing to 20 after 4 weeks. 20 is working well for me - have been on this dose for 3 months now. Don't be afraid to ask for an increase if you think it would help you.

Thanks, i was hoping not to need more than 10mg. But will definately ask to try 20mg if im still feeling like this when i next see the GP. Not sure if i should be seeing an improvement by 4 weeks or if this is just how it will be on 10mg and i will need a higher dose. Don't want to hang around for another 2 weeks of this unless there is a chance it will get better on this dose iykwim.

That sounds sensible 25. I had a hard time starting on 20mg but no more side effects when the doses increased, just feeling better.