Citalopram 10mg reassurance

[Alicia44]

Hi
I've been on 10mg citalopram for just short of 8 weeks. I've felt better than I have in so long but all of a sudden I can feel anxiety creeping back in. I'm managing it and it's not stopping me from doing anything. But I'd rather feel like I've been feeling in the past few weeks, which was pretty good. I have a docs appointment tomorrow and I'm going to ask if I can go up to 20mg. I'm worried about side effects but thinking it should be okay as already have the meds in my system. I don't know whether this is a (hormonal) blip or if it's because I do need to increase. Just looking for reassurance I guess! Thanks in advance xx

I'd give it a week or so to see if it is something that will settle on its own such as hormonal or situational. If it doesn't then yes ask to go up a dose. 20mg is a very normal dose. I had an awful time with Citalopram but that was evident from the beginning. If you don't have side effects on 10mg then you are unlikely to on 20mg.

Thank you @thesnapandfartisinfallible . I'm sure it will suit me once I get to the correct dose for me, as I've felt so good on them from the get go x

Ive been on 20mg for years with no ill effects so you should be ok.

Thank you @bilbodog . Do you think 10mg is too low? Has 20mg helped? I'm guessing so if you've taken it for a while

I started on prozac which helped immediately and then some years later felt i was going downhill so dr suggested moving over to citalopram which i did. Cant remember ever going up a dose so presuming ive always been on 20mg. I did try coming off last year but found it really hard with a number of unpleasant side effects so went straight back to 20mg and the relief was immense - right back to feeling myself so im staying put!

I was told by my dr that everyone gets started with Citalopram on 10mg and it gets adjusted from there. While the 10 suited me, I think a move up to 20 is very common. Well done for seeking help! So glad you are starting to feel the benefit.

@bilbodog I don't blame you for staying put!!! I'm defo going to try to get him to give me 20mg tomorrow!

Thank you @showmethegin ! To be honest I've felt that 10mg has been great for me...I just had a few shaky days, today hasn't been too bad really. I'll have a good chat with the doc tomorrow but I'm thinking I'll go up to 20mg...

Okay so the GP agreed I should go up to 20mg. I've taken 10mg this morning, my prescription is for 2 x 10mg tablets a day. Should I bite the bullet and take the other 10mg this morning? He doesn't expect me to have any side effects at this stage. Feeling really nervous about it!! :-((

Take the other 10mg now, then you won't be anxiously waiting to take it. I was on 20mg for about 5 years. I'm now on 10mg, it's my lifelong friend . I had no side effects and was on HRT at the same time.

@Warmhandscoldheart thanks so much! I just need that reassurance I think! The doc gave me 20mg so I've broken one on half and taken it! As you say, the anticipation can make you worse! Glad to hear that citalopram has worked it's magic for you. I'm confident that it will for me too ❤️

I'm sure it will @Alicia44. Trust in the little tablet, it is your friend
CBT helped me through the darkest days too, check out the internet for sources. Don't be hard on yourself, small steps, good luck

Thanks @Warmhandscoldheart . Well nothing untoward has happened so far after taking 20mg 😀 !
I have already started CBT but the counsellor broke her arm so couldn't do my 2nd appointment, then she's informed me she's leaving! So I've been re referred and have got an appointment in about 2 weeks time. I'm managing pretty well, I just don't like the anxiety symptoms and would rather they bugger right off! Fingers crossed 🤞🏻 I do feel positive about upping my dose 😊

Hi Alicia44, how are things? Better I hope. I'm sorry to hear you're having to wait for counselling but hopefully it will be worth it.

Alicia44

Hi @Warmhandscoldheart thanks so much for the message! I had a fab day yesterday but today I've been a little ropey (feeling anxious). I've stayed at work all day though and done everything I needed to! It just frightens me when I have these days, it makes me wonder if I'll ever get better. But then I tell myself it's early days (only on day 4 of increased does)....I've survived days WAY worse than this! Thanks again for asking...😊

You're welcome. You will come through it because you sound determined to. Some days will be better than others, never beat yourself up about off days because that will only intensify the anxiety.
Take care, best wishes, great yourself to something special tonight you deserve it

Should read great

TREAT

Thank you @Warmhandscoldheart ! The doctor did say to give it 4 weeks to feel the full benefit so I'm trying to be positive and tell myself this WILL
work! I'm doing lots of walking too. Was difficult this evening as I didn't really feel like it but I've just got in from a 3 mile walk. I'm sure if I keep this up I'll come out of the other side! I'm going to get into my pjs after a shower, have tea, and read through my CBT paperwork that has been sent through the post. Then try to get lost in a book that I'm really enjoying. Tomorrow is another day and another step closer to feeling fabulous 🤞🏻😊 I'll keep you posted! Hope you are well too x

I am thank you. Walking is very therapeutic, I've got a high energy dog, 2 walks a day rain or shine Keep me posted

@Warmhandscoldheart I have 2 dogs...it's great for getting you our walking! Will definitely keep you posted, thank you!

I was on 40mg citalopram for several years, never had any major side effects, and it just helped me feel more stable. I went through a rough patch with my mental health due to external factors and a locum changed me to mirtazapine which was increased to 45mg but I never felt as good on that. I've now gone back down to 15mg mirtazapine at night for sleep and added in 20mg citalopram in the morning to help with anxiety during the day and I'm feeling better than I have in ages. I've tried a number of antidepressants previously, Prozac, sertraline, venlafaxine, amitriptyline to name a few. Each has had different pros and cons and held up differently to life stresses and changes in my mental state, it's just a case of being honest with your doctor about how you are feeling and they will work with you to adjust for changes. I almost always end up on the highest dose of each one I've tried, but I've never had debilitating side effects as if I start to feel weird or side effects don't settle after a few weeks I go back and discuss alternatives, I accept I need help but there are so many options I refuse to be on one that has a significant negative impact on my life. The worst was venlafaxine, I could hear my eyes moving. Very irritating and felt bizarre, plus got a headache if I was even ten minutes late taking it. Came off that pretty damn quick.

@MrsRubyMonday thank you for your message. It does seem that citalopram is very effective for anxiety. I'm not sure if the anxiety I'm experiencing at the moment is because I needed the increase, or because I have increased (as in slight side effects) I'm thinking/hoping it's the former. How long would you give it to start feeling the benefits? I'm on day 4 of my increased dose. I know that everyone is different.