How many tries before finding the right medication?

[Gentlelentils]

Feeling pretty hopeless. The pandemic really did a number on my head and I have crippling anxiety and depression. I am a part time student and have had to take time out. Need to go back by September so I need to fix my head. For context I am not in the UK, so doctors appear to look at things differently. I am in my mid-twenties and very slim, if that is relevant. So weight gain is not a problem for me.

I first tried Citalopram and while it didn't have terrible side effects, it didnt work very well when I went back to uni. Then I was put on Paroxetine. Terrible drug! I slept 20 hrs a day and could not function. Then I came off it and tried CBT therapy. Worked for a couple of months, then relapsed. I am going to see the doctor again. Doctors here tend not to discuss meds with patients that much and are fairly high handed. Should I ask for sertraline or fluoxetine? MY doc here thinks sertraline isnt great for young women with irregular periods anyway. ( me).:(

So fed up with trying to get better.

What dose of Citalopram were you on, did you increase it ?
If Uni is the problem then perhaps you need to address that and do something else.

I was on 20 mg and then increased to 30 but did not help.
Uni in itself is not the problem. I was fine before everything went online. Doing good even. I am still on course for a 2:1 if I continue. The problem is that I just feel terribly anxious all the time.

I had depression and fairly crippling anxiety for 3 years after a breakdown. Tried citalopram which made me feel worse.

Tried fluoxetine which, bizarrely, started working within a few days (especially on the anxiety). It changed and saved my life.

Oh, I also got a prescription for Valium to deal with any really bad episodes of anxiety. I only take a few tablets a year but they're a good back up.

Thanks. I know people for whom fluoxetine has worked very quickly but I don't seem to do so great with ADs ( though maybe I haven't tried enough). I am really scared of having horrible side effects again and feeling like a zombie. But I guess no choice but to try again.