Citalopram

[Myboysmyworld666]

Hi I am reaching out for support before I lose my mind, so I have a anxiety disorder where any time I try to go somewhere busy like a shop or appointment etc I have extreme anxiety the physical side effects are crippling me the doctors have put me on citalopram after venlafaxine and sertraline were not good for me, I am 3 weeks in and just looking for reassurance please, before starting citalopram I could walk my dogs or walk to my mums now my anxiety is so heightened I struggling to leave the house please looking for positive feedback

Thank you feel really emotional today think I just so fed up now x

How do you know when to increase? I've had ten days approx of 10mg... alongside adhd meds. I'm definitely a little better but anxiety and rumination still awful in afternoon. Want to just run upstairs and hide.

My doctor wouldn't increase till I hit 6 weeks the first few weeks are so hard message me anytime x

What you’ve got to remember is that recovery is a long road. Try not to count in days, but look
at the changes in months. It takes a while for the drugs to work and to settle, so try to take the pressure off yourself. You will feel better xx

I just wanted to say that after two weeks I've upped my dose to 20mg from 10mg and had an immediate effect in energy and my mental state. Less fear and more energy and motivation. It was like a switch. I was still jittery at bedtime but very tired in a good way and I took a 2mg diazepam I've been given to take as I titrate as needed. That was helpful and slept well and woke up and got up and dressed at 7am which felt like the biggest thing after months and months of just not being able to function or want to do anything. So, I think this medication is definitely a good thing for me. And despite a shitty few weeks of horrendous anxiety I feel like a different person. Just more normal and like myself...

Aww brilliant I am going up to 20 next week been put on propranolol as well x

Hi there folks. Im just wondering how everyone is getting on. I am second time going on to Citalopram, and in last 3 weeks have upped dose from 20 to 30., so basically feel back to tge beginning. I take the start ups very, very sorely, physical and mental side effects, but from my last experience I know ai will get there eventually. I am off my work just now, i often see people on chats working and I wonder how they work through this difficult time. Can we all support one another. I feel that these are sone of the most tricky times and support will help us all. How is ev else gwtting on? Xx

Hi so I have been on 15 mg for 9 weeks now and honestly the first 5 weeks were the worst didn't leave my bed or house was bordering agrophobia doctor suggest propranolol again this time 40mg x3 a day alongside my citalopram which she wants to up to 20 mg this week the propranolol has made me able to walk my dogs again go to my mums and take walks on my own I am still struggling with being able to go to shops etc but just pushing thru I am also perimenopause and suffer pmt really bad, today I have woke up and just feel really off but I know this is the build up to my period xx

@Myboysmyworld666 how are you getting on now? I am week 4 of increase to 30mg. Had a very rough day today, but better by this evening. Have decided I need to hang on in there certainly till week 8 of the increase to see if they are kicking in a bit by then. My anxiety remains persistant through the day, but less at night. I have done this before and got better, but my brain will not remember that and keeps telling me I will not get better. I never had anxiety like this. Its awful, but hopefully it will go. I feel so sorry for anyone going through this alone.

I luckily have not had any side effects with upping the dose I will be 9 weeks on Saturday I was lucky my doctor prescribed diazapam and I only took it when I was riddled with anxiety my doctor told me it can take at least up to 12 weeks depending on the person, I decided yesterday to walk to my dad's grave literally 10 min walk got at least a 100 yards before cemetery and came back this was purely because I seen people and my head goes straight to " what if I have a panic attack in public, I am going to try again tomorrow, ask your doctor for propranolol if you can it stops the adrenaline from the anxiety x

Hi OP how are you getting on ? I'm thinking of starting citalopram - I've been on it before , but not for 20 years . Am a bit worried about side effects . How are you getting on with it ? Are you feeling any better now ?

Hi well I am 13 weeks in and things have definitely improved since I moved to 20 mg I won't lie the first 6 weeks I wanted to give up was horrible, my anxiety is still present much quieter though and I am still struggling with social anxiety, but am determined to get thru this x keep me updated on how you do

Thanks for replying OP - glad to hear you are managing and I hope things are getting a little better . I'm going to start today . Just waiting to chat to GP - I need some sleeping tablets too as not sleeping . Feel like a zombie . I am worried about side effects a bit .
@StressyMessyJess did you not even have side effects when you first went on them ?
I have been on them years ago but can't really remember. I think they increased my anxiety slightly .

I was lucky not have any side affects at all. I have been on and off anti depressants most my life and citalopram work the best for me
Good luck x