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Original poster

Citalopram hand holding please

20 replies

BrightDeer · 31/12/2024 11:20

Please help and reassure me! I am on day 8 citalopram 10mg and the anxiety is huge. I took them before and after three weeks I started to feel better.
I have zero appetite, nausea, panicjy feeling, heightened anxiety, not sleepibg. How do I cope with this?

OP posts:
Original poster
BrightDeer · 31/12/2024 13:34

My GP has just told me to increase to 20mg . .

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Original poster
BrightDeer · 31/12/2024 15:06

I have just had a glimpse of recovery, suddenly felt better, like myself again. Last time I had similar "previews" in the second week so fingers crossed. I am never coming off them!

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ChaosDream · 31/12/2024 15:24

Hello, I'm on 40mg citalopram. It can take a few weeks until they take effect. Your symptoms may get worse before they get better. Hope you get on ok - take care of yourself x

rubyslipperss · 31/12/2024 18:03

I'm not on citalopram , I'm on a different one but it's been a journey . Well done for getting to day 8 . My advice is to just take every day as it comes . Do you have anyone to talk to in RL? I phoned up the local MH helpline for advice and just someone to support me whilst I had a few very difficult days at the beginning .

Original poster
BrightDeer · 31/12/2024 21:06

Thank you ChaosDream and Rubyslipperss.
I called work EAP counselling today and they were very helpful. I have free 24/7 access through work.

My DP is fed up with me asking for reassurance constantly but luckily I'm with my mum for another week and she has been great. I can just cry with her whenever I need to.

It's debilitating waiting for them to kick in while feeling worse.

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Pinksmyfavoritecolour · 31/12/2024 21:37

I'm on 20mg, keep going with it, you will turn that corner. Ide not be without mine.
Also try taking some magnesium, possibly some zinc, and vitamin d.

rubyslipperss · 01/01/2025 00:06

My GP gave me zopiclone with mine to help me sleep , I'm just at the stage where I'm coming off them . Not advocating sleeping pills but they did really help me due to insomnia just making everything else worse !

Original poster
BrightDeer · 01/01/2025 14:00

Did you take any time off work? I think I may need to until I start feeling more stable. I am worried about taking time off work but I can't see how I can work in this state.

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rubyslipperss · 01/01/2025 14:26

BrightDeer · 01/01/2025 14:00

Did you take any time off work? I think I may need to until I start feeling more stable. I am worried about taking time off work but I can't see how I can work in this state.

I'm taking time off yes . I got signed off for a month but likely to take a bit more off - my job is quite stressful and high responsibility so want to feel more settled .

Original poster
BrightDeer · 01/01/2025 15:14

That's reassuring to know rubyslipperss. I can self certify for one week from tomorrow and then will speak with my GP. I hope she will agree to sign me off. I am nervous to ask for time off but can't see how I can function at work.
I can't believe I am feeling this way again. I know this will pass because I recovered before but it's still so hard.

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rubyslipperss · 01/01/2025 17:36

@BrightDeer I feel exactly the same way - I haven't felt like this for a very long time - things got on top of me this year without me realising. Give yourself some time to get better.
We can't help where we are now though and we have to just try and move forward a little bit at a time . You will start to feel better soon .

Original poster
BrightDeer · 08/01/2025 07:56

How are you @rubyslipperss?
I am on day 17 and still heightened anxiety, panicky feelings when I wake up. I hope this will pass. Got signed off work for one month.
We even missed our flight yesterday! I am not in a state to travel anyway.

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Original poster
BrightDeer · 08/01/2025 07:58

@Pinksmyfavoritecolour when did you start feeling better? I'm on day 17, 6 days on 20mg and still heightened anxiety, wake up with panic. It was the same for me before and I do remember not feeling better after two weeks but maybe after 3-4.

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Cheslea2010 · 08/01/2025 09:59

Stick with them and you will get through the unpleasant initial stage and things will start to get much better. It is much the same when you come off them.

GoFaster83 · 08/01/2025 10:43

I feel okay so far. I'm on day 6. Im not working at the moment which I think has made it easier. I was signed off with stress before I started it so that was when I decided to try something new. The anxiety on Sertraline was intense and never settled down for me. Now I just have the stress of trying to find a new job!

GoFaster83 · 08/01/2025 10:44

Thank you to everyone who has commented that it will really help. That's given me a wee boost!

Pinksmyfavoritecolour · 08/01/2025 11:37

Definitely nearer to 4 weeks, you will get there, I started on 10mg, but went up to 20mg about 5 years ago.

rubyslipperss · 08/01/2025 13:31

I'm ok @BrightDeer up and down with the mirtazapine but starting therapy too so that may be it . It's helping a bit with sleep and anxiety. Sorry you are feeling rough . I remember on citalopram it really kicked in around the 6 week mark .

rubyslipperss · 08/01/2025 13:32

Also glad you took time off work - I'm going to extend mine I think

Original poster
BrightDeer · 11/01/2025 15:02

On day 20 today, 10 day on 20mg, still feeling panicky and high anxiety. When will it end?
Last time it took me three months to feel stable. Such a long wait!

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