Looking for some hope and positivity...
I suffer from health anxiety after a terrible misdiagnosis/emergency surgery in 2023. From there, my mental health took a total dive and I was convinced I was dying. After a few months i recovered almost fully and managed through a combination of CBT and Citalopram (from 30, 20 to 10 and off fully for 4 months)
In 2025 I started experiencing some random health issues, nothing serious just bouts of nausea and suspected reflux. However, after getting myself into a horrible spiral of trying to control and monitor my symptoms, my health anxiety has taken over my life again. I'm in such a vulnerable place and I decided to get out of this i needed to have the support from antidepressants.
I started on citalopram 10mg on Friday (16th) so today is day 4, but the side effects have been awful. My anxiety is through the roof, the nausea seems to be settling but that was horrendous day 1 and 2. My nerves feel on edge, no appetite and I can't sleep due to racing thoughts. I also had some chest sensations but they are getting less and less. Please bear in mind my anxiety was absolutely terrible anyway before starting so maybe my side effects are a reflection of that.
The reason I'm choosing to stick despite the side effects is because I know from personal experience that they CAN lead to living a happy, 'normal' life again. I'm just wondering if anyone is in a similar boat or has been through it and can relate? Hoping for some good news as I can't quite remember how long it took.
Thanks <3