Panicing now, Worried about the side effects

[JayJ]

I am having a bit of a panic right now, I suffer with anxiety and panic attacks and have been taking Propranolol for a while but I have about 10 mins ago taken my first Citalopram as well. I read through all the side effects etc and now wish I hadn't taken it coz I am panicing majorly now. Keep thinking I can't breath which I know is a load of rubbish coz I have only just taken the tablet, I am just panicing because I was worried about taking it, Anyone around to help me take my mind of this? Also what side effects, if any did you experience.

Sorry for waffling.

J

im not on this one but am on ad's and i did see my anxiety get owrse b4 the tablets kicked in and i was rady to give up on them
what mg prop are you taking i have 40mg and take when my heart races to calm me down a bit.
gp's often give diazepam for the transition stage while they kick in
ask your gp in the morning
sorry i know that wont help right now
could you goout for a long walk ? it helps me

Hiya Candyfluff, think I will give up on the citalopram, just can't handle the anxiety that comes with taking tablets IYNWIM. I am ok with Propranolol now coz I have been taking it for a while, taking 80mg a day, doesn't stop the panic atacks and anxiety though. Not big on going out at the moment as I get too anxious but might nip to visit m family later.

you have only taken one -dont you want to give them a chance ?
ive been on mine for 7 weeks and im a little better but not back to normal .
have seen a big improvement to how i was .

Did u have many side effects when u first started on them? I am concerned about that. You are right I know it takes a few weeks for them to work, just can't handle the thought of getting worse before it gets better.

i was the same so scared to take them and scared not to
i just wanted someone to do it for me to take the decision out of my hands
i had dry mouth
dizziness
anxiety

of coures the anxiety was the worst one and im now scared that its all going to come back
ive been ill for the last 3 weeks had a flu like virus then had bronchitis and ive been feeling a litle anxious again and im not sure why.
please talk to your gp

I had awful side effects when I started on the tablets but tbh I hoped I would get used to them and I would feel better than I did before going on them.

that is exactly how I feel Candfluff. Want someone to tell me exactly what to do.

Sorry you have been feeling unwell, have you ever had the slow release propranolol that you take once a day? I found these really helped with anxiety.

Do you know what triggers your anxiety?

havent got the foggiest it happens when i least expect it
no havent had the slow realease ones just take 40mg when i need to ,i try not to though
i have noticed that sometimes it happens in situations that arent under my control like for example my dad took me to get our pc fixed and i nearly had a panic attack in the car ,i dont know why and i feel silly and dont tell anyone though what good that does i dont know
what are your triggers?

Wish I knew, but probably like you, feeling out of control and generally overwhelmed with life.

I also have kept this to myself, feel embarassed to confide in my family.

I get my worse panic attacks is work, so far have managed to hide it from them, got a busy week this week though and am already worrying how I will get through it.

Have you been offered CBT or anything?

i have got my first counselling session on wednesday have no idea what to say
i know its a lady at my gp surgery.
have had a community pych nurse b4 when i had pnd but she wasnt much help just someone to talk to.
i have no idea how you can go to work -your amazing
im a stay at home mum and the thought of going to work fills me with dread.

Thanks, I have to really, no choice, need the money, also used to really enjoy it until this all started, only been back off maternity leave for 6 months.

Will you let me know how your councilling goes? I was offered some but not taken them up on it.

i will let you know -your not alone

I have been on Citalopram for just over a year. They have really helped me. The side effects can be a bit un-nerving for the first few weeks, but were worth it.

JayJ - give them a chance. I suffer with anxiety and panic attacks too and am on Effexor (Venlafaxine). They HAVE helped but like you I initially worried about the side effects as well.

Also have a look at No More Panic. It's a really good website with lots of information and very good message boards.

Okay - my link isn't working - not sure why - the site is called No More Panic though and is top entry when you google.