would anyone mind sparing some thoughts on starting "escitalopram" for anxiety? I've never taken meds before...

[grapeandlemon]

Psychiatrist suggested taking a small dose of it - apparently it is a derivative of citalopram. I have suffered from severe anxiety, social and other phobias and obsessive behaviours for many years now and after CBT and therapy, he feels I may need this to re-set the imbalance in my brain basically.

I don't have depression but it is classed as an anti-D but works with anxiety as well. I trust him but he said to think about it and get back to him. I am being seen by a very well -known hospital with a good reputation but as I've never been on meds before I am a bit worried.

Will I still be able to drink a glass of wine? drive and "function" normally - whatever that means these days.

Really appreciate any thoughts

Hi I am on 40mg a day of Citalopram, like you I was wary of taking meds, but Im so glad I did, I feel so much better.

Yes you can drive and drink plenty of wine and function normally, if not better, because you wont be feeling nowhere near as anxious anymore. HTH

Thank you so much that is v reassuring. How long did it take to kick in for you if you don't mind me asking?

I've also started escitalopram for anxiety after a recent trauma, and I started to feel so much better after just a week. I had been constantly trembling, and plagued with flashbacks, and that just stopped. I have started to feel normal again. Hope it works well for you.

thank you ange8 - so great to have such a quick and positive reaction. I am happy it worked for you. Really think I will give them a go.

My son (18) was put on escitalopram at the beginning of March for OCD and anxiety. I don't think he was really depressed though. He started on 5mg and has gradually increased it.Now on 15mg. It has helped him put into action the strategies from his CBT therapy which he was finding very difficult before. However each time he has increased his dose it has had some side affects. At the beginning he got quite frequent headaches and it sort of increased his general anxiety. He said he was swallowing and yawning alot.

It does take a few weeks to cut in especially if you start as low as 5mg which is not really a medicating dose. I think normally the dose is 15-20mg.

I have been taking citalopram for nearly 2 years, I love it, it is enbling me to face the real issues, apparently I am nicer to live with.
I will not be on it forever, that is something I am sure of BUT I see no problem with being on it until I have everything on an even keel.

I didn't go on them for depression, it was for anxiety and PTSD.