Anxiety

[EmzDee]

Hi I first started suffering panic attacks 18 years ago following the birth of my second child. Commenced on 10mg citalopram and have been on them for pretty much all this time. I always had the odd dip here and there but managed to pull through. Just before Christmas this year my son (aged 21) had an accident and I had a shock where he collapsed after and an op and I thought he wasn’t going to make it. I was fine for a few weeks then after Christmas I became really unwell with panic attacks and disturbing thoughts. The doctor increased my citalopram to 20mg and I suffered all the usual side effects for weeks. Felt I have been not to bad until last week when I became ill with covid 19 symptoms and my mind has spiraled out of control. The doctor has prescribed propanalol but feel to worried to take it in case it makes me worse ? Any help RE covid 19 and of this can make you jittery and anxious and any advice re propanalol? I do all the self help stuff to but nothing seems to work at the min x

Can’t help with the the Covid part, but I can tell you that propranolol has been a lifesaver for me. X

I'm afraid I didn't get on with propranolol- it made me feel like I was suffocating. Perhaps take the first dose whilst someone is with you.

Has it @Lilolily - how much do you take and when ? Did you have any side effects ?

@Lightsabre was it your breathing that suffered ?

I felt immediately faint as soon as I took them and felt like I was struggling to breathe unfortunately. I think they lowered my blood pressure too quickly perhaps. However, lots of people swear by it so maybe start on a low dose and see how you get on.

@Lightsabre thank you

I was on 40mg for a while, reduced to 10mg in February as I was in a good place but gone back up to 20mg a day now.

It might be worth asking for the slow release dose x

Thank you