Anybody have success with increasing Citalopram to 40mg?

Mental health
1

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this forum and thought writing about what has been going on with me lately might ease my anxiety a little and hopefully get some advise. I have been on Clonazepam .5mg and Citalopram for about 6 months now (4 months on 20mg then 2 months on 30mg) and everything seemed to be doing ok. Before I was on the medication I was a wreck, could barely leave the house. But after about a month of taking it I was feeling much better, still anxious, but able to function. Got myself a full time job and was socializing a lot more. However the past week or so I have been a wreck, had to call in sick almost everyday.

I think I know what caused it:

-A combination of stresses at work

-Just booked a flight to Europe where I leave in 3 weeks and am scared I will panic on the plane!!! (Which is weird because I used to love flying before my anxiety hit me)

-I recently quit caffeine(headaches, nausea, mildly depressed)

-And to top it off I went out with some buddies last week and a few too many drinks and have been anxious ever since (yes, I know drinking was a bad idea).

Anyway, I saw my psych the other day and wants me to increase my Citalopram to 40mg which I am very nervous to do so. He also just said to take the Clonazepam on the plane but for some reason I am convinced it won't work. I am not sure my body will just go back to normal after a few more days do to my poor choices and quitting caffiene or if I really need to up my dosage.

If I do get the courage to increase has anybody had any success?

Also any tips for my anxiety about my upcoming flight would be awesome!

I apologize for venting, my anxiety is peaking at the moment so I am just writing down everything on my mind.

Any tips or comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, and I hope you are all doing ok!

2

40mg of Citalopram was the first anxiety medication I ever took.  I hadn't believed in medicine previously, and at 20mg my opinion wasn't swayed too much.  20mg felt like a sugar pill.  When I jumped to 40, it changed my outlook on life.  I eventually quit because I felt tons better (bad idea) and my short term memory was getting pretty bad.  It all came back when I stopped eventually, my memory and the depression unfortunately.  Overall, YES, 40mg can make a huge difference.  I'm proof.

3

Thank you Fellow Sufferer! That makes me feel a lot better. I just need to get the courage to take that first dose.... First pill is always the hardest lol

4

Do you happen to remember how long it took to feel the benefits of the increased dose? Taking my first 40 tonight and hopefully it starts to work sooner rather than later.

Thanks again