Hi again,
I have noticed my anxiety increasing after 5 doses of citalopram 10mg. My GP has given me 2mg tabs of diazepam to taken if needed. I'm totally scared to take them cause I don't want to get addicted. I do think know how else I will get through this and when will the anxiety lessen - help ! Anxiety has come from no where
Sorry I should have said that my anxiety was the presenting feature which is why I was put on citalopram in the first place but never had a problem before this !
I had one panic attack that was pretty bad before they put me on Citalopram and yes my anxiety seemed to increase initially until weeks of being on it and,increasing the dose to 20mg then 30mg.
I was given Ativan initially but that didn't work for me. I was afraid of everything. When my Dr gave me Clonaxepam 5mg to take as needed I was aware of addiction problems but I had no life.
Now I have been basically anxiety free for over a month. I only take one Clonaxepam a day and in time will cut that to .25mg. I not concerned about addiction because I am using this time to strengthen my brain against possible future problems with anxiety. I am learning proper breathing, meditation, distraction and other CBT to fight against anxiety.
I drink lots of water, eliminated caffeine, no alcohol or any stimulants. I exercise and eat well.
Each person has their own path and mine is working very well for me now. I'll face any possible addiction challenges later with strength, bit right now I have a life.
Best of luck, xx
Yes I'm hoping to go down the CBT route. Just need reassurance that valium is OK to get me through this initial start up of citalopram. GP was fine with it but being anxious just feeds more anxiety. It's taken over my life and just counting the days till citalopram kicks in. Any idea when the anxiety lessens. Gonna have to call in sick again for work😔
Mine was around the 5th and 6th weeks when they bumped it up to 20mg. It doesn't make anxiety worse when Citalopram is increased. At least not with me.
I prefer Clonaxepam to ativan, Xanax and Valium but each person is different.
My psychiatrist prefers it as well. Clonaxepam is long lasting and the others are for short term anxiety flare ups
I'm just under my gp at present, don't think they use the full range of meds
Best of luck to you!
I've been on citalopram now for over 2 years and it has really helped me.
I too had increased anxiety when I started taking citalopram.
I was given diazepam. I had the same concerns as you.
Please please take it. It will really help you.
2mg is a VERY low dose. Try one and see how you feel. It really eased my anxiety. One will not get you addicted. I promise.
Addiction is much more likely to happen if you were taking them for a longer period say a couple of months.
Lots of people are given diazepam for fear of dentists, flying and for sedation after a traumatic incident such as a death in the family. I've also had it when I had severe back pain.
So don't worry. It will give you some much needed relief.
I personally found getting onto citalopram very difficult. I've done it twice now and upped meds etc.
It does take time and I've found a rhythm to it. I basically just have to take it easy - use the diazepam when needed - and ride the wave.
Your subconscious will be telling you lots of negative stuff - as well as the physical symptoms. But you will come out the other side.
I think maybe you are sensitve to SSRIs as I am.
I asked my Dr. to switch to a non SSRI and I feel better.
How often did you take it and for how long?