Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum.
I've had really bad anxiety and panic attacks in the last few months. It started out with a fear of getting sick in public, and after moving to a new city I became scared to even go outside or go to the store. I haven't been able to get out there and get a job, even though I know it would help me take my mind off of my anxiety.
I went to the doctor two and a half weeks ago when I was sick of the anxiety controlling me, even though I was trying to force myself to go outside and overcome the fear. He prescribed me 10mg of citalopram. The side effects were really bad for the first two weeks. I couldn't eat, sleep, felt constantly nauseous, and spent most of the days crying. After the two week mark the side effects have started to go away. I'm no longer emotional, and I have regular appetite.
I know that this medication takes a while to work, but I'm wondering if it would help me with my situation (fear of going outside, getting sick in public). I was never depressed before, but I became depressed because of my anxiety and not being able to enjoy the things I used to. If anyone has any advice for me I would greatly appreciate it!
Hi em
I have been suffering with anxiety in and off for 8 years, I had my 2nd baby 16 weeks ago and last Wednesday I had a dreadful panic attack, I started back on 20mg of citlaopram and have been taking it for a week, I also feel sick and have no appetite I probably haven't had a proper meal in 1 week, I went back to my dr today as mornings are absolutely dreadful I dread being on my own and have awful thoughts of things that could happen, my dr says these will leave in 3-4 weeks but I'm not sleeping so that's making it harder to. I find it's easier to stay in and not go out and I've started avoiding my friends and only want my family around me, I know this will get easier as I have been here before but I want to feel better NOW!!!!!!
Hi Sparkly,
The first two weeks of being on the medication was absolute hell. Did your doctor give you Ativan as well? My doctor gave me Ativan to take for when the side effects are bad and to calm myself down. I only took it maybe 3 times when I couldn't sleep. I also tried taking sleeping pills when I couldn't sleep but still woke up restless. I feel better now though so just be patient. Make sure you have people around you that you feel comfortable around and lay down to rest if you need to. Your body is adjusting to the medication.
My doctor gave me diazepam just a weak dose to calm me down while meds kick in, I have great family support but it comes with guilt to as you don't like to worry them but they have been great, my husband is brilliant but I hate worrying him, I just want to feel better, I had a lie down today but again I hate doing that as then someone has to look after my children when really it should be me, I know this is all stupid but I can't help feeling like this