Hi everyone I started citalopram almost a year ago now, I started on 10mg and within 5 weeks/6 weeks I couldn't see a difference so I went back to the doctors and he upped my dose to 20mg and I must admit I was feeling fantastic and was praising how good they have made me feel, but all off a sudden I just feel as if they have stopped working and I'm back to feeling the way I was back in January last year, I don't know if it's just the time of year and I should grin and bear it for a few weeks but just feel crappy and anxious all of a sudden and I go back to work on Monday after 3 weeks off which may be the another factor, does anyone also feel more anxious and strange as it comes nearer to the time of the month?
Citalopram doesn't stop working. It's often something has happened that can upset the rhythm and could be the time of year and also the time of the month - even after a year. It can happen.
These meds don't work in 5-6 weeks for the majority of people - it's more like months and months. Recovery can also come in waves so for months your mood can be up and down, often feeling like you're back at the beginning. Even after feeling great after a year you can sometimes step backwards.
Try and accept the feeling, let it be there, understand that it's temporary and probably due to hormones and/or the time of year. Carry on as best you can in a calm manner and this episode should pass in time.
K x
Thanks Kate I'm thinking that myself and I think once back at work I will start to feel better, I think once you have a relapse you panic and think oh no I'm back to square one which is the way my head is thinking at the moment!! Thanks for the reply, hopefully I feel myself in no time xx
Yes once back in your normal routine things will return to normal again. I used to get thrown occasionally when something happened - in the early days of recovering even just going on holiday used to! Yes absolutely - once you start noticing the feelings of panic returning, your brain and body immediately go into overdrive and all the good days disappear out the window and you find yourself back in that dark hole again never thinking you'll escape. Such a weird illness isn't it.
Grieving is hard anyway. Let your body and emotions do their thing ..... it's allowed to at times like this.
K xx
Thank heavens for your voice of reason Katecogs. Returning to work after a two week break has alos got me into a state. Your encouragement is inspiring. Thanks for all the advice you give. Much appreciated. I don't kmow what I would do without this awesome forum keeping me going.
Thanks Lee xx
Yes great forum isn't it. Sharing info helps - always knowing someone else is going through the same or been there is comforting isn't it.
I used to find any change in my routine would cause anxiety or just a flat dread feeling - whether it was finishing work on a Friday, restarting again on a Monday, going on holiday or coming back - I used to look forward to weekends and holidays but my body just prepped itself ahead of each event. When the event arrived I would enjoy it (as much as one can when depressed) but my body would do it again for the next event. Was tiresome.
Am off to San Francisco tomorrow - and nope, the anxiety just hasn't happened for years now! Just excited 😄
K xx
Oops just realised the last paragraph re grieving was meant for someone else ..... somehow I added it onto my post to you. 🙄
Duh me....
How Fantastic to be off to San Fransisco. I hope you have a blast. You articulate the change in routine so week, seems to throw me off kilter too. Funnily enough, despite a rough start to the day, the rest has been lovely. Very up and down, but I am hopeful it will settle with time. Also very unlike me, and nobody really knows how awful it can feel until you have been through a dark phase. Take care and happy travelling. Lee.
so well😱😫
Yes San Fran in the morning! I might not be on this site til I'm back next week though I'm taking my iPad - all depends if I get wifi.
Yes I used to wake in the morning and feel dreadful, so anxious, and as the day wore on I felt better. By the evening I felt quite calm and happy. Of course I woke again the next day anxious, but it's wear off again. That's how recovery worked for me - lots of ups and downs, and the ups got longer and stronger.
No, nobody can tell how it feels unless you've had it. I've heard people say 'oh I wouldn't take those nasty pills, I'd deal with it myself' ........ I always tell them I'd like to see them try, as the experience is like nothing they can imagine.
Anyway, I might be posting in here over the next 10 days, but if I don't I hope you get on ok.
Best wishes
K 😎