I'm 24 years old, I've always been a 'worrier', I probably worry about things that I shouldn't. However, over the past year this has become more amplified (more so at work, as I do a highly stressful job) but I worry about things I probably don't need to, I feel responsible for everything and I seem to think the worst of most situations. My GP has started me on Citalopram (after suggesting exercise, which I already do), I do yoga and exercise and have done a few self help things online. Does anyone with this sort of anxiety take Citalopram, and if so, have you found that is has helped? Many thanks.
Hi
Monitor your dose carefully because my Mum was on Cilitopram. It made her go to sleep most of the day but because she was so angry with the Dementia, it switched her off so was good for her.
Sadly, she was at the end of life but this drug is used across the board. With you working and possibly driving or using machinery, just take care.
best wishes and good luck to you.
Jinny
I would strongly suggest not taking anti depressent medication, and instead find yourself a good councelling psychologist to help you overcome your problems. As you have mentioned that your anxiety has been amplified by stress at work - meaning that it is most likely a malfunction with the way you think making you anxious. Medication will not fix the root cause of your problems- there is absolutely no long term benifit to taking anti depressents. GP's are generally not very clued up on mental health, they will see symptoms subside and come to the conclusion that the medication works.. However, what you need is training in how to control your thoughts and your mind.
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a good place to start. You are so young and have your whole life ahead of you. Absolutely the best thing you can do for yourself is to see a good therapist who will help you learn about your own mind. You will become more emotionally wise and able to handle anything that life throws at you.
I know anti depressents are tempting, but it the long run they will not help you.
Another thing I suggest strongly is Trancendental Meditation- you need to be taught by a trained proffesional and it cost around 300 quid to learn. But is so so worth it.
Life is too short to spend it worrying and the sooner you take control over your worries the better.
Overcome this naturally and you will be so much happier and more fullfilled in the long run.
Good luck and I'm sorry if this is not the answer you were looking for.
I take citalopram for anxiety they do work after a while.
Thank you for your advice - can GPs refer for CBT, do you know?
I've been taking citalopram for 3 weeks. The first week was tough. It's not an overnight cure- it made the anxiety worse for a while, but now they have settled I genuinely think they are helping. I'm on quite a low dose and they've just taken the edge off so I had the ability to get back into a healthy routine (eating right, sleeping properly, no smoking, yoga, exercise etc.) Basic things which I just wasn't managing to do before due to the level of anxiety - hopefully the routine will help even more and i actually feel like il be back to normal in no time now. I think it is a combination of things though not the drugs alone. CBT is also definitely good for general anxiety
Hi
Melanie
Well done you!
You sound so positive.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could bottle it ?
I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST AND HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO MAKE fab progress.
Jinny
Yes, GP's can refer you for CBT. However, there is usually a waiting list im afraid. But definetely worth doing. I'm not sure if your in the position to hire a private councelling psychologist, but if you are that is always a great option.
good luck
Thanks Jinny! I have good and bad days - today is a good day. But I've come a long way from where I was a few months ago (near nervous breakdown!) and I think medication has played a part in that.
Faebles - yes, the doctor can refer you for CBT but what's on offer depends on your area and availability. I was offered a course which was typically at 1.00pm on a Wednesday for 6 weeks which is pretty useless for someone attempting to keep hold of thier office job!! So they sent me the materials to work through at home and I had a quick phone session with someone on Fridays at lunch time to talk through it all and ask any questions which worked really well for me. I don't know if this is available every where though
hi
I know exactly what you mean.
On Wednesday, I had a'10' day and I felt so good that I thought I was recovered!!! Silly me...
Yesterday and today has been back to the drawing board. I have just slept and slept however, as my sister just said, only you can work out when to resist temptation. !
I don't even know I'm in overdrive until it is too late !!!
Best wishes
Jinny
Hi everyone
Thank you for your replies and advice/information. It is all really appreciated! I think I'll try the Citalopram along side my other methods (yoga/walking/sometimes sleeping!) and when I go back to the GP I might ask if he can refer me for CBT. Sadly I'm not in a position to pay for it privately so I will just wait if there are waiting lists/inconvenient times. Isn't the mind a silly thing!
Hi. I suffered severe anxiety and was prescribed Citalopram. It did help but you need to have been taking it for at least four weeks before you notice the improvements. Give it time. If however it proves not to work for you (we are all different) then go back to your GP and see what alternatives he can offer.
Can it take longer than 4 weeks? I reduced to 5mg every 3rd day and couldn't cope so been back on 10mg daily for just over a month. Thought I was ok but terrible anxiety for the past 2 days 😔