I started taking citalopram after suffering from horrendous health anxiety after the birth of my baby ( over 7 years ago now), I was put on 20mg and it really, really made my life better. 3 months ago I decided to start weaning myself off of them as I felt I should be able to cope again after being on them for so long.... Wrong!! Anyway I intially cut down to 10mg for 6 weeks and was absolutely fine, so I then reduced to 5 mg, after 3 weeks my life went in to major anxiety mode again. Within that period ive convinced myself I have breast cancer as brown patches appeared on my breast and chest.... My doctor convinced me it wasn't breast cancer and gave me steroid cream that got rid of the patches, however the same type of marks/ patches are now on my back and tummy so I'm convinced its skin cancer... I've now went back up to 10mg and I'm seeing a therapist to work on cognitive therapy. To make matters worse the doctors can't actually actually Identify what the patches are so that's I think I'm dying.
im getting so depressed that I'm back where I was7 years ago as it completely takes over my life and even when something good happens I think 'oh but I'm going to die soon', it affects everyone and I loser interest in my family, I hate being like this but don't know how to get back out of this put ive fallen in to.
I so didn't want to increase back to 20mg but I cannot live my life with this constant fear.
Hi Alice. One thing is for sure, you are almost certainly not dying. I have gone through exactly the same thing myself, every twinge in my side & it's kidney cancer. The base of my spine hurts like hell & i've got bowel/colon cancer. I feel really sore when I touch a part of my leg & I have a tumour.....you see where i'm going with this. It's onlt natural that if you are struggling with depression & anxiety, everything is magnified out of proportion. Even people with out our problem have the same fears.
As for the Citilopram, I am on 40mg, building up from 10mg about 3-4 yrs ago. It helped the mood swings, but the anxiety was still there, the stomach wrenching fear of............nothing & everything. I was put on Propanalol & it worked wonders for me. I still have the odd attack, but nothing like before. I even stood up in front of 100 people at a funeral & gave a "speach" on behalf of the family. I felt no anxiety at all. Anxiety & depression are 2 sides of the same coin & should be treated sepparately, IMO. See your GP & emphasize the "amxiety" asperct, he/she should be able to help you, then you can start enjoying your family again. Good luck my friend.
Hi Alice,
I'm sorry cutting down didn't work out for you. Did you talk to your doctor before cutting down? Just remember that there's no shame in taking the medication. If it helps you feel better then it is a good thing. I am 30mg myself and it helps me, my anxiety goes through the roof without it. About the skin patches: When we are stressed and anxious we can actually make ourselves sick so maybe it is that kind of thing? I wouldn't be too hung up on cancer, your doctor would have spotted that straightaway but if it will ease your mind there is absolutely no harm in getting a second opinion. At the very least it will make you feel better
-Jess
Sorry to hear your story. I went on citalopram for health related anxiety. I also had cbt which is a huge help. It helps rewire you brain so that instead of going into negative thoughts you are able to manage your thoughts and feelings. I've just come of citalopram after 2 years. And so far it's been fine.
My hope the cbt will help you so you don't need to go up to 20.