Hi everyone,
I’ve been on citalopram for 3 weeks 20MG which I take for depression and anxitey. The first two weeks were hell, I had many ups and downs and my anxitey was so bad. Now I’m worried, as I feel so detached from everything, Is this normal?
Yes it is normal..
Yes Kate very normal, I remember my first 2 weeks being terrible and the next 2 weeks being a little less terrible. Then improving everso slightly. But morning anxiety came at about 4 weeks which can also happen, now I have a benzo to cope with that. It’s a tough road which many have travelled before us and have recovered. Keep going day by day and you will make it x x love and blessings
Hello, it's early days for you yet, so try not to worry. It's likely to be up to 12 weeks before you feel okay. For first 4 weeks I was up and down, which each lasting a few days. Then I went very flat and a bit anxious for a couple of weeks, no ups or downs. This actually felt worse. I think this is what you are describing as feeling detached. Would you say your ups and downs have stopped a bit? From what i can tell this in indication that cit is working. You will get periods of thinking it's working, and it's not. The main thing is to commit yourself to taking it for 12 weeks, then reflect. This is a difficult recovery, and sharing on this forum will help. I'm 8 weeks on cit, and have just gone through a very anxious week, where I lost confidence in cit working. I think ups and downs get replaced by a few weeks of feeling flat and a bit anxious, followed by higher anxiety. This is where I am it. I'm hoping the anxiety subsides over the next 4 weeks. Stick with it, and this forum is a great help, for trying to understand where you are on the recovery path.
Yes it's normal, everything seems inward. It gradually goes away.
Hi,
Thanks for the message.
It’s a horrible feeling and you can’t help but think you might have something else.
It’s good to know that other people are experiencing the same thing.
I hate having anxitey because I’m worrying about not worrying because I’ve got so used to worrying! Lol
I’ve heard a lot of people say it’s taken them 12 weeks so Im counting down the weeks. I’m staying positive and if I have any concerns I’m seeing my GP. I have also been referred to mental health team, I think it’s just for the reassurance I need. I’ve also started CBT which seems to be going ok.
We will all get better soon
Hi,
Thanks for messaging.
I have never taken any type of this medication before so everything I’m experiencing is very new to me. It’s horrible and this forum is so reassuring knowing that we’re not alone.
Hope everything goes well for you. Xx
For a lot of people but not all, it's a case of worse before better. I find getting on them hard but it's worth it in the end.
Agree with feeling worse before better. I suppose the worse the state you are in before taking cit, the worse the anxiety will be, and the longer it takes to work. Seems like recovery process starts with see sawing from lows and highs, then flat with mild anxiety, then intense anxiety, which covered first 8 weeks for myself. Im hoping somewhere near recovery comes next. I'm experienced in taking anti depressants, but had no idea it would be this bad.
Hello, week 8 on cit. Had a really anxious week last week, where anxiety was intense, and increased each day. Dropped slightly after weekend, but started increasing again during this week. Does anyone know how long this intense anxiety is likely to last for? Also, does it suggest if cit is working or not? Thanks.
Hi Nigel I posted but it got kicked. Is the yoga helping with the anxiety?? Are you getting out or are you stuck at home? I believe with all my heart that this will get better. I am holding on for the 12 week mark and Lois and Katecogs both said that the anxiety is the last to go. Keep posting Nigel it will help you and others. Saying one for you Gili
Absolutely gilip..the last to go is the anxiety...side effects and anxiety mimic each other that we get confused to which is which...so hang on.for a while I thought that my anxiety have gotten so severe ..that in the long run they where actually side effects of celexa..
How is today for you Kate??
I am not working at present dont feel well enough but means the day is long I think I may have to volunteer somewhere to get distracted. Dont think I could cope if it is gonna take me 8 months like it did you. Did you see no improvement even a little earlier??
Yes at four months...8months recovered
Hello gili thanks for your comments. Yes the yoga does help, but my brain is in overdrive, ramping up the anxiety. Last week was so bad, I didn't feel tired all week with it. Also, I sleep on the floor, on a thin mattress. Helps to reduce tension, as you are more grounded. Got 3.5 weeks until 12 weeks is up, although 6.5 weeks for higher dose. Anxiety is very different to highs and lows at the start, so hoping its a sign its working. Going to try some cbd vape tonight, as just got some. Rave reviews about it, but will see. Thanks for your support.
Yes, would agree with you volunteering, as a distraction, and making you feel good about doing it. A really good idea.
That's what I did I volunteered..and I also went to gym..slow walking on a thread mill... people watching...it help.
I know the other side effects are nothing compared to the anxiety and mine is all about the future which hasn’t even happened yet!!! It really helps communicating on here. Everyone has been quiet for a few days, I have missed it. What is CBD vape?? Forgive my ignorance
Thanks Lois really appreciate your support. If not for this forum I may have given up on these drugs !! Plus I made a mistake with my dates and I am just coming to 7 weeks not 8 on Cit!!