Hi
2 days ago I started to come down with a really bad cold (blocked then runny nose, sore throat, generally unwell and weak) since it started my anxiety has gone through the roof!!! Been having panic attacks and I'm petrified to go to sleep as I'm scared I won't wake up! The 2 weeks previous to this although I had anxiety I was able to manage it (just) and never had problems sleeping.
I am also tapering off citalopram on to sertraline (it's been 16 days since I started the taper and I didn't experience any side effects really when I started the sertraline. Although I did get the brain zaps coming off the citalopram.
Does anyone else get increased anxiety or panic when they get a cold/flu? It's really bothering me and has set me back severely! As I thought I was making progress (even if it was slow)
Claire
Hi Claire 
sorry to hear you have been poorly. Your anxiety is increased because you are coming off your medication, I would say. Having a virus has probably not helped either and left you feeling low.
It will get easier
Hi
I have been fine ok (ish) for the past week or so tapering off citalopram and introducing the sertraline. But since I got this cold it seems to have hit me hard! Since taking the sertraline iv had anxiety but no panic and my racing thoughts had got a lot better. Today I was hysterical, had to take a 2mg diazepam and I just can't stop crying 😢 I'm seeing my cbt therapist tomorrow. If things don't settle I'll go back and see my GP.
Thank you for your reply x
Heightened anxiety is all part of withdrawal from certain meds, ironically most anti anxiety medications will do this. Withdrawal doesn't happen instantly either. It took a month for me and only then when the dosage was decreased some more.
Hi claire im going through the exact same thing and i was making progress its really set me back as well i think its because of not feeling in control x
Hi
I suppose I'm just looking for an answer. And with anxiety I know that's not possible. It's so frustrating! At the moment I'm scared to be on my own, iv been staying with my parents for the past 4 weeks because I feel I just can't cope at home. I'm away from my children and my partner and only see them once a week. It's breaking my heart 😢😢 I'm so up and down it's so frustrating.
Hi
I'm sorry you don't feel well. I sympathise. It's so frustrating isn't it? Have you always suffered with anxiety? Are you on medication?
I'm sorry, Claire that is an absolutely awful situation for you 
I hope you feel able to return soon X
As the saying goes "this too shall pass" and this terrible time for you will pass.
You say you just want answers...try and reflect on them.
1: you are coming off medication
2: you have been ill
3: you are away from your children and husband.
You have so many things that cause individually make you feel bad and cause anxiety alone...accumulated? Well, I think you have your answer.
Try not to let anxiety blind side you. Anxiety is an emotion just like any other, it's not always there without cause. A lady on here told me that anxiety someone's is trying to tell us something...I think anyone in your position would feel anxious. You have to listen to what you are telling yourself.
Sorry I am on my smart phone and it auto corrects to the point where it is actually wrong lol. I hope you got the jist of my post regardless!!
Hi
Thank you so much. I was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder around 7 years ago. Since then iv had 2 episodes of really bad anxiety/panic (including this one) that lasted around 3 months, and seemed to get better after medication and cbt. For the past 4 years iv had no problems really, studied 2 years at college and 2 years at university now it's hit me again! I still have 2 years left at university to do. My anxiety is really debilitating, scary and life changing. I just want to get better, I feel lost 😔😔 x
HI Claire,
I know what you're feeling at the moment
When you don't know why you feel like this and you want to get better.
For the last week i have felt weak and have had trouble breathing and I think it's from anxiety but im not sure because I get scared when I look things up as they're usually bad illnesses and I wonder if I have them . I just want this to go away so I can feel normal again, as do you! X
Yeah I have had anxiety for years it was social anxiety bow it's
*sorry now its full blown generalised anxiety and panic disorder. im not on medication im afraid to but i need to do something
Yes for people that have health anxiety everything health wise will get you going. I have had anxiety and panic attacks for years but not health anxiety thank god because with all my aches and pain I would be wasted. How ever since medication I have been good for 9 years, knock on wood. And yes I also have and do experience brain zaps, hate that, but it is what it is. I can deal with it, but cannot deal with anxiety and panic attacks. When your on meds you should not be feeling anxious so when your up to full speed with this new med I hope you feel better and if you don't get right back to your doc about it.