Hi, I’m new here,I have read many of the threads on this site( very helpful.) I have suffered from anxiety for many years not knowing what was wrong with me, until I couldnt take it anymore so seven years ago I finally went to my gp, he perscribed citaopram ( 10 mg) it made a huge difference in my life, with time I was feeling happy and enjoying life again with an occasional blip. Well fast forward to November 2017 I ran out and didnt get the prescription filled right away (5-10 days.) Long story short anxiety and intrusive thoughts came back with a vengence. I have been on a steady 10 mg dose since then. I have improved much but still struggle with anxiety and racing thoughts. Is this normal? I dont remember it taking this long before. However, that was seven years ago too. Lois Katecogs anyone thoughts?
I would really like to stick it out with the 10 mg if possible.
Yes the mistake you made of not refilling your x.wasnt smart..so you restarting the medicine again is like starting all over again..and the second time around might take you longer..so I say is all within the norm what your going thru now...
Thank you for the reply lois. I needed some reassurance on my progress. Anxiety and negative thoughts can seem very powerful, and several months seemed to be quite awhile but like you said I’m starting over. I will continue to take the medicine every day and make sure I don’t run out.😊 Thanks again
I am the same 2nd time around although i was really bad the first time it didnt take as long as it has this time . I am in my 9th week on 20mg from 10mg and still getting nauseus . I am feeling alot better in myself though .I think i would have still been ok on 10mg if i didnt have a reaction to antibiotics which caused the bad anxiety
Yes agree with Lois - it takes longer second time around
Often when you come off meds or miss them, that old familiar feeling creeps back in and naturally you'll start to fear it which makes you more anxious, and then you slip back into the anxiety / fear / cycle again ...... and this is quickly followed with intrusive thoughts which is a side effect of anxiety.
Hi gilip. I woukd say my Anxiety comes and goes because I get thinking to much. I will have a good day or two then some not so good ones. So I’m guessing those are blips and part of recovery from wht I have read on here. I was getting a bit concerned that maybe the citalopram wasn't working the second time around. However, I keep telling myself to be patient. Thanks😊
Thanks for the reply katecogs. That’s what seems to be happening with me (very scary.) I didnt think missing a few days was such a big deal because I was feeling so well at the time. Boy was I wrong.😟 It does seem to be taking longer this time but if it takes longer the wait is worth it.
Would you send me that link you so often talk about?
Yes it can have an effect - the medication needs to be kept at a constant level and any changes in the dose can cause side effects, withdrawal symptoms or even anxiety returning. Its different when you actually come off though as its done gradual over a long period of time.
I know, you don't think these meds would have such an effect and when you're feeling well you think it'll be fine. It affects people in different ways too - I couldn't even miss 1 days of meds as I'd feel really nauseous and heady.
Yes it took me 6 months the first time on meds and about 8 months the second time, plus the second time around I had different side effects.