If anyone has started around this time (roughly) and interested in sharing experiences, I am... Nice to find others in similar spots as we go through "the transition" in the next several weeks and maybe we can get to know each other a bit.
Me: 41, F, US - taking for depression/anxiety. First time for something like this, though 20ish years ago I did take Xanax for a few weeks around a particular event. This has no obvious/singular starting point though... just built up.
Started: 19 March 2014
Initial 10mg for 1 week then 20 mg. Recheck will be in 5 wks.
Also starting to sort out where to get counseling which seems a little challenging here, maybe this is true everywhere.
Not a lot to report yet, other than a restless night and being very attuned to the anxiety already present.
I guess I sort of fall into this timeframe having started my increased 20mg dose on 14th March. Previously on 10mg for nearly 4 weeks.
Me: M, 36, UK - taking for depression, although have had untreated anxiety/panic attacks in the past as well. Like you magicnumber, no particularly obvious starting point, best I can figure is I've been living with the depression for at least 2 years and suffering in silence. Only admitted to myself and my partner in the last couple of months.
Have been referred for counselling as well as the meds, waiting to see what happens with that.
So far (day 7 today) I've had similar side effects as when I started the 10mg. Headaches, increased stress/anxiety levels, occasionally feeling sick. Day 6 was a very low day (had similar at day 5 on 10mg) but feel better today.
Hi Doug,
Glad to talk with you!
My name is Tasha - since I will be here a while.
So you were on 10mg for almost a month before going up, that is interesting. I hope the dosage bump will prove helpful. Do you feel there's been an overall change since starting them now that you are a month in?
I slept better last night, but woke up at 4:30am then was resting until I went into light sleep around 6 am for another hour.
However feeling like a ball of nerves this morning.
Hi Tasha,
I didn't really feel any change on the 10mg at all - all I got were some of the side effects for a bit, but no real movement in the right direction. Probably too early to tell with the 20mg, but today is a good day which I'm happy about :-)
Sleep is one of my biggest problems - although I fall asleep quite easily, the quality of sleep I get is awful - this has been going on for some time, and so far the tablets haven't helped. People have said it will help eventually, so I'm just keeping my fingers crossed for that.
I know what it's like where you're saying you feel like a ball of nerves - I've had quite a few days like that since starting on Citalopram. I gather it's par for the course, but keep an eye on it.
Keep me posted with how you're getting on and I'll do the same - I really find sharing experiences helps me feel less lonely in all of this, even though I know I've got my wife's support. I still can't bear the thought of anyone else knowing though.
Take care,
Doug. x