My doctor just prescribed me citalopram

[newportttttttt]

I'm kinda freaking out about taking this medication it seems like my doctor doesn't even know the full effect of this drug.  I'm really worried about taking this but I know I need to start doing something because I'm tired of anxiety interfering with my life.  She told me to start by taking half a tablet and to contact her in about two weeks to discuss or evaluate my progress.  She said it should take about 4-6 weeks for it to start working but I'm still worried it might cause some unwanted side effects.  About all she told me was that it balances out the serotonin levels in my brain.  

[mammo]

I understand your apprehension, but it's never as bad as you think it will be and always better that what you're enduring now!  Although we're all different on these medications....I've had wonderful results on Citalopram for quite some time now.  Don't be preoccupied with the side effects, and look at each new day as being closer to feeling better.  We only get to hear about the bad experiences, but there are far more great ones out there!  Don't pass up the opportunity to get your life back, and a happy and fulfilling one!  Take care.

[ItsAciD]

Hi, first of all i would like to say is if your really really anxious and have tried several things and it still doesnt cure it or minimize it to in whicb you are confortable, try the ssri its much better to take an ssri as oppose to a benzo, i kearned the hard way and am experiencing from benzo withdrawal. But yes you will have side effects and thats why your doc wants to talk after 2 weekz to discuss your side effects every body is different zome may feel like total cral as oppose to another perso. Who doesnt feel a thing. Me with my experience your going to wake up with a headache and nausea slight dizzyness dry mouth, but it begans subsiding with time, you just need to.give it time and ride it out. Trust me the first couple of days are the worst but before you knkw it.your doing and feeling much better. I wish you the best.

[cj29]

Being nervous about taking a medication like this is normal, so don't beat yourself up about that part.  I was also initially very skeptical and anxious about taking an SSRI like the one you have been prescribed, but I am very relieved that I decided to stick with it.  We all do react differently to medications, but for me, it really worked well and I did notice a difference in about a month after starting it.  The good thing is that this type of medication has been (and still is) taken by millions of people and it has a safe track record.  To be honest with you, I actually get more side effects from taking many over the counter medications for colds, allergies, etc.  I also believe that initially feeling side effects when starting this is par for the course as well because you are already nervous about so naturally you are going to associate any odd feeling with the drug even if it is not related to you taking it, in my opinion.  For example, you may have a headache one day and attribute it to taking the med, when it might not be related at all.
I also strongly believe that counseling will you help you long term.  For me it gave me the knowledge and the tools to confront it and attain long term releif from the anxiety.  Just keep an open mind....you will get through this!  

[gofio]

Sadly, to get the benefits of anti anxiety meds there's unwanted side-effects. If you need the benefits of the meds you must accept the downsides too. We are all unique, the 4-6 weeks for the benefits to appear's a little flexible. Try not to count the days, the unwanted effects click in first (in my case), as does an increase of anxiety immediately after starting on drugs. You are the one that takes the drugs, if you don't trust your Docs. judgement change your doctor. Am sure that you will get support from this site, we know how you feel. You must be comfortable about taking any meds, ensure you know what you're letting yourself in for before you take them. Only you can decide if you want to take them. That's after you've done your research. I take them for life ~ without them I'd not be able to cope. Good Luck.