Citalopram?

[Vanbra111]

I've been suffering for anxiety/social anxiety for a couple months now.. and lately it's pretty much gotten out of hand.. My dr. prescribed me 10 mg Citalopram.. Is anyone familiar with this? Im just a little confused cus it seems that Citalopram is primarily used to treat Depression?

[hajak]

Hi-as far as I know you are right it is primarily for depression but it is also used when you have anxiety and depression together (this was my issue). I am also taking it but also have Lorazepam for prn. I would say I have been highly anxious for over a year. I've been taking the Citalopram since May and I still feel I have to take the Lorazepam. Give it 2-4 weeks and if there is no change in your level of anxiety ask for another drug for prn or perhaps you should be weaned off that and put on something else. Just a thought!

[RCA7591]

You would be correct that Celexa (Citalopram) is primarily used to treat depression. It has no specific effect on anxiety/panic. It is in the SSRI class of drugs, and is a rather mild drug.

Paxil (Paroxetine) is another SSRI that is more specific for social phobia. Like Celexa, Paxil takes about one month (sometimes longer) for the full benefit(s) to be obtained.

A second alternative to the SSRI's is the Tricyclic family of antidepressants. Among these, Sinequan and Elavil are the most effective for social phobia (perhaps more so than the SSRI's). Sinequan has the lowest incidence of side effects and the highest efficacy.

Depending on what your symptoms are, the above drugs may or may not help you. If you experience shortness of breath, elevated heart rate, numbness/tingling of the extremities, feelings of unreality, lightheadedness or other "panic" symptoms on a *chronic* basis, treatment with a Benzodiazepine may be warranted. Klonopin 1/2 mg, bid would be the standard treatment.

If your attacks are infrequent, or provoked by certain situations or phobias, a maintanence medication such as Paxil or Sinequan should be considered, along with a PRN (as needed) Benzodiazepine, such as Xanax. The PRN Benzodiazepine will give you the means to stop a panic attack before it gets out of control.

Klonopin in monotherapy (by itself) is another option (to prevent or minimize the attacks). Klonopin has little to no side effects. Klonopin will not aggrevate anxiety, but SSRI's and Tricyclics can.

You can discuss your various symptoms and these treatment modalities with your physician or psychiatrist. There are many options available to you. The best thing to do is treat the social phobia before it gets worse. Most anxiety disorders are progressive, and require some form of intervention.

-Ryan

[Vanbra111]

Thanks so much for the input.  I have yet to take the Citalopram because i don't consider myself depressed, It's mainly just Social Anxiety, and anxiety in general.  I'm making an appointment with my dr. tomorrow morning, hopefully he'll see my view on this.  Paxil, or Xanax does sound like it would be more for me.. since my attacks seem to be infrequent and get triggered by different things.  I just need something to take WHEN they feel like they are coming and to calm me down.