Citalopram

[nicnoc237]

Hello,

I have just started taking Citalopram for anxiety and depression and i feel like i am getting worse...i have only taken 2 tablets so far, just wondered if this is normal and when i should get some relief?

Felling at rock bottom

xxx

[BigE1955]

Another thing I have been trying and it appears to be helping is breathing techniques.  Breathe in for 3 seconds through your nose, hold for 1/2 second and then breathe out slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds, hold for 1/2 second and then start over.  Try to breathe having your belly move out and in.  You need to get your diaphragm working,  Do this for  a couple of minutes every few hours.  You can download a simple program for 30 day trial called EZ-Air.

[nicnoc237]

Thank you, i feel so low right now...i am thinking of giving up my job as i have been off work 3 times in the past year with this, but also have bills to pay!!

Feel like i am never going to get better and i don't know which way to turn x

[Limonada]

As others have said, there is an adjustment period and you have to tough it out for a few days before you'll notice much of an improvement.  I was on 10mg. a day for just over a year to help me cope with health anxiety I was having, and I think it took me about 2 weeks before I felt as though the medication was helping.  I experienced brain "zaps"....somer paranoia while in crowded locations and just a general feeling of being unwell during this 2 week period.  After that, I felt great....had no more panic attacks and was able to deal with my problems (I went to therapy for a few months).  I got off of the pills last March and have been feeling good ever since :-)

Good luck....it WILL get better!!

[nicnoc237]

Hello,

I have decided not to take them anymore, as i think they are contributing to this 'strange' feeling i am having and the vivid dreams too - i have only been taking them for a few weeks - do you think i can escape the withdrawal symptoms as i haven't been taking them for long?

I have an appointment for counselling, so i hope this can help as an alternative and i have started taking Vitamin B, which i have heard is good for anxiety.

Once the anti depressant is out my system i think i will start taking my st johns wort again, as i felt this helped a little last time i took it x

[BigE1955]

By the way a main side effect is gastrointestinal issues with Citalopram.

[BigE1955]

I was taking it for 9 weeks and then stopped for other reasons.  I have an essential tremor in my hand and it seemed to be getting worse.  Anyway I felt the citalopram was not doing anything, but was told it could take up to 12 weeks.

Don't forget to do some cognitive behavioral therapy so you can work out your negative thoughts.  A good book for this is Feeling Good by Burns, but if you can talk to a therapist this is the best way to go.

[amish1979]

Yes, give it a few weeks.  The unfortunate part is that it generally gets worse before it gets better.

Keep a close eye on how you are feeling and don't be afraid to call your doctor if anything comes up that you don't like.  I had a really adverse reaction to paxil and it helped to call my doctor right away and get her advice (which was to stop IMMEDIATELY.)

[nicnoc237]

Thank you for your reply. I have an appointment with my doc in a few weeks so will see what she says. Hopefully it will subside by then and they should kick in x

[mammo]

I too, take Citolopram and with excellent results.  

[mammo]

There is an adjustment period with these types of medications and they can take up to 6 weeks to reach a therapeutic level.  It wouldn't hurt to call your doc and verify that this is normal. You always want to work closely with him on your meds.  Take care....

[nicnoc237]

Hi all, me again!

I have now been on these for just over a week and i have been feeling very 'weird' and woozy...is this a side effect of citalopram and if so should this feeling disappear? The anxiety seems to have subsided, but i just feel strange and not like me.