4th week

[aikido76]

Good Morn. Im new to this site and is wondering if anyone can help me with a couple of questions? My name is steve i am on my 4th week of Citalopram ive suffered in silence with Anxiety since i was 15 years old im now 39. I served in the forces but had Anxiety before that. Ive had my first couple of good days with waves of Anxiety and feelings of fear but its the first time in 4 weeks i have had some relief. Im currently off work which is a worry in itself as i dont want to go back with these feelings as im a manager and have to deal with employees all day. I wake up with morning Anxiety it seems to pass sooner than it did in the beginning.But its still horrible especially thinking im due to go back to work next week is this normal in week 4? Also Sunday i was really panicy and scared on and off all day. it worries me that i was 3 weeks into medication and still having these fears but i have read that it can take longer to get the balance with anxiety than depression does any one know if this is true i read that it can take 4 - 6 weeks for anxiety. any help or reasurrance would be much appreciated as i have no 1 to talk to.

[aikido76]

Hi im on 20mgs of Citalopram docter has said i can up the dose to 30mg but im reluctant to as im just getting over the increased anxiety from 20mgs. I agree with you about work i need to get back into the fray of life again. You seem to be in a good place which is great news good for you. Thankyou for your time at least the increased anxiety is passing perhaps this is the start of something good.x

[Paxiled]

You don't say what your dose is -- usually a good psychiatrist tapers up on these meds to manage side effects and see how it's working.  But it does take some time to work.  Definitely go back to work, though -- get back on the horse.  You'll find once at work you'll respond as the you inside.  Work was often my refuge.

[aikido76]

HI thanks for replying.I am waiting on the NHS at the moment for a response to go for therapy i have seen someone from mental health who has put me forward for CBT its just a matter of waiting for the appointment now. I beleive things have got slightly better since i started the medication as things are not quite as bad as they were but no big significant improvement as of yet. Mornings are the worst waking up jittery and anxious but im quite sure the suffering is getting shorter as the first 7 days on meds couldnt drag myself out of bed. Thanks again for response its valuable at the moment much appreciated. Steve

[anxiety860]

Yes 4-6 weeks is a normal time. Some people feel the effects as soon as 2-3 weeks others it can take up to 6. I remember my first time on Prozac my doctor said it is possible to take all the way up to 8 weeks to take effect.

Just remember medication effects everybody differently. After some time if it isn't working for you talk to your doctor... Have you tried therapy?