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Started Celexa

I've been an anxiety sufferer since 2003. It hasn't bothered me in the last year but all of a sudden it is coming back with a vengence.  I don't get the pounding heart etc, but I do get light headed, a panic feeling, a feeling that I need to run away and/or that i'm dying right then and there. It's horrible. My Dr. has prescribed me 20mg of Celexa which I started 3 days ago.  However, I seem to be feeling worse. Agitated, terrified, nervous etc. Is this normal? How long does it take for these things to go away and I start feeling normal again?

Thanks so much!
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672514 tn?1265655141
I just started clexa 2 weeks ago, I have kept a open journal in this forum for the last year and have updated it with the start of celexa, I have done allot of CBT and have not had a major PA in 11 months, but have had trouble getting over that hump as I call it, and the celexa is working wonders, I only take 5mg, I refuse to start at higher doses (just me) but I have also like I said have had extensive CBT, one on one for 4 month (feb-may) then group CBT (Aug-Nov). feel free to read or ask any questions! Samuel
Helpful - 0
370181 tn?1595629445
Finding a therapist that you really trust and feel at ease with is so important, so the wait to get back with this one will be worth the wait.
It's very possible that starting at a higer dose this time around is what is causing you some difficulty. But you've been around this forum too long not to know what I'm going to say now. Don't alter your dosage without first consulting your doctor. Even tho lowering your dose is far less "dangerous" than upping it, changing a dose on your own is never a good idea. I'm sure he/she will have no problem with your decision, it's just better if everyone is on the same page.
Let us know how you're doing, OK?
(And it's good to see you back, but I wish it wasn't for this reason!)
Peace
Greenlydia
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks so much for the information.  I was seeing an amazing therapist but I have literally been on the waiting list for another appointment for months. It's so frustrating.  I really like him though and find that I can speak to him freely.

I was on Celexa before but don't remember feeling this bad when starting them.  Maybe I'll go down to 10mg for a week and then go up to 20mg. I think I started at 10mg before so perhaps that is what's making the difference.

Thanks again!
Liz
Helpful - 0
370181 tn?1595629445
Citalopram hydrobromide (Celexa) is an SSRI (antidepressant) which is also used for panic disorder. It can take up to 4 weeks for this med to reach therapeutic levels. The feelings you describe ARE listed as possible side effects of this drug. If you are finding that they are unbearable or are disrupting your ADL's (activities of daily living) I would strongly suggest you speak with your doctor. You've only been on the med for three days, but we all react differently, so I can't say, with any authority whatsoever, that what YOU are feeling is normal and will go away as your body adjusts to the drug.
Let your doctor know that you are having some difficulty and discuss possible options with him/her.
It's also possible this may not be the drug of choice for YOU. Sometimes we have to try several meds before we hit on the one that we can tolerate. Work with your doctor to find the right med if Celexa is intolerable to you and perhaps a therapist to get to the root cause of your anxiety.
Please let us know how you're doing, OK?
Peace
Greenlydia      
Helpful - 0
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Arlington, VA
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
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