10mg citalopram fpr around 3 years. Increased to 20mg just over 6 weeks ago any advice ?
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i have been on 10 mg citalopram for over 3 years and have still been experiencing general anxiety amd panic attacks. I finally decided to take the psychiatrist advice and increased to 20 mg and have been taking that amount for just over 6 weeks. I really don't know whether I should be feeling better than I do. the psychiatrist said I wouldn't get any side effects from being on the 10mg for so long. I can say that def isn't true. I feel very not with it and this sometimes causes me to panic as I feel like I'm losing touch with reality if that makes sense. I don't know whether any of you female members have experienced this but I am also getting complete numbness in my vagina! I can't enjoy sex bcus I just can't get the sensation! weird ! is this a side effect ? plus I'm certain I've been a little worse depression wise however I have also had a few health issues which has affected my mood so could be this . how long do you give it before admitting its not working?
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debsnochoco alison10104
Edited
Hello Alison,
I decided to reply to your post, but hope you got some answers as it was 2 weeks ago your wrote. Anyhow, I too am looking for answers whilst searching this site....and I do empathisize with you and wish you well.
My situation is that I am now taking 20mg Citalopram (about 2 weeks in), and Im experiencing burning sensations every night. So I'm considering going down to 10mg, although everyone is advising me not to (but they arent experiencing the burning !)
Also, I used to take Citalopram continuously for some years (then came off it about a year and a half ago) as I too was experiencing the numbness with sex. It was quite disconcerting, and i thought to myself (which probably isnt a good decision!) that i would come off Citalopram as I didnt like not feeling sexual pleasure with my partner.
Heh ho, then Menopause hit, and i have had big digestive problems (bloating, gas. stomach pain), then the anxiety and panic attacks started - with accompanying pain in the diaphragam. Lots of pain etc, and back on Citalopram again. ( and now i'd rather my mental health is normal before any sexual pleasure)
My only source of release and ability to cope with all this is by having acupuncture. Everyone says to me that this is only temporary measure - but for me, it gives me hope. and pain relief. Also, Ive been using affirmations , emotional freedom technique (tapping) etc - I wonder if you have looked at other techniques (just a little recommendation). I have also had the feeling of losing touch with reality at times - i think its when you just cant let go (feel panicked), are using shallow breathing, and dont feel grounded because of this.
Im not sure i can answer how long do you give it before you say its not working - but at least a month at 20mg is the advice i was given (if you can stomach it that long - forgive the pun). How are you doing now?