4 weeks citalopram 5 mg then 3 weeks 10 mg no better?
Posted , 4 users are following.
Is this normal, got OCD and intrusive thoughts caused by zopiclone withdrawal. Briefly on cit last year swapped to sertraline briefly which gave me the OCD was awful then stopped all meds for about a month. Very sensitive to meds so wary upping dose can't take more than 20mg because of my age anyway. CBT was useless tried everything to ease it. Just feel flat all the time is it normal after 7 weeks to not see any real improvement. Corona stuff hasnt helped every week struggle to try get on line food delivery. Sometimes think is this my life now will the meds ever kick in? Mornings seem the worst.
0 likes, 18 replies
Charlie_T Guest
Posted
It seems to vary from person to person but a lot of people would say 7 weeks is still early, particularly as you only changed dose 3 weeks ago which some believe is like resetting the clock to zero.
For some, including me, the side effects took longer than 3 weeks to subside.
Charlie_T Guest
Posted
On another note, I don't know who you're using for your shopping but some, like Tesco for example, have a number you can call to register as a vulnerable person (age, health etc.) so that you get priority slots etc.
Guest Charlie_T
Posted
Tring order with Sainsbury have paid year in advance so annoying. I'm not old enough to be considered vulnerable person have send husband out. Also having to cancel credit card as firm ordered from scammers trying rip me off so lit stress. Just wonder if meds ever going make any difference as still as bad as ever at moment
Charlie_T Guest
Posted
For a lot of people they make a difference, within that group some feel a difference within days, some weeks, some months - not the answer you want but there's no way to know up front, time will tell.
I know how frustrating this is, we're in the same boat.
Guest Charlie_T
Posted
How long have you been on them? Pity no one else has replied this forum not very helpful if people don't let you know what their experiences are to help you.
Charlie_T Guest
Posted
4 months.
There are loads of topics/replies on the forum, that's how I know it varies from person to person - my experience may be very different to yours.
Guest Charlie_T
Posted
What dose are you on has it helped? I know there are various topics just gets bit frustrating when no one replies to your specific problem, meaning you have go back go back through other peoples questions hoping might be same as yours.. Maybe I don't have a dramatic enough headline.
Charlie_T Guest
Posted
10mg.
Honestly, I don't know if it's helped - my main issue was chronic sleep deprivation which caused huge anxiety and a bunch of other stuff, once my sleep goes, I fall apart.
I now realise that the sleep deprivation and other symptoms were probably withdrawal effects from stopping Mirtazapine (which I was put on primarily for sleep) so I'm not sure I need Citalopram at all. I can understand why the doctor thought so as my main symptom was incredible anxiety.
But who knows for sure? It's all trial and error 😦
Guest Charlie_T
Posted
I only took zopiclone to help with my sleep. Wish to god I'd never taken them. Doctor made me go cold turkey after 12 years on them they caused all my problems, still suffering with withdrawal 15 months later. Doctors seem unaware withdrawal can last months if it's not done very slowly. Hope you soon improve, just hope eventually mine will kick in. I did find going for walk getting some fresh air every day did help with sleep.
Charlie_T Guest
Posted
Yes, getting plenty of natural daylight especially early in the day helps as, for example, it helps to reset your circadian rhythm.
And yep, exercise to work off some of the adrenaline is helpful.
I also like meditation and breathing exercises, all the usual stuff.
I hope you feel better soon too 😃
Guest Charlie_T
Posted
You too lack of sleep is rough but I didnt feel anywhere near as bad as I do now the intrusive thoughts make you feel like you don't want to be here some days. I sleep ok mainly just feel any hope of normal life is gone due to the chemical damage done by the zopiclone.
Guest Charlie_T
Posted
I felt really dizzy this morning and briefly passed out wondering whether that is the meds have you ever had that. Will give it 3 months then maybe wean off them as sometimes think they are making me feel worse than before I started them.
Charlie_T Guest
Posted
Dizziness yes, but not to the point of passing out.
Were you doing anything in particular beforehand? (I noticed the brain zaps I got the other day happened after I stood up quickly!)
Guest Charlie_T
Posted
Standing up doing something. What are brain zaps? I'll give it another month then wean off if I don't improve as sometimes make the intrusive thoughts worse it seems.
Charlie_T Guest
Posted
Brain zaps are typically only experience when withdrawing from the medication but I got them the other day when I delayed taking it by just a few hours - I know what they feel like as I got them withdrawing from Sertraline a few years ago.
Kind of feels like electricity buzzing/vibrating inside your head (imagine your mobile phone vibrating in your head!) and lasts a few seconds - can be scary when it happens if you don't know about them.
Essentially it's a small seizure, but I don't think anyone's worked out 100% what they are or why they occur.
I don't know if everyone gets them but they seem pretty common.
Guest Charlie_T
Posted
Sounds horrible hope I don't get them if I stop them. Only on 10mg so hopefully won't be too bad if I decide to come off and wean off slowly. They certainly aren't helping at all so far.