5mg of Citalopram, tough first 2 weeks
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hello, I've been prescribed 10mg of Citalopram after feeling anxious (mainly agoraphobic) with low mood. This is the second time I've taken Citalopram after I came off of 10mg very gradually last year.
I took my first 10mg pill on 9th July and it wiped me out, made me feel a lot more anxious and depressed, and scared me. I then decided to cut them in half after that and take 5mg, to step up to 10mg when I felt a bit more stable.
In two weeks I'm still really feeling the effects of 5mg, as I'm particularly a lot more low than before I even started taking the medication.
I'm starting to wonder if this medication is even right for me if I'm having such an adverse reaction to 5mg (even though I've already taken this medication and have had success taking it). I'm also stressed that it's taken me two weeks to get to this point when I maybe could have pushed through on 10mg and felt a bit better by now.
Any advice would be appreciated!
0 likes, 4 replies
Hope3578 Joe2626
Posted
The first few weeks tend to make your anxiety and depression worse. This is because the side effects are so rotten it's makes you feel exhausted and unwell which ultimately plays a massive part in how you feel mentally. I'm now 3 months into 10mg citalopram (second time around) and definitely experienced worse side effects this time around.
2 weeks is still very soon I be feeling better. I never felt at my worst until 10 days in and then it took a further 2-3 weeks to feel somewhat normal again.
The trouble with being on a smaller dose is that you may wish to up it back to 10mg St some point and then you may experience side effects again. (you may not) but generally a dose increase can cause more side effects.
If you have had this medication before and its worked, then it will work again. I am much better now, and glad I persisted.
Joe2626 Hope3578
Posted
Thanks for the reply Hope, your journey sounds somewhat similar to mine in taking the medication. I do trust the medication as it got me out of a bad spot in the past, along with exercising more and reading up about anxiety (in particular, the book 'Reasons to Stay Alive' by Matt Haig). Interesting that you also found the second time harder with side effects too. I'm happy to hear you're feeling better and you did well sticking with it.
I started taking Citalopram half way through CBT and feel like it's scuppered the progress I've made in that. Trying to be kinder to myself and understand this isn't an overnight process.
Appreciate the support.
larry1985 Joe2626
Posted
Joe hope is right, its truly awful the first 3 or 4 weeks but you will 100% get better, no matter what your head says, The increased depression and anxiety is bad, but temporary, wait until they kick in, you'll love it
Joe2626
Posted
Hello, looking for more Citalopram advice please! It's now nearly been 4 weeks (2 weeks on 5mg and 2 weeks on 10mg) and my anxiety has been a rollercoaster the whole time.
My anxiety has shifted from agoraphobic to more intense worried thoughts. I'm wondering if this medication, this time round, just isn't for me (if that's possible). I spoke to the doctor and they're going to check back in a week.
Any advice would be appreciated, I don't know whether to stick or twist here. Thanks!