Posted , 8 users are following.
20mg for 6 weeks
30mg for nearly 2 weeks
Still waking at 4am - Still Anxious and or miserable during mornings
Afternoons are bearable
Evenings are OK
Going to sleep is ok - but waking at 4am - EVERY day for the last few months - and waking up with fear and dread
I'm SICK of this....
Somebody tell me this is going to get better - am i even on the right medication?
0 likes, 15 replies
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Gerrymoo MediumNeil
Posted
Hi,
Sorry to say but it all sounds about right! It can many months to feel anywhere near normal and as you've found out, these early days are incredibly frustrating. When starting medication like this , naturally we just want to feel better straight away but with citalopram and many other similar medication, it just doesn't work so quickly.
It took me many many months of nausea, increased anxiety and many nights of insomnia (and 4 mths off work) before I saw the light again. I think back now and it all feels like a nightmare and I still can't believe it all happened.
Make sure during these early days that you exercise, eat healthily, avoid alcohol and practice some mindfulness and meditation.
You will ger there and slowly that miserable morning anxiety will lessen and there will be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Good luck and hang on in there!
MediumNeil Gerrymoo
Posted
I have been practicing meditation and exercising and i avoid alcohol. Yet im plagued with 4am wake ups and lack of sleep.
My mornings (until 12-1pm) are an anxious...or vacant hell.
Sorry...thanks for listening.
Neil
beckylili MediumNeil
Posted
MediumNeil beckylili
Posted
Im starting to doubt citalopram
beckylili MediumNeil
Posted
Don't doubt it I have been told it can take months and it worked for me in the past. Do you take beta blockers or diazepan too as I do.
MediumNeil beckylili
Posted
I do have diazepam but i dont want to use them to be honest because they are addictive and i dont want to become reliant. Also if i do...the doc wont prescribe me any more because of the addictiveness.
Ive been on 10mg citalopram for 4 plus years then had to up to 20mg and that didnt work so i went to 30mg 8 days ago.
Im worried im immune to them after being on them so long.
beckylili MediumNeil
Posted
I don't think they do anything either so often just take one in the morning before work. My dr said give 30mg 2 weeks and if not go to 40mg. It is about getting the dose right. I literally take diazepan as and when I need it and really helps but like you not allowed more. I would also do meditation regularly and mindfulness and also get bloods done just incase.
Keep the faith!
BCse7 beckylili
Posted
Hi Becky,
Did it work quicker for you previously?
First time I took it it took 5-6 weeks, 2nd time it took just 4, this time I am on week 12... I have jumped about with the dose a little this time and probably putting more pressure on myself to be better this time. It has been amazing previously, I don't want to give up on it as I have loved it before... but wondering if it is time to xx
beckylili BCse7
Posted
Yes it has taken longer but I think I was worse this time and dealing with everything so I don't have it flare up like this for the rest of my life. How are you doing? I just get really twitchy arms and legs and compare myself to others as see them feeling better but I am lot better than i was
lu54447 MediumNeil
Posted
Hey Neil,
I think I mentioned this on another post.
Do you think it would be beneficial to ask your Doctor about Escitalopram? It's a purer form of the Citalopram and might be exactly what your brain needs? As you have tried the Citalopram before and it has worked?
Obviously I'm not a doctor so that is only a suggestion
Also, have you noticed any improvements since you started taking it atall; that make you feel as though you are slowly getting better?
If there isn't, don't despair as there is definitely another medication out there that will match you well and keep you consistent
Xo
MediumNeil lu54447
Posted
Ive been on 10mg citalopram for 4 plus years then had to up to 20mg and that didnt work so i went to 30mg 8 days ago.
Im worried im immune to them after being on them so long.
No i havent noticed anything consistent that makes me think its an improvement...other than seeming more down than anxious recently (im on them for anxiety not depression) but i think thats due to frustration more than anything else.
debbie17569 MediumNeil
Posted
Everything Gerrymoo has said is right. It can take months which to you right now will feel like hell. Don't give up, gradually you will start to sleep longer and those horrific feelings of dread and anxiety will slow down. I honestly felt like you and only carried on with the help of others on here. We all know what you're going through, I can't say the words I feel like saying to describe it on here suffice to say it's extremely unpleasant. Try not to fight the feelings, just go with it. Easier said than done. You will be fine, you have to believe in yourself. Keep repeating you are better and stronger than the anxiety. You will be ok x
MediumNeil debbie17569
Posted
Gerrymoo debbie17569
Posted
Hiya Debbie 😀 hope you're doing OK!
Yes as Debbie put it so very well, 6 mths ago this forum and friends I've made through a shared experience (horrific as it was), it truly kept me going and even though I've got a great husband and family, it was only my new friends who truly knew how terrible it was.
Valium saved my sanity on several occasions so do get some to help you through the hardest days.
You will gradually see chinks of light and the good days will overtake the difficult days.
I didn't sleep.more than a few hours of broken sleep a night for almost 5 mths but stuck with the citalopram.
Katecogs gave me some excellent advice and support as well , I thinks she has kept many of us going through the worst days.
Keep in touch and don't give up x
debbie17569 MediumNeil
Posted
I am!!!l. No, you won't be very optimistic. When you feel more normal in the evenings, you kind of hope that it will remain when you wake up...but it doesn't. It will though, it just takes time x