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Anxiety relapse after 13 yrs

Posted , 4 users are following.

dave57162
dave57162

I had severe anxiety start 13 yrs ago during a stressful time. I felt far from myself-racing thoughts-fear of losing control- so I was started on citalopram 20mg and remember it taking weeks to take effect. But the good news for everyone is for the last 13 yrs it's really helped. Until last week out of the blue a full blown attack which hasn't stopped. I'll admit I missed some doses here and there but seems bizarre. Anyways they are bumping me to 30 for week and then to 40. The first few days on 30 have been really rough. Anyone else have any thing similar or recommendations. Wits end.

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • dalene63026
    dalene63026 dave57162

    Posted

    I am so happy to hear that citalopram worked for that long I am frustrated for you that you had a relapse! I have been on citalopram 10mg for a year and a half it helped then started to get random dizzy spells which caused panic attacks so 3 days ago I increased to 15 mg I will slowly increase to 20mg. If I were you I would not increase to 40mg until your side effects have diminished. It is possiable for 30mg to be enough.
    • dave57162
      dave57162 dalene63026

      Posted

      Yes it was a good run...I'm not sure about 40 either as 20 was good for so long. I just wish there was something else they good give short term with the citalopram until my body gets used to it. I'm full of adrenalin and my emotions are all over the place. They did give me a weeks worth of Ativan until next appointment but doesn't seem to have an affect on me. It's .5 twice a day

    • dalene63026
      dalene63026 dave57162

      Posted

      A lot of people take Zanex until the side effects leave. Maybe you could call and ask for something else?
    • dave57162
      dave57162 dalene63026

      Posted

      Thanks. From what I remember of first bout is that once sleep is somewhat back to normal everything starts improving. These nights of racing thoughts and night sweats/pacing are tough...
    • dalene63026
      dalene63026 dave57162

      Posted

      Yes they are! Hang in there it will get better! I will pray for you to sleep good tonight!
    • Zio10
      Zio10 dave57162

      Posted

      Just my input. Its real important to take meds around same time everyvsingle day. Missing doses messes with it. Im a pro at that! I dont do that anymore! Im currently not on anything but fixing to have bloodwork an nervously start Celaxa maybe. Iv tried 4 other ones an no go. Made me physically ill. Labs were high, etc..so hopefully it will work. Goodluck an remember " same time everyday".

  • sarah88369
    sarah88369 dave57162

    Posted

    Hi Dave

    I was on citalopram for 10 years. I am now about 2 weeks into not taking them at all having weaned myself off since April. A word of warning the withdrawal symptoms are terrible.

    The reason I came off citalopram are the following. I was on 40mg and it stopped working. In march of this year I had a some sort of breakdown. Major anxiety and panic attacks and racing thoughts. Mood swings and huge bouts of low mood and tears. The reasoning was the citalopram was making me worse and certainly as I lowered my dose these symptoms lessened.

    I am wondering if it is the same for you.You have been on them a long time and your body will have just got used to them. These anti depressants are awful awful things and I wish I had never ever been given them. Doctors hand them out like smarties and they do not think about the effects. What does help for me is the beta blocker propanolol. They are a life saver with the withdrawal effects. My advise to you is to think very carefully about taking a higher dose of citalopram as for me they were the problem , not the cure.

    Hope this helps.

  • dave57162
    dave57162

    Posted

    Had a decent nights sleep compared to the few previous. I am curious of propanolol as I have heard good things. I'm trying to stay positive on the citalopram as it truly did work for me in the past and I'm trying to not let this relapse change that. Mornings and mid afternoon are terrible and am wondering if propanolol might help get me through till I hopefully level out. I am also trying meditation morning and night but find it difficult in my current state

    • sarah88369
      sarah88369 dave57162

      Posted

      Hi

      I am on slow release propanolol and its brilliant. It stops the build up of adreline that starts a panic/ anxiety attack. It is working for me.

      Just an idea, if you are aware of your worst times try to have things planned for this time. We are all different but the things that work for me are reading , watching telly, even doing online puzzles! Or being active going outside do a bit of gardening, go for a little walk anything that keeps you focused and busy until these moments pass. Have you any idea why these times are so bad for you? Are you having a low blood sugar moment , I find if I am hungry this makes me anxiety worse????

      Hope this helps.

    • dave57162
      dave57162 sarah88369

      Posted

      Not really sure why it peaks at those times. Glad to hear propanolol works for you I'll be sure to mention it at my next appointment. Thanks

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