Bit of a blip

Posted , 3 users are following.

Hello all, hope you're all doing well on this crazy citalopram journey.

I have been faring a lot better over the last couple of weeks, ups and downs not too severe. Saturday marked my 8th week at 10mg citalopram, after a couple months of dithering around.

As I say, I have been feeling more like my usual self.... Pretty sure that having work to focus on has been a big part of recovery, I'm much better when occupied during the day as there's less time for negative introspection. Have even had several days of feeling really happy 😊

So happy that on Thursday eve, had a glass of wine, and things seem to have unravelled a bit since then. Have been feeling a bit angsty again. It doesn't help that I've also come down with a fluey type virus and as I live alone, means that I've been isolated since Saturday. What a bum! I think it was a no no to drink any alcohol at all at this early stage in recovery, as it does deplete serotonin, but was also wondering whether you have found yourselves more susceptible to anxiety when ill.

Forcing myself out for a walk this morning, to at least see the world.

Wishing you all a good day x

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Ruth

    I definitely feel more susceptible to anxiety when feeling ill. For one thing you have more time to dwell on your health when you are alone and feeling unwell. That's when your mind goes into overdrive and anxiety raises it's nasty head, driving you crazy if you let it. I don't live alone but sometimes I feel as though I am alone with this anxiety.

    I too have been dithering around with my dosage currently on 7.5 from 10 for a few weeks. Getting good and bad days. Currently getting palpitations and anxious feeling in chest. Sometimes feel like stopping the med all together but I know that's wrong.

    I'm sure it's just a blip and hopefully you will get back on track once your virus has passed.

    • Posted

      Thanks Jay. Yes, it's a bum. Had been feeling good and then... Bam. I think

      I've had a double whammy with the virus plus having a glass of wine. I think its just too early in the proceedings to drink at the moment.... Such a shame, but probably okay later down the line. Lesson learned 😑

      Yes, it can be tricky to wean off. Definitely wouldn't advise just going off, however... Hang in there. I do also think, personally speaking, that Autumn can be a tricky time to reduce. Am definitely a bit susceptible to the winter blues myself, and so the reduced light can make me feel a bit crap. Got my light box out here, and have just forced myself to take a walk around the park.

      Hang in there. In the past I have found it takes a while for reduction in dose to settle, but it will do in the end.

    • Posted

      Hi Ruth

      Just wondering how you are feeling today. Has your virus passed?

    • Posted

      Hi there, thanks for thinking of me. Virus seems to be subsiding, but still a bit headachey.Feeling very sleepy, think it's illness and the evenings getting darker.

      I had a blast on my light box two days ago, went out for a sunshine walk yesterday.

      Felt much better this morning and yesterday afternoon. This afternoon just really sleepy again, so giving in to it.

      How are you doing Jayn? You mentioned palpitations before. Have you ever tried beta blockers, they are really good for occasional use. They calm the physical symptoms of anxiety down. Was wondering whether your palpitations might be from previously reducing to 10mg quickly?

    • Posted

      Hi Ruth

      I'm happy to hear that you are feeling a bit better. A virus can wear you out, I'm not surprised that you're feeling tired and headachey, they have the same effect on me. Coupled with the fact that you have been on a new dose of citalopram for eight weeks it's probably a combination of things.

      If my palpitations persist I will see my doctor and see what he suggests. I haven't been on beta lockers before so that maybe an option. I've had palpitations before but it was anxiety causing it. They gave me an echocardiograph and it was OK, about two years ago.

      10mg is the highest dose I've ever been on but I did suddenly reduce from 10 to 7.5. Maybe it was too fast.

      I think I might get a light box for the winter months, good idea!

      Hope you continue to make good progress x

    • Posted

      Thank you x yes, reduction can be tricky. Some people need to reduce by tiny increments. Anyway, hope you feel better soon, also. Its such a mission, stabilising on these things x

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