1. Community
  2. Brain and nerves
  3. Citalopram

Cit Problems

Posted , 5 users are following.

WolfShark
WolfShark

Hi, first post. i'll try to keep it brief but will almost certainly fail

I've been on citalopram for many years but over the last few years have been on and off taking it. something i now know was very stupid to do.

I started back on 10mg 10 weeks ago and upped to 20mg 5 weeks ago after confessing to my doctor.

My mood has stabilised and improved but a few months ago i started having problems concentrating on enjoying films and tv. I've had the anxiety head chatter for years but now it's stopping me from enjoying what i want to watch. Earlier in the week i felt i was finally getting back to "normal" and being able to get past my thoughts and watch and enjoy films/TV again but now i've had a few days of feeling down again not being totally focused on what i'm trying to watch

Is this normal with the medication? i can't remember from the last time i started taking it. i'm already wondering if i'll need to get to 30mg, is it too early to tell? does it sound like it will eventually work given i've had some good days?

I know to some it's just "it's only films" but i watch a lot of films as i don't leave the house, it's my main enjoyment in life and it's really starting to get me down.

Thanks for any advice.

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • Aspinan
    Aspinan WolfShark

    Posted

    Hi wolfshark, my only suggestion is to go see your GP and book s double appointment , open up and tell him/her what is going through your mind as it may need an increase in your dose, a swap or a change., but it does sound like its normal following an increase. 

    Most of it is anxiety related which you will overcome, keep on watching the films even if you feel uncomfortable or struggle concentrating (I do this with the news) as the more you expose yourself to it the sooner the symptoms will start to wain.

    Get yourself outside for done fresh air even if it's for only 1O mins 

    The increase in dose will cause the side effects your experiencing but from reading other posts this tends to subside after 2 weeks. 

     

  • elaine73067
    elaine73067 WolfShark

    Posted

    You will still get good and bad days until the meds are totally in your system. I've been upped to 40mg about 3 weeks ago and still have the off day. I stupidly had a night out recently and drank some alcohol that made me awful for a week! Starting to feel less anxious now thankfully. If your concerned your doc is the best person to see. Take care and hope you get onto an even keel soon 😃

    • carol67984
      carol67984 elaine73067

      Posted

      How many weeks were you on 20mg before upping to 40mg.? I still have extreme anxiousness in stomach--like barbed wire. Trying going on to lexipro recently but had terrible heart palpitations. Thus I'm working to get backcit.

    • elaine73067
      elaine73067 carol67984

      Posted

      Hi Carol I was on 20mg for several years then I was put on 30mg then several months later upped to 40mg. Been on 4 weeks now but still a bit nervy in the mornings.
    • carol67984
      carol67984 elaine73067

      Posted

      Thanks Elaine. Wish I had never tried to go off. So much harder getting back. Still having heart palps but hopefully away soon. Have a call in to Dr about going to 40mg. So glad I found this site. Do like my wine in the evenings. Prob bad.
    • elaine73067
      elaine73067 carol67984

      Posted

      Are you ok with alcohol whilst adjusting meds? I was awful a week on sat ago I had quite a few vodkas as was ill for a week! Anxiety awful. Starting to feel normal again but not drinking for while.
    • carol67984
      carol67984 elaine73067

      Posted

      Dr approved moving to 40mg. You are prob right about the alcohol. Bad habit. Still having anxiety- but adjustment will prob take awhile. What a great forum this is. Thanks for your response.
    • elaine73067
      elaine73067 carol67984

      Posted

      I had a good day today, no anxiety! Glad to hear your getting put on 40mg hopefully that will kick in soon.
    • carol67984
      carol67984 elaine73067

      Posted

      Thanks Elaine. Been on 40mg of cit for about six days now I think. Woke up with high anxiety this am and feeling weepy. Guess it hasn't fully kidded in yet. Guess I don't have enough patience. Sometimes life can be difficult emotionally.!! Thnx for your support.

  • sun47
    sun47 WolfShark

    Posted

    hello wolfshark, you are not alone, many of us find we seem to be more focused on ourselves and whats going on inside us, and not able to concentrate on what we are doing (whether that is watching tv, at work, with family, and so on) ..  also having trouble making decisions is something many of us get

    perhaps your doctor will be happy to try a higher dose now, eg. 30mg, to see if that improves things for you (or perhaps they will say give it a few more weeks at 20mg)

    you'll be ok but it sounds like you either need more time on 20mg, or a dose increase perhaps.  it's impossible to say exactly what is best for you as everyone is different, but speak to your doctor and then it is only a matter of time before u find what is right for you and get back on track

  • WolfShark
    WolfShark

    Posted

    Thank you for all the replys it's always helpful to hear others experiences.

    The last few days have been a little better, i think i'm going to stick with 20mg for the 12 week run and see how i am then.

    Thank you

  • WolfShark
    WolfShark

    Posted

    Looking for advice again.

    From Sunday to Tuesday i was feeling great, could watch whatever i wanted. today i'm back to not being able to "let go" relax and enjoy what i'm doing.

    The mind chatter in general is a lot better but this not being able to properly watch something is getting to me.

    Does this sound like cit is working and i just have to wait for it fully work or did i just have a few good days? frustrated as hell

    On Friday i was ready to ask the doctor for an increase to 30mg then everyhing started to go well and now i juts don't know what to do.

    I've been on 20mg for 8 weeks this thursday.

    Thanks for any advice

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.