Citalopram: 20mg for 8 weeks then 30mg for 2 weeks - feel much worse!
Posted , 247 users are following.
Hi everyone. First time posting here. I am worried that I feel much worse after an increase in my Citalopram dosage from 20mg to 30mg.
[u]Some symptoms I've been experiencing:[/u]
- insomnia and bad sleep during the night
- tiredness and "brain fog" during the day
- persistent anxiety and circular thoughts
- feeling reckless and self-destructive
- hopelessness, feeling lost and directionless
- unable to write or be creative for my studies
- panic attacks and chest pains, which have never subsided throughout my 10 weeks on Citalopram
Please can anyone offer some advice or share their experience. I just really want to know that it gets better and that my life will improve on the increased dose. I am really not coping right now and can't see a way forward.
Thank you.
5 likes, 913 replies
rachel76266 Guest
Posted
Hello!
Started low dose (10mg) Celexa just over 3 weeks ago for severe anxiety that surfaced last month. Also found that my estrogen levels are low, so started HRT as well.
Still tightly wound all day with intrusive thoughts. Mornings are awful! Also jittery around the clock, with wobbly legs, little appetite and a stomach that feels knotted up 24/7. Is this a common thing?
I'm trying to be patient on this new med, but it's really hard. Am very interested in the book that everyone is talking about, would be extremely grateful if you would send me the name of it as well as any other helpful sources of info.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
gill2581 rachel76266
Posted
Hi Rachel..
I was like this last year, the celexa will help a bit, I had very high anxiety it was horrendous seemingly low estrogen causes high anxiety and other problems like brain fog etc.... Take to your doctor about ways to put estrogen back into your system your body needs it... It has made a huge difference with me... Hope this helps....
Gill x
rachel76266 gill2581
Posted
Thank you! I am talking to a doctor this week, to make sure I'm on the right path with the HRT as it was prescribed by my GP until I could discuss further. At least knowing the connection between hormone levels and anxiety is helpful.
lois95799 gill2581
Posted
i also had fantastic results from hrt.while on celexa
rachel76266 lois95799
Posted
that is encouraging! Thank you. I just need patience I think.
dora47412 Guest
Posted
is this site still on the go
dora47412 Guest
Posted
hi , my doctor put me on cit now for 3 weeks now , im still have anxiety attacks i my mornings and i got to take a lorazapam to get me through my day , thel tells me could take longer r it to kick in , im alos menopauasble which does t help
rachel76266 dora47412
Posted
I have Lorazepam as back up, and started Celexa about 3 weeks ago as well. Are you on other supplements for meno?
rachel76266 dora47412
Posted
Also, do you notice any improvement since starting the Citalopram? HUGS to you. Anxiety is awful.
dora47412 rachel76266
Posted
i have noticed some but im still having anxiety in my mornings..thats when i take my lorazapam 1 mg. between 3-4 0 clock i can feel a little edgy but as the evenings gets closer i feel like my old self ,and no im not taking anything for meno
rachel76266 dora47412
Posted
YES. The mornings have been the worst. I did go for a walk yesterday, trying to 'push' the adrenaline out, and did feel better after. But it could have been that it was no longer the morning when I tend to be completely crippled by the anxiety.
barbara33641 rachel76266
Posted
Hang in there Dora. My Celexa journey has taken 13 months. Had severe anxiety, couldn't drive or leave my house. It was devastating. Started on 10 mg, went to 20mg, back down to 15mg, up to 20 mg and now to 30 mg and I'm FINALLY feeling better. I had side effects every time I changed the dosage until I upped from 20 to 30 mg. I walk 5 miles everyday and it does wonders for the mind and body. Also seeing a Therapist & a Psychiatrist to manage my meds. Stay positive, keep the faith and you will be fine!
kmjellyman Guest
Posted
I can relate to many of you on here as I have depression and anxiety. I was on citalopram for 10mg for one week then 6 weeks at 20mg. Week 1-2 of 20mg had side effects of headache, worsen anxiety, inner restlessness, sleeping issues, lethargic, low mood, panicky, panic attacks, more irrational thoughts etc but it helped my mood/motivation. Then I felt even better for week 3-5 as many of those effects went away but anxiety still present. Week 6 on 20mg started to feel awful panicky, panic attacks so doctor upped me to 30mg. Been on 30mg now for 10 days and feel lousy. Mood is low again, motivation down, anxiety still high, sleep issues, irrational thoughts, tingling face, lightheadedness making it all worse. It was encouraging for a couple of weeks or so, now back to feeling awful. Med adjustments are brutal, don't know how much more to give with this one. Any suggestions?
lynn30756 Guest
Posted
Hi back on here after 4 years had 12 months free from citalopram but 9 weeks ago bang anxiety back. Took 20 mg for 7 weeks started to feel a bit better then dipped into despair again up to 30mg past week. Symptons, feelings and thoughts up and down hour to hour, minute to minute. Katiecogs posts on here helped alot last time and I know reading the book I am trying to let it all be and ride the storms but it is hard and dip back into the cycle of fear again. Wondered if the times I let it go will build and will gradually change the habit ?? Do others have this problem
fld Guest
Posted
hello everyone.
not sure if this thread is still in use but I have nothing to lose.
such an interesting thread I've read through all the comments this evening. I have recently gone from 30mg to 40mg citalopram and not really having a good time with it. I was in a bad place, hence the increase, but just dont see a light at the end of the tunnel. currently 6 weeks into sick leave at work and cant get my mind around even considering going back.
fld x