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Citalopram

Posted , 3 users are following.

rw79630
rw79630

Hi, I'm 23 and around 4 weeks ago I began having severe anxiety and panic attacks - from built up stress I think (was also meant to start a new job 3 weeks ago but I've only been in a few days, and I'm not sure it's for me) my doctor told me to have a few weeks off yesterday too.

I started on 10mg citalopram 3 days ago & have been prescribed lorazepam too (I find these just make me tired, but don't take my anxiety away so not very helpful!)

Basically I feel AWFUL... To the point I just want to give up and die.

I am SEVERLY anxious 24/7, haven't been able to leave my house since I've started on these (and barely left my house before anyway due to anxiety) I am being sick throughout the day, no appetite (even the thought of food makes me physically sick) I've managed a few grapes and half a bowl of soup in 3 days, another thing to worry about!!

I've only read bad stories how this doesn't get rid of anxiousness. And as mine is so severe I'm feeling negative about things.

I just want my life back 😢

I've panicked so much I've been ringing every possible helpline every hour - no panic/ Samaritans/ 111/ mental health crisis team. I felt like I need someone to come round and help me but they've done nothing.

I feel so lonely and scared 😢 I live with my boyfriend who is supportive but I feel guilty he has to put up with this.

Please help 😢

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • XxaimxX
    XxaimxX rw79630

    Posted

    I think you need to give the citalopram a little longer you never know it might start to work soon I know they have to get in your system first. If you can't take them your doctor can try you on something else, I've tried sertraline and it send me into the biggest panic attacks I've ever had so I'm reluctant to try anything else but got to go next week and get sorted. Had 2 abnormal ecgs last week with 2 different abnormalities but been told I'm fine and no further tests have sent me into a frenzy I suffer with ectopic heart beats anyway so now I've had 2 abnormal ecgs I'm finding it hard to cope! My boyfriend was helpful with me at first now he is just fed up with me, I wish I had got help sooner this has been going on since July last year, it's good that your getting help I guess it's trial and error to find something that suits you, try and relax and know it's only anxiety you'll get better soon smile x
    • rw79630
      rw79630 XxaimxX

      Posted

      Yeah I'm definitely going to keep trying it. When I rang 111 yesterday the doctor told me to maybe not take it today and to carry on with the lorazepam for one day then take the citalopram tomorrow but I took it anyway as I just want it to hurry up and work!

      Oh that's awful sad I can tell my boyfriend is beginning to get fed up with it too.

      Have you had any CBT or talking therapy? I'm on a long waiting list for it sad

    • XxaimxX
      XxaimxX rw79630

      Posted

      Your best off taking it as it could start to work soon and the withdrawal might be worse! There are only a few people that understand us I have bad health anxiety and think my baby might have an ear infection which is causing me a lot of worry sad I'm having CBT once a week I've had 5 sessions and can't say it's helping a lot rolleyes but I know it isn't for everyone! I just need to know my heart is ok and I might be able to relax x
    • rw79630
      rw79630 XxaimxX

      Posted

      Yes that's what I thought so I took it anyway! Did some meditation earlier, feel slightly calmer.

      I've been doing CBT online and I've found it useless so far too!

      Oh bless you I can't imagine feeling like this and having to look after a baby as well. I hope you both start to feel better soon xx

    • michaelall35712
      michaelall35712 rw79630

      Posted

      You can do it.  A lot of us had to wait the 6-8 weeks that it takes for SSRI antidepressent medications to work.  You can do it.  and don't forget to discuss with your doctor that lorazapam is not working, get it upped, possible take a couple times a day.  Just check with you doctor and explain what your dealing with.
    • michaelall35712
      michaelall35712 rw79630

      Posted

      Sometimes talking with someone, a counselor that knows CBT and shows you how to apply it to your thinking and feelings.  Some of us need guidance.  For example.  I am having a thought, "I can't deal with my emotions with having anxiety, and looking foolish in front of people"  This is negative thinking.  When in fact, I have learned to cope some of the times with my anxiety.  I am looking at things "all or nothing thinking.  Nothing is all bad, nor is it all good.  Life is good and life has it's bad moments.  Our thinking really affects our outlook on lifes dealings. It is important to learn to talking positively when we talk to ourselves negatively.  You may benefit from talking to a mental health professional?
    • rw79630
      rw79630 michaelall35712

      Posted

      Hi Michael thanks for your reply.

      My doctor rang me this morning & has asked me to go in at 11. She said 'because we're not making any progress'. I've only been on citalopram for 5 days now so surely its too early to tell? Im worried she'll put me on soemthing else or up my dose and ill feel worse? I was advised to take half to one tablet up to twice a day for the lorazapam. but i just take it when i need it badly as i really don't want to end up relying on it! 

      I am on a waiting list for CBT, other than that I've tried ringing everywhere i can to try and get some help (councelling etc), had no luck and i can't afford for a private one.

    • michaelall35712
      michaelall35712 rw79630

      Posted

      Well you have only been on medication for 5 days.  It can take up to 2 weeks to start working, and 6-8 weeks to fully work.  I wish you the best with counseling, it will be helpful.  But remember that counselors give us homework, and we need to practice it! You can try CBT on the internet for free.  Go to anxietybcdotcom it is an app that will teach you how to manage anxiety.
  • michaelall35712
    michaelall35712 rw79630

    Posted

    I am really surprised the lorazapam is not working.  You may need to visit your doctor again, and explain the dose your on is not working and/or have it taken 2 times a day possibly?  I had to ask my doctor to do this until my SSRI was working fully. Wish you the best.
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