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Citalopram for chronic worry/obsessions

Posted , 11 users are following.

Luke7580
Luke7580

Hi all, I would like to ask anyone here if they have chronic worries or obsessions about anything, and if they know if cit helps with it. With me, my anxiety (i hope it is my anxiety and not something else) tends to 'centre' on 'something' (and it could be literally anything) and i find myself worrying and worrying then obsessing and obsessing. Could someone tell me if chronic worry and obsessiveness about something is just a normal offshoot/symptom of anxiety please? Ive been on cit nearly 3 weeks now and it has definitely taken the edge of it, im not so emotional and have even had a few positive time on them (still early days on them I know!). Thank you....Luke

1 like, 19 replies

19 Replies

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  • matthew_23451
    matthew_23451 Luke7580

    Posted

    Cit certainly helps out. I had the same experiences as you describe. I have been taking Cit. and now I am a good place with no worries. Really does work. 

    See it through, it will be well worth it. 

    • Luke7580
      Luke7580 matthew_23451

      Posted

      Great stuff thanks Matthew, can I ask how much u are/was taking and what exactly do u mean by 'see it through'..... is it just take them religously? cheers.
    • matthew_23451
      matthew_23451 Luke7580

      Posted

      I am taking 40mg. I went from 10 to 20 to 40. 

      What I meant was, keep with the dosage. 

    • matthew_23451
      matthew_23451 Luke7580

      Posted

      Sorry for late reply. I am taking 40mg. See it through means keep on the dosage, it will work. 
  • dizzydoll
    dizzydoll Luke7580

    Posted

    Yep luke I'm constantly obsessing and worrying about the head sensations I'm getting constantlyvtrying to look for someone else feeling the same on starting cit or with anxiety, I can't seem to think bout much else sad
  • Richardt
    Richardt Luke7580

    Posted

    Luke citalprom does work wonders but it can take up to 4 to 6 weeks for it to work 100%, l started on 10mg now l am on 40mg l am evr so happy, wish you good luck.
  • renfrew
    renfrew Luke7580

    Posted

    Know exactly how u feel i felt the same. Being on tabs four weeks now does get easier. I have more good days than bad now.Keep taking tabs will get easier. Told me would be 6 to 9 weeks for full effect from tabs. 
  • ian88610
    ian88610 Luke7580

    Posted

    I am into my second week on them, I have not felt the benefits yet as I am told it takes a few weeks to get into the system, what I have also been told that it is not a wonder drug and you still have to put the effort in to reap the benefits, I am forcing myself to do stuff at the moment and not particularly enjoying anything, I have a lot of time alone as I don't really have any friends, I do visit family and get to group sessions, and meditaion, however, like I say it is all forced, i'm not expecting miracles but like you I do worry about everything and then can't let the thoughts go, I do find distractions when I can though through catching up on housework and things like that, staying busy is a great way to forget things, I put my music on whilst i'm doing it, it's that initial push to do anything that I struggle with.
    • tas89
      tas89 ian88610

      Posted

      Hey ian , hope you don't mind me asking what are you on ? Im on 20 mg and have been on them for 10 days now. I had really bad side effects but they have gone now just can sleep alot but i slept alot before too through depression. I' am also having to force myself and not enjoying anything sad i wasn't to sure whether as to go back to the doctors to up my dose , or wait till im nearly finished which is 4 weeks and then go back and see how im feeling then rolleyes

      I hope you start to feel better soon x

    • tas89
      tas89 dizzydoll

      Posted

      Hey smile

         I had really bad nausea , spaced out , dizzy , pupils were massive , bad anxiety. They all lasted for around 4 days and i sweated loads too , but have completely gone. Then the other night i experienced really bad headache and tonight have had anxiety feeling come back. But most of today i have just slept i don't know how though as i slept well last night.

      But from the four days i feel so much better so cant complain , it was horrible.

      Are you experiencing any side effects ? if you dont mind me asking what dosage are you on ? im not sure whether to carry on with the 4 weeks thats been prescribed and see how it goes . Or go back to the doctors and ask to up my dosage rolleyes i know i expect too much too soon , just reading all the positive posts i just can't wait to be at the good stage again and start enjoying life again. Havent left my house since i been to docs to get these tablets.

      Hope your ok dizzy doll x

  • loxie
    loxie Luke7580

    Posted

    Hi Luke.  The nature of your anxiety issues is a 'classic' condition for finding help from SSRI's (eg Citalopram).  They are designed to alter the seratonin levels in your brain so that you react more appropriately to circumstances and do not constantly worry and obsess about issues.  You should find them of great help.  It's a gradual process and the time taken for them to settle completely varies from person to person; some find almost instant help and with others it can take a couple of months.  You won't suddenly have an 'epiphany' of waking up one day and the world is perfect - it isnt perfect, ever.  You'll find that gradually you'll just be more able to deal with what life throws at you in a more calm and appropriate manner - which will mean that sometimes you'll sail through and at other times you'll have concerns - this is a normal human reaction.  Unlike some other medications, tranquilisers etc., cit won't dull your senses or 'dope' you, it will hopefully enable you to cope in a more regulated way.  Keep going, the only way is up smile
  • Luke7580
    Luke7580

    Posted

    Thank you all for your replies, what I obsess/chronic worry about is actually a physical part of me that isnt 'perfect', and when I say 'I' obsess/worry I mean its automatic, its just 'there' I dont do it conciously its just metronomic coming from my sub-concious(I think!). Does this make sense you all? Is this an anxiety symptom? I know cit cannot make this imperfection perfect, but does it help regarding the thoughts I have towards it? Many many thanks.....luke
  • kiris10
    kiris10 Luke7580

    Posted

    Hi Luke,

    From my own personal experience yes, absolutely  chronic worrying and obsessive behavior is part of my anxiety/anxiety in general. I too will start to think about something and just that simple particular thought can set the ball rolling into slight worry to chronic worry to obsessive/crazy obsessive behavior. I have suffered with health anxiety so my obsessiveness reflects in a checking regime.

    Unfortunately citalopram did not help me, well it did for the first 8 weeks but I had a severe reaction to it after that and had to be weened off quickly as the side effects were terrible. However, this was only my own experience and do know that there are many success stories whilst taking this type of medication. 

    All the best and good luck to you 

    • loxie
      loxie kiris10

      Posted

      Hi Kiris.  I too unfortunately had to stop taking it due to a severe allergic reaction which was quite sad for me as it was working well on my stress and anxiety issues.  For those who don't have this problem, it can be a very affective remedy.  Luke - the type of anxiety you describe is not an 'imperfection' it's a well documented reaction to chemical imbalances which affect your thought patterns.  Hopefully citalopram will be effective in helping you overcome this in time.  Do be patient however; I know it sounds trite but 'rome wasnt built in a day' and the benefits of citalopram are long term, not quick fix.
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