Citalopram Helping with the Fight or Flight response

Sorry also, has anyone used Citalopram and it suppresses the fight or flight response so its a bit easier to deal with. I also have crap vertigo sensations as my nervous system is so sensitised that my senses are too heightened and this causes the off balance sensation ? Am very nervous starting the pills as i’m Sure i’ll Have all the nasty side affects but if there was a light at the end of this dark tunnel after starting the meds i would be more willing to put up with any temporary discomofort. Thanks for any help and advice from anyone who has been through this and come out the other side.

Hello, have you been pescribed citalopram, or is it something you have chosen yourself? Personally, i ignore the horror stories about coming off an antidepressant. Each one seems to be the worst one to come off. People forget why they took them in the first place. Also think people feel okay on an anti depressant, but after a while

want to feel better, and think they will if they come off them. I think if a person is genuinely ready to come off them, doing do will be hard but tolerable. If is that bad coming off them, should they be trying to? If you need an anti depressant or anti anxiety med, you need it. Wouldnt be concerned about coming off them if you truly need them now.

Scott, you are doing all the right things. I very much relate to what you have posted. My first bout of depression/panic was 15 years ago. Because I had seen my dad go on and off meds all his life up until the age of fifty five, I decided I wasn't going to go the same route.

It took me a good year and a half to recover, with some reversals along the way. I concentrated on meditating, acupuncture to help me along.... but my life really did suffer. I wasn't well enough to work, and financially things became difficult.

6 years later, and at the beginning of a second bout, I changed my mind and took citalopram for the first time. I can honestly say, I wish I had done it sooner, and not tried to limp along.

My mental health plan for myself now incorporates diet, relaxation, meditation, exercise, sleep, and medication. Friends, family and fun. I just consider it a tool, really, and one that I am not going to deny myself.

I have come off it before, and stayed off for over a year. Unfortunately I had a lot of stress and a relapse, and went back on.... I didn't hesitate, because I actually don't want to spend a year and a half struggling again.

I will come off again in the future. It might just be the thing that helps you turn the corner faster.

Good luck 🙂 You will recover. It's not forever.

And yes, when I first took cit, it did really stop my panic, almost immediately. I've only ever taken 10mg max. It seems to be enough, although this is different for everyone.

The only time I have experienced side effects is when I have increased my dose..... that's when they seem to get me.

If you are nervous, you can always start by cutting your pills in half and taking 5mg for a couple of weeks, just make sure you let gp know what you are doing.

Agree. It takes the edge off. Why not.

I found it definitely helped with the fight or flight response for me .  Yes the first few weeks can be tough with side effects but you might be fine, it differs from person to person. 

Hi Scott, If I could go back in time, I would have stuck with just 10mg and no more. As long as you wean off slowly and by small amounts when you come off them you will be just fine. 10mg is a perfect amount to take the edge off anxiety, also if I could go back in time I would have started on 5mg for two weeks then go onto 10mg.

There are some bad stories out there and there are also alot of good stories where these have helped many people. We are all different.

Hey Scott, 

I stared at the filled bottle for 5 weeks and finally gave in. I was prescribed 10mg but after being on them for  2 weeks I was having side effects and my Dr told me to cut the pill in half. I did and then eventually went back to 10mg. I’m still at 10 and just started my 20th week. 

I also wish I found this drug many years ago. I’m doing well. Before starting I was having bad panic attacks anxiety. I was desperate to feel better. 

This drug has helped tremendously. Keep a daily journal it helps to look back. Also cut caffeine out and start walking . Do ask your Dr for something to help you take the edge off in the beginning. I take Xanax and it works well with this drug. Don’t get stressed about taking it . Keep us posted of how you are doing.

Will😎