Citalopram Setback
Posted , 3 users are following.
Hello,
I have read these posts throughout my treatment and found then helpful however am after some advice
I was prescribed sertraline in february after aniexty/panic attacks took a hold however it didnt agree with me and caused me to have a reaction so was moved to 20mg citalopram and 40mg proponolol
I have had side effects as expected: nausea, brain fog, sleep issues, increased anxiety however after week 14 I went back to work as I was feeling better and able to cope. I knew it wouldnt be plain sailing ans there would be set backs however the last 2 weeks (18/19 on cit) have been awful. Im more anxious than ever, having increased heart rate for no reason, I was sat the other day with friends and just was covered in sweat and that awful sinking feeling in the chest. This has then happened a few times when driving, and in the supermarket.
Now i know it is a good thing i carried on with friends, driving , shopping etc but i am so confused as to why this is happening after 19 weeks on the tablets. I know we have bumps in the road but I wondered if anyone can offer advice? I am going to speak to the Dr incase the medication needs reviewong / increasing but any advice I would be grateful for
Sarah
0 likes, 3 replies
nataliya.k sarah44687
Posted
Its normal 😃 Its call "blip", you will still get them through recovery, don't be scared, it will pass. 19 weeks is still too early, you need much more time to fully recover. You will be fine
Chris1979G sarah44687
Posted
Hi Sarah. How are you today?
Sorry to hear you’re struggling. I'm on 40mg too. Back on the tablets for about 8 weeks. Tough times for sure.
Using the odd Lorazepam (1mg) for the worst days.
Mornings are always a struggle but getting early signs of recovery with occasional respite.
Don't get panic attacks so much these days but used to years ago. I found box breathing/diaphragmatic breathing really helped. Do you use the calm app? There are great short audio clips to listen to when you get in a flap.
Sending hugs. Do let us know how you're doing.
Chris
nataliya.k sarah44687
Edited
Hi everyone
From my own experience, i have tried everything - breathing app, meditation, yoga, special exercises for anxiety - i was trying to "fix" my anxiety. It never helped. It could help to some stage, but than it would come back no matter what. As far as i understand and read, anxiety we have right now is not actually "natural" anxiety - because it got worse after we start meds right ? This anxiety is caused by medication balancing in our body. So by trying to fix this anxiety - doing breathing and etc you will feel that it is not helping much and it will add even more anxiety and fear thinking "oh my god, its not helping!! i am going to stuck like that and die!!" And here you just created a vicious loop - anxiety+ fear = more anxiety+ more fear and keep going.
I know how hard it is but when you feel anxious or when you get hit by panic attack - do not change anything you have been doing at that moment, just keep going - either you was washing cloths, walking, washing dishes. Just tell yourself, all good, i am ok, it will pass - and keep going with whatever you was doing. It will be very hard, i know, but eventually it will help. Because while meds are working for you and balancing, you are teaching your brain that there is no danger and anxiety or your current condition is not dangerous. By changing your usual habits or action during anxiety is telling your brain that there is danger, and you need to run from it or do something about it. It calls acceptance. Take your anxiety with you, whatever you are doing, and slowly it will go away.