Posted , 7 users are following.
I've been lurking about for 10 days on these discussions trying to post when I am on an upswing to support and silently reading to be supported when I am on a downswing. But now having a serious downswing so calling out for some reassurance for what I know mentally but struggling with emotionally.
End of week 7 on citalopram, real panic storm hit due to external circumstances at week 4. two dose increases since then, major side effects. Level on a dose for 21 days now. First week and half off work without pay and non functional. First week back at work rough but only took the Wednedsay off. Next week managed till Wed then worked from home Thu, Fri due to a cold which worsened the anxiety.one good days on the weekend, Last week, started well a few good days.
It had been really up and down but general trend was up, each week a little better than the last. A good day then a few bad days I get that, I had that.
Since wed been in a steady decline, nausea came back, appetite went, then the vomiting started again, then got all weepy which hasn't happened before, anxiety through the roof. Each day another major step back. Today I am stuggling with not being able to eat an evening meal for the first time, severe nausea waves all day, even at its worst before, I have always had a calm patch from mid afternoon till bedtime, and been able to eat at least that one meal.
I expected up and down, I know it takes time ( I have been on citalopram twice before and had side efects but never this relapse), I know I need to focus on the ups, their very presence suggests the med is working.
But I never expected to experience what feels like my lowest low, this far along. The inital storm was externally triggered, that is past and resolved.
Can this really still be side effects 3 weeks past a dose increase and why such a regression so many day in a row?
Anyone experienced something similar?
Feeling frustrated and scared.
1 like, 14 replies
BS8 adam85595
Posted
How long for?
Why did you take them in the first place?
Are you on any other Meds including over the counter?
Do you drink alcohol?
Where are you based?
I just need to get a picture to try and help!
adam85595 BS8
Posted
Originaly on 20mg in 2010 when young son diagnosed with cancer to prevent prevous issues with panic disorder resurfacing. Worked well, stayed on 6 months after he passed away, about 18 months all up, back on a year later for a year when things got a bit stressfull, and back on 2013 till late last year. Jan this year bad pnuemonia, then a lung cancer scare which turned out to be nothing but triggered a severe anxiety panic disorder attack (after what happened with our son). Known to have severe side effects and previously weaned on very slowly 5mg at a time over months. This time rushed it in 10mg jumps over weeks up to 30mg and paid a high price intially with side effects (and might still be).
No other meds (except antibiotics for the last 7 days to keep a cold out of my chest, I did wonder if they might have triggered the setback)
No alcohol.
Based downunder in NZ. Have really good family and professional support. I am convinced my underlying panic/anxiety problem is no where near as severe as what I am going through now and my psychologist agrees. This has to be med induced to go on for this long and be this bad.
The obvious answer would be a benzo type drug to cover the short term dips, but unfortunately I have an adverse reaction to them and they set me off worse rather than calming me down. Tried them in all sorts of dose regimes from minsicule to heavy and no joy.
I know this post is mostly the panic talking. I was just hoping a few people might have had a similar pattern to cling to for hope.
betsy0603 adam85595
Posted
I'm going to send you a link for further help in how to proceed. Going off this one quickly and onto another one could also go paradoxical so that won't necessarily be the solution. Probably your best bet is to taper back off of this one. You said that this time you went up rather quickly on the dose compared to the past. How long were you off the med before this latest return?
don45258 adam85595
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katecogs adam85595
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This is my second time on Citalopram, and restarting them 18 months ago I had a different experience on them from the first time. This time around it took much longer to recover, and I had a scary intense panic which woke me up in the early hours, making me have to get up and pace around the room. I had a lethargic flat feeling for months and months. In all I reckon it took about 7 months to start feeling well again - and I've now been well for nearly a year.
You can get side effects weeks after starting meds or increasing a dose. These meds are weird, so expect anything that comes your way.
You will get well again. You've done it before, and you'll get there again.
K x
Felis adam85595
Posted
considering what you have just been through I think you are doing remarkably well. When I was recovering I found that even a head cold could trigger the anxiety again . My anxiety was essentially a health anxiety and fear of becoming ill and not being there for my husband and two adoptive children.
Any increase or decrease takes time for the body and brain to readjust so what you are experiencing is normal. it takes a long long time.
Three weeks of increased dose is not a long time ,give it more time and eventually you will start to feel better at the moment you are so sensitised and this takes ages to settle. Each day is a day forward to recovery so hang in there.x
Marf adam85595
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adam85595 Marf
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clairepop1 adam85595
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Marf adam85595
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adam85595 clairepop1
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adam85595 clairepop1
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adam85595
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three steps forward two backwards, this journey is a real test of patience
clairepop1 adam85595
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