From 20 mg to 40 mg. Help, I thought I was through this!
Posted , 5 users are following.
i just increased my citalopram dosage from 20 to 40mg. i took a short break seven months ago and wound up getting back on the meds because.... well I realized I need them to manage my anxiety. the first six weeks getting back on this stuff was hell, ie panic attacks, anxiety, racing thoughts, worst case scenario kind of thing. I eventually levelled out and had a few good months until I noticed my anxiety creeping up again about three weeks ago. called my doc and she upped my meds to 40 mg. I held off taking them because, in the back of my mind, I was thinking it would be the same hell I went through seven months ago. Well, as it turns out, I was right. The only difference this time around is that I can sometimes convince myself -- based on recent experience -- that these feelings will eventually get better. I hate that I have this reaction to the drug and have contemplated, many times, going back to the 20mg. However, at this point I think it would only make matters worse. One strange thing about this go-around is that I'm experiencing "waves" of anxiety. This is different than seven months ago when it was a steady-non-stop flow of anxiety. Has anyone else experienced this sort of thing? If so, how have you managed the roller coaster successfully? Any guidance or encouragement is truly appreciated!
0 likes, 9 replies
ann73947 matt38019
Edited
hi matt-
i just recently increased from 10mg to 20mg (2 weeks ago.) im experiencing the waves of anxiety as you describe and am trying to accept them/lean in to tgem and let tgem pass. having a bit more trouble with depressive thinking and like you saud worst case scenario thoughts/intrusive thoughts.
hang in there and i hope it gets better for both of us soon.
matt38019 ann73947
Posted
thank you, Ann! I know better days are ahead. thank you for sharing your struggle with me... it makes me feel less isolated and alone. here's to hoping for the best.
nikkinakken matt38019
Edited
I wonder why such a big jump up to 40mg? can you not do 30mg for a bit then move up?
matt38019 nikkinakken
Edited
doc didn't give that option. i think she figured because im big (240lbs) that i could handle it.... thats my guess at least.
lynda84120 matt38019
Edited
omg Matt I could have written this! I was on 20 for 7 weeks n put up to 40 5 weeks 2 days ago as like you my anxiety is on overload. it has been absolutely hellish every side effect including the shakes, headaches and extreme anxiety. I also was on cit for years before and took a break for 6 months. I dont ever remember feeling this bad. I am beginning to feel slightly better (hate saying that). I've read that what were experiencing is normal and that it can take 8 to 10 weeks to even begin to level out! I'm not giving up we have to keep pushing! good luck! 🙂
matt38019 lynda84120
Posted
than you, Lynda! sometimes these posts are all i have to help me cope. thanks for your thoughts and your kinds words. i dont think you "jinxed" anything by saying you feel better... thats the entire goal. i pray it continues to improve for you!
matt38019 lynda84120
Posted
thanks, Ian. there does seem to be some clinical disconnect with the docs i've seen. i agree they would probably be more judicious if they experienced it. good luck to you too!
ian90586 matt38019
Edited
Hi Matt. I can't understand why all these doctors are doubling up straight away on these dosages of Citalopram and going to 40mg when they have got the option of going up to 30mg,and 40mg is the maximum dosage. I went from 20mg to 30mg once and the increased anxiety was hellish again after a good while on 20mg. You said you were levelling out on 20mg and your anxiety was creeping up. That doesn't sound severe enough to double the dosage. I've taken antidepressants for many years for anxiety and they're not a 100% cure. Sometimes you have to self help yourself as well as the meds. I took the 30mg for 6 months and reduced back down due to apathy, memory loss and emotional blunting. The intention is to rebalance the chemicals in your brain,too much serotonin can be as unwanted as too little and make other chemical neurotransmitters out of balance. Maybe you do need the maximum dosage, everyone is different,but these Dr's don't understand the living hell we go through when taking these meds,if they had to endure it maybe they wouldn't be so quick in doubling up dosages. Good luck
matt38019 ian90586
Posted
thanks, Ian. there does seem to be some clinical disconnect with the docs i've seen. i agree they would probably be more judicious if they experienced it. good luck to you too!