how do I know if and when it is right to up my dose, and by how much? The side effects make it so c
Posted , 7 users are following.
I guess the billion dollar question which I, and everyone else I guess, am looking for an answer to is, how do you know when to up your dose.
I have been taking 10mg of Citalopram for 6 - 7 weeks, I still have quite a few side effects
I know that 6 weeks is still early days, and some of the symptoms are side effects, the loss of appetite, tiredness, insomnia, nauseousness, diarrhoea, feeling like you have the flu and morning anxiety are all likely to be side effects.
I think my mood has lifted slightly but that is very difficult to gauge with the side effects.
I have seen comments that suggest that beneficial effects are not seen for 2 - 3 months but also that people have increased their dose quite rapidly in the first month or two.
I guess my question Is how do I know if and when it is right to up my dose, and by how much? The side effects make it so confusing.
I was on Venlafaxine, 75mg of slow release, 2 years ago but unfortunately I cant remember how long it took for the side effects to subside and the positive benefits to be felt. I think I felt a bit better after 5 weeks but that was most probably in comparison to the horrible induction side effects. I did feel much better after 6 months.
Thanks everybody
0 likes, 20 replies
G55055
Posted
The anxiety is making me think of past issues which only happens when I seem to start the ADs.
kelly58470 G55055
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I'd give the 10 mg a few more weeks :-).
?You probably know that 10 mg is a really low dose....20 mg is considered the starting dose for a therapeutic level. I know people have recovered on the 10 mg, but being on 20 mg or more is much more common. Also, on another forum I post and lurk on, someone posted links to a study that claims being on a lower dose than the therapeutic level can cause SSRIs to quit working sooner. I have no idea how legit that study is, but recently having to switch SSRIs due to tachyphylaxis makes me very nervous about having to switch again;-).
lois95799 kelly58470
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I don't think that's accurate Because the senior citizen dosage of celexa is ten milligrams...
kelly58470 lois95799
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Do you mean the study? I don't know if it is or not, but just reading about it was enough to make me nervous about having to switch again;-). It was not a fun time when my Citalopram quit working after 5 years, and I'm hoping to avoid that again when I find a new SSRI that works for me.
lois95799 kelly58470
Posted
Both ...in the USA my phychiatrist says there is no therapeutic dose..and the recommended dose for senior citizens is ten milligrams..I Certainly recovered on ten milligrams ..and my mother has been on ten milligrams for over 20years..so different dosage for different folks is just the waiting process that makes it hard to determine what dosage may be right for you. Like katecogs says a higher dose doesn't mean a quick recovery ..it took me 8months..on ten milligrams .oh and I try 20milligrams..my body couldn't tolarate the twenty..
kelly58470 lois95799
Posted
I'm surprised your doctor hasn't suggested trying a higher dose again, since I think you've posted you still take ziplocone to sleep, and Xanax as needed? I wonder if you went to a higher dose (providing you could tolerate the side effects) if you'd need to take the other meds as often? How long were you on the 20 mg before you went back down to 10?
Eight months to recover on the 10 mg!! You are a trooper:-). I would've been screaming for an increase, or trying a different med. My personal thoughts are that if it takes you 8 months to recover on a certain med, than that's probably not the correct dose or medication for you. It should start working way before then.
lois95799 kelly58470
Posted
I try every ssris an ssnri. the only one that work was celexa..I was on twenty for about two weeks..as soon as I drop to ten my horrendous side effects subsided..oh and I'm recover ..my insomnia I've had for three decades so I need my ziplocone no antidepressants is going to cure that. You have to remember some folks need extra meds to take care of what's needed to live a comfortable life ..celexa is not a cure all is just a tool..and iam not the only in this forum that took long to work.. katecogs took six months ..her son 9months ..folks at my phychiatrist office I talk to say some took one year..these are very slow working meds and they take along time to work.my initials anxiety symptoms where physical ..not mental..the paresthesia I was suffering from before celexa was horrific..imagine having a million fire ants biting your scalp 24 hours a day for two whole months..and the onyl med that took care of that was the celexa ziplocone and xanex when needed..it can't get any worst than that ..
lois95799 kelly58470
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gibbo44 lois95799
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lois95799 gibbo44
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According to my phychiatrist ten milligrams is usually prescribed for senior citizens.. Because of heart rate..that's what my phychiatrist says..she has senior citizens on 5 milligrams and they are thriving on that dose..check with your doctor ..iam in the USA ..in the UK is different..
lois95799 kelly58470
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Oh it did start working way before the 8months but at the 8months was when I said wow it worked...where iwas fully freed from my physical anxiety symptoms...😘
kelly58470 lois95799
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That is great :-). I think a doctor who listens to you, and takes your best interest to heart is a godsend. Too many don't. :-(.
lois95799 kelly58470
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Yes Kelly my GP.was one of those doctor's horrible...at the end of been a guinea pig my GP tells me iam sorry I can't help you anymore you have to seek a phychiatrist ..best decision I have ever made..was seeking a phychiatrist.my GP would of let me suffered with her unknowledgeable education about antidepressants..
nigel45109 G55055
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maria41354 G55055
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