Posted , 10 users are following.
Hey everyone,
I was on Citalopram for 5 years and came off it about 7 weeks ago after weaning from 10mg to 5mg then zero over a period of one week. Thought I didn't need it any more.
After stopping my anxiety returned, I think I was anxious about not taking it, sounds ridiculous I know.
So I've been back on 10 mg for about 6 weeks but my anxiety is as bad as ever. I'm getting panic attacks too which are pretty scary particularly the palpitations.
My question is, how long will it take for me to feel the benefits again? Should I ride it, increase my dose, something I don't really want to do because of the side effects or should I ask my doctor for something else to take with it.
Any advice appreciated.
Thanks
1 like, 59 replies
jj07521 Guest
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Guest jj07521
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Thanks for replying. I was on 10mg and I'm back on 10mg.
With taking Diazepam, does that have an immediate effect of does it take weeks to feel the benefit? Also, do you have to wean off it?
jj07521 Guest
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Hi Sharlie, yes dazepam works right away, well after about 20 - 40 mins. It works to an incredible level and no you wouldn't need to withdraw, BUT that's providing you only take it for a few weeks. If you take it for more than say 3 - 4 weeks you could become dependent!! So I should warn you, its fantastic for short term use, but in no way should you use it long term. I hope that helps xx
Guest jj07521
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Hi, thank you for explaining that, it really helps a lot.
I'm going to give it another week because I went out today and apart from the feeling of a lump stuck in my chest and feeling on edge a bit I had no lightheadedness. It felt great to come home though.
My best wishes x
kelly58470 Guest
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It takes a good 6-8 weeks to get the full effect of the medication in your blood stream. I would think that soon you should start to feel a bit better; and, if not, it's probably time to make an appointment with your doctor and see about upping your dose.
?Although people have recovered on 10 mg,, you probably know it's quite a low dose :-). If you google it, you'll see that 20 mg and up is considered a therapeutic dose, for what it's worth.
?I've read quite a few posts on this forum now about people who really have a hard time re-starting these meds; either the side effects are worse or it takes longer to kick in or they have to go up to a larger dose than they were on before.
?You could see if your doctor would prescribe a benzo, which is what diazepam is (same family as Xanax, Klonopin, etc.). It does work right away. It can be addictive, and it you take it for too long in too high of doses you do have to wean off. My doctor is reluctant to prescribe it unless absolutely necessary. Since you're six weeks in already, I'd probably just try to power through without a benzo, unless it's to the point you are unable to function in your everyday life, in which case it might be a good idea :-).
Guest kelly58470
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Thanks for all that useful information.
I don't really want to up my dose if I can help it. I could hold out for another week or two to see how it goes if it takes 6-8 weeks to feel the benefits again. If not, I'll see if my doctor will give me diazepam. The thought of something working straight away is very tempting. Not sure whether my doctor would give it to me though.
Thanks once again.
gemma77546 Guest
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Guest gemma77546
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Hi Gemma,
Thanks for replying. So sorry you are going through this too, I wish I hadn't stopped mine also. I think I am an anxious person because I worry about everything, family, health and even upsetting things on tv. I think I am going to have to accept the fact that I will have to take this forever.
I have family coming for Sunday lunch because it's fathers day, I didn't invite them, it's just an accepted fact that they come and I am worrying if I am going to be able to cope. I've been thinking all ways of making it simple like buying prepared veg, roasts etc and I keep going over things in my head. The worse thing is hiding my feelings from everyone. Perhaps once Sunday is over I will start to feel better, hopefully.
Thanks for your reassuring advice. I hope you feel better soon too.
Sharlie
gemma77546 Guest
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Guest gemma77546
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Paula2019 Guest
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Guest Paula2019
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All the prep done, took me less than 5mins to open the veg bags and pop in pans lol. Beef in oven.
Taking some time out now till they arrive.
Hope you have a nice walk today x
Guest Paula2019
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How are you doing? Did you go for your walk today?
My roast went down well, I had a good day but by 4.30pm I started to wilt. I could feel myself starting to glaze over when listening to everyone talking. I think it was the fight or flight response. Whenever I feel like that I escape into another room for a few minutes. Luckily everyone left around 5pm, perhaps it was my yawning lol. I just flopped on the bed for half an hour after they left.
I feel so much better since I first came on here though. I think talking to people here has helped a lot, thanks to you and everyone else.
I hope you had a good weekend x
Paula2019 Guest
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Paula2019 Guest
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I have been withdrawing off meds for 8 months and am in withdrawal now, am so used to it that I can keep my mind calm. My body has anxiety symptoms, have been in bed for days getting up briefly as have alot of withdrawal symptoms, its not easy. Its important to keep the mind calm thats what is getting me through it.
Guest Paula2019
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Hi Paula
The withdrawal symptoms are horrid. I've been getting light headedness. Nausea, loss of appetite, sensitive to smells and noises too, stomach churns among others. I too have been spending more time on my bed, it's a safe haven for me. Anxiety is worse when I wake up in morning and evenings. Are these normal symptoms?
Thanks for the reassurance. I hope you get well soon.
Kind wishes
Paula2019 Guest
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lois95799 Paula2019
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I don't know who told sharlie to come off tablets in week..that's the only reason sharlie feeling this way..plus reinstating Medication is also playing into the drama..how you feeling Paula..?
Paula2019 lois95799
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I am feeling really bad Lois, but am stubborn and determind. I dont feel depressed or anxious in my head at all, am expecting that to happen anytime. Am very tetchy and jumpy though.
Hope all good with you.
lois95799 Paula2019
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Paula2019 lois95799
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lois95799 Paula2019
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Oh my it can take months ..the brain is trying to stabilize ,.the havoc appears when you remove that last dose from your body. So as long as your process is very slow decreasing you just have to wait..and the waiting process is the one that usually folks can't tolerate and then they end up reinstating..
lois95799 Paula2019
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Paula2019 lois95799
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lois95799 Paula2019
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Paula2019 lois95799
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lois95799 Paula2019
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Oh well there you go..your having more of a reaction from the cita..than your having from the amitryptyline..if that's the case..wow .that's why I keep saying iam not a fan of two or three antidepressants in your body..that's a big no-no for me..oh take this antidepressants for sleep .oh take this antidepressants for head aches..oh take this one for hot flashes..iam mocking the doctor quacks of the world .so sad
Paula2019 lois95799
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lois95799 Paula2019
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gemma77546 lois95799
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I'm really struggling to hold it together today I can't stop crying I feel like an emotional wreck. I just need to find a way to hold it together x
Paula2019 gemma77546
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Guest Paula2019
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Hi again Paula,
Yes I am all too familiar with that drunk feeling, upset stomach, feeling wobbly, weird dreams and tinnitus. I did feel better out today, not great but not my worse day either.
I hope you have a good time at the seaside. Just being somewhere different may be therapeutical for you. The change of scenery may put things in a new perspective. It's good that you managed to go for a walk. It's so easy to give in to our feelings but I think you have just got to push yourself otherwise what's the point of anything.
So nice to speak with you.
Enjoy your stay, take care x
lois95799 gemma77546
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lois95799
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Paula2019 lois95799
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lois95799 Paula2019
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lois95799
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Paula2019 Guest
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gemma77546 lois95799
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Paula2019 lois95799
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Guest Paula2019
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Hi Paula,
You're already starting to get well again. You're doing great, what a good idea it was for you to get away with your family.
Staring at the same four walls every day doesn't do us any good. I know it's easier said than done when you are feeling withdrawal symptoms of starting up symptoms but it seems you went away at the right time, for you.
You don't have to go far, just continue to do what you are doing and perhaps venture a little further each day, even when you get home, baby steps.
I am so genuinely pleased for you, well done. x
lois95799 gemma77546
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