I have just started taking Citalompram for anxiety. Does it work ?

​Many of us are going through what you are at ths very moment, many have been through the same and of course there are others that may return to Cita for various reasons as well. All of which will help remind you that you are not alone!

​Now, some will say "one good day out of four, wow, wish I just had a good day" on the other hand there will be those that get just one bad day in many good ones. This is the same for the side effects (non of which are life threatening) as everyone is so different not everyone will experience all of these or even the intensity of these that others do. Therefore, it is best not to over worry (which can be a side effect in itself) and as you are here in this all inclusive forum you will find out like the rest of us all you need to understand this sticking plaster for the brain and also all the support you will need to move forward. Not forgetting a good GP.

​Moving forward is the only way. We tend not to talk about getting our life back or wanting to be normal again after all what is normal? I and many others, certainly do not wish to return to what brought us here in the first place! With the increase in stress and depression in the western world it is time we took back our freedom and said enough is enough. Of course it isn't as easy as that and we have to start the change within ourselves.

​I have done such a thing and cannot start to express how much better things are. I had flu when I started on Cita, or it started just after I finally got round to taking it, either way for the first 5 weeks I went through hell I had little idea of what was happening to me and I didn't really care eventually, but I found this forum. They helped me through, helped everytime I asked a question or cried for help and I cannot leave out me partner, now Fiancee, who knew little about what was happening either, but has learnt from the forum too. Having someone close, whether a lover, family or a friend is important. If you do not have someone close enough or do not feel able to help - worry not, this is kinda one big Family anyway!

Anyway, I have changed my lifestyle, cut way back on the old ale (etc), given up smoking, I'd like to say I am taking regular exercise, which I should be doing however, I am being a bit lazy at the mo. Got rid of the TV watch iplayer, listen to the radio and music in general, scream shout rock around the house! Most importantly, I removed myself from the situation and people that were complicit in making me ill, bringing me down and eventually bringing me here - work and so called colleagues. It hasn't been easy, but I decided to put my mind to good use from those early days (when I had good days) 16 months ago, to do my part in aiding my recovery. It is difficult, but doable!

​Cita is not a quick fix and once you have started taking it giving up (which we've all felt like doing, trust me) instead of letting it do its job, will achieve nothing and yes, you will get your life back and you'll be getting everything back that brought you here in the first place.

​Give it time. You do not know at this stage you may be one of the lucky ones and it works quicker for you than otthers, but it still takes time. Every good day make a note so that you have something positive for the bad days and you will notice a gradual change from worse to better over time.

Anxiety levels may (or may not) increase a bit too, as Cita causes or increases anxiety to be able to treat it fully! Weird? Yep! I didn't think I had it until it happened yuk and freaky! At this point I must testify to the importance and comfortabilityness of an emergency duvet kept downstairs for those days when you make it out of bed only to find you need to curl up somewhere safe.

​Finally, keep posting and reading no matter how insignificant a question may seem, just ask, we all have and we're all better for it.

Regards,

David

After 3 years I went from 20mg to 10 mg increasing to 20 at times of stress. I finally got all my social problems sorted, work, house, friends and decided to come off Citalopram after 7 years. I was getting headaches, vivid dreams, weight gain for the past 6 months because I was no longer depressed or anxious. I've slowly come off..10 mg to every other day to every 3 days etc. I still got electric shocks, aches, fatigue but it's been over a 10 days now and my head is clearer than it has been for years! Once you know it's withdrawal you can cope more easily.

It saved my life but you need to address underlying causes of anxiety and depression as well, even though it took me 7 years!

I'd say take it if you feel really rubbish, don't suffer, you don't need too.

good luck and you are strong