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Is 7 weeks Citalopram still early days ?

Posted , 5 users are following.

jimmy1979
jimmy1979

I've been on citalopram for around 7 weeks but have only noticed a slight improvement. My psychiatrist may be adding or swapping meds but just wondered what you guys thought ? Any advice appreciated. Maybe I'm being impatient.m

2 likes, 17 replies

17 Replies

  • elizabeth20203
    elizabeth20203 jimmy1979

    Posted

    Hi Jimmy, I have been on Citalopram now for 5 months. I started to feel better after about 3 months. Stick with it as if you start more meds you will be going back a step and have to start again. What dose are you on?

    Elizabeth.

    • jimmy1979
      jimmy1979 elizabeth20203

      Posted

      Hi Elizabeth. I'm now on 40mg and have been on this dose for around 4 weeks now. If anything I think I may have a med added to citalopram rather than changing altogether. Did you just start feeling a lot calmer after 3 months ? 
    • elizabeth20203
      elizabeth20203 jimmy1979

      Posted

      Hi Jimmy, It was gradual change. My anxiety lessened and had no more panic attacks for a while now. It did affect my sleep for a while, but sleep better now. I can cope with my depression better now. Do you feel you need to be on 40mg. I find taking a lower dose better as i don't really want to take meds and just wanted something to take the edge off. Talk with your GP to see what's best for you. Thou i think you need to give it a bit more time before you add other meds, that's just my opinion not a medical one. Let me know how you get on.

      Elizabeth.

    • jimmy1979
      jimmy1979 elizabeth20203

      Posted

      Hi Elizabeth. I'm not really sure what dose I should be on, but I'm listening to what my G.P. and psychiatrist say. They do say it can take quite a while to see the full effects though. I'll keep you posted on how it goes. Appreciate your advice and help. 😀
  • dee51190
    dee51190 jimmy1979

    Posted

    Hi elizabeth I am on 40 mg week 4 did you feel any detachment before takung these and if you did how long before that got better
  • katecogs
    katecogs jimmy1979

    Posted

    Hi Jimmy

    Yes 7 weeks is still early, though you say you feel a slight improvement.  That shows it's working.

    People sometimes up their dose or change medication too soon, thinking theirs isn't working.  It is.  Lots of patience is needed, and lots of time.

    It takes a long time for the medicine to work, and after the side effects wear off, you very slowly start feeling improvement.  As more time goes by you'll feel better and better - up and down, good days, bad days ... until the good days out weight the bad ones.

    I'm always amazed that doctors and other professionals don't understand this or give this advice to patients when they prescribe this medicine.  I can only assume it's because they haven't had first hand experience of taking this themselves.  Perhaps they should start reading this site :-)

    Patience is so very hard with this illness, but it's what brings you eventually to being well again.

    I hope that helps you.

    K xx

     

    • dee51190
      dee51190 katecogs

      Posted

      Kate..I am so glad i read what you wrote I am struggling today I am starting week 5 at 40 mg. And just needrd reassurance too xx
    • jimmy1979
      jimmy1979 katecogs

      Posted

      That's brilliant Kate. Really appreciate your help. I've got chronic leg pain which I feel is anxiety/depression related and am on painkillers also, so I rattle a bit by the end of the day. Do you know anyone else who has had physical pain due to anxiety/depression ?. 
    • katecogs
      katecogs jimmy1979

      Posted

      Hi Dee

      Its tough isn't it, going through all this.  I'm glad my words were reassuring ..... words make such a difference.  Keep on going, it will get better xxx

      Glad I was able to help Jimmy.  Again I think aches and pains are all part of anxiety.  I used to get a lot of chest pain, indigestion etc, but it passed eventually.  Am sure it's anxiety and tension, but obviously keep a note and mention to your doctor if it persists.  I'm sure it'll pass though.

      I've read quite a few people on here have had many aches and pains.  I think it's quite common - but do keep an eye on it.

      I know, pill taking does make us rattle doesn't it haha! 

      Hope you you both continue to improve.  Remember patience xxxxx

  • Luke7580
    Luke7580 jimmy1979

    Posted

    Hi Jimmy, im approaching the start of week 12, ive had good days and bad days, good weeks and bad weeks, good fornights and bad fortnights. This week has been wretched, the previous 2 weeks were great.... listen to what Kate says as shes recovered with cit and they're the people we aspire to follow....All the best...Luke
    • jimmy1979
      jimmy1979 Luke7580

      Posted

      Many thanks for your help Luke. It does seem it takes alot longer than most people think. ( including me ). Do you mind if I ask what dose you are on ? 

      Jimmy. 

    • Luke7580
      Luke7580 jimmy1979

      Posted

      No worries, absolutely...... first 8 weeks I was on 20mg, the last 3 weeks 30mg..... and ive been up and down on both doses....Luke
    • jimmy1979
      jimmy1979 Luke7580

      Posted

      Appreciate that Luke. Ill stay patient and believe it will eventually work. 
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