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Just started Citalopram

Posted , 10 users are following.

tim08142
tim08142

Hello.........Have been having terrible anxiety and panic attacks these last few months. Doctor prescribed 10mg citalopram. Have been too scared to take them for weeks. I have terrible sensitivitites towards medications. My life has gotten so bad that I juat said what the heck. I cant take what I am feeling anymore. It is out of my control. Too scared to leave my house.

I started last night by taking 2.5 mg (1/4) of the tablet. Felt a bit spaced out and a little nauseau but overall tolerable. Today felt very tired, a little fluish, dizzy and just run down. This evening has been the worst. Feel dark, scared and alone. (in all honesty have scared and alone feeling before citalopram) just feels kind of dark.

I know I onyl took a very small amount but feel pretty terrible tonight. Just feel like crying. I am trying to imagine how I am going to up this dose to a proper level and be able to handle it. Any comments or support would be so much appreciated. I feel ;like I really need it right now. I know...only day one at a baby dose.

2 likes, 27 replies

27 Replies

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  • rory17172
    rory17172 tim08142

    Posted

    First of all well done for being brave enough to try medication. It can be extremely daunting trying any new medication, particularly if you are already worried about side effects from the start. I know I was the same when I started. Back then I was foolish and read the warning label. It just led to me becoming paranoid that I would get all the symptoms on the list lol. Being concerned about things you put in your body is rational, but depression tends to extend this to extreme levels of paranoia. My body is heating up...I'm gonna sweat to death!! etc...

    In all honesty I have never taken any anti-depressants starting on a lower dose than 10mg. I can't imagine the effects, ie.the intended ones or the side-effects, being dramatically different with such a small dose difference. Given that this is your first couple of days, I wouldn't put so much pressure on yourself worrying about how it's all going to work out. These meds might work great, or maybe they wont, in which case your doctor will quickly put you on something else. Give it a few days and speak to them again to let them know how you're feeling.

    When you take these meds they are going to be moving the chemicals in your brain around, which your brain is not immediately used to. It's going to feel really strange, and it may be an emotional rollercoaster, but you need to know that this is normal and that soon your brain will level out and accept the changes. For me, it felt like there was a pool of electrified water in my head, and every time there was a spark I felt some extreme emotion lol.

    When you're depressed, you're thinking all the time, normally in a loop of negative thinking. Thinking at this intensity for any length of time can be exhausting for your body. It also makes you extremely hyper aware of your body. I remember taking my first tablet, swallowing it, then being paranoid it was still lodged in my throat and i would choke. It wasn't at all, but the sensation of it rubbing against my throat made me that paranoid. They say everything seems worse when you're already sick, and it's really true with depression. You spend so much time worrying about your mind, and you start not caring about feeding yourself, or it seems too much effort. I developed depression at the same time I had Gastritis, so I was either worrying about one or the other. Problem is then your body gets more drained because your using up all mental and physical energy lol. So it's important to eat well so at least your body can handle it. You can feel dizzy on meds, but also if you dont eat right. Every horrible nightmarish thought that goes through your head, you need to know they are just reactions, and they are just temporary. It's just because you've a creative mind. Everybody at some point in depression cries uncontrollably and feels worthless. You're not. Your brain is like a computer trying to do a reboot. It makes you appreciate what a scarily imaginative thing the human mind is. Your dreams may possibly get messed up too. Again, try not to worry. it's not you, it's just a mix of the depression and the meds. If you need to talk to someone you know there's samaritans and other support out there. It can be difficult talking about this stuff with friends and family, unless they have experienced it, and even then no two cases are identical. Just know there's help out there. I suggest just ride it out as best you can, speak to someone if it gets too hard, but trust me you are going to be (at least mentally speaking) one hard badass by the end of this. wink Everything seems worse at night, it seems so dark and miserable. But remember, good things happen at night too, people laugh, kiss and watch awesome movies at night. So it cant be all bad... Hang in there wink

    • tim08142
      tim08142 rory17172

      Posted

      Thanks so much for such an thought full reply. I really appreciate it. I feel terrible tonight but just swallowed my second dose.

      Yes I have had some of those wired emotional explosion that seem to come out of nowhere. One was a wave of terrible panic that just washed over me then was gone 5 minutes later....then a wave of crying uncontrollably for a few minutes...then done. I tried to get up and go to the market to get some things to make a ginger tea to help settle my stomach but was just too dizzy by time I got to my car. Let's hope tomorrow is better.....or at least not any worse.

    • Tomw1987
      Tomw1987 tim08142

      Posted

      Hi Tim

      You've made the right choice trying Cit. It has done wonders for me and I also have a fear of taking meds. You genuinely shouldnt have had side effects from such a low dose and its most likely your depression making symptoms up as you've read the label lol (this does happen!!!). I personally would take the full tablet (10mg is still a very very low dose) and make sure you see it through. I started to feel better after only 3 days!!!

      Let us know how you get on

      Tom

    • tim08142
      tim08142 Tomw1987

      Posted

      Tom...thanks for the response. Ya know, I didint even read the label for side effects for that very reason. I figured it would be what it would be. I get what your saying about how your mind can make things worse than they really are if you are focused on the negative. I truly am having side effects at this dose. I have always been very sensitive to meds. If I have to have dental work done they give me about 1/4 of the amount of novacaine that they would normaly give and I am still numb for 10 hours. I dint know...wish it wasnt true. I am just going to keep on keeping on. It may be a little slower going but I will get there.
    • Tomw1987
      Tomw1987 tim08142

      Posted

      No worries mate. I would maybe take half the tablet each day to get it into your system a bit quicker. I was given 20mg and thought about breaking it in half because of med fear, but the doctor said I was best off with the full dose and getting it over with. I'm glad I did! You will get better so focusing on the positive in this is your best bet right now.

      I am 28 and was diagnosed with depression at 16 and was given citalopram then (which helped again), but recently relapsed due to life change stresses (new baby, bought our first house, promotion at work etc). Citalopram to the rescue again lol. 6 days in and I'm feeling normal again. Last week I wouldn't leave the house and last night I went to a gig and had a couple of beers. I'm also looking after my daughter today as my wife is at work and last week I didn't even know how I'd make her milk! They do work mate and you should definitely see them through.

      If you have any questions just ask

      Tom

    • tim08142
      tim08142 Tomw1987

      Posted

      Wow......Thanks for that. Gives me hope. Sounds like you have some great things in your life. Glad you are at a place to enjoy them.

      This is my first time on an SSRI. Was thinking the same thing..maybe just take it and get it over with..the sooner the better...I dont know. Will try taking half of it tommorrow...see how it goes.

      Congrats on the promotion, house and new baby.

    • Tomw1987
      Tomw1987 tim08142

      Posted

      Don't mention it mate. Don't think of it as "getting it out of the way" as that's not the case. Don't even acknowledge you've taken the pill and go about you day. Just know that in a few days time you'll feel much better. You probably already do, but keep your mind occupied. Some people look for success stories in forums (not what I would recommend) but something like tidying up, starting a project of some sort (if you can muster the motivation), go for a walk if you can face it (this helped me). I found I wasn't able to just sit in front of the Tv as I began to think far too much and felt worse. I play the guitar and drums so that was a good distraction for me. Talking about your feelings also helps and gives you the hope that you need. I spoke to my wife, mum, dad, brother and mates. Not everyone understands but it still helps. Try and eat something and get a few glasses of water in too.

      Citalopram is actually quite a stable med and not that many people have actual sides from it so you can take some comfort in that too.

      If you need any more info just ask

      Cheers

      Tom

  • paulette56558
    paulette56558 tim08142

    Posted

    Hi Tim I've lived with anxiety for years and as I've got older it's got worse, so I finely done something about it and went doctors they started me on 10mg and really didn't want to take them but I did after a couple off months 10mg wasn't strong enough so I went back and my gp put me on 20mg, I've put all my Wright back on and I'm the happiest I've been in along while so stick at it and use your gp as much as possible till u feel u are getting the correct dosage x
    • tim08142
      tim08142 paulette56558

      Posted

      Thanks Paulette.....yes.I can do this. One day at a time. Did 10mg help intitially, then just quit working or did you never see benefits at that dose?

      Glad you are doing great and enjoying life!!!!

    • paulette56558
      paulette56558 tim08142

      Posted

      Hi Tim 10mg help for a while till it was in my system but my anxiety would settle down so I went back to my gp who I spoke with and surgested I try 20mg and it suits my body well don't get me wrong I still have the odd day which can be bad expecially if something is going wrong in my life but I have learnt to deal with it by breathing listen to music or go for a walk x
  • katecogs
    katecogs tim08142

    Posted

    Hi Tim

    Dont be too scared of taking meds, you'd take them if it was diabetes or you had a heart complaint.  I was only speaking to a friend yesterday who is totally against anti depressants and says if she had it she'd just deal with it herself ...... uh, nope, it doesn't work like that.  Depression and anxiety is an illness that you invariably need help and medication for.

    You'll probably get side effects for a few weeks, but they'll wear off, and often things get worse before they get better.  Everyone seems to go through this, and during recovery your mood may be up and down and you may think you're back to square one or the depression has returned.  It hasn't.  It's a normal route for recovery and means the medication is working.

    It took about 3-4 months for me start feeling the benefits of the meds and then around 6 months I felt great.  I've been well ever since.

    Lots of patience and perseverance is needed ... the goal is worth the wait.

    K x

     

    • tim08142
      tim08142 katecogs

      Posted

      Thanks everyone for the replies. Like I said I am so extremely sensitive to meds. I started three days ago at just 2.5 mg...first day felt pretty bad. The second day I didnt feel to bad, actually got out and took the dog for a walk and my anxiety was lower than normal. Only thing really was I just didnt feel like ttalking to anyone. So I figured last night I would go ahead and take 5mg. I felt terrible all night and today feel really bad. Anxiety, flu like symtoms, dizziness. I am just trying to work my way up to atleast 10mg but I am going to have to do ti slowly. I hear about people starting at 20mg and then 30mg and up to 40 mg and wonder how the heck they do it.

      So here are two questions I have. Should I stay at 2.5 mg for a few more days. should I give it a week inbetween uping the doses even if it is in small incriments. And will I feel every dose increase like this or does it smooth out a bit. Like going form 2.5 to 5 I feel it alot. If I get to where 5mg feels ok will I need to go to 7.5mg to handle it or would the jump to 10 mg feel about the same. Today is a really hard day. Thanks

    • katecogs
      katecogs tim08142

      Posted

      Hi Tim

      I started on 20mg and got side effects, but they wore off eventually.  It's a good idea to ease into the meds slowly, and when you up the dose next time you can do the increase every other day until you feel ok to take it every day.  Continue like that with further dose increases until you're up to the required dose.

      No, sometimes you don't feel like talking to people, I was like that at times. Also at times people would talk to me, and though I listened I couldn't concentrate on what they were saying and it all seemed so irrelevant compared to my illness anyway.  It's good to get out every day as it helps so much.  

      Exercise, medication, patience and perseverance will get you there.

      K x

  • Luke7580
    Luke7580 tim08142

    Posted

    Hi Tim, I've been on cit for 6 months now first 20 for about 2 months then 30 for about 2 months then 40. It's been very up down for me, but the last 2 or 3 weeks have been great..... Probably cos I found the right dose, so stick at it, be patient, and as Katecogs says if you had diabetes or a heart condition you wouldn't hesitate to take medication. She incidently is an angel who has helped me massively and I have no doubt she'd help you too, all the best.... Luke
    • Bullet_man
      Bullet_man Luke7580

      Posted

      been taking cit for about 4 days so far, feeling loopy, druged up tired all the time no energy. reading other peoples, i feel i am going to stick it out and hope i feel human again and have my life back. i had open heart surgery 6 years ago, 1 stent after that. lost my parents 1 1/2 ago. but i learn to deal with that, life goes on and mom and dad are watching over me, been getting panic attacks allot lately, dont know why? feels like acid reflects, so i take liquid anti acid, pill for it also. what causes me to get panic attacks any ways? i try to be busy with things to keep my self busy. oh well i will see in 4 weeks, hope pill will be in my system and i feel better.
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