Please help - advice for Citalopram 10mg

Posted , 6 users are following.

Hello everyone,

Thank you for taking the time to read my message.

To cut a really long story short, I was diagnosed with complex PTSD with anxiety and depression last year due to my time in the Army and experiencing something horrific in the military. I finally found a good doctor and after trying numerous antidepressants that didn't work, I was placed on Citalopram 10mg as I am really sensitive to medication. I have finally reached week 17 which is a record for me and during this time I had experienced the usual side effects to begin with which was what I expected. I was doing alright over the last few weeks but from week 15 until now, it has been absolutely awful. I have had daily panic and anxiety which has lasted almost all day and night. I have been so teary, had nausea for two weeks, have daily headaches like nothing I have had before, I am so extremely tired and the morning anxiety when I wake is relentless. Each day feels like it is getting harder and harder. I just want to crawl back into bed for the day but I have two children I need to care for and I work five days a week. I feel so utterly sad that I look forward to bed every night rather than spending time with my two children.

So, I have some questions. I was wondering if anyone has had such dramatic changes at around week 17 and how long it lasted? I also was wondering if anyone has actually recovered on 10mg and how long it took before you were medication free?

I will add that going up higher than 10mg is not an option for me due to my sensitivity and reactions to the last antidepressants I tried. My doctor is happy with how the last 15 weeks has gone and it not concerned about the last two weeks but it has been so difficult to get though a minute, let alone the day.

Thank you for your advice and support in advance x

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Posted

    hi lisa sorry I cant help as I was never on a dose that low but there is a wonderful lady on here called lois who I know has recovered on 10mg and I'm sure it took a lot longer than 15 weeks for her to get back to 100 percent x hopefully she will be along shortly to help put your mind at rest x

    sorry I couldn't help

    • Posted

      Hello Potatoghost, thank you for taking the time to reply. I take reassurance in knowing 15 weeks could be too early. Kate Coggs has been a great help for me in the past too. It is just so hard when every cell in your body wants to be better but it is just so tough some days.

      Take Care,

      Lisa

  • Posted

    Hi Lisa you have my sympathy, I'm also sensitive to meds, I am fortunately doing ok on 5mg of cit, I do mountain walking on a weekend & find It compliments the low dose, so If you can, mix It with exercise & get your blood/urine checked , I discovered I had a low sodium count also, which was making me lethargic with poor concentration, which I was linking with the cit, so I hope this helps & gives you some more options.

    • Posted

      Hi mike07300, thank you for replying. That is great you are doing well on 5mg. Being sensitive to meds is really hard as often doctors want to push for a maximum dose. You have given me great options, thank you 😃

      Lisa

  • Posted

    hello lisa i recover on ten .and it took me 8months .iam also sensitive to meds.iam still taking celexa and plan to take it for ever .it is my first time recovering on an ssri and i dont plan to ruin a good thing by coming off the celexa.and yes everything you mention was quite the norm for me.i had good weeks or hours or days or even short lived seconds.while the celexa was stabalizing during those 8months.it was yucky but worth it in the end.

    • Posted

      Hi Lois95799, I have read many of your posts in the past and they have been really helpful. Can I ask how long it took before your morning anxiety fully left you? Did you just wake up one morning and feel better? I have read many times that the morning anxiety is the last to go and I would live to know from your experience if it was for you too? I honestly thought by 5 months it would be sunshine and lollipops and that is not the case at all. I am feeling a tiny bit better but it has been a very long three weeks!

      I hope you get the chance to reply.

      Thanks,

      Lisa

  • Posted

    I started taking citrapram last septemeber as my anxiety and panic attacks came back. i was put on 10mg and never looked back rough ride at the beginning and a think i had every side effect, but taking one wee tablet at night as helped me so much and dont plan to come off them

    • Posted

      Hi Lauraann8, thanks for replying. How long did it take you before you started to feel better? I look forward to your reply 😃

      Lisa

    • Posted

      hi lisa truthfully it was a good six months, but now a feel great. just work with it and you will get there. its horrible just now but there is light at the end of the tunnel x

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