Recovery time

PLEASE understand it's not that easy for so many referring to your comment, I too was on PAXIL for 6 months and never improved from my anxiety state, as where I've been on CIT FOR 5 months I have many good days... so it's trial and error for many until they find the right med.

Glad you are controlling your anxiety w/o meds. I JUST CAN't.

SO many have recovered on CIT, some 3 months , 6, 9, etc...

Lori

Everyone has a different experience on these meds - for some they don't work (or they've haven't taken them correctly) and for many, many people they do. I suffered for 16 years and Tricyclic meds didn't do much for me, but as soon as I was swapped to SSRI's I'd recovered within 6 months. They turned my life around.

Yes you can recover from anxiety and some do it without medication, but many people need meds to get started. I certainly did. What method works for one person doesn't always work for someone else.

Anxiety and depression isn't a generic condition - if it was then 1 pill would suit everyone. Medication is there for a purpose just as meds are there for people who have diabetes, heart problems etc. If you need anti depressants, then take them. Don't struggle along trying to be brave 'going it alone' without meds.

Coming off medication is another story. Never, ever go cold turkey. The most stupid thing ever to do as its dangerous. Doing it too quick there are 2 phases of withdrawal - the first peak is followed by physical symptoms and happens immediately after stopping, and the second phase typically peaks after 90 days and is characterized by more mental symptoms. Many people then have to return to meds.

I've known some people to take a good 9 months to recover on meds. Some take 3 months, for me 6 months. Its trial and error and even finding the correct dose too, each tailored to each person. Second time around on meds can take longer. We're all different. If you're having good days (or even hours) then the meds are working.

Exercise will help - it burns excess adrenaline (the anxiety) and releases endorphins (feel good hormones).

You will get there xx.

Lori

Everyone has a different experience on these meds - for some they don't work (or they've haven't taken them correctly) and for many, many people they do. I suffered for 16 years and Tricyclic meds didn't do much for me, but as soon as I was swapped to SSRI's I'd recovered within 6 months. They turned my life around.

Yes you can recover from anxiety and some do it without medication, but many people need meds to get started. I certainly did. What method works for one person doesn't always work for someone else.

Anxiety and depression isn't a generic condition - if it was then 1 pill would suit everyone. Medication is there for a purpose just as meds are there for people who have diabetes, heart problems etc. If you need anti depressants, then take them. Don't struggle along trying to be brave 'going it alone' without meds.

Coming off medication is another story. Never, ever go cold turkey. The most stupid thing ever to do as its dangerous. Doing it too quick there are 2 phases of withdrawal - the first peak is followed by physical symptoms and happens immediately after stopping, and the second phase typically peaks after 90 days and is characterized by more mental symptoms. Many people then have to return to meds.

I've known some people to take a good 9 months to recover on meds. Some take 3 months, for me 6 months. Its trial and error and even finding the correct dose too, each tailored to each person. Second time around on meds can take longer. We're all different. If you're having good days (or even hours) then the meds are working.

Exercise will help - it burns excess adrenaline (the anxiety) and releases endorphins (feel good hormones).

You will get there xx.

your comments give me inspiration kate.iam still trucking.all good.

HI what mg was you on

Bless you Lois - yes keep on truckin and you'll get there. xx

Hi katecogs

I have read a lot of your posts. Just wanted to ask few things.

I am on week 12 on citalopram with 20mg. I had a good time around week 7 when I realised I am getting better. But now again I am back to my anxiety for the last three four weeks it feels like soul is getting out of my lower legs and then it results in leg pain. Hot flashes with lot of pain in the shoulders and neck. I need your guidance as I am bogged down by my doctor and says don't expect any magic from citalopram. Looking forward to your response

those up and downs of citalopram are all within the norm with this Medication.if you are having good days or weeks that means the meds are working .i for one recovered on ten .and it took me 8months with horrible side effects.but now happy to talk about it.hang in there.

Did anyone get pins and needles on chin with citalopram i am driving me barmy 15mg week 7 comeing up

Hi Talha

Yes Lois is so right. The ups and downs are completely normal when you’re recovering and seems quite normal with these meds. I had them right through recovery. It seems you take a few steps forward and make progress, can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and the next thing you’re dragged backwards again and it often feels worse than ever. Its not worse, just that you sort of forget how it feels when you’re having a good few days or weeks, and so to have a bad time seems quite shocking again.

You’ll get lots of aches and pains when you have anxiety - often its because we hold our body taught, fighting against anxiety, but you should instead just try and relax your muscles, even as you move around. Slow everything down.

Also when you have anxiety your body is super sensitive, you over think, over-react and probably over-feel things physically too. Having pain in the shoulders and neck does sound like you’re carrying tenseness around. Again try and let go of any muscle tightness. You might even be clenching your jaw and teeth together without realising it. Most people do.

Citalopram for me certainly was magic. After 16 years of suffering I recovered within 6 months of taking it. No it doesn’t work for everyone, and not everyone gets the same side effect either, but there are many SSRI medicines around which all suit different people.

However, you do need to give Citalopram a long, long time, and probably stick with one dose too. Its not about a larger dose making you better quicker (it doesn’t work like that), but instead each dose suits different individuals.

Stick with it - just keep going. You might not see anyting happening for a while yet, and often people overlook the beginnings of recovery because you don’t just start feeling better, but those blips will come and go as you’re experiencing now.

K x

Thanks a lot. its actually a star platform which gives hope and brilliant people to help. I will be strong

Hi Katecogs,

I agree with Lois, it's always good to read your comments particularly when you start doubting yourself again as I do.😊

Yes its a great forum and its good to connect with others who are going through the same or who have been through it and out the other side.

K x

Lina

Anxiety will always make you doubt and think negatively, its what it does. We all need the comfort and reminders that it'll be ok - I did too. This forum is so good helping everyone connect.

K x

Hi Katecogs

What you say is so true, this forum has been great, so have you, thank you very much for your inspiration.

Yesterday I had a horrible day, today I felt great, drove my car the furthest today in a long time.😊

It really is good to connect to others. When I was ill, back in the 1980's the internet didn't exist, so had to rely on books. I felt very isolated and always thought it would be good to have group discussions, but they didn't exist then. I only came on here a few years ago for support when helping someone else and am still here lol.

Days and weeks will be like that - its the anxiety coming and going. Recovery can be strange.

Hi Katecogs

I'm sure many people here, myself included, are glad that you devote so much of your time to help others. You have experienced what we are going through so there is no better person to advise than you.

Thank you

Aww bless you, thanks xx.