1. Community
  2. Brain and nerves
  3. Citalopram

SOMEONE help with New with taking clitopram

Posted , 2 users are following.

vitamaria12787
vitamaria12787

I have been having horrible anxiety all my life but recently it's gotten worse . It is in social settings mostly. I also have such bad anxiety everything becomes negative in my head so I get bad visions. Long story short I went to the dr she prescribed citalopram . She gave me 20 mg a day and to start me slowly so I would take a quarter of it every 2nd night . I have been so scared of taking it I have myself more anxiety and it say on my counter for 2 weeks. I have battled depression in the past and took Effexor and it was great but the beginning was a night mare my side effects were so scary . I don't want to go back there.  I started the citalopram lastnight . I took a bit less then a quarter and today / night I feel so anxious and I am having such weird visions in my head I'm scared. Am I alone on this , is is me doing it to myself or is It a side effect ! If someone could share a story or advice id appreciate it I feel so alone . I don't know of I should stick with it or stop 

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • linda72262
    linda72262 vitamaria12787

    Posted

    Hi Vitamaria,

    It's going to be okay.  I am now 3 weeks on cit and it has helped me immensely.  It is a great medication.You are starting on a very low dose so there should be very little in the way of side effects.  You are definitley stressing yourself out and need to tell yourself that this medication will make you better.As \i'm sure you know from your experience with Effexor, these things take time - even though you want to feel better right now, you have to let the meds get into your system to do their work.  I suspect that any weird feelings you are having at this moment are from your anxiety.  I know how easy it is to wind yourself up in a frenzy.  Three weeks ago, I was an mass of anxiety, hardly able to cope.  I have been improving slowiy but surely.  The best thing you can do for yourself at this moment, is to turn the t.v on to something mindless and lie on the couch and breathe through your belly.  \just feel your breathing for a moment and then direct it to hour tummy.  It doesn't matter how fast you are breathing, just make sure it is your belly that is rising up and down.  You don't have to take huge breaths, make sure you are  gving a little extra to the exhale.  Now tell yourself  that you are doing the right thing, that you will get through this just fine and that you have the this group.  Send me a message anytime.  I will be happy to chat.  I am from Canada so you are a bit ahead of me timewise.

    Best,

    Linda

    Hugs

    • vitamaria12787
      vitamaria12787 linda72262

      Posted

      Really ? Linda72262 .. That is so comforting because I have been so scared of this medication . I feel I am already getting side effects and having such bad visions in my head I wasn't sure if it was me or the medication. But having you reply made me feel so much better and not alone .. I am glad to herre it is working . I just want to be able to go out with friends or socialize and not stay at home because of fear. Thank you so much . I like that I can talk to someone who understands and doesn't think I'm nuts... Just was wondering ..have you noticed any weight gain? And did you have visions at all ? AGIan thank you thank you Thank you .. 
    • linda72262
      linda72262 vitamaria12787

      Posted

      Hi Vitamaria,

      Three weeks ago, I was in terrible shape - I can't say that I had visions, but I was scared of everything and basically buzzing all the time - could not rest - today I went out with a friend for coffee and did some shopping at the grocery store and then went and bought myself a new top.  I can watch t.v and even focus on a book for a chapter or two.  That's after 3 weeks.  The difference is amazing.  I am generally a lot less anxious and I can feel the improvement day by day.  I lost 16 pounds over 2 months.  I am now holding my own, but I could afford to lose the weight and now look much better so all in all, it wasn't such a bad thing.  Really, the only side effect I have left is an unhappy tummy - doc figures it's a combinaion of anxiety and meds.  I suspectit will subside as time passes and I am coping.  3 weeks ago, I was unable to sleep - that has also imroved greatly and I even managed a little nap yesterday.  So, all I can tell you is that the meds really work if you let them - you have to keep pushing a bit yourself - walking is really good and as you are ready, you just keep adding things to your list.  Give yourself credit for everything you do - no matter how small and keep telling yourself that it is just anxiety and it will pass - it does.

      Take care,

      Linda

      HUGS

    • vitamaria12787
      vitamaria12787 linda72262

      Posted

      I'm taking for the second time tonight and I am scared I am trying to be strong but my anxiety is so bad not just physically but mentality.. I don't want bad side effects 
    • linda72262
      linda72262 vitamaria12787

      Posted

      Hi vitamaria,

      You may not have side effects.  Do you want to remain this anxious - of course not!  You have made it to day 2 - Yay.  Take it with food and just tell yourself that these are meds you need.  You will feel better.  Take it just like you are taking an aspirin - glass of something to wash it down with and a little snack.  Do you have something to help you sleep?  That always makes it a bit easier.  You need to be rid of this anxiety and you are on the right road.biggrin

      Hugs,

      Linda

    • vitamaria12787
      vitamaria12787 linda72262

      Posted

      You are right .. I know it's not just from the pill where my visions come from because even now thinking of taking it AGIan I am having such horrible racing thoughts and that tells me it's my anxiety! I need to take the pill and be happy about it and not so scared . It's just so difficult because I know they can have bad effects and when I took Effexor they were bad . Got better though...  I just need to take it and be strong. I'll with take another quarter of it tonight . And try to be positive .. And every time  I have a bad thought or anxious I'll tell myself it's my anxiety . I want to get better so if I need to take this I will . .. Thank you Linda . You sound like your getting better which makes me optimistic . I appreciate you taking the time to respond 
    • linda72262
      linda72262 vitamaria12787

      Posted

      Hi Vitamaria,

      Just thought I'd check in with you.  I read back to your first post and just realized that you are only taking 5mg every other day - is that right?  If so, I would be very surprised if you have any side effects at all.  You are taking a wee tiny dose.  Think about what you are panicking about - there is no need to worry.  I suspect you are working yourself up for nothing.  Take a minute, lie down and just breathe.  You are fine and will be less anxious soon.  Take care.

      Best,

      Linda

    • vitamaria12787
      vitamaria12787 linda72262

      Posted

      Hello Linda , my doctor prescribed me 20mg and to start by cutting it in half and cut Agoan so about a quarter . I agree it is very small. I am sure my own anxiety is. Taking it's toll on me. I have anxiety about taking the pill so it just elated. My anxiety isn't just physical now like with breathing and what not but it's mental. I get bad thoughts and I don't know why. Mysocot said its because my anxiety is so high it's effecting me emotionally and physically. I hope I'm not alone in that feeling because it makes me feel like in loosing it . I want to increase the dosage because I want to feel better but I am also scared to. I also don't want to jump into it . But I will say the moment I read your message about how it shouldn't be so bad I Instantly had a "ah haaaaa" moment I felt better . It's so weird how much anxiety takes over me mentally and physically . Agian  thank you Linda you have no idea how much I appreciate your time 
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.