Switching from citalopram to escitalopram after 7months

Posted , 4 users are following.

Hi all I used to be on escitalopram for about 10 years with a couple of breaks in that time but last year had a major melt down! Docs put me on sertraline but came off them as not great then we decided to go on citalopram which have been ok but side effects where still troublesome so a week ago went back on escitalopram as meant to be better for side effects and as they worked for years before doc said to try them again! Anyway have been great all week no change over effects at all infact I felt the best I have in a long time but today I woke up feeling nervous and a bit on edge anyone else experienced this at all? Just need a bit of reasurance xxx

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Foxy polly

     This is just a blip, just accept it but try not to place too much importance on it.i am on Lexapro now as switched from Citalopram six weeks ago I woke up this morning a bit anxious too but having a couple of problems with my 19 year old so this could have set things off. I need to stay calm and fortunately my husband is now home who is marvellous and uses people skills at work everyday so he is so supportive.

    once you no longer fear the anxiety it retreats but comes back when you are tired or sick I distract myself and think stuff it I'm just going to go about my business and the heightened anxiety recedes.It loves it if you react to it and tense up so try not to do this.xxx

    • Posted

      Hi felis

      Thank you so much for your reply as the day went on yesterday I felt so much better and this morning I have woke up fine! Have you found the escitalopram a lot better for you? They worked really well for me for 10 years when I was on them before I still had a few wobbles over the years when things happened in my life but on a whole they were good! Already I don't have the sicky feeling I got with the citalopram so that's a real bonus.

    • Posted

      Hi foxy Polly 

      I have found the Lexapro fine and no side effects but I think thr citalopram blocks the anxiety entirely ,may return to it yet but will give the Escit more time. I see my psychiatrist in August. Glad you are feeling better xx

    • Posted

      Hi felis

      So I've been full of anxiety today but I know it's because I'm trying to plan a holiday in August and at the moment holidays seem to be my trigger which had happened the last two years! There is no reason for it as I always loved my holidays and this anxiety about them came from nowhere and now the minute I think about it the anxiety all comes back I do hope this sorts it's self as my husband can't take anymore and I don't want to disappoint the kids. Xx

    • Posted

      Hi Foxy Polly 

      How is the holiday planning going?Obviously holidays are a trigger for your anxiety and this is most likely caused because you fear once you are away you won't have the refuge of support people to talk to like friends doctor or family. Men are not generally understanding when it comes to nervous anxiety because they don't have the knowledge of how debilitating this illness is. My husband was completely baffled by my anxiety until I took him with me to my psychologist who explained to him about our condition and that I just needed him to hold my hand and say " you will get through this I am here for you take all the time you need"He has been really supportive since then so just a suggestion but this might work for you.

      What about taking a sedative like xanax which if you have a script for can be taken on holidays to quell a panic attack . I will be taking mine to Honolulu in a few weeks when I go there with my husband and son.

      having said all this the Lexapro is working really well I only take 10 mg and had no side effects with the change over from cit to Escit . Do let me know how you get on and post or message me if you need extra support. I've been where you are and it's not pleasant but if you can get hubby onside that will really help you. Xx

  • Posted

    Hi foxy prolly

    I've bit the Bullet and switched yesterday from cit to escitalapram just wondering how your getting on ?

    Thanks

    • Posted

      Hi Don 

      Just read your post to Foxy Polly 

      Hope the change works for you there may be some side effects but no worse than what you've already gone through. I think Lexapro is a new and improved version of Citalopram so let's hope your road to wellness is a smoother one than before. Thinking of you and wish you well.

      Felis x

    • Posted

      Hi felis

      I'm better on escitalopram but the last few days have been bad again but that's because I tried to book a holiday all be it this country as I thought that may help but it appears not! We've decided to do 4 days in center parcs as I know I can cope with that and at least it's a little break although very expensive in August. My husband tried to understand but it is hard for him to! I think we're going to go to counselling together so he does start to understand.

      The thing is I've been like this on and off for a year now and it's just dragging on so I feel like it's never going to get better!

      It really does suck having this illness and until last year I went about 8 years with out any major episodes so I know I can do it again but it just takes a long time.

      Thanks for your support xx

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