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Trying to help!

Posted , 6 users are following.

christine84259
christine84259

hey all, i was sorting through my junk emails and found notifications for this site that id totally forgotten existed, popped on for a browse and see the same questions i was thinking 4 years ago so thought id try and help.

id been suffering anxiety and panic attacks for many years, tried much herbal stuff and vitamins to try and help but nothing worked. one day i broke down and new i couldnt carry on this way. called the doctors and was told to go straight there, talked to the doctor who prescribed me citalopram.

for 3 days they sat on the side and i was googling side effects, peoples nightmare stories and how rubbish i was going to feel, part of me knew i had to do it, but the other part was scared. The next morning i got up and just took it, i waited for hell to break loose but other than a headache and nausea i was fine. this continued till week 3 and i say it was week 3 that it started to show effects of working, i was crying anymore but didnt feel myself either it was strange. by week 6 i had a blip it was like the world crashed around me anxiety had come back and i felt just not me, by week 9 i felt better than ever and actually started going out again. week 12 was another blip but lasted a few days and it pretty much continued this way, id have a few good weeks then a bad back to good till at least 3 months.

by 3 months i was feeling alot more positive and was doing more but always waiting for the blips, month 5 was a tough one, anxiety had come back but it wasnt bothering me as much as it used too and by month 7 i was the old me.

ive tried a few times to come off but get to 5mg on withdrawal and i worry im going to lose myself again and go back to 10mg (my choice), this drug is amazing but youve got to give it time - its not an easy fix.

so 4 years later ive completed an undergraduate degree, a masters qualification and currently studying my PhD. all this probably not possible without citalopram helping me out of the rut i was in.

moral of this post - dont believe all you read on internet, people only report the bad stuff, the people who are reaping the benefits dont post because theyre busy living their lives. for me it saved me and i would recommend to anyone try it, if it suits you, you will never look back

3 years panic and anxiety free CHRIS X

3 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • loxie
    loxie christine84259

    Posted

    Thank you for a very helpful post Chris. I had a bad time on citalopram but that was due to a rare intolerance I had to SSRI's which means I cant take them. However, whilst I was taking it I was finally getting my life back after a very long time where anxiety ruled my every move. I was very sad to have to stop taking it. As you have pointed out - it's not a 'quick fix' and it does take patience but it can be very very effective for those, like me, who have what I called a wire loose. I wasnt clinically depressed but the slightest issue in every day life was a mountain to climb and I fell apart at the smallest crisis.

    You are so right about not over reacting to everything we read online - it's very true that those who have managed to climb out of the hole with help from various meds are now getting on with their lives rather than seeking help or telling their horror stories online. I remember being so internally focussed and self absorbed, all I wanted to do was wail about my inability to cope. When my brain started to function more normally and I didnt panic at everything (even down to not being able to open a jar of jam!) I stopped having to labour the point to anyone who would listen - and even some who didnt. I was out doing things I'd put off for years. I am SO glad to hear it's working for you and you should be so chuffed at your achievements, very well done!

  • Grounded
    Grounded christine84259

    Posted

    That is wonderful! Thanks so much for your post, it's so nice to see someone whom has been through what most of us are going through and can be happy and living life!

  • sally_58368
    sally_58368 christine84259

    Posted

    hi Chris,

    bloody brilliant post to read

    well done for taking the time to write it and give us all hope lol

    i too have been on Citalopram in the past and it did work for me. off it for 2 years and started back due to stress etc anxiety so im only on week 3 and slowly getting there . started on 10 mg for a month then 20 mg 3 weeks in but i just need to be patient which isnt my stong point

    well done on your degree phd etc amazing x

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