First SSRI fears

[Buffycats]

I got prescribed my first SSRI(celexa) today and I’ve always been afraid of them. I feel like I really need it now but I’m so terrified. What if it’s not the right one for me? What if I have very bad side effects and get worse? I could use some advice and reassurance that is forsure.

[Hidden]

Celexa is a good one to start with. I always cut the dose in half and go slowly to build up. Most likely any side effects will be nothing too bad and temporary, such as some tiredness, yawning. Millions of people use celexa and do well. If it’s not the right one for you then you try something else, but you really have to let the medicine work and it takes a few weeks. Yes this whole process can be frustrating but when you do find a medication that helps it is a life changer.

[Buffycats in reply to Hidden]

Appreciate you very much, I’ve always had anxiety but nothing I couldn’t control myself. 5 days ago I started having what feels like nonstop panic attacks so I had to see someone for a quick fix because I can’t even function throughout the day. Feels like my life is some how ending (no doubt the panick disorder they said I have). So all in all it just means a lot to have some where I can go for advice.

[Hidden in reply to Buffycats]

I’m sorry your going through this. Medicine does help along with other lifestyle changes. Getting out of the panic cycle can take a few months but it will get better.

[maggief9812]

Go to my profile and read my SSRI Day __ posts- I covered what the first 2 weeks of Celexa (citalopram) felt like for me. I’m one of the lucky people that got every side effect in the book- but I educated myself going into it and I knew what I was feeling wasn’t abnormal. Today I am SO SO glad that I was able to stick it out while I waited for my body to adjust. The side effects gradually decreased for me and now they’re totally gone (that’s usually how it goes- side effects are worst in first couple weeks then go away.)

These days I feel SO much better with the meds. My anxiety isn’t overwhelming anymore and my thoughts are clearer. More good days and much fewer bad days.

If you have any specific questions or concerns or just want to talk you can always reach out to me.

[tashalyn]

Oh honey what you feeling is normal, been put on SSRIs the first time (Prozac) in my case was so scary, but am so glad I went along with it, it’s a life changer, yes there will be side effects, nausea was the worst one for me, and also it takes weeks before you feel the full benefit but once you do you will be very grateful, I hope this SSRI is the right one for you, keep updating your doctor about how you feeling

[Buffycats]

They having doing 10mg for the first 3 days and then going to 20mg. Seems a little fast to me

[maggief9812 in reply to Buffycats]

My doc had me do 10mg for 6 days before bumping my dose up to 20. If it seems fast to you, call your doc and ask about doing the 10mg a little longer.

[Hidden]

I’m in the same boat as you! I just got prescribed Prozac and I’m so scared of the side effects and getting worse.