New medication

[Whiskers16]

my doctor changed me from citalopram As it wasn’t doing anything after 8 weeks to Duloxotine a week ago, how long does it normally take to help as feeling worse and worse each with constant anxiety

[anon2508]

mine has me on citalopram and diazepam.is there something else you feel is better?

[Whiskers16 in reply to anon2508]

I was on citalopram for years and was ok but wasn’t sleeping so changed to amatriptyline but then anxiety kicked back in big time. This time the citalopram isn’t working, gave me diazepam for a couple of weeks but now only allowed 1 at night.

Because citalopram not working changed me to Duloxitine but only respite I get is a few hours at night when I sleep after taking diazepam with magnesium but wake up in a panic every morning.

[Nothing_but_books in reply to Whiskers16]

Don't for heaven's sake take the diazepam every night. The doctor may not warn you (they should be forced to warn you), but you will develop a tolerance (look it up) and be much worse off. You will need more to get the same effect, and so on and so on. Finally you will have NO sleep without the pills, and they will stop working at all at about the same time.

Been there. Done that. Be so careful!

[anon2508 in reply to Nothing_but_books]

would you only take 1 per day max at night ?

[Nothing_but_books in reply to anon2508]

I am not a doctor. I only have my own very bad experience. I think quite a few people here have had bad experiences with these sedative drugs.

I would never take one per day for any prolonged length of time. Certainly not weeks. Please look up what "tolerance" is, and be a self advocate.

Anxiety is terrible. So are sleeping problems. No question. Just be careful. Maybe even write a new post asking community members for their thoughts on what to do.

[Whiskers16 in reply to Nothing_but_books]

I’m just so desperate as the days are so bad

[Nothing_but_books in reply to Whiskers16]

I am glad you wrote back. I know what that feels like. I feel that way myself every day and night now. This site is a comfort. People here get it. Not enough to calm the desperation, but better than alone and not heard.

I am here if you want to talk. Or just post what is going on, and so many others are here to understand.

[Whiskers16 in reply to Nothing_but_books]

I’m really scared at the moment as not sure how much longer I can go on.

I have an 18yr old daughter who I try and hide it from.

Have not been able to work for 8wks as can’t concentrate on anything, spend most of the day pacing the house and now struggling to go out.

[Nothing_but_books in reply to Whiskers16]

I'm so sorry. Eighteen is old enough to notice you're not doing great. Have you tried talking to her at all?

Maybe you can do something with the energy you put into pacing? I don't know, maybe play a tune and try to dance a bit?

Give this list a shot:

usatoday.com/story/entertai...

[Whiskers16 in reply to Nothing_but_books]

It’s just at the moment because the anxiety is so bad all day, it’s the only peace I get by sleeping for about 5 hours. I was on 5mg but try some nights to only take 2.5.

I’m just desperate at the moment as having suicidal thoughts all day due to the anxiety.

The mental health doctor I saw did warn me but said he would allow until the new medication started kicking in then will look at weaning off.

[anon2508 in reply to Nothing_but_books]

how often would you advise taking diazepam max ?

[anon2508 in reply to Whiskers16]

i thought citalopram was more an anti depressant and diazepam an anti anxiety ? how many citalopram did you take a day ?

[Whiskers16 in reply to anon2508]

I was up to 30mg but wasn’t helping the anxiety.

[anon2508 in reply to Whiskers16]

i am actually taking a magnesium supplement at the moment to help fight fatigue etc.is it a good idea to take it at bedtime along with a diazepam to help get a good sleep?

[BlueLlama]

I had to come off of citalopram a few years ago. It sucked eggs. It took a few weeks for the new medication to start helping me feel better, but I knew that if I just hung on, it would work. I lost a job and a friend because of the withdrawal, and I felt like my world was crashing. But it finally started working and I started feeling better. Keep holding on. You’ll make it.

[Whiskers16 in reply to BlueLlama]

Thank you... very bad day today, really felt like giving up. The mornings for me are so bad.

Also it’s hard as my partner just doesn’t understand so I have to try and keep it all in. He says he feels like I’m smothering him as don’t want to be left on my own.

I get it you can’t understand if you’ve never experienced it.

[BlueLlama in reply to Whiskers16]

I’ve had a life change this year that makes it so I can’t be left alone, I can’t drive, I can’t work (but my counselor is helping me with those). My dad is about as empathetic as Data from Star Trek, and he just doesn’t get it. He doesn’t understand why I can’t just suck it up and deal. Or why I’m not better after two or three counseling sessions. It’s frustrating, but the only thing I can do is be patient and try to help him understand that even though I don’t outwardly show progress, I’m actually making good progress. I do hope things get better quickly for you.

[Whiskers16 in reply to BlueLlama]

I’m so glad you are making some progress. I just wanna see a little glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Actually in the evenings I feel not as bad but the mornings are so bad I dread going to bed knowing I have to deal with the next day as can’t remember the last time I didn’t wake up with this anxious pain in my chest.

I just wish I could think more positively And remember the good times

[BlueLlama in reply to Whiskers16]

When you go to bed just remember that even though your morning may be a little rough, it will get better throughout the day. And with each day, you’ll feel better earlier and longer. You’ll notice changes before too long. 😊🥰

[Whiskers16 in reply to BlueLlama]

I hope so as the longer it goes on the harder I’m finding it and find dark thoughts seem very real

[BlueLlama in reply to Whiskers16]

You’ll be okay. I know it’s hard to see it now, but you’ll get there. Picture yourself how you want to be. Make it a reality. I know you can get there.