Citalopram

[Louise9999]

Hello

I started suffering with anxiety a year ago after a bang to the head. I constantly took pictures of my eyes and checked my pupils at every opportunity. I had counselling which worked, no its back and im doing the same thing convincing my self i have a brain aneurysm that is about to rupture. I am waiting for a appointment with a counsellor but this time have been put on Citalopram but i an too scared to take it due to the side effects as with my issues being health related i dont think im strong enough to tell myself its the medication. What are your experiences of Citalopram please?

Thank you

[benni8888]

hello there hope u ok, just to let u know i m on day 20 on citalopram amd first two weeks i feelt very sleepi and very anxious, now i m seen a bit of different but it take up to 4 weeks as everyone say for full effect,,, what dose did ur gb prescribed you??

[Louise9999 in reply to benni8888]

Thank you for your response. Im on 10 at the moment

[jjb1983]

Hello louise9999,

I was put on 10mg of citalopram and it took 10 weeks to get into my system properly. One of the side effects I really struggled with was hightened anxiety and a feeling of derealization. As I could not cope with the symptoms and was visiting my doctor everyday asking them to do an ecg they gave me 2mg valium to calm me down. They helped me so much get through the side effects. My doctor was great and understood what was happening to me so maybe you need to see a doctor with experience in this field.

I was on citalopram for 2 year 10mg, the valium I took for around 6 weeks just until the citalopram worked.

I got my life back on track with citalopram but I decided to go it alone with no meds, which has been fine yes I do have the odd panic attack and I know the anxiety feeling is there everyday but I deal with it, I used coping strategies for 6 year and they were carrying valium in my bag ( never used one) and carrying bottles of water with me everywhere it worked then but does not work for me now, so I cope as good as I can. I've started meditation and its great for bringing you back to here and now.

One other thing I done was keep a diary and I wrote every symptom how it made me feel I wrote every tiny detail of it in there, I found my diary a year ago locked in my shed in boxes from moving and I read some of it, and I ripped it up wish I hadn't as it was making me feel better. But my bf at the min makes me feel ashamed of what I've gone through. But reading what I went through 9 year ago just before meds and during made me feel so at ease knowing it's just anxiety nothing else and I can fight this.

We need to tell ourselves let it come then let it go on it's own ( I struggle but I will try my very best) don't be afraid of it and tell yourself this is anxiety and it's ok.

Ladyliming has gave you some good advice I have also read Claire weekes. There is also some great videos on YouTube.

I hope you find your calm. Don't be afraid of citalopram if you get side effects as your doc for 2mg valium to help you through the side effects.

Jjb1983