12 great weeks on Cipralex and then...

[Jmac]

I've been on 10 mg of Cipralex for about 3 months now and have been feeling great for the most part. Only a few very minor blips not lasting more than a day or so each time and very, very manageable.

Then, two days ago the feelings of anxiety - tingles, butterflies etc. crept in and so far are still hanging around.

This is quite dispiriting as I'm sure you can all imagine.

Any pearls of wisdom or similar experiences to assure me that this too is just a blip and doesn't mean the meds aren't working for me? What I read - especially on Anxious in Canada's threads would tell me that this is not an uncommon experience but I just need some extra reassurance.

Jmac

[pinkdove]

You are right this is not uncommon, and it does not mean you are taking a step backwards, just go with it, it will pass, annoying i know, but it has happened to me, and others too, just remember anxiety can play tricks on us, and rear it's head if you let it, so be kind to yourself and try not to worry it WILL pass good luck x

[Jmac]

Thanks pinkdove. So, dispiriting. It seems the anxiety rises and falls but fortunately, doesn't go too far when it rises. As long as it falls back down again I'll ride it out.

I know this is an unfair question to ask of you, but how long do these "blips" tend to last? And how often might I expect them? I thought I was done with them!

Jmac

[nicola1980]

Hi ive been on citalopram 10 weeks and upped my dose last monday to 30mg and like u thought id cracked it until at 3.30 today a wave of panic came over me, fluttering heart, heavy breathing but fortunatly no full blown attack this time! Tried to ride it out but fear took over and i took 2mg of diazepam apart, u forget that fear when youve been doing well and it scares the life out of you when it comes back to say hi im still here! Im still sat here now in dread and shakey! X x

[Jmac]

Sorry to hear you're not feeling your best, Nicola. I've heard that can happen when increasing dosage. Good thing it's not full blown pa! I'm not having full blown pas either - just rising and fallings feelings of anxiety. Today feels more manageable then yesterday and I'm able to do some of my work from home today so that helps. I'm hopeful that this is just a temporary blip and it'll pass quickly.

As Pinkdove says, very common and nothing to worry about.

Hang in there, we'll get through this!

[Anxious-in-Canada]

Hmmmm.... BLIPS

Oh how I know you well!

The best way I describe them is the bad with the good. They are part of getting better believe it or not. You see as we feeling great we don't notice it so much, then when we are feeling down/not great we are bracing ourselves for the whole ordeal to start over again (of course this is anxiety trying to work is way back on top!) BUT as time goes one (different lengths for everyone) we start adjusting to the BLIPS (learn to cope/ignore/not give in....) and they become less intense and a normal part of life again. Remember everyone in the world feels down sometimes....we just need to be able to deal with it better. And with time and practice we will overcome them.

Hang in there, it isn't easy but you will get through it!

[haz]

This happened to me after five months on cipralex, unfortunately for me it did not improve and I am now on Sertraline. I was really disappointed as I had only minimal initial side effects on cipralex.

[Jmac]

haz,

is the new medication working for you?

---------- Post added at 16:21 ---------- Previous post was at 15:40 ----------

Thanks Anxious in Canada,

You always know the right thing to say and are so encouraging! I'm so grateful for your experience.

I'm hanging in and must admit that it's not as bad as when this all started in the summer. I'm sure it is just a blip and will be done soon. Today has been better than yesterday overall. Tomorrow will be even better!

[haz]

The Sertraline? It's ok, took a while. Don't feel as good as I did on Seroxat but that stopped working for me after 14 years unfortunately. :-(

[I Will Overcome]

Hello. I am new to this site, and am glad it's here! I just received a prescription for Ciprolax yesterday. So I am very glad to have some support, perhaps give some, and learn about this drug that I had never heard of. I don't know if my situation is permanent but hopefully this drug will help me deal with the panic, the anxiety and depression that I have been feeling for some time. thank you.

[Anxious-in-Canada]

Welcome "I Will Overcome" that is an awesome login! Very positive!

Staying positive will help you big time. There are great people here who can you through the hard spots and you will also find helping people I benefit to your recovery as well.

I believe that anxiety and depression can be beat, it takes hard work and effort. Medication provides the avenue to get to a spot where you use tools you develope to help you overcoming them...

Good luck, and welcome!!

[I Will Overcome]

Thank you for the lovely welcome:) 2nd day ... had a bit of a funny sleep .. not even sure it was a sleep ... feel out of it today, tired. Have so much to do and no energy, no motivation ... I just need to try not to worry. Difficult to do when you are in a situation that is out of your control, and interestingly enough, the person that is causing me such stress and worry, is well aware of my situation but persists in being very unkind and very nasty. I am trying to get out of the situation, but with little funds and little physical ability to do much of what must be done ... I feel trapped. The lengths some people will go to to avoid their own behaviors and attitudes never ceases to amaze me. All i can do .. is one day at a time .. sometimes even just an hour at a time. I am done with trying to make everyone else feel better about my situation ... that's not being a friend when you make someone feel badly about something that happened to them that they had no control over ... you say you understand but you clearly do not. I think for me, dealing with constant betrayal of so called friends has caused much damage to me ... added to my stress and upset. All I can say is I am happy to have found a place where people do understand ... and if there is anything I say in my posts, that can help anyone ... that is great. ox

[Jmac]

Hi there IWO,

If you've any questions or concerns about cipralex, check out Anxious in Canada's journal. Lots of great advice and answers to questions and concerns that may come up from time to time. I see you're a fellow Canadian. East, west or in-between?