20mg for 8 weeks - still not right

[Mojo61]

Not sure if I need an increase or just to give the 20mg a bit more time. I was on 10mg for 3 months then increased to 20mg 8 weeks ago - so that is 20 weeks altogether and although I'm nowhere near as bad as I was I'm still struggling and constantly checking in on my anxiety and feel miserable a lot of the time. I find it easier when I'm busy and don't have time to think about it but mornings are still rough, sleep not too good, although my appetite is a bit better.

I don't want to go to 30 if it is just going to take more time, and I'm not just sitting around expecting the meds to do all the work either; I now work 2 days a week as a driver's escort and volunteer at Age UK which would have been inconceivable a few months ago. So I'm telling myself I'm getting there slowly and just to take each day as it comes, good or bad, but it is so hard and has been going on for over 9 months now and I'm exhausted both physically and mentally with it all. Im just not enjoying my life.

How do I know if I need an increase?

Sometimes I feel like just giving up and coming off the meds to see how the anxiety is without them. I never had anxiety in my life before this started out of the blue last November and it has been the worst thing I've ever had to deal with health wise. I used to be so healthy, hardly got a cold let alone anything else. I just don't understand why I got anxiety - why did it choose me who used to be such a level headed, happy go lucky person?

[pollynewsome]

It's just awful Mojo.. I've always been a worrying kind of person and have had some really traumatic events over the years and never as it been a real problem. I've just worried and let it go.. never been an issue it all began in 2014 with more traumatic crap. I started been constantly on edge and worrying. I woke thinking about my crap and went to bed thinking about it. I went a full year before the anxiety got the better of me and started on meds.. like you I'm much better than I was but nothing like I used to be!! I work and try to get on normally but like you I don't really enjoy things. I just do things. I've had two good holidays without anxiety but back to normal again. . I am also thinking of coming off cit and see how I feel. I can't see the point in taking the meds if not getting better. I may aswell not take them and feel like this. I decided to increase to 30mg cos I wasn't right at 20mg. I guessed I just needed that extra push but still not right.. almost 4 weeks at 30mg.. what to do I don't know!! It's just awful and I feel for you 100%.

Speak with your doc and see what they suggest. That's my plan. I'm even tempted to drop back to 20mg. Can't believe we not getting anywhere. Xx

[Mojo61]

It's like the Cit takes the edge off the worst part of anxiety so that you are not turning yourself inside out, but you feel flat, miserable, morose...

---------- Post added at 17:40 ---------- Previous post was at 17:38 ----------

So I guess it's a toss up whether to be driven mad with anxiety or exist like a zombie just going through the motions.

It upsets me because I was lead to believe that once the Cit had done its job I would be back to normal and able to leave all this silly anxiety crap behind me, but it just hasn't happened like that. I still dread each day and have no enthusiasm for anything.

[pollynewsome]

Snap mojo.. feel just the same. ive had hypnotherapy, cbt,counselling, i do relaxation and practice mindfulness. I have read loads a books but nothing shifts the physical symptoms..
So frustrating.. Well keep strong and lets keep hopeful. x

[Mick081081]

It took around 4 months for me to feel any real benefits so stick in there I know how annoying it is but time is key in these situations. Be good to yourself and don't punish yourself too much. Time is the best healer trust me on that one. Hope you feel better soon.

[pollynewsome]

Hi mick 4 months altogether or when you started a new dose?? X

[Mojo61]

It took around 4 months for me to feel any real benefits so stick in there I know how annoying it is but time is key in these situations. Be good to yourself and don't punish yourself too much. Time is the best healer trust me on that one. Hope you feel better soon.

Thank you Mick. I would like to know too if that was from the very beginning of taking the tablets or from an increase?

[sidiam]

I saw my cpn'er Ron today and he said that "citalopram takes at least 2 to 3 months to settle itself in". As everyone is different there are always exceptions where it can take longer.. He is a good therapist and very good at helping me to put things in perspective as I am not much good at that..
keep strong and hopeful....don't give up, you have come a long way...give it a bit longer, make a decision and choose a date (mine is the beginning of November) and if things aren't improving then talk to your doctor. We really do have to give the medication time to start working...slowly but surely....

I look at it this way, I am not really feeling any worse so will persevere ......ups and downs, we just have to put up with them..
take care
Sxx:hugs:

---------- Post added at 20:26 ---------- Previous post was at 20:25 ----------

thanks Mick, good to know there is a light at the end of your tunnel.
take care
Sxx

[Mojo61]

Thanks for your support Sidiam. I'm exactly 8 weeks today and plan to keep on going for another 4 weeks to see how it goes.

How are you feeling now? xxx

[sidiam]

started a new thread, nobody answered....maybe because I was just moaining and feeling sorry for myself..

glad you are not going to give up, neither am I, tho' at the moment I still feel pretty awful..
up, dressed, now what???
luckily my mh. friend will come later on and we will get out for a couple of hours.
hope you are ok today, doing anything exciting???
take care
Sxx