4 months on

[ip]

Now on 30mg Citalopram, about 4 months after an anxiety episode. It has made a huge difference and is worth sticking to, at least for 4-8 weeks when a change feels noticeable.

GPs sometimes don't understand how the side-effects feel first hand, so some suggestions for fellow patients: start small (10mg or even 5mg), consider requesting propranolol or diazepam to take the edge off in the early days, expect noticeable side-effects and an initial worsening of anxiety (although I noticed a temporary calming effect quite quickly), avoid drinking to excess (hangovers are torture) and remember it is a medical condition suffered by at least one other person you will know.

[panic_down_under]

It has made a huge difference and is worth sticking to, at least for 4-8 weeks when a change feels noticeable.

Glad you're doing so well :)


avoid drinking to excess (hangovers are torture)

It is not just the hangovers that make alcohol problematic. It seems even moderate drinking (http://www.popsci.com.au/science/medicine/even-moderate-drinking-might-be-bad-for-your-brain,464393) can cause atrophy of the hippocampal regions of the brain, just as chronically high brain stress hormones levels (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC60045/) do. Antidepressants (also therapy (http://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(13)00471-X/fulltext) and to some extent, exercise (http://www.dana.org/Publications/Brainwork/Details.aspx?id=43678)) reverse this by stimulating the growth of new brain cells. It is the new cells and strengthened interconnections forged which produce (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3025168/) the therapeutic response, not the meds directly.


and remember it is a medical condition suffered by at least one other person you will know.

Sadly, all too true. :weep: There are a lot of us with either anxiety disorders, depression, or both, often keeping a low profile. Which is a pity as it helps maintain the widespread ignorance of these disorders.

[KK77]

Now on 30mg Citalopram, about 4 months after an anxiety episode. It has made a huge difference and is worth sticking to, at least for 4-8 weeks when a change feels noticeable.

GPs sometimes don't understand how the side-effects feel first hand, so some suggestions for fellow patients: start small (10mg or even 5mg), consider requesting propranolol or diazepam to take the edge off in the early days, expect noticeable side-effects and an initial worsening of anxiety (although I noticed a temporary calming effect quite quickly), avoid drinking to excess (hangovers are torture) and remember it is a medical condition suffered by at least one other person you will know.

Pleased you're doing well and thanks for sharing experience/advice as there are far too many negative posts detailing problems these meds can initially cause. Too many GPs still start patients on 20mg, and this can be harsh, especially the heightened anxiety for someone already suffering with it badly. The rest of your advice also sounds sensible.

Good luck and hope it continues to help you.

[elsiemay]

Glad you are feeling better. I was just wondering if you have any advice on when to increase dose. I am on 10mg (day 4), side effects horrible, increased panic, nausea, no appetite, tired but a little better today.My GP said to increase to 20mg after a week or 2 but was quite vague. I want to get back to normal and back to work but am worried increasing the dose will make me feel worse again. Also worried not increasing the dose won't give me full benefit. Confused!

[ip]

I found it best to increase doses as quickly as possible, once the side-effects passed each time. Doubling a dose doesn't double the effects, or side-effects. But it was also good to enjoy the passing of the side-effects and a few nights' better sleep in the early days.

[Ethansmom]

How long have you been on Citalopram total? 4 months?