My symptoms from anxiety

[Badly Drawn Boy]

Hello everyone.

I've been feeling very anxious for about 6 months now, and went to the doctor this week and was prescribed with Citalopram.

I find it hard to go out in public lately, I feel I get looked at when obviously i don't. I'm finding it hard to socialise.
I hate being in large crowds (eg shopping)
My energy levels are mega low, it's a struggle to get out of bed in morning, even when getting many hours of sleep.
Can't concentrate at work most days, some days are better than others.

Just wondering if this is normal for anxiety? Also does anyone else rely on caffeine to help their day with anxiety? I find if I drink a few cups of coffee a day, I'm not as nervous and can focus a lot better.

[davidb37026]

Everything you've described badly are common features of anxiety. When your body is on constant alert from anxiety and panic it takes a lot of energy just to function. I'm glad to hear that you've sought help. 6 months is a long time to suffer with anxiety. I hope the citalopram works for you. I like coffee but sometimes I find it can aggravate my anxiety. Good Luck Mate

[Badly Drawn Boy]

Been taking my 10mg of Citalpram for under a week now and already feeling mega tired, dry mouth and lips with headache.

When starting Citalpram do things get worse before they get better?
And, is it common for others to rely on caffeine to make their day alot smoother?

[Diane O'Brien]

Hi There

Just thought I'ii let u know that I started on Citalopram and the first week was awful, my anxiety went through the roof. 2 weeks later I felt a big difference and felt well. Please stick the citalopram out, u will notice a difference soon. I am now on 20 mgs and doing very well. Going up in medication the side affects were not as bad. However everyones different so any side affects u are not happy with please don't hesitate to contact your doctor.

I do like coffee however I know caffeine is not to good for anxiety so I do try and limit the cups a day.

Take Care and I hope u feel better soon.


Diane xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[OldChris]

Badly - i started on Citalopram last thursday - everything you say in your first note - tiredness / not feeling comfortable - exactly the same with me and the symptoms in your second - ditto too
Perhaps we should compare notes as this progresses- feel free to pm me if interested
Chris

[freakedout]

Hi,

The first anti-depressant I ever took was Citalopram 10mg and at that time I was extremely anxious and very very low in mood. I have to say I didn't notice any increase in anxiety (although if I had I would have probably spontaneously combusted as my anxiety was already through the roof). I did yawn a lot during the first week and very quite sleepy on and off, but by the end of the second week I was 'buzzing'. I felt better than I ever have done with anti-depressants, happy and full of energy etc... but then my mood levelled off again pretty soon after. I think it takes about 3 - 4 weeks to actually start working therapeutically.

Good luck with yours, I hope you feel good soon.

Freaky

[Badly Drawn Boy]

Thanks for response guys.
I look forward to week two of meds then.. The mornings are the worse, i just dont wanna go to work, and that's not like me at all.

Now my doctor has given me a leaflet to see someone about anxiety/stress etc.. wondered if anyone has seen a specialist from the NHS regarding this, and is it worth it?