This is my second time since starting Celexa. I had a real bad time 15 years ago when I was diagnosed with tinnitus. This time around I had a lot of stress and overdid it working out and taking extreme contrast showers afterwards. My anxiety went off the charts and I started 10 mg celexa for 12 days. I then went to 20 mg and have been on it for another 5 weeks. I am not as depressed anymore but my thoughts and anxiety are difficult to manage. Especially the mornings are ridiculously difficult. I am really wondering if I need to go up to 30 mg or not. I have had some good days and almost think that things are over. But then the next day it returns. Am I being to overanxious in getting better. I know that I did recover the first time and hope that I will recover again. Please give me some positive feedback. I really need it!
In to my 8th week and troubled that things are not getting better quicker?
Question posted by zeeeebra123 on 18 April 2021
Last updated on 21 April 2021
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Answers
It takes longer to help decrease anxiety on an antidepressant. From what my doctor tells me, stress decreases first but with anxiety, it can take longer. I am 32 yrs old and I started celexa when I was in high school. I stopped after a couple years and then got back on it in my early 20s because of panic disorder. I was on it for three years and got off. This past January the panic attacks came back again. So this is my third time in celexa. I had a new doctor and he started me on 20 mg, it made me worse. Anxiety skyrocketed and I couldn't get out of bed. I found a new doctor for certain reasons and he told me I shouldn't have started me back on 20mg. As that was too high of a dose to get back on. Even though that's the recommended dose to eventually be on, not starting back on it. I've been on 5 mg since January. The first two months were not the greatest. It gets worse before it gets better. I had so many side effects from the medication. Increased anxiety, nausea, the shakes, hot flashes, dizziness, and couldn't concentrate. I stuck with it and rode it out because I read stories and reviews, and it seemed really common. I as well have faith. It takes time for the antidepressants to start really working in your system, especially for anxiety. Don't worry, just keep a journal, and write down any changes or no changes, and speak to your doctor about it. Your doctor is there for you and trust me your doctor wants to know how your doing. He/she wants to know if they are doing the best treatment for you. If one day your feeling better but the next your not, the medication is working. You will have ups and downs. I still have my days when I have heightened anxiety. But don't give up, it takes time. Work on your breathing, close your eyes, and count slow. Wish you the best and Good bless!
Hi Lela.
Thank you so much for your kind kind response. It really makes me feel good to know that there are good people like you out there ! I guess what frustrates me so much is that it worked like a charm the first time I took Celexa 15 years ago and now I am really guessing if it will work again. It is good to know about what you said that there are good days and bad days. That is exactly what I went through for the last few weeks, so hopefully it means it is working ! It is just that the last 10 days or so have gotten stuck in neutral. I spoke to my Doctor today and she told me to increase to 30 mg tomorrow. I am very nervous but hopeful. I think that was my magic number the first time around. I just can't stand the constant worry and stomach rumbling as well as the terrible thoughts that I will never get through this. It comes down to me just wanting to know that I will have my life back and get better.
I have 4 kids and a loving wife who all mean the world to me and it kills me to know that they have a father/husband like me. I just want to be the best person I can be to them. I am quite a bit older than you, just turned 60 last December. I live in Toronto, Canada. How about you?
I have been off and on celexa since 1999 when it very first came out. I love celexa! It has always been my go to when I've give through periods of anxiety, agoraphobia and depression. My friend was up to 40 mgs. I always start at only 5 mgs and only have ever gone up in 5 mg increments. It may take a bit longer but for me it has been better then risking side effects and getting off it. If you have to go up to 30 mgs see if you can go up 5 mgs or even half of that. I wish you much much luck and hang in there.
hello Jack,
I would like to thank you so much for your kindness in sending a response. It is really nice to see that there are people who care out there. I spoke to my Doctor today and she agreed to increase to 30 mgs I am nervous but do remember that it was the magic number for me 15 years ago when I had my first bad episode. I am 60 years old and live in Toronto Canada. How old are you and where are you from ? I really hope that I don't have to change to Lexapro, but if Celexa can't work for me this time,,, I may have no choice... your thoughts ?
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Further information
- Celexa uses and safety info
- Celexa prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Celexa (detailed)
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