I have taken citalopram for around 7 weeks for anxiety that has been present for many years, constant worrying, health anxiety, panic attacks and more. I started on 10mg for 4 weeks and have now been taking 20mg for 3 weeks. Had pretty rough side effects during the first week but that passes to minor side effects such as tiredness. Felt no improvement from 10mg so upped to 20mg and felt happier/ more chilled for a few days however am back to the same level of anxiety. GP says just to keep going but I’m worried they just won’t work? How long did it take for everyone else to feel normal again? Cheers.
Citalopram for 7 weeks (anxiety)?
Question posted by RH2000 on 24 Aug 2021
Last updated on 30 August 2021 by charliebella
Answers
charliebella
30 Aug 2021
RH2000... I have been on citalopram for almost 2 months , started out 20mg and then 40 mg... Still was having issues with anxiety so my doctor added Wellbutrin 100mg, been taking that for around two weeks... Feel I may need to increase to 200mg... It is very frustrating... I wake up feeling exhausted and my entire body aches...
WildcatVet
24 Aug 2021
Hi, RH!
Try not to worry too much... the fact that you've felt some improvements is an indication that the medication has started to work. Anxiety is a tough cookie and often takes longer to respond than depression.
During this initial phase it's not uncommon for you to experience the "roller coaster" effect where you start to feel better and then Bam! you feel like you're back to square one. It just takes time for the drug to reach therapeutic levels and your brain also needs to stabilize with the drug. It's like your brain needs to "reboot" itself with the assistance of the medication..
You should start feeling better again quickly now as it usually takes about 6-8 weeks to feel the full effects of the medication and you've been taking it for almost that long.
Be patient because as I said anxiety may take a bit longer to respond... but it will given a little more time.
RH2000
24 Aug 2021
Thankyou very much for replying to my comment! Yes it’s been very much up and down over the last 7 weeks and hearing stuff like this makes me feel the world better! Just got to stick with it and keep being positive and hopefully alongside cbt I’ll be back to my normal self. Really appreciate you taking your time to respond! RH
WildcatVet
24 Aug 2021
No problem! It's what this community is here for.
Best of luck to you on the rest of your journey.
Related topics
anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, citalopram, anxiety and stress, antidepressant, health
Further information
- Citalopram uses and safety info
- Citalopram prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Citalopram (detailed)
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