I'm 16 years old and I've recently struggled with feeling detached and felling like life is a dream my vision seems weird and things don't seem the same all f this started after I had a massive panic attack a few days ago during I the panic attack my body felt numb my heart was going crazy since then I've been getting better but the feeling of it is 24/7. I also wouldn't be able to sleep and felt light headed and dizzy. I went to see my GP and he prescribed me 10 mg of citalopram with 50mg of stresam that u take twice a day. I've just started it and I've been really stressing whether or not it's going to work, I started feeling drowsy and continuously yawning I also have stomach pain and last night I was agitated and angry I fell asleep but woke up covered in sweat and the stomach pains were worse I can't sleep and It feels like I'm twitching. Please help me I don't know if I should carry on because I've literally been on it for two days and I feel anxious that it damages me or I loose my mind or something. Will it help with thoughts and anxiety and I'm so scared I end up mentally retarded or die. Please guys I need some serious advice and help
Dose citalopram help with depersonalization and derealization?
Question posted by Sherman1 on 2 Aug 2014
Last updated on 30 September 2021
5 Answers
I am not sure if anyone will see this because this post is so old but I’ve been struggling with severe anxiety/depersonalization/derealization for about 6 years now. If someone who has overcame this terrible feeling could email me I, I have so many questions. Justinesciacca22@gmail ... thank you so much
how you feeling now after a few years?
Just to add - the depersonalization and derealization can be some of the scariest symptoms of anxiety/panic, but will go away. They're caused by the panic/anxiety, and medications really do help, as does cognitive-behavioral therapy. You will be alright. Try not to worry so much, and get thru these next few weeks. I know it's hard, but worth it. Been there, done that. I'm doing fine now - never went crazy or anything like that. Just remember -worry makes this problem so much worse. Can you make up some affirmations, like "I'm going to be alright, it will just take some time... " ... "These symptoms will be gone soon" - and by all means, READ THE BOOK!
I know how scarey panic attacks can be, and part of the whole panic disorder syndrome is the depersonalization and derealization. Citalopram should help but you'll need to wait, like others said, about 4 weeks - maybe a few less, maybe a few more. It won't 'damage' you and cause you to lose your mind or anything like that. It should help with scarey thoughts and anxiety, and you won't end up 'mentally retarded or die.' Having had panic for 40 years I understand how scarey it can be. Worrying about all this is so common, and unfortunately, will make your anxiety worse. Get a copy of The Anxiety Disease by Dr. Sheehan, and read it - I think you'll feel very reassured. Starting at the lowest possible dose often helps people, but believe me, it's very normal to feel worse (more anxious, etc) before you start feeling better. So just hang in there, hon. You will get thru this and start feeling better soon - it just takes time
You're not going loose intelligence over this. And you certainly aren't going to die. That's part of your panic making you think that. The med will help you calm down, but like delila says it takes a little time. It is worth the wait.
Thanks you for the response it really helps me to just feel better you really have helped me a lot in replying
Hi, panic attacks can be terrifying, i know as i've had them also. I take Citalopram and it has worked wonders for me, hopefully you will also find success with it. It takes some time for you to adjust to this new medication, around 4 weeks, give or take. During this period you may find you feel increased feelings of anxiety, stress, depression, etc, but try to stick with it, because after this time you should start feeling much better. I know 4 weeks can seem forever when you are struggling, but compared to years (possibly) of good mental health, it is worth it... keep talking to us if you wish and hopefully we can convince you that things will get better, try to stay strong. Are you receiving any counselling, or are you planning to?
Thank you so much I thought nobody would reply. I feel much better knowing there are others who have had success with this Citalopram.im just really scared right now because this feeling of life being a dream just freaks me out the vision is bad as well and the dizziness is even worse. And to answer your question about counselling is yes I will be going soon. And thank you again so much you have really relived all these horrible thought
You are very welcome! As i said, keep in touch with us if you like, we can support you through the process...
Thank you so much. I would like it a lot to keep In touch with you. I also have sudden fears of losing my mind and it feels like I'm stuck in the back of my head and I just keep on having fears that I'm just gonna loose control
I know it's easier said than done, but try to stay calm. This will help with the process of starting antidepressant medication. Be safe in the knowledge that you will feel better with time. Make sure you get enough sleep/follow a good sleep routine, and stay hydrated...
Thanks for the advice.strugling to get sleep though but I can see now that I am getting better and I feel way more better than I was before.
It's great that you are feeling better already, good to hear. Maybe your doctor can prescribe a sleep medication for 5 - 7 days to help you get some much needed sleep?
Yea thanks I'll ask him wich one I should take.umm just something I'm worried about is when I stop the medication after a full course will i get my anxiety and depersonalization back because I want to safely stop taking it after I'm recovered.thanks for all that advice so far
Hi, sorry, which medication are you worried about discontinuing ? If it is the Citalopram, i wouldn't even let that cross your mind at the moment, you are just starting out, and it is a medication that you can take for a long time, if you need to, just as i have done for about 4 years now. It can be stopped successfully if & when the time comes, i have successfully reduced my dose in stages, from 60mg to 20mg recently (not because i didn't feel the need for it but because of a health condition i had developed).
Yea the citlopram I'm just worried about taking it the whole time I'm still young. And is it normal to feel dizzy and like my eyes are hurting and it's causing a headache in the front if my head and my head feels heavy.
Hi, while you are adjusting to the medication, it is quite normal to feel these symptoms: headache, dizziness, eye strain, etc... it should pass with time... Try not to worry about the future, you don't know what it will hold? I'm trying really hard to remember the exact ages, but i was taking Prozac until about 20(?), i felt i could cope without any antidepressant help at that point, and i did well for several years, and then my doctor and i decided it would be best to try an antidepressant again, which is what i did, and i still take them now. I am happy i have the option of medical intervention when i need it. You won't necessarily be taking Citalopram (or any SSRI) for the rest of your life, or even for the rest of your teens, but for now, just go with it and trust your doctor : )
Thank you, you've been a great help to me in this. I'm no longer worried thanks to you.umm also today i was supposed to increase my dose from 10mg to 20mg but I didn't because I was wondering if it might just increase the side affects.
How long have you been taking the 10mg dose?
For about 10 days
Hi, well, obviously you should follow your doctor instructions... but it wouldn't hurt to continue with the 10mg dose a little longer if you are concerned about increased side effects. I upped my dose after 3 weeks, maybe discuss with your doctor how he feels about you doing this?
Wonderful seeing that citalopram works! I just started on it, makes me extremely sleepy a lot! Yesterday was my first day of taking it, he started me on the highest dose. I find hope in this comment, thank you!
Related topics
panic disorder, agitation, citalopram, dosage, anxiety and stress, vision
Further information
- Citalopram uses and safety info
- Citalopram prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Citalopram (detailed)
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