had taken paxil for 40 plus years. i believe it quit working for my anxiety. my doctor put me on celexa, started out 20mg and 10 days later 40 mg. 2 weeks later still have issues with anxiety, feel exhausted. am i not giving enough time? very frustrated.. ANY suggestions would be appreciated.
Citalopram - Am I not giving it enough time?
Question posted by charliebella on 29 July 2021
Last updated on 16 October 2021
Answers
WildcatVet
29 July 2021
Hi, charliebella!
Yes, your Paxil probably "pooped out" on you which happens commonly with long term use.
Some people see some improvements in the first couple of weeks with Celexa but it can take 4-8 weeks to feel the full benefit of the medication.
If you aren't feeling any better at all you should let your doctor know.
charliebella
30 July 2021
Thank You!
charliebella
4 Aug 2021
Seems somewhat better... I will have 2 or 3 really good days, then 2 or 3 bad days. Seems strange, is this normal?
WildcatVet
4 Aug 2021
Yes, it's "normal". Some people experience what we call the "roller coaster effect" where you're feeling better and then BAM you're down again. This too will pass as your metabolism continues to stabilize with the drug.
Glad to hear you're having some better days... it shows the medication is working. Hold on to those improvements and try not to dwell on any negatives you might feel.
Stay positive!
charliebella
5 Aug 2021
Glad to hear it is normal. It has been a real challenge! Thanks so much for answering Wildcatvet!
WildcatVet
6 Aug 2021
You're welcome! Stay in touch and let us know how you do, okay?
charliebella
9 Aug 2021
Today called my doctor after being on citalopram for a month (40mg) for anxiety... she wont increase my dosage but is going to have me add Wellbutrin with citalopram ... Have some relieve with 40 mg citalopram but not 100 % Has anyone had Wellbutrin added to there citalopram? beginning to think nothing is going to help!
WildcatVet
11 Aug 2021
For what it's worth... many people have to try different medications/combinations before they find what works for them. I can't tell you how many times my doctor and I tweaked my medication schedule but in the end now it's been well worth it.
Stay positive and persevere... your health and happiness are at stake.
WC
PS, I love bupropion and have taken it along with my other meds for several years.
charliebella
11 Aug 2021
Thanks for sharing you also take Wellbutrin along with other meds. I truly hope this will work for me, just has been a long road
charliebella
16 Aug 2021
Have taken Wellbutrin for 2 days now, Dr. added to my Celexa... It is creating more anxiety . Is this normal and will it subside... Seems crazy to add something that causes anxiety when you already have anxiety
WildcatVet
16 Aug 2021
Ironically, antidepressant/anxiolytics have the potential to cause new or increased anxiety in a small number of people. Don't ask me why, but it's one of the most common complaints that people write in about.
"Psychiatric
Common (1% to 10% of users): Anxiety"
It's usually a short lived side effect that resolves rather quickly. Unless it's severe it's just a step to get through until the medication can reach it's full therapeutic level.
Hang in there... this is only temporary.
charliebella
5 Oct 2021
Have taken Celexa for anxiety for 3 months... had Wellbutrin added , took that for a bout a month, then stopped it... it was making my anxiety worse... Now just taking the celexa, is there anything I dont know about that could be added to my Celexa???
WildcatVet
7 Oct 2021
There are add-ons like Abilify, Rexulti, or Lamictal which has been shown to help in some cases... enough so that user reviews rate it 7/10.
I also take an anxiety medication called buspirone (BuSpar). It's "old-fashioned" but was always the gold standard for ages before the "new" medications came to market. It's not an antidepressant/anxiolytic. There's also the benzodiazepines such as Ativan and Klonopin but you'd want to do some diligent research before considering them for anything but a short course until your other medication(s) become fully effective.
charliebella
13 Oct 2021
Just Got Buspar added to my Celexa... I thought the generic for Wellbutrin was Buspar, but its not ! I sure hope this works!
WildcatVet
13 Oct 2021
I've taken it for about 4 years for my anxiety disorders. Everybody responds differently to these medications but I hope the BuSpar (buspirone) works as well for you as it has for me.
charliebella
14 Oct 2021
Thank You! I hope it works as well... will keep you informed
charliebella
16 Oct 2021
can I ask you what mg you take? My doctor started me on 5mg twice a day... doesnt seem like enough, I increased it myself to 10 mg twice a day
WildcatVet
16 Oct 2021
The correct dose is the lowest dose that controls your symptoms. You'll need to give it a little time to see how each dose affects you. 5mg twice daily is a low initial dose but it will also help to eliminate or minimize any side effects as your system adjusts to the drug.
I take 30mg twice daily because I'm highly resistant to drugs and I need maximum dosages on almost all my meds. You probably won't need nearly that much.
Related topics
anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, citalopram
Further information
- Citalopram uses and safety info
- Citalopram prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Citalopram (detailed)
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