Citalopram For Treatment Of Gad

[Dillon]

I was recently diagnosed for PTSD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The PTSD is being tackled with therapy and I have been prescribed 20mg of Citalopram a day.

I was just wondering if anyone had used this drug for treatment in GAD or something similar? For example I've been told the first week will have side effects that will subdue by the second week. Have others found this to be true and also how severe were the side effects?

I apologise if there has already been a post similar to this my searching skills may not be up to scratch.

 

[therisa]

Dillion, I have taken Citalopram, and my side-effects were: dry mouth, nausea, and funky tasting mouth. Sadly, my body grew tolerate of the med, even when used, in combo, with other meds. It was my first medication, I was prescribed six years ago, prior to my diagnosis of PTSD and severe depression, when I had to rush myself to a local hospital, because my anxiety was out-of-control.

 

[Dillon]

Hi, Therisa, to be clear did you mean you were prescribed Citalopram prior to your PTSD diagnosis?

Also how do you feel it worked for your anxiety? I feel odd asking as I don't suffer from anxiety to nearly the crippling degree some people on these forums are unfortunate to suffer with. I tend to be more constantly anxious about relatively benign issues and never relaxed, unless intoxicated which is plainly unhealthy.

 

[therisa]

Yes, by a local ER psychairist. Dillon, I had uncontrollable shaking of my arms and very anxious. The psyc had offered me, traqs, as well,but I rejected those, out of hand. As for effectiveness of Citalopram, within two weeks, people at work, were noticing a dramatic difference, in my behaviour, as I was telling jokings, laughing and smiling more, but everyone is different, in how their bodies will react. I hope you have found the medication that works for you, and don't have to become a lab rat, like me.

 

[Dillon]

Thank you, Therisa, I hope you find something that eases your struggle soon.

 

[therisa]

I have given up that search for now, Dillon. The side-effects were just too much for me. Bu thank you, for your very kind support. :)

 

[Sweetpea76]

Hi Dillion.

I have been on 20 mg of Citalopram for 5 years, and it works wonderfully for me. I'm not a PTSD sufferer though, I'm a supporter, but I saw this thread on the home page. I have GAD and panic attacks, and I was prescribed Citalopram after a particularly bad anxiety attack that landed me in the hospital in 2008. I can't comment on how well it helps PTSD, but it has helped me feel a lot better.

It takes the edge off my anxiety and I haven't had any major panic attacks since I've been on it. I always joke that it makes me feel like my give-a-d@mn's busted, and I find myself a lot more mellow. It has improved my mood in general. I've also had no sexual side effects, which is nice, because I had that issue with some other medications.

As far as side effects go, It did make me feel kind of pukey at first, but I started taking it right before I went to sleep, and that solved the issue. I've also had some weight gain, but that could very well just be a side effect of doughnuts. ;) I agree with Therisa about the dry mouth. It was worse in the beginning, but I'm the type that usually has a drink handy, so it doesn't bother me that much any more. However, I think the dry mouth causes a yucky taste when you wake up. It's not enough to discourage me from the med though.

Overall, my experience has been good with it.

 

[new gamma rays]

Its a pretty generic SSRI. I have been on it for over five years now. 20 mg is not that high of a dose, and as far as side effects go SSRI's and celexa/citalopram's are pretty mild.

That said I think zoloft is supposed to be a better PTSD med, and I find that it has more of an effect on my depression, but I have trouble switching to it. But you said you are taking it for generalized anxiety so it may have a more calming effect.

 

[upstatecontractor]

Hi Dillon, I just joined this site just now. I take 40 mg of citalopram and it does help me. It stops me from crying. I tried taking it, and not taking it. Taking it for me has been good. I'm looking into adding abilify because it worked before when I had some other heavy things going on. I guess everyone tries a few different meds until they find out what helps. Give it a good month and 1/2 and see how it goes. I'm routing for you.

 

[madmax]

Citalopram 40 mg was prescribed for depression.

GAD.......try clonazepam its usefulness for anxiety is my panacea.

Max

 

[Dillon]

Thank you all for the comments and advice. I have spoken again with my doctor and I'm not going to be starting my medication for two weeks now so unfortunately it looks like it's going to be a month before I can comment on how it affects me.

I'm feeling unsure on how effective it will be as the issues I face tend to lean towards anger outbursts and being more of an introvert with my anxiety, rather than somebody who has panic attacks and/or depression which seem to be the issues that many people have before being prescribed Citalopram. Then again it's always easier to expect a negative outcome and perhaps some positive thinking is needed.

I'm glad you guys have had good experience with the medication and I hope it continues to work for you (: