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Mental health

Just started on Citalopram

502 replies

Nanabana · 30/01/2013 15:55

Have read old threads about side affects and quite worrying, but will give it a go. Hope it kicks in soon

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zumo · 30/01/2013 21:39

You can only try, works for many people but not all like all drugs, keep posative, eat well, bit of excersice it all helps, good luck

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FiaGrace · 30/01/2013 21:43

I would suggest taking it at night - some people feel quite odd/sick but taking it before bed normally helps.

I hope you begin to feel a bit better soon

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Nanabana · 31/01/2013 09:05

i took my first dose yesterday, i was surprised to feel some side affects so soon.. nausea, funny mouth, sorry if TMI, but also experienced loose motions. I feel hopeful.

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Nanabana · 31/01/2013 09:18

I'm on 20mg, been advised to take in the morning, but will try the evening if i'm struggling. I slept ok, I didn't have sleep problems previously, I liked to lose myself in sleep if anything. But I found that when I woke up, I was very awake and alert straight away.

I looked it up on wikepedia, and it said on there that Citalopram is used to treat major depression.. is that accurate? I guess it depends on the strength right?

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QueenofDreams · 31/01/2013 09:20

I've just been prescribed citalopram as well. I've taken two doses now and it's making me feel really sick.

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Sparklingbrook · 31/01/2013 09:22

Hi Nana. I am on Citalopram 20mg, have been up as high as 40mg for anxiety/depression.

Side effects to expect-

Feeling very hot-especially at night.
Clenchy/tight jaw
Yawning
Vivid dreams

So don't worry about those. A year on I just have the vivid dreams.

Things may get a little worse before they get better, I persevered and it was so worth it. Good luck. x

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Nanabana · 31/01/2013 09:31

thanks Sparkling, glad it's working for you, and good luck QueenofDreams. I wasn't sure what people meant by woolly mouth (I saw this on recent threads), but now I understand!

GP suggested speaking to a psychaitrist before starting meds, but I knew I would chicken out of that. I needed to leave the surgery with something in my hands.

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Sparklingbrook · 31/01/2013 09:33

It seems really unfair that the meds to make you better have these side effects, but try and think of the end result.

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Nanabana · 31/01/2013 09:42

I cant even begin to imagine what the end result (if it works) might feel like, if you see what I mean

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Sparklingbrook · 31/01/2013 10:02

I know exactly what you mean Nana. I can't believe I ever used to feel the way I did before the meds now, if that makes sense. My counsellor said Citalopram takes the rough edges off and enables you to get on with things. That has turned out to be true. I am much braver than I was.

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Nanabana · 31/01/2013 10:15

Yes I see what you mean. I hope I can look back and think the same thing at some point. Thank you thank you.

DH has been a bit odd, I dont think he thinks I need it, or he thinks my situationa is that bad, i'm not sure. But that's ok, I can't expect him to understand.

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Sparklingbrook · 31/01/2013 10:17

I am sure your DH will understand when he sees the difference it could make.

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cleoismycat · 31/01/2013 10:25

I'm on 30mg. Started on 20mg and felt like death for the first week with the side effects to the point of also coming off them, but the second week was an improvement and now its great!

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Nanabana · 31/01/2013 10:45

that's great Cleo [smiie]

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Nanabana · 31/01/2013 10:45
Smile
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Nanabana · 31/01/2013 11:59

feeling wobbly, anxious, fidgety, can't concentrate, it is getting worse but i'm telling myself that this is what is meant to happen.

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Percephone · 31/01/2013 12:05

It is recommended to take citalopram in the morning because it can keep you awake if taken at night.

Persevere OP, most people settle down in a few days and it is generally well tolerated.

Good luck Smile

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Sparklingbrook · 31/01/2013 12:06

Yes, don't panic. You will feel a bit strange while your body gets used to it. x

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MissPricklePants · 31/01/2013 12:09

I started on 20mg and now on 30mg, it will settle down and hopefully you will feel better soon xx

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MechanicalTheatre · 31/01/2013 12:12

I took Citalopram, made me feel a bit wonky for the first 2 weeks and then it really did work for me.

I've just started on Sertraline, no side effects as yet, which is odd as normally I get really bad side effects from ADs.

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Sparklingbrook · 31/01/2013 12:13

When you start on ADs I think it's human nature to think 'how am I feeling' a million times a day. if you can find some distractions that's a help-but it's hard when you can't focus on anything.

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MaggieMaggieMaggieMcGill · 31/01/2013 12:14

When I first took citalopram, I spent about three days feeling like I was on ecstasy, I could actually feel it moving through regions of my brain.
Been on it for over a year now and get nothing like that at all!

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ledkr · 31/01/2013 12:28

Hi can I gate crash? Just picked up my script for 20 mg I'm debating talking it tbh I feel shit enough without a load if side effects.
Been on Prozac before with no effects but go wants me to have this.
I'm depressed for sure but also coping with a lot at the moment. I have a bad sleeper and a para thyroid problem the side effects being depression mood swings and tiredness. I need a small op but won't be for weeks.
What to do?

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MissPricklePants · 31/01/2013 12:34

I have had no bad side effects, few weird dreams and a bit of jaw clenching but that passed quickly. Give it a try!

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Nanabana · 31/01/2013 12:50

Feel free to Ledkr.
I've been considering meds for nearly a year now, tried other ways to overcome the feeling but couldn't get myself out of this pit.

I'm willing to give it a go even if it means it's worse to begin with.

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