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Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

Mental health

Citalopram - anyone else just started?

39 replies

CheckpointCharlie2 · 14/12/2017 18:28

Just started on 10 mg a few days ago, and am feeling sooooo sick.

Was talking to a mental health practitioner today and they said I scored in the severe anxiety and severe depression zone, which surprised me as I don't think I'm as bad as that.

Has anyone else just started who fancies chatting?

OP posts:

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InvisibleToEveryone · 14/12/2017 20:03

I started on the same 10 days ago, can't say I feel any different??? I don't know??

CheckpointCharlie2 · 14/12/2017 20:06

Hmm, I think my anxiety is better but that might be because the things that have triggered it have got better IYSWIM.

The gp said a couple of weeks so you are approaching that, have you had any side effects, great if not!

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combatbarbie · 14/12/2017 20:33

I didn't get on with it at all, but like any anti depressant the first few weeks are the worst.

Fairylea · 14/12/2017 20:37

I took citalopram 13 years ago when I had severe post natal depression after the birth of my dd. It was literally life saving and life changing for me. I started on 20mg and gradually went up to 60mg (I don’t even think they let people take that much now but it worked for me) and I was on it for about 3 years. I gradually cut down as I felt better and haven’t gone back on it again. It was like a miracle for me. I know these things don’t suit everyone and obviously if it isn’t helpful do try something else but for me it was totally worth the initial side effects. Hope it works for you too.

combatbarbie · 14/12/2017 20:37

@InvisibleToEveryone if you don't feel any different I'd go back, I was on 60mg and although I didn't feel different my husband said I was a nightmare.

Now on venlafaxine 300mg (started on 37.5 and have gradually increased over last few months) and feel "normal" whatever that is, but I am emotionally numb so have started feeling things.... actually cried over something stupid the other day.

CheckpointCharlie2 · 14/12/2017 22:27

Fairylea I reckon if I'd had it 15 years ago when I was in the same position as you I probably wouldn't have got to where I am now. I mean I went undiagnosed and I think it went on its own after about three years but if I'd sorted it out then maybe I'd have got rid of it all.

barbie how long did you give the citalopram?

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Littlebatcalledlucille · 14/12/2017 22:31

Have you tried taking them at night? (Sorry I don't want to sound patronizing)
My doctor told me to take them just before you sleep, its supposed to stop the Sicky feeling and they can make you drowsy.

CheckpointCharlie2 · 14/12/2017 22:48

No haven't tried that lucille as read that insomnia is another common side effect and my sleep is shit enough! Could be worth a go.

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InvisibleToEveryone · 14/12/2017 22:51

My next appointment is January 2nd and that was a squeeze!

I'm not sure what I'm meant to be feeling to be honest?

I've a number to ring about counselling.....again, no idea what I'm meant to say??

CheckpointCharlie2 · 14/12/2017 23:01

Hopefully it might start to kick in a bit in a few days, I kind of know what you mean though, I'm waiting for something to occur to me! I do feel a bit better though but that might have happened anyway.

Do you have anxiety or depression, or both?

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BossWitch · 14/12/2017 23:07

I started them about 6 months ago. Started on 20mg and then upped to 30. Felt really sick and tired on them for the first two weeks ish (though tiredness is one of the ways my depression manifests - I try to escape through sleep I think) but then started to pull out of it. Have been on 30mg since early September and feeling really well. Keep on with it! Speak to go if you feel that you want to adjust the dosage, my gp was really upfront about it being a lot of guesswork and trial and error to find the right dose for each individual.

BossWitch · 14/12/2017 23:08

Should have said- I have anxiety and depression. I was upped to 30 once I felt I had my depression under control but my anxiety was still a problem, partly due to my going back to work having been signed off.

CheckpointCharlie2 · 14/12/2017 23:11

I'm defo feeling more tired! I will stick with it even though my stress brain is telling me to stop! Glad to hear the sickness might bog off soon though. Glad you are feeling well too.

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BossWitch · 14/12/2017 23:12

I had no idea what to say when I rang the counselling number either! It took me a few weeks to work up to it. I think I just said I'd been given the number to call by my work (it's a benefit through my employer) as I was signed off with depression and anxiety. They took it from there, explained everything, were really lovely, gave me enough information that I knew what was happening next but not enough to overwhelm. Got started with couunselling sessions about 10 days later. It was so helpful - really transformative.

CheckpointCharlie2 · 15/12/2017 17:39

Mine starts on thurs boss so I am hoping that helps. Had a day with the anxiety creeping back in again after a day off yesterday. Nothing stress on at work but I suppose it's random isn't it.

Might risk a glass of wine tonight, anyone had any adverse reactions to Alcohol?

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BossWitch · 15/12/2017 23:27

Sorry for the late reply! Did you risk the wine?! I just find that I get realy drunk very quickly and suffer a far worse hangover the next day- almost like every drink is multiplied by three!

Good luck with counselling, some of my sessions made me feel great, some ended up with me feeling shit, but it all worked out well in the end! I had 10 sessions in all.

CheckpointCharlie2 · 15/12/2017 23:37

Yep I feel ok actually but will see how I feel tomorrow. Don't feel sick anymore which is a bonus!

Am looking forward to the therapy stuff, not sure what to expect but the guy I spoke to initially seemed really nice.

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hmmmmm · 17/12/2017 03:04

Good luck OP. I've been on 20mg for years. They help me a lot.

CheckpointCharlie2 · 17/12/2017 06:55

Thanks hmmmm am not feeling it yet but hopefully I'll get some benefit from it soon. Glad they are helping you it's a shit feeling to be anxious.

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merrykate · 17/12/2017 21:43

I started 20mg on the 1st December. Side effects include excessive yawning (bizarre!) and clenched jaw. Not feeling any different but only two weeks in.

hmmmmm · 17/12/2017 22:12

It's awful. Hope you get some relief from it soon.

hmmmmm · 17/12/2017 22:13

Oh I drink on it never had a problem.

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CheckpointCharlie2 · 17/12/2017 22:54

Yes I was ok drinking, was more cautious than normal but still had a few glasses. It's a good reason to cut down a bit actually.

Feeling slightly less sick and hoping for some kind of impact this week maybe? Still get the anxiety, well more the side effects actually but without the panic as I've talked myself out of that now, but still get the feeling of not being able to take a deep breath. So annoying.

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hmmmmm · 18/12/2017 00:11

That was my worst symptom. Like there's a massive knot. And my lungs couldn't fill up properly. Horrible.

CheckpointCharlie2 · 18/12/2017 20:27

It is isn't it! I've not been as bad over the last few days but today and yesterday were bad again, so annoying, I don't even feel as stressed now but it's hanging around still....

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