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Original poster

Hand hold starting citalopram…

35 replies

elephantfeetbutdontcare · 05/02/2026 16:58

I really want to start the citalopram I have in the cupboard (10mg) but I’m so scared.

😬

OP posts:
Original poster
elephantfeetbutdontcare · 05/02/2026 20:54

@Astra53Did you have any side effects? I’m thinking of doing this.
when did you up it to 10mg?
There is so much negativity out there around medications. I have done so much work on myself over the years but I feel I need a little extra help.

OP posts:
Astra53 · 05/02/2026 20:51

I have taken Citalopram about 10 years. Like you I was worried, so I bought a tablet splitter and started on 5mg a day. It was a total game changer for me.

BellaTrixLeStrange1 · 05/02/2026 20:32

I’ve taken citalopram for many years for a severe anxiety disorder and it totally changed my life. I honestly think if it wasn’t for citalopram I would have killed myself as I just couldn’t have taken any more of the panic attacks. I had a bit of nausea and some tiredness in the first few weeks of taking but no other side effects. I started on 20mgs a day and now take 40mgs a day.

HotChocCreamAndMarshmallows · 05/02/2026 20:24

Oh and one thing I found helpful years back when I started taking them and had the same worries as you was to confide in someone how worried I was about taking them (my DH in this case but could be another trusted person) and ask them to keep an eye on you the next 24 hours just in case ( though it wasn’t needed!). I took the first one on a day DH was at home for the day just in case.

HotChocCreamAndMarshmallows · 05/02/2026 20:23

elephantfeetbutdontcare · 05/02/2026 20:00

I’m really scared of the side effects. You hear some absolute horrid stories. 😬
I keep bailing every day to take it.

I had zero. Literally zero.

its natural to feel worried and anxious…especially when you’re likely taking them because you’re anxious!

worst that can happen? You don’t get on with them and you can speak to your doctor about coming off them.

just try the first one. That’s it. I promise it’ll be fine. You have got them for a reason. Them sitting in the cupboard is not going to help you.

my young teenage DC takes another SSRI. They are (obviously) the most precious thing in the world to me. I was 100% supportive of them taking it because I know how amazingly life changing they are. Dc has got their life back.

Original poster
elephantfeetbutdontcare · 05/02/2026 20:00

I’m really scared of the side effects. You hear some absolute horrid stories. 😬
I keep bailing every day to take it.

OP posts:
Livpool · 05/02/2026 17:56

Changed my life for the better after PNA and PND

Greeniscalming · 05/02/2026 17:16

I’ve been on it a long time and honestly believe it saved my life and now (at a low 10mg dose) it makes my life so much better. It allows me to be me. I smile every day when I take it!

Racheyroo1974 · 05/02/2026 17:13

Ive been on Citalopram for 2months...it has totally changed my life..Its the best Ive felt in a longtime My only regret is not taking Doctors advice to take it sooner. You can do this!!!!

HotChocCreamAndMarshmallows · 05/02/2026 17:00

It has changed my life beyond recognition, for the better. Please start. You’re in control. The alternative is not starting and staying feeling like you do.

10mg is a very small dose. You’ll be just fine fine x