Citalopram - could someone help please?

[WhoahThereCrazyHorse]

Just started on 20mg of Citalopram following burnout and stress causing me to be signed off from work. I took my first tablet yesterday (have taken 2 so far) and I feel absolutely awful. Main feeling is a bit as though I’ve had 80 too many coffees, or even taken speed. Really unpleasant and I’m feeling panicky and that I’ve made a mistake taking them at all. So worried that the medication will turn out not to be right for me and that I’ve started down a path that will just cause more issues rather than solving anything.

Other side effects: jaw clenching, nausea, insomnia (hence middle of the night post).

I’ve read a lot about the side effects going away after a week or two, so I guess I’m looking for some reassurance that this is going to be the case? Because I can’t cope with feeling like this and am tempted to stop.

TIA

My husband takes it and same dosage .

I've just asked him (up with baby currently not insomnia) and he says he felt the same but it did subside by two weeks.

He feels much better and has been on it long term and wouldn't come off it now. It saved his life and probably our marriage tbh.

But it is okay if this one doesn't work out and you need to try something else, for example he was on and off various doses of sertraline and that didn't work out for him but this did. But you need to give it the 2 weeks- with these they do tend to make you feel worse before you feel better but it does pass quicker than it probably feels atm.

Deep breaths, this will pass. Maybe grab yourself a drink (eg milk or whatever) find a box set you've enjoyed in the past and try to settle and watch it. Insomnia is awful but I'd try to not add further stress and ride it it out.

All the best xx

It does settle down after a couple of weeks. The first bit is a bit like this but it will get better. I have to say the jaw clenching, well mine actually used to chatter kind of, stayed with me but lessened and I just got used to it. It made me feel much better though and got me through a really rough time. Just stick with it for a few weeks and things will seem better. Hope it will help you.

You could try starting on 10mg for a few days and then increasing the dose. Perhaps have a word with the pharmacist see what they think. The side effects usually wear off as you know but if you feel it’s not right for you don’t worry about stopping. There are many other antidepressants if Citalopram not right for you. Also remember the value of talking therapies at this time. Hope you feel back to yourself soon.

Personally I'd start on 10mg and increase it. But yes 100% those side effects only last 2 weeks and then the effects of the drug kick in too.

Are you taking g before bed? It does make you feel weird but subsides - good luck

Yes to the side effects, although gps normally start you on 10mg for the first week or so then increase to 20. I'm on 40mg and will be forever. The side effects do pass and it's been a life saver for me. Literally. See if you can get a phone consultation and discuss starting on a lower dosage.

Thank you, those messages are really helpful and appreciated. I managed to get back off to sleep and just woken up so will see what today brings. Doctor call on Friday so I’ll stick with it for now and discuss then. If anyone else sees this and has experience/advice to add I’d be really grateful.

@custardbear yes taking it before bed, the thinking was to sleep through the side effects. I was glad I’d done it this way yesterday afternoon when I’d felt dreadful all day but started to calm down into the evening and before bed.

You absolutely can feel worse initially, but it'll go and then the calm floods in...

I'm just trying to come off it. I'm not convinced I should, really, as I am so prone to anxiety.

Side effects for me on that dose to start were similar, but it was quite hard to tell what was caused by the very severe MH episode and what was the meds.
The insomnia persisted, got worse at 40, but when I eventually went back down to 20 disappeared.
Definitely better after a couple of weeks and generally fine after 4-6.

OP, I was in the same situation 2 years ago (exacerbated by a number of things) and its so grim. But if you're signed off at the, try to ride out the next few weeks. It feels like a LIFETIME at the mo, but it is very likely to get better as you get used to them.

My DH went straight on 40mg and took that for years. His only side effect was feeling sleepy.
Do remember that actually taking the tablet can cause anxiety, and could worsen your symptoms.

I had some horrible side effects in the first two weeks and felt like stopping. But they subsided and their effects have been so positive for me I doubt I will ever stop taking them. Try and stick with it.

I had the same when I started on 20mg 10 years ago and the doctor told me to break a tablet in half and take 10mg daily for a week. If you think about it, you are suddenly putting into your body a shedload of drugs and its going 'woah mate - what's this - how do I deal with it' so it makes sense that introducing gradually will have fewer side effects.

Thanks everyone, really appreciate the messages.

It does settle down after a week or two and gave me my life back, although i started on a dose of 10mg and went up to 20mg after a week. On 40mg now.

The first 48 hours were hideous. I truly thought the children had been kidnapped, I was seriously not right. Panicky, sweating, anxious, not able to sleep and clearly not with it.
After that first bad 48 hours things started to settle. And completely settled after a few weeks. As I was carefully warned I was prepared.

It was a good medication. I remained on it for about 7 years.

Those symptoms should pass in a couple of weeks. Your anxiety is probably contributing to how you are feeling. Gradually you will start to feel a levelling out and realise you feel calmer and things don't seem as bad. Obviously there are people who it doesn't suit but at least give it 2 weeks. Like others have said it gave me my life back.

Oh wow, more messages, this is so encouraging as I head towards bed and another tablet, thank you so much for taking the time to reply.

I’ve just started on 10mg and no side effects to speak of. I’ve had allergic reactions to other ADs so my GP said to start low and work up to minimise side effects. So far so good. My DS took it a couple of years ago and it definitely helped him to get out of a hole. But coming off it was really hard. His main side effect was acne which was distressing for him, but when he tried to stop taking them he had horrendous headaches etc. I think the key is to taper off gradually too.

Hope it settles and starts to help you soon

Citalopram has worked well for my depression/anxiety. It does take a few weeks to kick in. another thing, you need to take it in the morning. My doctor told me that.

Persevere!!!! It will get better. Consider taking in morning to avoid insomnia.

I was in it years ago and experienced similar. I had nights where I didn't sleep at all and would be up pacing the floor and wringing my hands at 3am.

But once it had settled it was amazing.

Citalopram caused insomnia so I went onto Escitalopram.Its a purer form and i could sleep on it wirh no side effects.