Citalopram and side effects - should I start taking them now or wait??

[Tryagainplease]

I am about to separate from H.
I have a history of ill mental health with a couple of major breakdowns association with anxiety/panic/depression. I’ve never taken medication before - have instead tried to ‘think’ my out of it which usually works but takes years.

I have a small child now and can’t afford to be unwell for his sake so I decided to speak to a GP about medication and therapy now, rather than waiting until I get worse and potentially needing more intervention.

They prescribed me 10mg of Citalopram for 2 weeks and want a follow up appointment to then raise to 20mg.

I shouldn’t have but have been googling side effects and they don’t sound pleasant. I’m about to move house any day now and I’m worried if I start taking them today that I won’t be good to man nor beast while I move! Would you put off taking them or just start now and hope for the best?

Please be kind, I’ve never taken medication like this before and it’s making me feel anxious. Have been in my current situation (living with abusive H) for months and months after ending the marriage. It’s been a very tough year.

Sorry OP, just read your update! I hope things go well and that you start to feel better really soon.

I started on a 10mg dose, which has ( mainly) been enough for me.
I did have side effects, which lasted for about 3/4 weeks: all I could do was sleep, which might not be helpful for you at the moment.
That said, I think I am in a minority, can't take any codeine based drugs either for the same reasons, but taking citalopram has been the best thing ever, I still have emotions, but at a more normal level, I definitely don't feel zombified

Well done!
I’m on 20mg (also started on 10) and have had a couple of weeks now free of panic attacks. I hope they help you as much as they have me

I take sertraline, have done for 7 years since I suffered really bad post partum anxiety with first child. Don't really remember any side effects so they can't have been really bad, probably similar to what happens now if I miss some ( forgotten to take on holiday that sort of thing) very tired, abit nauseous and head zaps only way I can describe them, really unusual and like an electric shock when I turn my head occasionally. But nothing bad and am so SO much better on them then off. They just make me feel normal, really centred. My partner takes citalopram and I've just asked him and he's said a similar thing but no nausea just really tired but passed after a week or two.

Hang in there OP, I had similar side effects on first starting but for me it was totally worth it, this medication changed my life for the better. If you can get through the next week or two chances are you will start to notice a positive change 😊

Tryagainplease - if you are feeling like this - take them. I have crippling anxiety and having been taking citralaplam for a few years now - quite frankly it has been life changing. It means I can function on a day to day basis without constant disabling sense of dread or worry.

I started taking citalopram 5 years ago during a very dark period in my life when depression and anxiety had a real grip on me and l was unable to even go to the shops. I was off work for months. First l took10mg before moving to 20mg. It took a few weeks but l have never looked back. Initially l was nervous and it took me nearly 6 months to actually give in and take them after the doctor had first advised them. As someone who was against meds, l can honestly say it was the best thing that l have ever done. Well worth it and this medication has given me the confidence and courage to live a very full busy life. I should add that l also attended CBT counselling which also helped but would not have been enough without the meds.

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Today is going to be tough - feel very anxious, have just come on and about to go to my DS’ birthday party - wish me luck! I feel like crap!

Take them, the sooner you start the better as it took months for my DH to feel the full benefit.
The only side effect he had was feeling tired, but I would disagree with that and say they relaxed him and made it possible for him to sleep more. They didn’t make him drowsy in the day.

Simply tiredness here..
No weight gain or anything else. They made me feel so much better too. Good luck xx

Hope today isn't as bad as you fear, OP

@Outfoxedbyrabbits

Hope today isn't as bad as you fear, OP

Thank you. It wasn’t too bad in the end. Felt really spaced out trying to talk to people in an echo-y centre but didn’t feel too anxious with it. Just wiped out now!

I had horrendous side effects even on the lowest dose which left me feeling so much worse than without them, so personally I wouldn’t ever touch them again.

Hope nobody minds, but I might use this thread to document how I feel. Feel free to ignore!

Been actually slightly better today. Hard to explain but I’ve just had the thought “I think I’m going to be ok” pop in my head. And I believe it

Still feel physically a bit strange though…

That sounds like a good idea, it’ll be a useful reference for when you visit your GP!

I’m on the same-ish schedule as you OP. I started taking 20mg on 2nd Nov for the first time. I’ve had a really really rough 18 months (haven’t we all) and I realised that my thinking about general things in life wasn’t normal. I took my 5th tablet today and tbh have felt more anxious than normal, but I think that’s fairly standard. Can’t wait to feel better again.

I've been on Citalopram for a long time OP, recently increased to 40mg after my dad died

In terms of my anxiety, it has helped me sooo much! I don't have that panicked feeling and can push myself to do things that a few years ago I would have avoided like the plague!

I haven't found I've put weight on or find it difficult to lose weight, my GP told me Citalopram is one of the best out there for not causing weight gain! (I'm looking at you Mirtazapine )

The only side effect I had that was annoying was the yawning! It's apparently one of the least common side effects but I get this every time I restart or increase my dose! Very very annoying!

Hoping you feel the benefits soon!

Just an update after 2 weeks of medication…

I am definitely in the ‘why didn’t I start taking this sooner’ camp! Side effects were mild and lasted a few days. I was able to move house no problem and I have been feel generally more positive than I have in a long time.

The best part is that I am enjoying my son again. I honestly thought I was a bad mother before this but it seems it was all linked to mental health issues.

I feel like my life has come back! I have a follow up appointment with the GP today and I think I might suggest remaining on the same dose as it seems to be working!

Ziggzagg I’m so sorry for your loss

I'm so pleased for you OP. I know exactly what you mean about enjoying your son again too.

Well done for taking this step. I hope things keep improving for you.

That’s wonderful, Tryagainplease!

Hi @Tryagainplease, I know this is an old thread but I’m on 10mg citalopram and still struggling after 7-8 weeks and wondered if you stayed on 10mg or increased to 20mg in the end? I’m nervous to increase and get side effects again

Hi OP

I have just started these tablets on Monday. Took one in the morning on the first day and was knackered! The day after took it at night and it wrecked my sleep so back to the morning. I was nauseous no appetite could only eat toast, felt very jittery and like electric was running though my body. Today is day 5 and my sister is here to help with the kids so I took a nap.

I do feel less anxious and much much less tearful.

Just wondered how you found the first week or two and how you are now that you have been on them for a while?

To all the other ladies thank you for all your responses, reading this thread made me feel so encouraged to start the tablets which had been prescribed a month prior and o am glad I did even though this eek has been tough