Starting Citalopram

[voodoomunkee]

I've just started Citalopram for anxiety. I've heard it can take two weeks for the side effects to wear off but I would love to know if they just gradually get better? I feel horrid. Dizzy, sick, keep falling asleep, feel like I'm not really here, shaky, feel more down than I have been before the tablets. I'm off work this week so can manage some of the symptoms but have to go back to work next week (which will be week 2). Can't take any sick time at work and additionally I have 3 dc's. Waiting for a referral to counselling etc so appreciate its probably a good thing to have the tablets.

Thanks

I have only taken two tablets as I felt so sick and dizzy, so today with no tablet I'm back to crying all the time. Not sure what is worse. I have heard that once you get over the two weeks the side effects get better. My try them again at the weekend. Sorry not much help.

not sure but watching as I've just been prescribed these, why can't you have more time off work if you need it?

MeandtheCat horrid isn't it. I know the side effects do wear off or decrease. Today I can eat but I still feel spaced out, dizzy, etc. I had beta blockers before these. They helped with the panic but not the low mood. Have you tried anything like that?

GotMyGoat a lot of stuff is going on and it wouldn't be a good time to be off sick. Plus I'm only on statutory sick pay and the financial loss would add to my stress considerably.

Voodoomunkee how long have you been taking them ? I took them in the morning and by mid afternoon I was starting to feel less sick, wondering if I should take them in the evening with my sleeping tablets.

Hi.

I have been on citalopram 10mg for anxiety and panic since October last year.
The first week the side effects are the worst. By day 9 most had disappeared.
I take mine first thing in the morning.

The first week I had dizzy, sick, loss of appetite, hot sweats, and clenching jaw.
I rested completely the first 3-4 days which helped. I would say that you will be fine going back to work in the second week.

Everyone is different. I would say I am sensitive to meds. These are the first and only ads I have taken.

Hope that helps

I started about a month ago. Felt hungover for a few days, then absolutely exhausted for a week, and now I feel fine on them.

My dr advised me to take them just before bed, to sleep through the worst of the side effects and also as they were making me so sleepy. This may help?

Good luck.

Just echoing what others have said really, I've been on them 7 days and had most of the above side effects. They are horrid but I'm trying to look at the bigger, long term picture.

FWIW, my anxiety level is actually worse. Am off on hols tomorrow but instead of panicking about the packing for that (it's just too much) I'm fixating on worrying about doing the food shopping and finding something to wear to a wedding!

BUT, am hoping once it settles down, I will feel better. Keep on keeping on voo

Took one tablet - never again- devil drug !! Now on mirtazapine...., so much better.