Citalopram - what's everyone's experience please

[QueenofClean]

I've been started on citalopram for anxiety issues. Took my first dose last night 5mg a night for the first week increasing to 10mg next week.

What is everyone's experience of it and the side effects and how long they have lasted?

Thanks
QoC

Donki are you feeling any better yet?
Ive done 10mg for 3.5 weeks followed by 20mg last 10 days. 5 weeks in total today. Side effects not too bad but I also dont really feel any benefit yet. Maybe not feeling quite so desperate but still riddled with anxiety and completely introspective! I'm so impatient...

QoC when I upped from 10 to 20 the side effects were far less intense than when starting on 10 in the beginning. I think once they are in your system its much smoother your body doesnt have such a reaction. Still got the tiredness and stuffy nose but I know that goes in time.

When are you supposed to feel the benefits?

I dont know!
I think when you get to the right dose, but do you have to wait 2-6 weeks after you get to that dose? It seems logical but it feels endless!

When I was on them a 5 years ago I went straight onto 20, and they worked really well but I cant remember how long that took. I wasnt so bad as I am now though.

Well I hope when you get to the right dose you feel better.

My anxieties and obsessive compulsive thoughts take over my life :(

I don't know. I think I'm starting to be mre motivated and cope better - but I'm having such a succession of life events that it is hard to tell.

What you will find is that there will be a day when you realise you haven't asked yourself 'How do I feel?' every 5 minutes because you have been getting on with stuff. x

Sparkling - I can't wait for that stage!

I'm flagging this afternoon...so tired :(

It will come, just got to get through this crappy bit. x

The tiredness will increase when I up my dose too won't it?!

I don't remember the tiredness in particular, I was tired all the time anyway I think.

After my 3 weeks or so on 10 the tiredness was starting to go, then going up to 20 it's back again but not worse just more of the same.

OK good to know it won't get worse.

Will they help stress? so I won't get easily annoyed when my 2yr old DD argues about going to bed!

They will Queen. Your DD will still argue about going to bed but your responses will be more measured IYKWIM.

thanks Sparkling I don't like feeling pants all the time. stressed anxious and put doesn't bode well together all the time and not good for my 2 girls they need a happy mum not a stressy mum.

The way my counsellor described Citalopram is that it 'takes off the rough edges' and that was so true. Can't change the situations you find yourself in but it somehow softens it and makes you able to see it for what it is and deal with it more effectively. Then everyone is happier.

I'm hoping they help my fibromyalgia too. Had a good night sleep although still feel like I could sleep for a week. so PJ day for me and the girls today esp as raining outside.

Evening all. I've had a good first day of half term with my girls. They are both tucked up in bed, DD1 watching HSM2 and DD2 watching Peppa Pig.

So quick tidy up and early night for me.

Well - situation I am in is still crappier than crap, but I have more energy and motivation for doing things today than I have in months

But it will be nice when the nausea and hot sweats stop.

Donki would it help if you talked about your situation? Hope the nausea and hot sweats disappear soon.

Glad you had a good day Queen. Sleep well! :)

Do you know Donki I think the motivation is the first bit to get better. I've been feeling the same lately. The preoccupation with my thoughts and fears and physical symptoms is still there along with moments of panic but I'm slightly calmer and definitely doing more things I just couldnt face a month ago. Still cant be bothered to paint my nails or pick out nice clothes or perfume though, I'll know I'm on the mend when I start caring about the more trivial things again!
Sounds like you have more than just your own state of mind to deal with though?

Thats very kind Queen, I have some excellent friends who have been letting me vent in their direction - and even managing to make me laugh.

I've been on these for almost a year.. And have also constantly eaten. I've out almost 2.5 stone on and Have terrible insomnia for weeks and then goes for a week then is back again. I don't know why it does that. I am also so tired all the time but is that the tablets or because if the insomnia?
Is the increased appetite and insomnia a permanent side effect? The weight gain is really not helping me get any better!! Specially as I had previously struggled to Lose almost 4stone before starting meds

Almost a year!! If you arent feeling much better sounds like they arent the right ssri for you? Did you try any others? Someone told me they spent over a year on citalopram and only felt slightly better, then their doctor switched them to sertraline and the difference was dramatic and almost instant. Whereas I started with sertraline for a few weeks and side effects were horrific. I've never felt so bad I was on a tiny dose and like a zombie, couldnt think, had headaches, got tinnitus (still got) and I blame sertraline for why I started getting suicidal thoughts because I never had them before. I am much better on citalopram.
People say when you are on the right drug and dose for you, you should feel loads better and shouldnt have any side effects by 6 months when they are at their optimum.

Just been prescribed this but have read horror stories of weight gain.

Just taken my first 10mg tab dose tonight. Wish me luck for no side effects.