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Original poster

Citalopram - what's everyone's experience please

344 replies

QueenofClean · 03/04/2014 18:30

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

OP posts:
Sparklingbrook · 14/04/2014 12:09

I had a few glasses of wine here and there and only noticed it made me really tired Euphemia, to the point I couldn't keep my eyes open. Blush

QueenofClean1 · 14/04/2014 12:12

Euphemia I'm sure it's fine one glass here and there, just not loads in one night.

LindyHemming · 14/04/2014 15:25

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Donki · 15/04/2014 07:02

I hope the increased dose settles down quickly QoC - good luck.

QueenofClean1 · 15/04/2014 07:06

Thanks Donki.

Fab41 · 15/04/2014 07:22

I had increased to 40mg to help with pain levels through fibromyalgia. I lasted three weeks at that level, and have reduced back to 20mg. I put on 7lbs in that time, and had the appetite of a horse. I was also getting night sweats and headaches which lasted three or four days. Decided it was not for me, just need to go and break the news to my GP.

alizeeod · 15/04/2014 09:07

Personally I don't recommend drinking on Citalopram, I used to and I'd always get very drunk very quickly and more worryingly I'd wake up feeling depressed, confused and would get strange and unpleasant side effects.

EmpressOfJurisfiction · 15/04/2014 23:21

The GP put me up from 20mg to 40mg today since the 20mg didn't seem to be helping - just taken my first dose and waiting to see if any side effects kick in. I've been lucky with those so far. Hope the 15mg works better for you, Queen.

QueenofClean1 · 16/04/2014 08:37

Thanks Empress. Hope your feeling okay?

No side effects so far on 15mg so fx it stays that way.

LindyHemming · 16/04/2014 09:35

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OneWaySystemBlues · 16/04/2014 09:36

Can I join in? I've just started on Citalopram too, yesterday. I've had anxiety for years, which has got worse over the last couple of years. I also have a child with Autism Spectrum Condition. I've tried lots of things over the years, all of which have helped, but this is my first time at medication - I've been too anxious (ironically!) to try before. I'm really scared of side effects, but it's got to the stage where I feel like I'm stuck and avoiding things to manage my anxiety, so I'm hoping this will really help. QueenofClean, reading this has been so helpful - I decided to start on 5mg too, like you. I've been given 10mg, but I'm hoping that easing myself in will minimise any effects. I've just taken my second dose. Smile

QueenofClean1 · 16/04/2014 12:31

Euphemia What dosage have you started on?

OneWay I took 5mg for a week, then 10mg for a week and now increased to 15mg for the week. Next week will be at 20mg which is where doc & I have agreed for me to stay on for now. I think doing the gradual increase has helped massively on the side effects - by not having any except extra tiredness. Hope they help you as sounds like your in the same situation as me sort of.

EmpressOfJurisfiction · 16/04/2014 13:42

Thanks Queen. No side effects so far so fingers crossed!

MrsBennetsEldest · 16/04/2014 18:53

I've been given a prescription for 20mg Citalopram today. I was offered Sertraline(sp?) first but then my GP called it Seroxat and I cannot take that as my ExBIL tried to kill my sister after taking 1 tablet. Anyways, I really cannot struggle on by myself anymore so I'm hoping they work. I just don't want to feel like this anymore.

LindyHemming · 16/04/2014 19:30

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MrsBennetsEldest · 16/04/2014 19:33

Do you take it in the morning or evening Euphemia?

QueenofClean1 · 16/04/2014 19:47

Euphemia that's brilliant news about having no side effects. Smile

MrsB - hopefully the tabs help you. I was started on a gradual increase of the dose so I didn't get any side effects. So hopefully going in at 20mg you won't get to many or none at all.

Ladies, maybe we could have a support thread for each other to offload and support each other. What do you think?

MrsBennetsEldest · 16/04/2014 19:50

Thank you Queen. Good idea about the support thread.

Donki · 16/04/2014 20:08

This thread seems to be turning into a support thread :)

Best wishes for few side effects to everyone.

LindyHemming · 16/04/2014 20:11

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

QueenofClean1 · 16/04/2014 20:45

Donki - good to see you Smile and I think your right!

See I take mine at 8pm in the evening, I don't seem to be having any sleep ishoos apart from dealing with my DH snoring! Grin

Bettythree · 16/04/2014 21:15

Glad everyone seems to be adjusting to their dosages ok.

A support thread is a great idea!

I started off taking mine (20 mg) in the evening as they made me feel so nauseous the only way to cope was to go to sleep. Fell asleep fine but woke up 3 or 4 hrs later full of anxiety, no way to get back to sleep so got up and did the ironing! Basket was empty for the first time in years. After a week or two I changed to taking in the morning - might be coincidence but I started sleeping much better so have carried on like that.

MrsBennetsEldest · 16/04/2014 21:19

I'm taking my first one right now. Fingers crossed no nausea, I'm glad I found this thread, I don't feel so alone now.

QueenofClean1 · 16/04/2014 21:25

MrsB good luck and hopefully we can a support each other thru this difficult time of our lives.

Sparklingbrook · 16/04/2014 21:28

I am so excited for you all starting on your Citalopram journey. It was a little bit of a bumpy ride at first for me but it really was life changing to feel so different when it started working. x