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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:
Donki · 24/04/2014 17:29

Saw my GP today - she is keeping my dose at 20mg for the time being as she wants to wait until all the nausea has gone, and see how things are. I am still signed off work though - which removes a huge source of stress, but the occupational sick pay will run out soon, and I can't afford to live on statutory sick pay. (Not and pay a mortgage)

EmpressOfJurisfiction · 24/04/2014 17:33

That's interesting, thanks Natasha.

I went up from 20mg because it didn't seem to be having much of an effect on my stress levels. If things aren't any better within a month I'll talk to my GP about trying something else.

inthewoods4 · 25/04/2014 09:19

HI ladies, I'm 2 weeks into taking 30mgs, (have been taking cit since Jan, 10, 15 then 20) and I'm feeling grounded and calm, but just quite flat. I don't feel really low, but I'm not really excited about anything, or looking forward to anything and I'm quite fed up a lot of the time. Do you think this is still the increase levelling out? Has anyone else experienced this? XX

Donki · 25/04/2014 10:11

Bugger. My support worker at CMHT is off ill and has cancelled today's meeting.
Could really do with it.

QueenofClean1 · 25/04/2014 14:38

inwards I think you have to give it a good 6 weeks to notice the full effects.

Donki, how you doing?

well the weather here is rubbish. which is a shame as DD1 off to Butlins for the weekend with Brownies tonight, so hope it isn't like this all weekend for them.

DD2 is potty training and so far no accidents at home. 2 at nursery but only because she couldn't get to the potty in time. She has been asking to go at home so that's good, fx it keeps going Smile

Donki · 25/04/2014 14:50

Very depressed today. I now have a date for MrD moving out :(

And whilst he still says he doesn't know what to do, it is very clear that what he wants is for his relationship with OW to become permanent - and that he will only consider trying to mend our marriage if his relationship with her fails.

It's not very good for my self-esteem.

Donki · 25/04/2014 14:51

(I am strongly considering saying something rude and just starting a divorce - which would break my heart further, but is much better than being left in limbo for months or even years.)

QueenofClean1 · 25/04/2014 16:33

Donki if it was me I would be filing for a divorce on grounds of adultery! Don't wait around for him to decide this is your life too and you & YD deserve to be happy.

Donki · 25/04/2014 16:54

I may well do just that... but I don't want to act in haste and repent at leisure, so I am trying to think things through.

inthewoods4 · 26/04/2014 09:08

Hi everyone, does anyone find that they get really grumpy in the mornings? Everything my dd does really annoys me and I find myself going way OTT. I hate feeling so negative! X

Greengardenpixie · 26/04/2014 11:07

Inthewoods..how long have you been taking them? I think the longer you have been on them, the better you feel. I do feel calmer but have felt really stressed on the odd occasions and grumpy too...but it passes quite quickly.

On another note...just wondering if anyone has any issues with their period and citalopram? Irregularity etc..or it might just be my age and perimenopause!

inthewoods4 · 26/04/2014 17:23

Hi, I've been on cit for nearly 4 months but I've gone up gradually, I've only been on 30 for 2 weeks. I've also got this sort of ache in my chest, it makes me feel really down, a bit like anger. X

EmpressOfJurisfiction · 26/04/2014 17:35

I've just started feeling better on the 40mg today - still tired but clearer headed and more able to cope. Inthewoods, have you just had the ache since going up to 30?

veronicasawyerheartsjd · 26/04/2014 17:42

Hi, I have been prescribed Citalopram today for stress and anxiety, plan to take my first dose tomorrow, have been advised to take 10mg for 6 days then go up to 20g. I am so scared Sad .

I am a lone parent and am so worried I am going to have a worsening of symptoms before I get better, as I don't have anyone to help out if I feel shitty. The children have already had to put up with shouty, stressed Mummy for months and they deserve better than me getting worse before I get better. I feel I am only just functioning with my parenting at the moment so there is no leeway for me feeling worse. Did all of you have a dip before things improved?

I am also worried about putting on weight; I have gone down three dress sizes since breakup of my relationship and am still a bit overweight, but dread putting it all back on.

Think I just need some handholding!

QueenofClean1 · 26/04/2014 18:28

inthewoods I think once that dosage settles down those symptoms will disappear and you'll start to feel the benefits.

veronica - I felt nervous at first but if you feel that halving that first week to 5mg like I did it stopped me stressing about side effects, then like you have been instructed I upped my dose to 10mg a week later, then that dose for a week, 15 for a week and now on 20mg for the time being. I've had no side effects from starting off on such a low dose and building the tolerance up gradually.

This is a great thread for some hand holding and support Smile

inthewoods4 · 26/04/2014 20:22

Hi empress, how long did it take for the 40 to kick in? I had the weird chest ache a while ago, I think it's a result of stress and worry...
Veronica, don't worry, just take the 10 and start the process. When I took cit 3 years ago I had no side effects at all. It's best to get it over with so you can start feeling better. You'll be fine, no worse that you're feeling already I suspect xxx

EmpressOfJurisfiction · 26/04/2014 23:02

Hi inthewoods. It's been 11 days and the difference, when it happened, was pretty much overnight.

Veronica, here's a hand. Lots of people here agree that it's best to start on 10mg and work up gently and my GP kept a close eye on me when I started. I was scared too but it is worth it and this thread is great for sharing experiences.

veronicasawyerheartsjd · 27/04/2014 09:35

Thanks so much all Smile

QueenofClean1 · 27/04/2014 11:39

woken up with banging headache & making me feel a bit nauseous so hoping the roast DH is making will make me feel a bit better.
very quiet at home without DD1 looking forward to picking her up at 4:30.

NigellasDealer · 27/04/2014 11:42

I just started taking 20 mg again and feel like I am coming up on an E.

veronicasawyerheartsjd · 27/04/2014 18:36

I took my first 10mg this morning and feel the same Nigella, felt increasingly weird all day, dry mouth, shaky, but not too anxious.

NigellasDealer · 27/04/2014 18:41

yes reduced appetite, shaky, cigs taste funny.....ahhh just like the mid 90s all over again Grin

NigellasDealer · 27/04/2014 19:00

dd just asked me why I was chomping my jaw.;...

Sparklingbrook · 27/04/2014 19:02

Hello all. as someone who has been there done that so to speak I am willing you through these first weeks. I hope you all get over the rocky bit and are on to being so much better really soon. x

Sparklingbrook · 27/04/2014 19:02

That sounded patronising. Sorry. but you know what I mean. i hope. Smile