First day of Citalopram and side effects

[Tingatingatale]

Hi all

I posted on the weekend about feeling very down. I have been to see my GP today who after a long talk prescribed Citalopram 20mg. I have taken these before and can't remember side effects.

I took one at 11 and have felt crap all day. I feel sick and am falling asleep on my feet. I feel like I am walking through fog and no way I could drive. I have to visit my mum this weekend with the kids in the car for a two hour round trip. I really don't think I can take them tomorrow and may have to start next week. The thing is I can't just do nothing. I have to get my kids to school and I am applying for jobs and having interviews. No way I could do an application form like this.

Is it normal to feel like this on the first day?

Thanks

It can take up to 6 weeks to start feeling a positive effect, and quite often you feel worse before you feel better. I think because you have actually acknowledged it and can do nothing to hide it from yourself.

There are lots of other brill antidepressants and antianxiety drugs available, but I think Citalopram seems to be the standard first port of call for GP's. It worked for me for a bit years ago. So if you give the Citalopram the time to let it work and it doesn't make sure you go back and change to something else. But it normally does.

Hey doodle. I'm taking 10mg at night and 10 in morning. There are times in the day when I feel good... Almost normal! But I wake up feeling really anxious and tearful, still feel like I'm battling anxiety throughout the day.... Beating myself up thinking I should feel better! It's only been a week....
How are you?

Katharine I think that really makes sense. Thank you.

Thanks for the advice Katharine, of course I hoped it would be an instant result but as you say, 6 weeks would be a better point to evaluate from.

Massagegirl I'm Just over 2 weeks in, and have good days and bad days. At least the worst of the side effects have passed, the constant anxiety was awful. I'm having CBT too which has helped, but since starting that I had a panic attack so it's not been the cure I hoped for. I'm taking beta blockers for panic too and that helps a lot. I was getting to the point of really withdrawing from the outside world and with the CBT, beta blockers and now hopefully citalopram will help too, things are getting better. But I'm certainly fragile at the mo.
Let me know how you get on too

Well to be honest I'm proud that I've spent two days with teething baby who has been up since 3am both days screaming most of the day and I've managed! Hurrah.

Hi there I started citalopram 20mg yesterday for depression and anxiety have had really bad few weeks! I had awful jaw thing teeth grinding and skin prickly my pupils are dilated and About 7 hours after I took it I was restless quite hyper! Is this normal for side effects?? Or should I contact a dr! I was going to miss today's dose and reduce to 10mg tomorrow??

My dr advised to start on 10mg then build up to 20. I think the side effects you describe are quite common especially the jaw/teeth. Hope it settles down for you soon.

I only have 20mg and they are not scored but I cut it in half! Thanks massagegirl! Hope they subside xx

Hi there I'm now day 4 of citalopram 20mg feels awful so panicky and anxious plus plus to the fact my horrible thoughts I had with depression are worse and exaggerated I have rang the gp and await his call haven't took the dose today yet! Don't think this is for me!
Thanks

Hi massagegirl. Well done it sounds like you are doing a super job managing everything plus teething baby!

Hi Emz. Did you hear back from your doctor? During the first few days in cit I felt the same as you, heightened anxiety and awful intrusive thoughts - those did subside after a few days. What did you decide to do in the end? I hope your doc is supportive.

I'm seeing dr tomorrow. Increased anxiety and panic and crying since taking the pills. When do you give up and try something new?! Bleurgh.

Hi there my doctor gave me propranolol for the anxiety! Has helped today with that but horrible thoughts now and again! I have started to eat today which is a good sign! I hope you gt sorted massage girl!
Awful this and the side effects! Grr
Xx