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Original poster

Citilopram - best time of day to take it

32 replies

Gingerbics · 01/07/2015 21:03

I've been prescribed 10mg citilopram today for symptoms of depression and anxiety - related to huge stress at work and a traumatic bereavement.
Wondering best time to take it, took my first tab about 45mind ago and head feels a bit wierd, legs too.
Wondering if I should take it when I'm literally about to go to bed so hopefully I can sleep through the weirdness!
Any advice welcome ...

OP posts:
magnummum · 02/07/2015 14:23

I've been taking that dose for two weeks now for depression. I take it first thing in the morning, felt a bit like you describe for a couple of days and a bit sick but ok now. My main side effect is a complete loss of appetite. I think there can be an issue with weird dreams if you take it at night but I guess it's a really personal thing. How are you feeling today?

Original poster
Gingerbics · 02/07/2015 17:47

Hi magnum,thanks for replying. After 2 weeks how are you feeling now? Hope things are a bit better.
I've felt really wierd all day, bad head, achey legs and a bit spaced and dazed ( not in a good way!).
A bit worried about taking another one but will stick at it and hoping these symptoms are short lived.

OP posts:
Notgrumpyjustquiet · 02/07/2015 18:01

I was prescribed the same dose recently but haven't started taking it. I have taken SSRIs in the past and it didn't go well. This time my logic is that none of the life events that led me to the symptoms I have been experiencing (panic attacks lasting for days, no sleep, nightmares when I do sleep) can change because the events have already happened, and taking drugs which make me feel worse won't help me deal with it any better. Prior to the cit I was prescribed beta blockers which I only took for a few days because it was like being on a roller coaster, VERY unpleasant. Unfortunately GPs generally want to medicate people out of their problems whereas I really think counselling will do me more good. I've been referred for counselling through work but god knows how long it will take or whether I'll be able to convince my GP that my way might be more beneficial than his and therefore that I need him to keep signing me off work in the meantime...

Ilikesweetpeas · 02/07/2015 18:08

I take mine each morning, started on 10mg and now have 20mg. Had side effects like yours initially but that soon wore off and I felt so much better within 2-3 weeks. It's been a great medication for me. Good luck, hope you have a similarly positive experience

Candra · 02/07/2015 18:22

I take mine each morning. The first month or so I felt very tired and spaced out and had a loss of appetite until my brain balanced itself out.

I went through a phase of taking it after lunch recently till I realised I was starting to get quite anxious after a week or so, so take it when I wake up and now I'm fine again.

I take 20mg.

I did try taking it at night but it didn't really work for me.

FeelingSmurfy · 02/07/2015 18:25

I take mine with evening meal (6ish)

I can't remember having any side effects when I started, I don't think it really matters what time of day you take it as long as you are consistent, I would give it 2 weeks and then see your dr if still having side effects

EmpressKnowsWhereHerTowelIs · 02/07/2015 19:08

Hi Gingerbics.
I was on 40mg for depression for about a year, down to 10mg now. I found it took about 3 weeks to start helping but after that it was great. I was taking it in conjunction with CBT though, and the meds kept my head clear enough for the counselling to work.

I've always taken it just before bed. I think it's trial and error but if you're taking it during the day I've heard that having it with food is better.

Good luck.

Boobsofsteel · 02/07/2015 19:14

I take mine before bed. I do get unusual dreams but I can't function if I take it in the day as it makes me really sleepy.

EmpressKnowsWhereHerTowelIs · 02/07/2015 19:17

I really wanted the unusual dreams side effect but didn't get it Sad.

magnummum · 02/07/2015 20:43

Hi Ginger - after 2 weeks I am starting to feel a bit more like my usual self - want to get out of bed and not tearful all the time! Have still completely lost my appetite which I need to keep an eye on and just remind myself to eat and just get on with it. Really tired today but to be honest it's still such early days so it could be a side effect or could be the depression. All generally positive - I'd give it a couple of weeks if you can bear it and if things are no better maybe try something different?

Original poster
Gingerbics · 02/07/2015 20:44

Thanks everyone that's really helpful. Looks like ill have to play it by ear and should expect side effects for a couple of weeks. Really hope things improve adding think I'll be able to work (I'm a nurse) if I feel like I did today. Had an initial assessment for counselling so a double pronged attack hopefully once that gets started. Was surprised how rough I've felt all day today to say it was 10mg and taken about 9pm last night. Thanks again, I may well be back to pick your brains!

OP posts:
FeelingSmurfy · 02/07/2015 21:12

I would give side effects 2 weeks to go before going back to Dr, but antidepressants can take up to 2 months to start helping so don't give up on them of you haven't felt better after two weeks, only go back to Dr if you are still having side effects at that point (hope that makes sense)

dementedma · 02/07/2015 21:15

I take mine in the morning. Made me feel sick for first few days but is fine now.

Original poster
Gingerbics · 02/07/2015 21:53

Thanks smurfy that does make sense,wise words!
Demented glad you're not feeling sick now Smile

OP posts:
43mumof2 · 16/07/2015 21:21

i have these to take , but im so anxious about side effects , im sensotive to paracetomal and even vitamins ...so bit scared .. how is everyone feeling on them now x

magnummum · 16/07/2015 21:37

Hi Mumof2 - I'm now on week 4. Like you I get nauseous with multi vitamins so was apprehensive. I still have a bit of an upset tummy in the morning and feel occasionally nauseous if I don't eat quickly enough after taking them in the morning and very rarely at odd times in the day. Nothing too awful though and they seem to be helping with everything else so going to stick with them. Good luck!

43mumof2 · 16/07/2015 21:44

thanks , unsure weather to take at night or morning , i think i will worry for side effects more at night incase i dont wake up ..(i know that sounds extreme ) but my anxiety/ depression is taking over my life , or in day ..but if i feel odd will i panic more ..so hard to know whats best ..

antimatter · 16/07/2015 21:53

I preferred taking it at 8 pm. It used to send me to sleep within one hour or so.

43mumof2 · 16/07/2015 22:02

thank you , still plucking up the courage x

mammabmamma · 20/07/2015 05:05

I used to take 60mg in the morning, the side effects for the first 2/3 weeks are awful, however, after about 5/6 weeks you really notice a difference. I have severe mental health problems, and it really changed my life, it helped so much. Shame I had to come off it really.

Original poster
Gingerbics · 20/07/2015 05:38

Hi I'm into week 3 now and the side effects of headaches, feeling spaced out and generally not with it have gone thankfully. I think I definately feel calmer and 'brighter' so positive so far. Nearly gave up in first 2 weeks as side effects were awful but glad I stuck with it, seemed to ease around 2 weeks. I take mine at bedtime. Good luck Smile

OP posts:
EmpressKnowsWhereHerTowelIs · 20/07/2015 12:53

How are you, 43mumof2?

dogood · 21/07/2015 15:18

Hi, I had bad headaches when I first started but they soon stopped. I asked my Doctor what time to take them and he said in the morning as they have a better effect.

43mumof2 · 21/07/2015 17:56

I did it ....I took my first tablet this morning .... so im on day 1 ....i was very scared and anxious , worried , but im still here ....have at times felt a bit nauseous in waves ...but apart from that ok ..so far ...... Hmm

how you doing now Ginger? hope you dont mind me posting but im on same one as you

EmpressKnowsWhereHerTowelIs · 21/07/2015 18:04

Good for you!!!
I found it took about 3 weeks to kick in but was so worth it when it did.