Clitalopram

[Sarah2023]

Hello everyone, I have just started taking citopram for depression and anxiety and I was wondering if there is anyone else that takes it that maybe would like to chat about there journey on them, like side effects and things. I can't really talk to my family about it which is making me feel even more seperated from everything.

Do side effects pretty much start straight away?

Hi OP, I take Citalopram. I'm down to 5mg now. I've not had any real side effects. I take mine at night as I think they help me sleep better. Coming off them makes you feel really weird and dizzy so id advise you not to stop taking them suddenly.

Citalopram has helped me feel better. In the past I've taken fluoxetine (Prozac) which made me fee really odd.

One thing I have noticed is I'm only eating when I'm hungry instead just eating everything because it's there
Also I've had no fancy for alcohol

Hi, Sarah
Sorry to hear that you can't talk to your parents. I can't really talk to mine either but that's because they don't know the reasoning behind my anxiety. I do have some good friends I can talk to which helps. I've only recently opened up to my GP who started me on citalopram. If you want to send me a personal message at anytime to talk then please do so. Take care x

I've been off Citalopram for almost a year but seriously thinking of going back on them. It was a nightmare coming off, dizziness and feelings of unreality. But whilst I was taking them I felt fine and it tricked me into thinking I was fine and could cope without, sadly I don't think I can.

One of the reasons I came off was to try for another baby, but I've seen others say it's perfectly safe during pregnancy? Anyone know?

I have a pack in the cupboard which I'm considering starting tonight, I also don't really Jane anyone to talk to about this (other half doesn't really understand) so it would be great to talk to others about it.

Day 6 and all I want to do is sleep

I was like that for the first week. It's week 3 for me now and it appears to have settled

How is everyone sleeping? One of my anxiety / depression symptoms is early waking. So I'm hoping the citalopram will help with this. I've also been prescribed quetiapine low dose to aid sleep. I think it is helping. Ive gone from waking at 5 to just before 6, and not feeling so exhausted. I'm hoping this will continue to improve. I've been taking citalopram for 3.5 weeks now.

Raven, I would suggest asking a psychiatrist that question. Mine told me it would be fine. I think GP's tend to be more conservative re meds and pregnancy

I was put on them in hospital.
Terrible stuff. Came off straight away when at home, felt dizzy. But then fine, I am back to normal.

They are NOT good for you at all. Read an horrendous article in The Times very recently.

Sorry, must add I was in ICU for a month, they thought this would cheer me up I was fed up for a VERY good reason. Didn't need antidepressants (In Spain though)

I've been on them for 4 years now. I was on them for a year about two years before that, so I have experienced withdrawal-its nae nice!
Have to say, the side-effects are minimal for me in comparison to the calm, even keel they give me.
I'm on 20mg in the morning, if I forget to take them, I feel the stress quite quickly!
It does take a few weeks to get used to them and for them to start to work effectively.
I do have insomnia and struggle to switch off at night, but dont think thats the pills fault!
I know AD's have a bad press, but I think you go for what works for you! I have put on a bit of weight since I;ve been on them but thats not a bad thing as my anxiety meant I was underweight before!

Raven, I fell pregnant whilst I was off them, but my midwife said if I needed to go back on them, I could. Its not recommended as the baby might be affected by them, but it was better to have a mum who could cope than a stressed mum and baby. But, you need to check that with your GP.

After trying other things I am fine on these.
For dry mouth (have on all I tried) water and gum.
I find in the morning dry mouth is at it's worse. But as long as I drink regularly and increase my water intake to allow for the gym it's manageable.

I feel so 'numb' , again not sure if this is down to the meds or I would feel like this now anyway/ is a reaction to current situation (coming out of MH closet)

I've only just came out of the closet too after suffering for 20 years! I haven't had any down days since starting citalopram 3weeks ago but I'm not on them for depression I'm on them for anxiety. Stay positive, it's the only way forward ☺️

Well personally I feel no different . Starting to wonder if mine are placebos, giving that I've had no real side effects and nothing has changed