Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Mental health

Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

Citalopram help

95 replies

jaydensdaddy232 · 02/10/2018 21:30

Hi all please give me some advice, I am on day 7 of 10mg citalopram and I feel awful. I lay on the sofa with no energy and Bad nausea and headaches at the back then I start panicking that something else is wrong or just side effects? Thank you.

OP posts:
gotthearse · 21/10/2018 20:43

My gp suggested taking the 20 on alternate days to the 10's to begin with, but if you have stuck it out on the 20 so far you should be getting close to settling. That said I had to stop sertraline after 9 days as not coping (anxiety worse, no sleep, diarrhea, retching, sweating). With hindsight not sure if it was the sertraline or me going spectacularly off the rails. Keep talking to your gp and hope you feel better soon, its awful, but there will be an end to it.

Original poster
jaydensdaddy232 · 21/10/2018 21:24

I hope so thanks for your support  I might do 10mg one night then 20mg the next sounds like a good idea.

OP posts:
dementedma · 21/10/2018 21:27

I've had them a couple of times and they have been hugely helpful.

Decided to come off them recently - actually, forgot my repeat prescription- and its been fine. I actually feel less fuzzy headed.

iklboogiemanunderthebed · 22/10/2018 19:23

Doc has increased my dosage to 20mg today (from 10). I'm supposed to be back in work on Wednesday so I'm hoping there won't be many side effects.

Original poster
jaydensdaddy232 · 22/10/2018 22:17

I have started the 20mg today, let's start to get better lol hopefully!!!

OP posts:
Fleming77 · 24/10/2018 19:50

Jaydensdaddy232- I’m on day 8 of 10mg and I’m experiencing the exact same.... the mini panic attacks are throwing me as Iv not been one to suffer many panic attacks more anxiety which led to depression, in trying my hardest to be positive about it getting better but I feel myself in my own wee world not realy knowing what’s going on and can feel the panic building up

Original poster
jaydensdaddy232 · 24/10/2018 20:15

It's bloody Horrible I know! I have not stopped reading up on this and apparently it will take 6/8 weeks to feel yourself again.

My GP has gave me diazepam 2mg to take the edge off things whilst the Citalopram kicks in which works wonders but he said I can't be on them for much longer as they are very addictive. I really do understand how you feel (alone)! But your not and we will all talk to each other on here and get through this tough time 

OP posts:
Original poster
jaydensdaddy232 · 24/10/2018 20:18

Flemming77 do Not give up pal it will get better from what I have read.

Once you have started taking these Don't just stop (cold turkey) as the side effects from that is worse so stick with it. I take mine at night so the side effects just work away whilst I sleep with my earphones in listening to soothing music.

OP posts:
Fleming77 · 25/10/2018 08:02

I’m so determined to power through but it’s tough I kinda felt a wee bit manic yesterday around late afternoon then kinda crashed and couldn’t do anything but this morning I feel abit more level, yeah I do the same at nights seems to help abit just want to get through these next few weeks, Iv got two young kids and I’m a single parent so it’s all abit of a struggle 🙄😂

Original poster
jaydensdaddy232 · 25/10/2018 08:24

I totally feel your pain especially with young children, can you not have friends or family around you too help?

Be strong girl and apparently it will get better when the meds kick in. We are all here to help each other.

OP posts:
Fleming77 · 25/10/2018 09:11

Awwwwww yeah Iv got my friends and family allways hate being that burden, I was on sertaline last year and it did make a diff but I think I got ahead of myself and came of to quick and when I tried to go back on they didn’t agree with me at all. Thanks keep me up to date on how you get on give me abit of hope with these tablets haha

Original poster
jaydensdaddy232 · 28/10/2018 08:11

My Dr has offered me Sertaline but I don't want anymore side effects if I change, I still get terrible nausea and headaches every morning I'm 1 week in with 20mg of citalopram after 4 weeks of 10mg does this sound right?

OP posts:
CormacWright · 29/10/2018 10:52

Hi,

How have you been getting on now that it's been a few weeks?

I found terrible trouble with Citalopram and ended up doing a X-titration onto a different medication.

Different things work for different people, above all else I'd suggest trying to get some exercise in as well

Hope this is of help

C

Original poster
jaydensdaddy232 · 29/10/2018 11:23

Hi I do feel better but I have been on 20mg for exactly 7 days now and my nausea and headaches are back, apparently it's normal whilst the new dose kicks in.

OP posts:
CormacWright · 29/10/2018 11:43

Yeah I ended up on quite a high dosage and it just wasn't enough so was moved over to Sertraline, but as I said, It's about finding the right mix

Would strongly recommend getting in some time to yourself as well so focus on your body

Original poster
jaydensdaddy232 · 29/10/2018 12:03

When you moved to the new drug did you get side effects or was it a smooth change?

OP posts:
CormacWright · 29/10/2018 12:21

I did briefly.

You do a cross titration, which means you gradually take the old med away and bring the new one in.

I had to do it in hospital though.

I would only suggest if in a bad state

Original poster
jaydensdaddy232 · 29/10/2018 15:12

Well I have only been on 20mg for 7 days so I will give it some more time. Thanks for your help/advice. I am a Subbie so can't afford time off work 

OP posts:
KaroB · 30/10/2018 07:26

7 days isn't that long though I understand if it feels like an eternity right now! My doc prescribed some Valium & sleeping tablets to help with the early side effects, though I can't say they helped much. I used the app 'headspace' & exercise to get a bit of relief but it was a struggle & I was unable to work for several weeks. There were a lot of tears...
Hang in there!

Original poster
jaydensdaddy232 · 30/10/2018 08:26

Thank you for your support I will stick with it. All these tips really help.

OP posts:
KaroB · 30/10/2018 10:53

Also ended up going up to 30mg over a few weeks

Original poster
jaydensdaddy232 · 30/10/2018 11:17

Was yours for panic attack and anxiety?

OP posts:
Original poster
jaydensdaddy232 · 30/10/2018 11:18

And how long do you think I should take 20mg? My Dr said at 6 weeks and I should be settled?

OP posts:
KaroB · 30/10/2018 12:38

Yes - very regular panic attacks & 24/h anxiety.
I'd had it in the past and stabilised on 30mg so that's why dr suggested going back up quite quickly (so I did 1 week at 10mg & either 2 or 3 on 20, before going up again).

KaroB · 30/10/2018 12:41

I was also referred for CBT though waited several months for first NHS appointment so went to see someone privately before that came through.