Bladder spasms/problems as a side effect of Citalopram?? Anyone had this??

[owlstwooting]

I'm taking Citalopram, started recently. It's doing great at helping with my anxiety, but from the day after the first tablet I've been getting really bad bladder spasms. My bladder will go into cramp and feel urgency. It's happening very frequently. I don't have an infection or anything, I am sure it's the citalopram.

Had a few other side effects, which were ok, but this one is bothering me.

Has this been a side effect for anyone else??

Hi. The side effects I had were anorgasmia, loss of sensation in the urethra and a dry mouth. The dry mouth went after about a month, and the rest took a cool six months to sort itself out. I would say it was likely that your introduction to citalopram is in fact the cause of your recent symptoms. If you haven't done so already, google the side effects to find out if anyone came up with solutions to reduce them.

If the drug is working for you and you feel you could cope with the side effects for now I think it is wise to give it time.

Bit of a late reply, but I have this with my combination of sertraline and pregabalin - ME means that I already have a diagnosis of interstitial cystitis, and it is definitely exacerbated by the meds.

However - I need them. The best advice I can give is to keep drinking fluids. These drugs can affect your kidneys and liver, and dilution tends to improve cystitis-like symptoms. They seem to act as diuretics (no clue if they actually care, NAD), but this has really helped me.

Aloe vera juice, cold peppermint tea... I hope you get relief. It sucks.

Thank you both xxx

@GinnyLane it's interstitial cystitis I have too. It's mild according to cystoscopies but still painful. It's on and off, but has been 'good' for at least 6 months before starting citalopram. I really need to keep taking them as my mental health was extremely bad before I started. Past 2 days haven't been so bad bladder wise so hopefully getting used to them. They definitely did cause a flare. Thanks for the advice to drink more. I have been drinking as normal but noticed my pee is more 'concentrated' so I'll try to drink more.

Hi Owls, I hope that you're feeling better.

For me, hydration is key, but drug interaction and side effects are a very personal experience.

Best wishes