Please or to access all these features

Mental health

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

Citalopram side affects

10 replies

Ruddyfedup · 01/02/2021 11:50

Ive never got on with sertraline, dont think ive ever managed longer than 2 weeks on it but gave up with them a few years ago. I was struggling last year (most likely PND) and Dr prescribed Sertraline again. I never took them but dug them out last week as i felt i needed them, within 7 hours i was jaw clenching, i felt high and i was shaking. I didnt take them again. I work nights and i have a fairly long drive, so lack of sleep or feeling sleepy is dangerous, plus due to the nature of my work, i need to be on the ball or i could kill someone or get them injured, loosing my job and probably worse. So side affects of AD make me pretty anxious and reluctant to take them. Ive been reading up on Citalopram and quite open to giving it ago, but wanted to ask what side effects people had had from it. I thought about getting signed off work if i needed time to adjust but thats not something id do willingly, i need to work, its a break from home and i actually get to talk to people, use my brain and i enjoy it.

OP posts:
Ruddyfedup · 01/02/2021 15:46

Anyone😔

OP posts:
Messinhead0942 · 01/02/2021 15:48

I've been on them previously and got on really well. About to start them again so hopefully I don't have any horrible side affects..

I hope you get something that helps you

iklboo · 01/02/2021 16:03

They've literally been a lifesaver for me. The only real side effect was some jaw clenching in the early days, but even that wasn't too bad.

Ruddyfedup · 02/02/2021 09:31

Thanks for your replies, i spoke to my supv and explained the above. Shes good as gold, completely agreed with me and said if i need to be off, then im off. Just makes me anxious thinking about it

OP posts:
Lynsy · 02/02/2021 09:33

Hi , I’ve been on citalopram for a few years now and had no side effects or problems with it what so ever it literally changed my life and would definitely recommend trying it . Good luck

mommathatwearspink · 02/02/2021 09:37

I’ve been on Citalopram (10mg, 20mg & now 40mg) for over 2 years. It was a lifesaver for me and pulled me out a dark place. I’m a changed person because of this medication. I have gotten on with it really well and I didn’t really have any side effects. I do occasionally still get the jaw clenching and now grind my teeth a bit at night but otherwise I don’t notice anything other than my mood being much more balanced.

SoCrimeaRiver · 02/02/2021 09:37

I found it made me feel woozy when I started, so first couple of weeks, and I seem to need to get up at night to pee more often since I started, but no other side effects at all.

DayBath · 02/02/2021 09:37

The first couple of weeks was really difficult but all side effects resolved after that completely. My advice is whenever you take any anti depressant to find a way to power through the first 2-3 weeks as this is really common, perhaps get signed off sick for a fortnight.

The side effects I found most concerning were disassociation and mental numbness. I couldn't have used my brain much at all for even basic maths, I took longer than usual to process what people were saying to me and my reaction times were slowed so driving was dangerous.

It's such a strange thing that all the side effects vanished but that's what the GP said would happen and she was right! Can't cope without it now, keeps me sane.

Ruddyfedup · 02/02/2021 10:31

Ive been severely depressed and i dont think i am currently, i just feel stuck in a rut, no desire to do anything, like ive put my foot in puddle and i havent taken it out, anxiety probably is worse too. I work nights and i have to drive 25 miles each way on the motorway and i have to be fully awake and functional at work at all times too, plus im juggling 2 kids at home during the day on minimal sleep.i was planning on splitting the dose to ease my self in before putting it up

OP posts:
Pizzafortwo · 02/02/2021 11:36

I started at 10mg I really recommend this. I actuallt stayed at that level. Be aware I was vv tired for a month.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page