Citalopram positive stories please

[MrsP2118]

I have been suffering with anxiety and panic for 10 weeks which has led to me feeling really low and not wanting to do anything. I was prescribed citalopram 10mg last month but was too scared to take them but it has gotten so bad again (it comes and goes in waves like every 2 weeks and lasts a good week and a half to two weeks when I’m having an episode)

I bit the bullet on Thursday and took my first tablet so due to take my 4th one tonight, general side effects so far have been mild headaches some slight nausea & a dry mouth. Will the side effects increase the further along I get? If anything today I have felt more calm moments than down and anxious moments - is it possible to be having a positive effect on me this quickly and will it make me feel like my normal outgoing self again soon?

I’m due to take my 5th tablet tonight, no horrific side effects to note only very mild ones. No real change in my anxiety or mood yet (only couple of hours of release during the day) but I know it’ll take time and need to remember not to get frustrated that they haven’t kicked in yet.

I found it gave me enough of a lift that I could start doing all the other things that are good for your mental health, like exercise, fresh air, hydration and healthy eating. That then lifts you a little bit more because you’re looking after your body and giving it the things it naturally needs to work properly. You deserve that.

I just need that release from the morning anxiety, panic, dread and feeling like I can’t breathe it’s utterly exhausting. I managed to walk the dog this morning but was so tired after that I stayed in bed till 2pm (probably not helpful I know)

It will take a few weeks to kick in - hang in there!

Do ask your GP about the best time of day to take it too. Can make a difference in terms of when you need your mood to be lifted.

I'm on 40. It helps me to function day to day, and I don't cry as much as I used to.

I’m on 20mg and like others it saved my life, kept me from becoming agoraphobic.

GP advised just before bed when I’m really tired and ready for sleep that way I can sleep through the side effects. Once I’ve come
Through the initial side effects I can change to taking it in the morning.

The fact that most of these replies have been positive have helped massively. Just need the next few weeks to pass so I can hopefully start feeling like the old me

Taking the 6th tablet tonight so nearly a week in, no side effects to report and although the anxiety was there in full force this morning it wore off quicker than normal. Still out bouts of that sad sinking feeling throughout today.

I remember the dry mouth and, bizarrely, feeling oddly tall on and off for a few weeks when I started on citalopram. Kept going with them and then suddenly just felt like myself again one day. Hope you have a story as good as mine one day 💐

7 tablets taken so far and dare I say I’m noticing a difference already I can’t believe it, still having the morning anxiety but it’s definitely not as intense and severe, still having sad thoughts and that sad feeling but not coming as frequently and I am feeling more like myself everyday and that I’m able to just cope and not hide in bed until the feeling passes.

So pleased for you @MrsP2118, well done for taking that leap of faith!
That’s the problem with anxiety/depression, it tries really hard to convince you that you can’t beat it - it’s like a parasite or an abusive partner I suppose in that way. You absolutely can, as long as you get the right help and give it a chance.

It’s obviously still there but I’m not noticing it as much but it is still really early days, hopefully in a couple more weeks I’ll see even more differences.

@MrsP2118

It’s obviously still there but I’m not noticing it as much but it is still really early days, hopefully in a couple more weeks I’ll see even more differences.

Well done OP.

If you have a wobble in a few weeks of if on some days it doesn’t feel like it’s having the full effect - deep breaths, remember it’ll get better again. Some days the sad comes back and overwhelms the medication - that’s normal, it’ll kick back in again soon.

*or if on

Thank you! 10th tablet tonight and although the anxiety was in full force again this morning it wore off and I’ve felt ‘myself’ for most of the day nice and calm. The sadness feeling seems to come over me more when I’m with others and out of the house it’s very odd. It’s like that ‘homesick’ feeling only way I can describe it!

Day 10 and honestly today has not been great, I know it’s early days and I may have to up my dose but I only have tablets is 10mg form so I’m wondering if I finish the course of that and move up to 20mg or if I can double up on the 10mg

You can just double up on the 10, but always better to check with your doctor first before doing it. You’re only ten days in - give it time to settle at current prescribed dose. Hang on in there!

Day 11&12 definitely better, can’t say I have anymore or any side effects. Yesterday and today I woke up without my usual morning anxiety and panic. Yesterday was better than today but I didn’t sleep well last night and I’ve noticed that has a massive effect as today I’ve felt a bit low, empty and off…. But not anxious!!!!

Well done @MrsP2118. Sleep or lack of impacts my mental state hugely. I’m glad the citalopram seems to be working.

I felt instantly better on 10mg citalopram. The next day I woke up and felt different. I could handle the side effects - jaw clenching and headaches, so stayed at 10mg. The only thing that wore me down over time was headaches- its important to stay hydrated as it keeps these at bay. The downside of keeping well hydrated is that it dilutes sodium levels and citalopram is known to lower sodium levels, so I found myself needing to keep blood sugar stable (eating more frequently) and ensure to salt my food which I normally wouldn't. Low sodium can give you fatigue, that is my theory why I was so tired initially on citalopram. However the body adjusts naturally to balance sodium and after about 6 weeks I wasn't so tired. To be honest I didn't mind feeling tired as it was better than the crippling anxiety! I'm about to taper off citalopram as I am in a better place. It really helped me. Good luck.

Anyone go through side effects again when increasing their dosage? I’m going to do another 2 weeks at the 10mg and increase to 20mg as per doctors advice if I feel I need too just didn’t want to be back at square one if I increase the dosage

Day 19 and feeling good! Still having on and off feelings of sadness but it’s so so rare now and when it happens it doesn’t last long!

So glad I stuck with it and started these tablets!!!

I have taken it and also a close family member is taking it for anxiety…it really has helped both of us . Fatigue was main problem for first couple of weeks …hope you are feeling better soon and it’s great you are getting treatment.💐

It really does seem to take a while to kick in but everyday I’m starting to feel more like my ‘normal’ self and actually enjoy things again and feel relaxed!