First week on citalopram, anyone else?

[ClaireJDOJ]

No horror stories please!

Is anyone else going through the initial side effects of citalopram? What day did you notice the side effects start to subside? I’m taking about the extremely tired zombie feeling, buzzy twitchy feeling and blanket of anxiety! I know it takes around 4-6 weeks for them to really take effect but man these early side effects are pretty exhausting. I’m on day 4 today and just taking one day at a time.

I’ve been where you are fairly recently. My anxiety went through the roof the first couple of weeks but did gradually settle down over the next two. By six weeks I felt much better and had clarity of thinking like I hadn’t had in months.

To add…the first fortnight was pretty hellish.

I was on citalopram for a couple of years and the effects never really went away. In the end i found the side effects worse than the anxiety. Give it a week or so but if it's not getting better there are other ones you can try.

I should add that I know citalopram works for me as I’ve been on it before a few years ago. Except back then I didn’t notice the side effects as much because I had no pressure to get things done during the day and I spent a lot of time resting. This time around I have 2 year old twins so it’s an entirely different experience…

I'm on day 13 and the side effects have massively subsided over the last day or so. My first time taking them, when am I likely to start feeling the benefit anyone know?

@SCIAGx that’s so great to know thank you. In my past experience it took a good few weeks to really feel the positive effects, maybe around 4 weeks, I hope you get there soon.

@ClaireJDOJ thanks, you too.

I had to stop taking them back in July time. I got to day 5 and felt extremely anxious and agitated. I couldn't keep still, couldn't stop rocking. Horrible thoughts. It was horrendous. My GP told me to stop taking them. I'm not on anything now although I think I should be bit I'm too scared now. Sorry not help. Mt friend said she felt like that but they did eventually work really well for her.

Oh the zombie tiredness! I remember it well. Only lasted a week for me and was SO worth it. Hang in there.

@Tiredmum100 aw I’m so sorry to hear that. These initial side effects are really rough, I promise they do pass though and then things get much better. It’s just so unfair that an anti anxiety medication makes you feel MORE anxious at the start.

@BananasAboutBananas thank you hopefully it’s just a week for me too! It’s the worst part for me, it just makes it impossible to get anything done.

Hi @ClaireJDOJ, how are you feeling on them now? I just started today but same as you, was on them a few years ago but don’t remember the side effects but this time dealing with two small children so it’s harder this time! Hoping to hear a positive story to keep me going as I really need something to reduce my anxiety

What dose are you on? I started on 10mg for the first week. The idea was to increase but I stayed at that level. I was tired for 4-6 weeks I'm afraid to say but it did lift. Try and be consistent with the time you take it as that does help.

Just come off them as it was time. I am really whoozy coming off them! But it will pass.

@MistySkiesAfterRain I have also started on 10mg. Took the first tablet in the morning but that night I had the most ferocious anxiety so barely slept - despite feeling sleepy most of the day, so yesterday (day 2) I took it at night and although I didn’t sleep great, it was an improvement so I think I will stick to evenings for now. Just desperate for some relief to the constant thoughts and physical anxiety. I have a toddler and a baby so it’s very hard and I’m waking just dreading the day, counting down hours until bedtime, it’s awful