Citalopram

[loupielou1]

Hi has anyone been or is on citalopram? Can you give me an insight on how they've worked or not worked for you? My doctor has prescribed me it but I'm anxious to take it

[HangingOver]

The first few weeks were hell in earth but I absolutely adore it now. All my natural optimism is back.

There are some annoying side effects like it's hard to have an orgasm...and... although not a reported side effect...I definitely agree with anecdotal reports of it being harder to maintain interest in what people are saying!

I love it though

[Notsomellownow]

I tried it for the first time last week and couldn't tolerate the side effects at all and had to stop. Unbearable anxiety, sickness, dizziness and very negative thoughts. I started on 20mg which is probably quite a high dose.
It really seems to work for lots of people if you can push through the first couple of weeks though. Others report no side effects at all. Perhaps try to clear your schedule a bit so you can get plenty of rest if you need to. Good luck with it!

[HangingOver]

Take them at night though or you'll be nodding off in the afternoons at first

[dizzydizzydizzy]

@loupielou1

Do you feel it helped you feel more confident in yourself?

No but counselling is helping with that.

[knittedwithme]

Hi
Sorry to hijack the thread.
I started citalopram 10 days ago as my doctor thinks I Have PND- personally I think I have very bad anxiety, always have.
I didn't have high hopes as I have been on seteraline before and it made me feel terrible.
I have to say citalopram has certainly taken the edge off, my husband has noted I am calmer... the only thing I'd say is I often feel quite "flat"? And the bone crippling exhaustion is really hard to contend with, not to mention the fact I have twin babies to look after!

Can anyone say when they found their energy levels increased as I am wondering how sustainable it is to carry on like this, despite feeling an improvement in my moods?

I am on 10mg at the moment so started on a low dose.

[BeanyBops]

Yep life saver here too. Takes a couple of weeks of adjustment wobbles, I think I remember feeling a bit whoozy and spaced out, sometimes nauseous, but that disappeared. I was on 40mg for a couple of years. Worst thing it does is make me sleepy so waking up is a bit harder, although I managed fine before i had a toddler. Now it's a bit harder because I'm up in the night with my daughter too. But it's better than the crap anxiety/depression sleep I used to have.

[Nannylp]

This stuff changed my life. I spent 15 years being depressed then after a breakdown 8 years ago my gp prescribed citalopram. I do remember feeling a bit weird and fuzzy for the first few weeks and went from 10 to 20mg after the first month. I remember the pharmacist telling me to persevere through the initial side effects.
The change has been incredible though, for the first time in my life I felt 'normal'. I've been on it through 2 pregnancies and breastfeeding and have no intention of stopping.

[knittedwithme]

Hi
Can I ask what usually triggers an agreement between patient and doctor to increase dose? Do you eventually start to dip and need more or is it just normal to increase over time? I'm currently on 10mg so I know that's low...

[loupielou1]

@knittedwithme I've started a day ago and I feel like a zombie and so tired and no motivation. I'm not sure wether I can continue with it as I had motivation before I was on them but now I just feel blah

[knittedwithme]

@loupielou1 I hear you!! Getting out of bed today was a massive struggle. I'm hoping this fuzz will fade.

[TiredDonut]

It has changed my life.

The first week or two are a bit odd. I had a strange thing where I kept yawning but it didn't cure the urge to yawn, I can't really explain it but was really strange!

I had crippling social anxiety and I look back now (3 years later) and I can't comprehend how bad I was and how my life is so much better now. I still take it now and have never looked back.

I appreciate it will be different for everyone but I'm not exaggerating when I say it gave me my life back.

[HairyScaryMonster]

It was life changing for me. I was anxious and unable to focus on work. Getting intrusive thoughts of self harm. 2 weeks later and I was suddenly patient, less snappy with the kids and not on the verge of tears all the time. I had vivid dreams and was exhausted for a couple of weeks and then it kicked in.

[redambergreen70]

I was on Citalopram for 3 years and it honestly changed my life. I came off it in November because I had felt fine for a long time. Unfortunately things have been creeping back in and I’ve been prescribed it again as of today.

[DrBrennerFan]

I’m not long off it but not going back on.

[User89174648495]

I started 3 weeks ago and just wish I’d started 20 years ago.

[Nannylp]

Keep in close contact with the Dr who prescribed it for you but it definitely takes a few weeks to get used to. IME the worst of the side effects subsided after a week and it was so so worth sticking with it. You could try chatting to a pharmacist too if you're concerned.

[Nannylp]

@User89174648495

I started 3 weeks ago and just wish I’d started 20 years ago.

This was my experience too, I wasted so many years of my life feeling rubbish and trying to 'tough it out'

[LunaTheCat]

It literally changed my life - the awful feeling dread and anxiety, the constant panic, the feeling that something terrible about to happen - all gone. No amount talking helped and citalopram was a miracle.

[Shallysally]

@knittedwithme it depends on how effective you feel your current dose is with managing your symptoms.
If you feel that you are still having low mood and anxiety and these are unmanageable then have a chat with your GP.
I’ve recently had an increase, I’m on escitilopram, due to finding therapy tough going. Don’t struggle, it’s definitely worth making an appointment.

@loupielou1 well done for starting on them. They do make you feel out of sorts at first. As PP have said, so try and ride the initial few days/couple of weeks out.
Your body will adjust and hopefully you will start feeling better, both mentally and physically 💐

[loupielou1]

I feel quite wobbly when I take it and become clumsy like I'm drunk if that makes sense and then I get so spaced out and unmotivated, my body feels heavy that I want to sleep by the afternoon. Is this normal. I'm not liking this feeling and I've only taken 2 days.

[Shallysally]

@loupielou1 are you taking it at night? Sounds like you need to then you will sleep the affects off.

[Shallysally]

*effects

[loupielou1]

@Shallysally no I'm taking them in the morning

[Shallysally]

Ah ok, definitely try taking them at night.

[loupielou1]

@Shallysally would that mean I have to skip a day so I don't have 2 in one day?