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Original poster

Advice from people who have taken Citalopram

319 replies

Sara1235 · 21/08/2022 10:19

Hi everyone

I am now on day 3 of taking citalopram and I've started to think I've made a big mistake these side effects are horrible nausea, no appetite, stomach ache, burning sensation, intense anxiety, faster pulse, dizziness, just want to cry all the time.

Does anyone have any advice on how they got through the first week / 2 weeks? How long is it this intense for does each day get better?

Thank you

OP posts:
Original poster
Sara1235 · 22/08/2022 19:55

@Choccyaddict4eva

Thank you for your kind words I'm going to try and engross myself in something to stop these irrational thoughts who would have thought such a small little pill could have such an affect on a human body!

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DiscoStusMoonboots · 22/08/2022 19:57

Hi there, can't lie - the first couple of weeks were very tough. The best thing I did was take afternoon naps and just give in to what my body needed at the given time. It does get much, much easier and (for me) the gains were worth it. Best of luck x

Original poster
Sara1235 · 22/08/2022 19:58

@ValerieDoonican

Thank you for sharing your experience. What did the Diazepam do, does it make you sleepy? I'm hoping 10mg will be enough along with therapy.

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froufroulala · 22/08/2022 20:05

Life changing for me also. I have been on 40mg but over time I am now on 20mg. I used to take it at night but now have it in the morning. Stick with it and hope it helps you soon.

cstx89 · 22/08/2022 20:10

Hey - been on this for many years and it helps my anxiety so much. Try and stick with it! X

Original poster
Sara1235 · 22/08/2022 20:12

@DiscoStusMoonboots

Thank you for your message it's giving me some peace of mind that it's rough going but does getting better I'm just sorry for anyone who has / have been through it I feel like I am losing my mind I've never felt so much fear before xxx

I'm hoping I get to post in a few weeks that it was all worth it and thank every single one of you for your supportive messages and helping me see light on the really tough days!

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Original poster
Sara1235 · 22/08/2022 20:14

@froufroulala

Thank you for your message I've been taking mine in the morning but I have held off and will take it tonight before bed as alot of people have said it helps so here's hoping 🤞

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Original poster
Sara1235 · 22/08/2022 20:15

@cstx89

Thank you I'm going to use this thread as motivation and a reminder of what others have done to get through! I'm glad they have worked for you anxiety is the pits!

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ValerieDoonican · 22/08/2022 21:02

I found valium 'took the edge off' a bit - just enough to help and only took it for a few days. It just made me calmer really. Very small tablets, just 2mg iirc. I don't remember feeling especially sleepy, but admittedly it was a while ago so I may have forgotten.

mawofone · 22/08/2022 21:17

I'm on 10mg and for the first few weeks experienced nausea, headaches etc... but defo came out the other side and the benefits outweigh the negatives.
I increased to 20mg but found that was too much for me. It's hard to describe but I felt as if I had dulled and was quite removed. At 20mg I had terrible diarrhoea as a side effect as well. So I went back to 10mg.

If you can, stick with it! It's short term discomfort for long term gain!

Original poster
Sara1235 · 22/08/2022 21:21

@ValerieDoonican

Thanks I'll see how I go on but good to know others meds can take the edge off if needed!

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Original poster
Sara1235 · 22/08/2022 21:24

@mawofone

Sounds like you had a rough time aswell! I'm glad your through the worst of it and feel better on the 10mg!

Day 5 tomorrow 🤞 not too many more days like today its definitely been the worst one yet! Praying I don't get another panic attack in my sleep right threw me off!

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jaysusmickeyandjoseph · 22/08/2022 21:47

I'm on sertraline - also an ssri. The first two weeks were horrible but please stick with it - I started feeling better after that and now a year old n I feel like the person I used to be x

jaysusmickeyandjoseph · 22/08/2022 21:47

That should have said a year in hah ha

ValerieDoonican · 23/08/2022 07:51

Hi Sara I've just realised I misremembered the size of a citalopram tablet - they're 20 not 10 aren't they? So double all those numbers I gave you! (I think I did wean myself down to half a tablet for quite a while once I was better, but Ive been on and off them a few times over the years)

CantGetNoSleeeeeeep · 23/08/2022 08:53

Can see you have had great advice so won’t repeat. I second taking a night. Kept it on my nightstand so didn’t forget to take it! the side effects wear off. Peak around 2 weeks then by 4 weeks I started to feel better. Hang in there it’s a marathon not a sprint. Keep talking

Original poster
Sara1235 · 23/08/2022 10:29

@jaysusmickeyandjoseph

Thank you for your message it's great to hear your feeling like your old self I'm looking forward to feeling the same it's a big decision going on tablets isn't it one I really hope pays off!

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Original poster
Sara1235 · 23/08/2022 10:33

@ValerieDoonican

They are 10mg yes I'm thinking should I split them in half? I really wish I was writing I had a good night but I had to come down stairs I had a couple of panic attacks and the anxiety was overwhelming I think I got to sleep about 2am this morning I know it might take a few days for the switch to settle.

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Original poster
Sara1235 · 23/08/2022 10:34

@CantGetNoSleeeeeeep

Thank you for your message the support on this site is truly amazing I am very thankful to you for taking the time to send encouragement.

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ValerieDoonican · 23/08/2022 10:42

Hi Sara honestly I can't remember for certain now what dose I was prescribed to begin with, but I do remember breaking them in half or even smaller to get me started. I wouldn't change anything too drastically but maybe try just one half this evening? Disclaimer I am not a doctor.

Perhaps a better course of action might be to call the GP and ask for some help to ride out the side effects. Do beware though valium or similar might make you too drowsy to drive. It didn't do that to me but you'd have to take it judiciously. I don't think it stays in the system very long but again, IANAD. You could certainly try calling them up and asking them for advice I'd have thought?

Original poster
Sara1235 · 23/08/2022 10:50

@ValerieDoonican

You read my mind I've called the doctors and have a callback this afternoon with them thank you for your advice!

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Livpool · 23/08/2022 10:53

I don't actually remember having effects when I started on mine - although I was an anxiety-ridden mess who was eating barely one meal a day.

They saved my life - I mean that

Original poster
Sara1235 · 23/08/2022 10:58

@Livpool

Thank you for your message! I'm really glad they helped you in such a strong way I know I need to be strong and get through these next few weeks to feel the benefits like you all!

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Original poster
Sara1235 · 23/08/2022 16:31

So the doctor said to stay on 10mg and if its still not any better by next Friday to review as it will have been 2 week and they said the worst of the side affects should be over and more managable. Been really fuzzy headed today lost 7lb in 5 days eating is really hard work which is probably adding to the light headed feeling doesn't help with having Health Anxiety that I have this constant feeling something bad is happening to me tension headaches are quite bad today aswell 😔 it's my other half birthday and I've not even been able to celebrate properly I feel so bad x

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Elliejane · 23/08/2022 16:51

@Sara1235 hi I am in exact same boat with escitalopram too today . Not had much replies on my post so assume most people do citalopram instead . I too have lost about 6lb in a week . The lack of appetite is hard . I feel sad today more than jittery