Citalopram turning point - please 🙏🏻

[Stickworm]

When did citalopram really start working for you? I’m on around week 2 of higher dose (20mg moved up from 10). Side effects have mostly settled, still have a bit of heightened anxiety in the morning and insomnia at night but mostly manageable. However I’m struggling to find joy in anything, I used to be able to st least appreciate the small things but now I just don’t feel happy at all. I’ve felt like this for some time and I’m desperate to feel better. I have two small children and I feel like I’m wishing their childhood away by not being able to enjoy them or be in the moment. When did you really start feeling the benefits of citalopram? I was on 20mg years ago and they saved me back then but I can’t remember how long it took/when the turning point was. Would really appreciate some positive stories 🙏🏻

Hopefully bump

DH first felt a change at 4 weeks, he felt better every week then up to about 6 months.
He started straight on 40mg many years ago, now on 30mg.

I would say it took me about 6 weeks until I felt it was really taking a positive affect. I definitely felt worse before I felt better.
Fingers crossed for you. I hope you start to feel better soon.

Thank you both that’s reassuring

6 weeks for me too. Stick with it.

Interesting @Woofie7 ... I used to have awful RLS when I was on citalopram (and fexofenadine) but never realised there was a connection!

First time I was on citalopram I felt better from day one... second time it was bang on 6 weeks. Hang on in there OP, don't care what the masses (that have never tried it) say, it's a game changer!

I was prescribed a higher dose on Friday. From 20 to 30. I feel so horribly groggy. I'm hoping it will only take a few days. Anyone else have this?

Reassuring to know upping it has helped others.

I’ve been prescribed this to try and feeling worried. Will it kill my libido? Affect fertility? Cause weight gain? Make me feel numb all the time? Or am I just too scared of change and worrying unnecessarily? Would be great to hear success stories - trying to avoid reading the actual side effects lists in case it puts me off

started on 10 then went up to 20 mg two weeks later and it took 6 weeks to feel the positive effects, then went up to 30mg due to a very stressful time and within a week I am feeling the best I have for years!
mum of two teens/peri menopausal/separating from dh and buying a new home x

About 6 weeks, then loads better. By 6 months, no side effects at all. Would happily take it forever now.

It made me feel a bit numb physically which made me not able to orgasm for a while, which sort of effected my libido (not completely). That passed after a few months and now I feel great. Still cry, get angry etc but a healthy amount. Depression and anxiety feels gone. Would happily take it forever.

That said, everyone is different. Sertraline didn't agree with me. Give it a decent run and if you don't like it, try a different one.

Also, SSRI's don't affect fertility.

For me it was quite quick I think - 10mg didn't work but once it was upped to 20m I felt better in 2 weeks, and all the side effects stopped too.

to you at that lack of joy around DC. I remember that so well and felt such guilt for it. But your joy will come back and you will appreciate it so much.

FWIW, I had to come off citalopra, after several years and moved to Prozac which took ages to kick in - about 3 months. Everyone reacts differently. Hang in there.

Thank you for sharing everyone - really helpful to hear from people irl. And really encouraging that any side effects do fade after a few weeks.

And sounds like it’s been great at mood stabilising? Mine are so erratic at the moment, the constant anger and tears are getting me down - don’t recognise myself

Hang on in there @JellyJolly ... if my experience is anything to go by you will suddenly realise that you are no longer experiencing the extreme emotions that have plagued your life and held you back. You will realise that you are really quite invincible and can start living your life again. I was on them for 8 years or so and will forever be an advocate for the good that they can do.