Took my first antidepressant today

[Imamumgetmeoutofhere]

Following a consultation with my GP last week and being diagnosed with depression and anxiety I was prescribed 20mg of citalopram. Due to lack of sleeping at night I was advised to take it in the morning.

I'm looking forward to feeling better but concerned too as I've heard some awful things about side effects. I'm so worried I'll feel worse before I feel better. Any tips on these early days incase I find it hard?

Thank you

Hi, I started out on 10mg citalopram and I've recently had the dose increased. Some people have no side effects but I will admit the first 2 weeks of me taking citalopram wasn't grearlt but now I'm a 2nd month in and I'm seeing the benefits. Ride the waves if you can and you will start feeling a little better.

I had a rough 3 or 4 days on all the ADs I've been on. Drink plenty of water and try and eat little and often. Get plenty of sleep. Peppermint tea is great for if you get nausea, also if you get a dry mouth there are mouthwashes designed to help that. Try and push through the rough bits because after a couple of weeks you should start to see the light.

I went absolutely manic and couldn't sleep / impulsive and giddy behaviour for the first few days. It did settle down.

My head has been hurting for a few hours and I'm really thirsty. Could be coincidence but it's enough to need pain medication.

I really hope I don't get the "dramatic" side effects, I couldn't cope with feeling suicidal/ wanting to harm myself / feeling manic / euphoric. I just want to feel normal again

The headache could be a side effect but also stress/anxiety etc can cause headaches.

Its easier said than done but my advice would be not be too ‘on alert’ for side effects if that makes sense.

And definitely take pain killers if you need them.

Try to take each hour/day as it comes, knowing that you’re getting closer to feeling better. Look after yourself in all the usual ways too.

I'm still so headachy I could cry. Though I do appreciate this could be work related / stress and anxiety related. It just seems coincidence it has peaked after 2 tablets. I've felt a bit "jittery" too, sort of like I've got a sugar crash shaking. But it goes within a few hours of taking the tablet.

Here's hoping I feel better and don't need to increase my dosage 🤞

I wouldn’t worry too much about that OP. I think they just give you all the warnings as obviously anyone taking AD’s will already be in a bad place.

Hope you start to feel better soon ❤️‍🩹

I found my mood went down slightly for the first week or so, then I started to feel gradually better.
This might not be the medication for you, but it's worth sitting it out to find out. Maybe take a few days off work if you're feeling especially awful?