Starting citalopram

[HiDaisy]

Hi
I've been prescribed 10mg citalopram for my anxiety. What's people's experiences? Has it affected your appetite, weight loss/gain, how effective has it been, do you take it at morning or night? So many questions!b

I’m on escitalopram which is similar (I think it’s a newer and more refined version of the drug).
My experience is that starting up is difficult. I had a lot of nausea, dizziness and strange symptoms initially.
I feel my appetite is reduced on it. I haven’t noticed any weight changes.
Mental health wise I’d say it’s extremely effective. I can hardly believe how badly I suffered before, and how ill I was.
I take mine at night.

Hello,

I started citalopram 6 days ago. I was also prescribed 10mg but I am terrified of taking medication and have put this off for 15yrs so I cut them in half and started on 5mg otherwise I'd never have taken them. The first 3 days I only had tiredness, fogginess but day 4&5 have been hard, diarrhea, nausea, massive increase in anxiety, really jittery/shaking. I'm going to stay on 5mg until these settle down. 6th tablet today.

Sorry forgot to say I've been taking mine in the morning.

Hi I just took my first this evening and I feel VERY strange. Jaw feels wonky (?!) and feel quite manic. Also sick and tummy ache. Hate this, not sure I can take these with a 2 year old

Yeah jaw clenching or tightness is common side effect to start with. Did the doctor give you anything to help with the side effects like diazepam or propanolol? If you feel you can't continue with the 10mg try what I did which is cut them in half and try 5mg for the first while. I'm on my 3rd week and still alternating now 5mg one day 10mg the next and so on to slowly build it up as I'm still terrified.

Doctor didn't offer anything for side effects. I've been off sick for my anxiety and meant to go back today but I'm not sure I'm stable to work?! Stomach not good and honestly not long after taking it I felt like I was going crazy

I have used it for about 8 months now and it has really been helpful.

Only side effects I had was a dry mouth for the first couple of weeks.

I take it during the day.

Glad to read that it's been helpful. My anxiety and OCD is affecting my work and relationship. I'm hoping that this pulls through and works for me too. Still feeling nauseous today and going to work which I do not feel like doing, especially when I take my tablet later

I’m on 40mg Citalopram and it has saved my life. I haven’t had many side-effects apart from dry mouth for the first few days.

My side effects have been lack of appetite the first week, extremely heightened anxiety symptoms after the 3rd day which lasted about a week (really hard, took diazepam to get me slightly through it).

Would like to stop taking these. I feel no emotions and can't cry which I know sounds like a good thing but it really isn't! I feel numb basically and have a headache. Also my skin gets so itchy and I get so hot when I take it. Just hate it

It does sound like a very swift and strong reaction, maybe these ones aren't the ones for you. You could call your GP and see what they advise.