Citalopram 6 weeks on anyone

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I'm probably more like 2 months in and I have to say I think it's helping. The first month was hell. I broke down to the GP who told me that it's really common to find the early days hard. I've managed to not overreact to things as much, I feel less overwhelmed, the break from the constant negative thoughts has helped. I've been walking more and even booked a gym programme next week. It definitely improved when I started to take it at night before bed. I still feel low level tired, but not as much like I want to sleep all day. Its just a relief to be honest, no gloating or taking for granted. I'm on 10mg.

DH started straight on 40mg. It took about 6 weeks before I first saw changes, and he got better every month up to 6 months when he was fully better.

Yes it helped me but 10mg isn’t even a clinical dose. I’m on 20mg. I’ve tried to get down to 10 but accepted I need 20. I think it was about 3 months in that I realised I felt ‘normal’.

I was also completely exhausted and drained before I took it. I went off it but the exhaustion returned (but not the anxiety) so I am now on it permanently. It’s wonderful!

Not sure what a "clinical dose" is but 10mg is often prescribed as starting dose or for specific issues see NHS infonhere <a class="break-all" href="https://www.google.com/url?q=www.nhs.uk/medicines/citalopram/how-and-when-to-take-citalopram/%23:~:text%3DDosage%2520and%2520strength%26text%3DThe%2520usual%2520dose%2520of%2520citalopram,be%252010mg%2520once%2520a%2520day.&sa=U&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwjzre_j6emHAxUUUEEAHe54OQEQFnoECBUQBQ&usg=AOvVaw2A80fLC3oTTTUFKRNXAyms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">citalopram . I am on that much and still (after a few years) notice changes v quickly if i miss (ie when i forget, so not conscious or deliberate and looking for change).

anyway I take it in the morning because it affected my sleep,interesting to hear about tiredness as i am permanently tired, but the break from the spiralling thoughts is just amazing. Long may it last for you.

Apologies for stupid long link!

Have you had your bloods tested? I also had low iron and vitamin D at the same time as needing citalopram. High dosage supplements massively helped with tiredness

@RiksBottom my GP told me 20mg was the lowest clinical dose, which I took to mean the lowest proven effective dose

My vitamin D and ferritin are really good as I eat a good amount of protein and take vitamin D most days. Last November I think my ferritin was excellent.

I think the tiredness is generally being deconditioned and sugar bingeing which I've now swapped out. I don't know. I could sleep for a week. More consistent sleep is on my list of things to improve on as I get better. I'm actually feeling less great today but I did 30,000 steps yesterday! I'm working more on my diet this week.

I took up swimming initially on going on it and now go to the gym as well and regularly swim 2/3k around a lake. I could never have done that before I took citalopram and obviously doing these things also help alleviate depression and anxiety.