On Citalopram, but feeling awful.

[TheodoresMummy]

Ok, this is only day 8 on the Citalopram, but I feel really awful.

I have been feeling sick since I started them. Also exhausted and getting headaches. Feel quite teary too. Feel very lonely today also...

How long do the side effects last for ?

Is this normal ?

Would I be better off trying different ADs ? But which is best for what ?

The sun is shining. I could be out in the garden. I could have gone swimming or to the gym this morning (DS at nursery), but feel too low to leave the house. I have to go to college this a-noon, can't be bothered, but will have to because if I don't then I will feel even worse...

I didn't feel like this yesterday or the day before. Feels like i'm getting worse.

Thank u for kind reply
Day 11 now on 20 mg
My nervous stomach weren’t as bad today but still that nervous on edge feeling so took 2mg Diaz got up had a drink and sat in garden
I am gunna stick this out and pray they start helping me
I am due to go Drs in few days to review meds etc
But I feel so foggy headed still like a drunk feeling but then it goes sooo weird
I am hoping these are the side effects
I suffer with health anxiety so anything scares me
I am also worried bout taking Diaz as don’t know if it’s interacting with cit x
Any ideas ?
Xxx

Hi @Lampshade123
I'm going through a very similar experience to you.
I came off Citalopram mid April after tapering, when I restarted in June after a breakdown I got the horrendous side effects you speak of. My GP switched me to sertraline but I'm still not right. Like you feel on edge all day, beings me to tears several times throughout the day, and then by about 8pm the symptoms settle.

I'm no expert, but I would try and stick it out and not make any other changes to the citalopram - you'll want to let your nervous system settle down (that's my plan).

The GP can prescribe a non-addictive sedative if you are worried about the diazepam.

All the best, hope things settle down for you soon

Thank u for replying
Yes it’s a horrible feeling isn’t it and the butterfly’s in stomach
Every morning I get this and last for a fair bit
But during the day it settles
I also find I wake up crack of dawn it’s awful
Just wanna be back to me again
I am hoping these settle as it’s day 12 on 20 mg cit xxx

How are you doing OP? I started Citalopram yesterday 10mg and felt awful. So sick and anxious. Dr has suggested I just take 5mg today and had given me some Diazepam to help.

I've just been given a prescription for 10mg Citalopram - ironically I get very anxious about taking new medication so the doctor gave me the prescription and said I could think about it for a while and come back if I really couldn't face taking it. Thing is I've had CBT and counselling to not much effect so I think I need to try, I'm just scared of the side effects.
@NewName123 sounds like your side effects started almost immediately? Have other people had the same experience?

Yes they did a few hours after taking the first dose. I took 5mg yesterday and 5mg today and no nausea. Just feel more down than before I started taking them maybe. I am going to stick to 5mg until the week end and then up to 10 and see how I get on. You could even start on a 1/4 of a tablet and see how you go?

Hi
Sorry slow reply
I am still on 20mg but I stupidity halved them to 10 for a few days and missed few days
But went Drs yest and told him I am still so anxious
Blurred vision sometimes and dizziness feeling
He checked my heart and bp and all was ok
I asked for blood tests as feel something else is going on
He gave me diazepam to take at night but I tend to take in morning as that’s when I feel soo bad
I been on cit now at least coming up to 3 months
Should I go up
Hope ur feeling better

Ps
I have non existent appetite

Omg
U get that drunk feeling too
I get that bad like I am wearing someone’s glasses and vision weird also unbalanced
And no appetite
Been on 20 just over a month and 10 mg before that
I still feel panic and anxiety in mornings till it settles in evenings
I take diazapam in mornings 2mg to settle me
I also have lost my appetite
Any ideas and will this get better