Starting on Citalopram 5mg?

[UniqueLilacDreamer]

Hi, I am about to start 10mg citalopram for minor depression and anxiety, has anyone ever started on 5mg and worked their way up to 10? I am scared of side effects

Yes, I’m on 10mg at the moment and have been for about 8 months. Was on it for a year or two 10 or so years ago. I didn’t really experience any side effects but you have to remember that unfortunately they don’t have an effect for a few weeks. I hope they work for you and you start to feel better soon.

Thank you for replying :) Did you start on 10 or 5? I tried them about a month ago starting on 20 and had awful side effects so going to try and ease my way in this time

I went straight in with the 10mg. Maybe the 20s were just too much for you, hopefully the 10s will be more gentle.

Yes I did last year, they don't make 5mg tablets but I used a pill cutter and took 5mg a day for two weeks before moving up to 10mg. I did still get side effects if I'm honest but it made me feel more comfortable to do it this way. After 3 months on 10mg I moved up to 20mg as the doctor reviewed it after 12 weeks and I didn't feel any difference. 20mg works far better for me. Along with the occasional propanolol.

Yes I plan to cut in half for a week or so, do you remember what sort of side effects you had? I do have propranolol here too as previously was prescribed them so if side effects get bad I can also take those

My side effects were increased anxiety, especially physical symptoms, so shaking etc the propanolol definitely comes in handy for that. Lack of appetite was also another symptom, I lost like 5lbs, which I couldn't really afford to lose as was already very skinny.

Im 13 weeks in now, my mood has improved and I feel mentally better but my anxiety is still bad. It was about 8 weeks before I started to feel better but I was very unwell to start with

@UniqueLilacDreamer if you look in mental health under escitalopram (citaloprams cousin) there are a few of us at different stages sharing it might help x

Aww great thank you I’ll have a look! X

@UniqueLilacDreamer welcome to our group! Also there is a citalopram forum on Facebook if you have any questions

Thank you so much!! Picked up the tablets today and can’t cut them in half so looks like I will be starting on 10mg 😢