Citalopram 20mg really bad side effects

[AnikaMum]

Hi all, I know there are lots of other threads about this but they are quite old so I would like to know other people's experiences with this meds.
I got prescribed Citalopram 20mg for my anxiety and panic attacks, this is my 2nd day on them and I take them in the morning. First day on them I had a massive panic attack where I called the GP crying saying I was feeling weird and I was dying. He then got me to go there and prescribed Diazepam 2mg to help while Citalopram is not working. Took the Diazepam and helped calming me down (makes me really quiet and talking is a mission). Today it happened again, I felt highly anxious and really struggled to not have a panic attack, also have a really dry mouth, shake a little and I'm completely off food, feels like everything tastes disgusting. Has anyone experienced this too and how long did it last for? I'm so worried that with Xmas being next week I'm not going to be able to cope with all the family and my panick attacks. Today my mum came from abroad for Xmas and I went to see her, I lasted 3 hours there, kept fighting my anxiety and ended up calling my husband to pick me up and take me home. I dont want to ruin everybody's Xmas

@shitwithsugaron I'm sorry you went thought that and your ex not supporting you :( for what I've been reading lots of people get bad side effect and God they are so hard to deal with. My partner could not understand why I'm not leaving the room and feel so shitty till I explained to him that this are normal side effects to the tablets, now he is being really supportive. Hopefully today will be a good day.

Merry Xmas all and thank you for all your msgs xx

Hi OP. Please don't panic. It will subside. I had the same for the first 3-4 days. In fact, I had to call DH back from work as I thought I was going to die with the panic.

But my lovely GP reassured me it's actually a sign they're working, as they're starting to alter the brain chemistry.

Please stick with them. You'll get through it and I promise you'll feel even worse if you come off.

Citalopram has been one of the best things that I have done and it helps me no end.

@mincePieGetInMyBelly thank you. Today is my 4th day and I only got a little anxious about 1 after I took it. Still a bit ligh headed. Got my tastebuds back so managed to eat properly for the first time in 4 days, didnt eat much but it was lovely to be able to taste the food.
Must admit reading everybody's comments is helping so much. Thank you all so much.

Hope you all have a lovely Xmas

@shitwithsugaron

I've always had a drink (or few!) on citalopram and been fine, but the official advice is not to drink.

I think the two things of concern are a) alcohol effects can be worse whilst taking them and b) it can stop the meds working as effectively.

Personally - I would enjoy a baileys. Or two! Just pace yourself and be guided by how you feel.

I take mine at night as well, though I have done since the beginning so I'm not sure as to the comparison to the morning. I'm glad to hear you're starting to feel a little less anxious, OP- those first few days are awful but hopefully you'll feel the benefit soon

Was going to say try taking it at night but its been suggested already

I love citalopram ❤️

I've been on it for a few years now and found it's fine to drink. The side effects at the start of taking it do fade and it's great for anxiety.

Side affects lasted about 10 days for me and I spent a lot of it in bed, but found that it worked brilliantly after that.

That's brilliant OP, sounds like they are starting to do their thing - fabulous news 😍

@shitwithsugaron - I drink on Citalopram - didn't for the first few weeks, but certainly don't give it a thought these days, I just drink what I want when I want.

I have been on Citalopram 20/30mg for years. It is a life saver for me. I suffer from dreadful anxiety.

I had side effects for the first two weeks. Which faded quite quickly. I would recommend taking them in the evening before you go to bed, then you hopefully sleep through the worst of it (if you sleep well). And start taking 10mg a day to begin with, increasing to taking 20mg and 10mg on alternate days. Then obviously 20mg daily.

I hope you are able to work through the side effects. It’s worth it x

I took it over ten years ago and had horrific side effects - insomnia/felt like my head was full of concrete!! Sick everywhere - lasted a week before stopping.

For what it's worth I think talking to the GP would be sensible tomorrow as there are so many different types out there.

I'm
Taking diazepam for a back injury and it makes me lovely and sleepy!!