Citalopram : Please can anyone give me... - Anxiety and Depre...

Anxiety and Depression Support

92,587 members86,434 posts

Citalopram

Shops profile image
20 Replies

Please can anyone give me advice I have been on Citalopram for 6 days and my anxiety is worse I wake up in the morning in a panic bathed in sweat I’m trying to persevere but side effects are awful I feel like a burning sensation and then sick should I stop them?

Written by
Shops profile image
Shops
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
20 Replies
Jiwa profile image
Jiwa

Hi. I remember well my first week.on citalopram.It was even worse. I wanted to stop taking it but decided against it and felt better after 3 weeks. Back to normal. It happens quite often that first it gets worse before we feel any benefits.

Can you try and wait one more week ? Just think you are ill and the medication needs time to kick in. Do not overthink..

Shops profile image
Shops in reply toJiwa

Thank you I will try another week

Rosco49 profile image
Rosco49

As Jiwa says, it can take 2-3 weeks to settle down and feel real benefit. I have had an uncomfortable relationship with anti-depressants for about 25 years now, I'm currently experimenting with so called more natural ones, but begining to realise that they all, natural or not, give you some unpleasant sensations especially in those early stages as your brain gets used to the changes. You will be okay, but I totally get that you don't feel that right now, horrble as it is, try to think of it as just your brain adapting and give it some more time. I really feel your anguish, have been there myself and probably will be again. One piece of advice I would offer is to half what most Doctors prescribe as a starting dose, (discuss with them first). I was put on 20mg years ago and the anxiety was way too overwhelming, in my own experience, (not a medical expert, but know plenty about what has/hasn't helped over 25 years). Turned out even 10mg seemed too much for me, even though my brother has been on 20mg for years and it has given him a new lease of life, even though we are brothers, our own brain chemistry, lifestyle, outlook, metabolism, severity of anxiety/depression etc all have an impact on how it works. If I was to go back on them, which I may well do , I will take few weeks at 5mg, then few weeks at 10mg once the first lot beds in. This idea of tapering is particularly important if you decide to come off them now or in the future, you must gradually reduce, (taper) over a longer period, which will reduce and manage withdrawal. This medication does work for most people once it settles and I'm sure it will for you too, these scary feelings will start to dminish soon, take your time, be kind to yourself and know what you are feeling is actually pretty normal, though I know it sure as hell don't feel it. Love and light to you!

Shops profile image
Shops in reply toRosco49

Thank you I’m on 10mg so will persevere

Jiwa profile image
Jiwa in reply toShops

Please do. I remember the day when I felt like you feel now. I was at work and tears were rolling down my cheeks. But I managed to hide and nobody saw me. I persevered. Take care

JennWoo profile image
JennWoo

Hey. Unfortunately that is just what you have to go through to get to the other (& better) side. I have been there and I know how much it sucks. Keep going with it and your body will start to get used to it. Your head is probably spinning, anxiety or depression is worse and you just feel generally unwell but it will pass. Trust me on this. The best thing to do is take it easy and push through :)

Sorry that you have to go through it but it will start working soon.

Shops profile image
Shops in reply toJennWoo

Thank you I will try

Shops profile image
Shops

Thank you all I’m just scared can’t get out of bed or eat

Rosco49 profile image
Rosco49 in reply toShops

That is understandable, but you will get through it. I found keeping a diary helped, , nothing fancy, just jotting down when you take your tablet, how you generally feel that day and anything particular that felt good or not so good, I do 3 wee emoji faces, Sad, Okay ad Happy, as this is the way it will go for you. If you thinkabout it, you are in phase 1 now, soon phase 2, which will quickly link into phase 3, with some toing ad friowing inbetween, not quite as linear as I suggest. That way you can hopefully see small positive shifts in your mood and thinking, it is also good to have this on paper for next time you see your GP and for your own reference as you will be finding it hard to focus just now. Hydration and herbal teas like chamomile and Passion flower are always a good idea, best wishes.

Shops profile image
Shops in reply toRosco49

Thank you I will try all

Lindsey14 profile image
Lindsey14

I just got prescribed the same stuff

Shops profile image
Shops in reply toLindsey14

How you finding them Lindsey?

Lindsey14 profile image
Lindsey14 in reply toShops

I haven't taken it yet, scared to

Shops profile image
Shops in reply toLindsey14

I hope I haven’t put you not everyone reacts the same way I’ve always been sensitive with tablets

Lindsey14 profile image
Lindsey14 in reply toShops

No no, its alright❤

_Alex_ profile image
_Alex_

I got a reduction in anxiety from the first dose. By day two, I was pretty freaking high on the stuff. However, that may not be a common reaction.

I believe doctors are allowed to give you a couple weeks worth of benzodiazepines to cover the initial increase in anxiety. That doesn't mean any particular doctor will do it for you unfortunately.

Shops profile image
Shops in reply to_Alex_

Are you still taking them?

_Alex_ profile image
_Alex_ in reply toShops

Got switched off citalopram quite fast by a psychiatrist.

Jiwa profile image
Jiwa in reply to_Alex_

They don't like prescribing benzo. It's a shame because they're soo helpful in situations when you feel almost suicidal and your tablets don't work because it's early days...I know they're addictive but let's say 5 tablets would do no harm

_Alex_ profile image
_Alex_ in reply toJiwa

Yeah, they don't like prescribing them these days. But I'm fairly sure it's within guidelines in the UK to prescribe at the start of a new antidepressant.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Citalopram

I am quite traumatised as Citalopram almost killed me. I had to stop it cold turkey in November....

Citalopram

Hi guys. I was just wondering if anyone could share their experiences with taking citalopram? I am...
Rox92 profile image

Citalopram

So I've been on my citalopram for 4 weeks today for my anxiety. Is it a good sign that the meds are...
Rox92 profile image

Citalopram

Citalopram question. Does anyone split a 20mg dose between morning and evening? I am taking 10mg...
Iizzy profile image

Citalopram?

I have been prescribed this, and I keep putting it off, my doctor is probably getting fed up with...
maxine71 profile image

Moderation team

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.