So my doctor just prescribed Citalopram and lorazepam. I looked up Citalopram and it has quite a few side effects and im kinda nervous about it. It mentioned worse depressive/suicidal thoughts and acting on impulses and that scared me. Right now my head is slightly hurting and tense and it's only been hours since I took it.
What if this medicine makes me worse instead of helping?
Hi Lindsey, oh good, you did take it. It's better not to have read up on it since your
doctor ordered it. All medications, both prescribed as well as over the counter can
cause side effects. When we are sick whether physically or mentally, we need to
trust that the meds can make a big difference in our healing. Don't think negatively.
Work with the medication by relaxing, hydrating and letting it do it's job.
Let your doctor know if you have any adverse effects. I'm glad you took it tonight.
This may be just what you needed to start going forward and feeling better.
Relax those head muscles and watch tv or read so that you focus on something else.
Good Luck. I'm proud of you Lindsey for not staying stuck and taking that first step 
xx
It's ok, calm down. U most likely are not having side effects yet. Side effect lists are scary. Plz know most of these dont happen to most people. But psyching yourself out is not good. Your dr has measured the benefits to be greater than the risks.
Ssris can have some unwanted side effects at first. I tried a few last year and couldnt handke any of them. I ended up just taking lorazepam. But everyone is different.
I took citalopram and never had any side effects besides drowsiness which is why I took it with my night meds. I know that medications effect everyone differently, but maybe this can help ease your mind a little.
Did it help you at all?
Hi Lindsey I was exactly like you so scared of side effects took me weeks to eventually try it but so glad I did. I took mine for anxiety and it really worked and stopped all my physical symptoms along with cbt. Initially my anxiety was worse but not sure if that was anxiety about taking the meds or a side effect. I talked myself into taking them by thinking what was worse the anxiety stopping me living my life or a few side effects and if I didn’t like them I was in control and could stop taking them if I wanted. Hope this helps and good luck with your journey 😊
Most all antidepressants have side effects. I have been on antidepressants for 20 years, my meds said the same, however, I didn't experience the side effects. You can always ask the doctor to change your meds.
I started that medicine almost a month ago, after failed attempts with 2 other ssri's. Like you, I was very nervous about trying a new medication.
I won't lie, the first week was an adjustment period for me, and I was on edge. I was, however, titrated off buspirone in this same time period.
I am so happy I stuck with it, so far it has been the best at controlling most of my symptoms, with few noticeable side effects past that initial week.
Best of luck, hope it helps you as well!
Thank you very much!
I also was on the exact same meds. The other day I flushed all of my meds. Maybe I made a big mistake, but sick of feeling like a guinea pig trying antidepressant after antidepressant. Had a counselor tell me once how they only made her worse. Going to see what happens with an unaltered brain for awhile. I would say, proceed with caution.
Hey Lindsey14,
If you're new to both of these meds, you might not have noticed that the lorazepam will probably make you feel somewhat more depressed the day after you take it. For me, this seemed to last only a day or two, but it was an unpleasant day or two.
Also, don't take the lorazepam any more than you absolutely have to, to help you with anxiety. You don't want to develop tolerance issues. They can get nasty. I don't know why, but doctors never warn you about this.
Don't expect the Citalopram to help quickly. If it helps, it will take 4 to 6 weeks to notice the improvement starting. The first day or two is often uncomfortable on a new antidepressant, but for most people the problems go away soon after.
I am so glad this forum is here for us to help each other. I didn't have anyone to ask questions of when I went down this path, and the doctors aren't doing enough to answer our questions. Anyway I would rather talk to someone who's been there, done that to hear feedback. Of course after your doctor advises you.
All the best.
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