Citalopram!: So I've been put on citalopram... - Anxiety Support

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Citalopram!

2sara1 profile image
18 Replies

So I've been put on citalopram today by my doctor but I'm worried about the side effects! Is anyone else on them?

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2sara1 profile image
2sara1
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18 Replies
cld6 profile image
cld6

Hi Sara,

I took citalopram for 6 weeks starting in December. I've since changed medication, but like you when I was first prescribed them I was extremely worried about the side effects. The important thing to remember is that you won't experience every side effect on the list - you may not even experience any. I had some confusion/ inability to focus (only for the first 3 days) and a bit of sleep disturbance but that too wore off.

Definitely don't worry too much about it, if you do get any side effects they shouldn't be too bad, just a little bit of getting used to

Clare

leveller profile image
leveller

I was on Citalopram for about a year a few years back. for me the first couple of weeks it made me feel a bit weird as if I was looking down on myself. After that, I didn't notice any major effects other than maybe it "dulled"me a little. I had similar weird side effects when I came off it. But give it a try and give it a few weeks before you decide it's not for you? (sorry for any weird words sometimes my phone auto changes things for me!) X

Hi Sara I started on citropram 2nd Dec they have been a life saver. I didn't want to take them the first couple of days I had a pounding headache,felt sick, couldn't eat, couldn't sleep these got less please give them a go I have terrible trouble with medication I keep checking for side effects. What mg are you on. Take care. Xx

2sara1 profile image
2sara1 in reply to

im on 20mg, took first one last night..didnt really have any side effects other than being thirsty alot and a little bit shakey! also had giant pupils all day! still got that horrid overwhelming heart palpitations and shakes but managed to calm it down so it didnt ruin my day x

in reply to 2sara1

Hi Sara did the doctor tell you to take it at night. I take mine in the morning. Xx

2sara1 profile image
2sara1 in reply to

yeah she did! maybe i should change it to the morning then!x

in reply to 2sara1

Hi Sara I think most people take it in the morning. Take care xx

Sapphire3 profile image
Sapphire3

Hi Sara, I started on Citalopram 10mg, felt no positive results. I'm now on 20mg and they seem to be working quite well for the depression. However, I do get the side effect of not being able to sleep very well and also strangely I really need to pee a lot more frequently, not sure if that's a side affect :S but it stops and starts with the timings I take the meds (between having the 10/getting the 20mg I had a break - I was unsure whether to carry on with the or not. The needing to pee all the time stopped then. Now I'm back on them the needing to pee a lot has started again - seems like a side affect). The struggling to sleep is quite a popular side affect, but I've not come across anyone with the peeing thing yet :S Anyway, side effect or no side effect, I'm happy to have a bit of the black cloud lifted. You should be ok, I should doubt anything bad will happen anyway. Good luck :) x

Kelly37 profile image
Kelly37 in reply to Sapphire3

Your not on your own I've been taking them for the last 15 days and the last 2 days all I need to do is wee all the time xx

Healthanxiety101 profile image
Healthanxiety101 in reply to Sapphire3

The need to pee is definitely attributed to the meds. I've been on citalopram twice over the past 5 years and each time I get to 20mg and usually a year into taking them, I get the constant need to pee. I decided enough was enough and stopped taking the meds, around 3 weeks ago but the peeing still remains. Its not a coincidence. I've seen many other people on forums complain of the same thing. I suppose its all how your body handles these things. It's very frustrating though like the urge never goes away. Apparently SSRIs can interfere with bladder contraction which would explain the peeing. It also takes a month or so for your body to adjust being back normal. These meds where great for me, for a time but the constant peeing sensation isn't worth it for me. I can't enjoy anything.

Kimmieblue profile image
Kimmieblue

Hi Sara

Like Cloggs and Sapphire I am also on Citalapram and have been for while. They work very well for me and I don't suffer any of the side effects.

I also worried about taking meds but the alternative for me was a definite no no! I couldn't cope with the anxiety etc.

I hope you give them a try because I'm sure they will help you.

Put it to the back of your mind that you are taking meds and you will soon start to feel normal if you know what I mean!! All the best x

ilovemyboys profile image
ilovemyboys

I am also on citalapram I got a bit shakey in the first week of taking them which soon passed but other than that thery are fine x

joe69 profile image
joe69

Hi....am currently on Citalopram on which am on 125mg Nightly....

Do I have any side effects? Then No, I've been totally fine with it, been on now 10mths. My Psychologist would like for me to increase it to 250mg over these coming months.

Take care

Joe

Helpmebirmingham profile image
Helpmebirmingham in reply to joe69

Hi Joe. I was told the BMA only gives the green light to a maximum dose of 40mg per day?

Rosa2019 profile image
Rosa2019 in reply to Helpmebirmingham

I read the same thing.

iwuvjesus profile image
iwuvjesus

Hi sara. I know that meds are always scary to take. And when we do take them we are always looking for side effects. But I think you should give them a try, they might make you feel better. We all deserve to feel better. Good luck and god bless.

Helpmebirmingham profile image
Helpmebirmingham

Morning.

I have been on Citalopram for 3.5 years now. I started of on 10mg them went up to 20mg and after 6 months I was on 30mg. At my worst I was on 40mg per day. I am now back down to 20mg at night. I have only had manageable side effects.

The side effect are a breeze compared to anxiety. My experience of Citalopram is pretty good. I would suggest you give them a go. I think I started to properly get back to reality after two or three months.

It is a very widely prescribed medication.

I hope this helps in your reservations.

Rosa2019 profile image
Rosa2019

I have been taking this medication for 3 years now and have had no side effects. I was so depressed and anxious when my son lost his brave battle with cancer that I was an emotional wreck. This medication I credit with saving me from a life of misery and regret.

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