Citalopram

[Suzie16]

I have been taken off propranalol because it can aggravate psoriasis and put on Citalopram for anxiety but i have uncontrollable shaking. Has anyone else suffered with this side effect and will it go away? So tempted to stop taking them as the shaking is awful.

[1stfootforward]

I took it years ago had few side effects (yawning, slight trembling, jaw movement, dry mouth, crazy sleep patterns n vivid dreams blah blah blah) never really had shakes as described like... Just a case of weighing up the pros and cons speaking with your gp, best of luck 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 post back how you get on if you can, I have mirtazapene, sertraline here but scared to take them after reading side effects! I've tried going back to citalopram but I really don't like them anymore, they just don't seem to work with me anymore, make me worse! I'm on propranolol for anxiety but find it gets less effective as your body gets used to it... What are your thoughts on propranolol?

[1stfootforward in reply to 1stfootforward]

Anyone experience any problems with propranolol? Thanks 💯

[laylaj141 in reply to 1stfootforward]

The biggest problem i find with propranolol is that it makes me sweat big time :/ v embarrassing and a bit repulsive if im honest. I find that it works most effectively when i take it on an as-needed basis, only use it when i absolutely have to or i know that i will be in a situation that i find stressful. Maybe you could speak with your GP about upping your dose? Since it's a beta-blocker all it really does is act as a depressant on the body but doesn't always have a subsequent effect on the mind and my psychological feelings of panic and distress, I still feel anxious all the time and let my thoughts can run away from me. I find meditation really helpful, the headspace app is brill. Also you could have a look into positive affirmation? It's like hippie mantras and stuff but i feel it helps change my mindset. Best of luck xo

[1stfootforward in reply to laylaj141]

Thanks for the reply laylaj141, apreciate your input... Yeah that's what I think I'll do from now on, puzzled though, as was told that if I take more than 3 x 40mg in a day it may stop my heart...? Apparently its effect is that it slows your heart rate down... My anxiety at times really goes in to light speed and my ability to cope with it! Like you said, I still have the anxiety inside me but the propranolol (when it's working) really takes away the flushes, the beating heart, all the other feelings just go so although I still don't feel good the fact that I can appear to be ok helps me ride the storm until it passes, I've taken it like 3x40mg at once as it didn't seem as effective. This did the trick but I was really taking a bit of a mental gamble aas I thought it could slow my heart too much... What do you think? Am I right in thinking that or...? Thanks again 🙂💯👍🏻

[laylaj141 in reply to 1stfootforward]

No problem, I'm glad I can be of help :D. If you still have the leaflet that comes in the box with the medication you should have a wee read through. You can take up to (but not exceeding) 4x40mg of propranolol per day but not all at once (unless advised to do so by a medical professional), every four hours or so. The effects of decreased anxiety will be more noticeable the less propranolol you have already in your system from a mental perspective due to the contrast of the body being in a state of stress and then calm, if that makes sense? Only take propranolol as advised by your doctor and as the leaflet says, this way you know you will be safe. Unfortunately propranolol can't cure anxiety, its merely a tool to help the body reach a state of calm. You're right in saying that it does slow heart rate, it also decreases blood pressure which in turn makes the rest of the body systems slow down and relax. Citalopram is a serotonin re-uptake inhibitor which essentially increases the levels of serotonin (i like the name 'the happy hormone :)' ) in the brain. It's the go-to that doctors prescribe for anxiety and depression. If you're looking for something to help with the mental feelings of anxiety citalopram and other antidepressants are an option to look at with your gp if you feel it's right for you, propranolol isnt a cure all - although i wish it was! I've just recently started taking citalopram after exhausting all of my other options, the only thing ive noticed so far is that i'm hella sleepy. I have family that have been on it and other antidepressants, they say that they're funny because when you're on them you feel better (because they're working) and feel that you no longer need them, then when you come off them everything spirals because they didn't realise that the reason they felt better was because the drugs were working. Just because something works for one person, this doesn't mean it will work for another so it's really a case of trial and error until you find what works for you. hugs, layla xo

[Kaw142]

Hi I was put on citalopram 2 weeks ago and I was shaking nauseous upset tummy bad anxiety and no appetite. I couldn’t cope!! Doc gave me lorazepam to take for next couple of weeks until my body gets use to the tablets . I’m on 10mg a day x I’m calmer less anxious sleeping ok and no shaking. I’m on propranolol too and have been since last year with hrt !!!