Citalopram: Hi. Hope everyone is ok. I have... - Anxiety Support

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Citalopram

ali1983 profile image
8 Replies

Hi.

Hope everyone is ok.

I have been prescribed citalopram 10mg but due to anxiety I am way to scared to start it. Has any been on the same thing and can share anything about it? Side effects etc?? Im debating starting on only half a tablet as im petrified, any feed back would be fab!

Thanks

Ali xx

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ali1983 profile image
ali1983
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8 Replies
ali1983 profile image
ali1983

Thank you. I have been given them for my anxiety as i tend to catastrophise averything and its happening more and more. Im just worried about having awful side effects that stop me doing my day to day bits? I work and have a daughter and dont want to stop our day to day life

Xx

CharlieOde profile image
CharlieOde

What doesn't work for one person may work for another, alot of people on here will tell you that.

Myself it threw my emotions round alot so I stopped after a few days, but it is supposed to be one of the most tolerant.

However don't go by my experience as every anti depressant/anti anxiety medication I have tried I have hit a side effect from 😭..

Wishing you well.

foxglove_pnw profile image
foxglove_pnw

Each person is different! I am on Lexapro ! Talk to your doctor about your fear . Start slow !

Are you scared of new medication in general ?

Bilabong profile image
Bilabong

If you are worried how exactly this drug is going to work on you, then Im afraid no ine can give you a correct answer. Not even your doctor.

That said, citalopram and other SSRIs are taken to reduce anxiety. You may experience side effects that are 'incidental' and will pass in a few weeks and you will start reaping the benefits of the drug thereafter. But you definitely wont turn into a vegetable nor a maniac impairing your daily life if thats whats worrying you.

I have used it and it's pretty standard with most SSRI medications aimed at anxiety and depression. If it helps you to feel more confident in doing so, go ahead and try half the medication. 5 mg likely won't have you off to the races, but I think it will help you feel more confident in taking the prescribed amount. Everyone experiences their own side effects, feelings, and the time until some side effects actually disappear with continued use. Like Bilabong mentions, you won't turn into some horrible monster on it. The only thing to watch, and this is with literally every medication in the universe, is if you have a rare drug allergy. I would give it a thumbs up to try because the sooner you get started, the sooner you'll be able to tell if you can get relief from it. This medication and many in the same class usually take about a month to feel relief as the medication builds up in your system. You may feel some initial side effects that are common, but they usually subside. Check the included pamphlet from the pharmacist for the common side effects...they're usually dizziness, possible weight gain or loss, sexual/libido issues, sweating, insomnia, or feeling tired. And as always, watch drinking alcohol on these meds as that can make the side effects or your anxiety worse. Best of luck and I hope it ends up being a solution for you!

4fishylady profile image
4fishylady

The doctor has given it to you for anxiety. It won't help unless you use it. My experience with Lexapro, which is similar, took 3 weeks to take effect. Since I was also extremely depressed, he added Xanax for a few weeks until the Lexapro took effect. Your fears are hindering your progress to feeling better. You need to take the medicine.

Luna49 profile image
Luna49

I was stupid amd stopped taking celexa.on day 5 wjen i had some increased anxiety that waa quite umcomfortable. I think if i had xanax i would habe gotten through it simce the first 4 days went pretty smooth. If it shows up on my genesight test I may restart it with some ativan or xanax by my side!! My sister did and had only some mild dizziness in the first week only now she loves her new and improved self. She developed severe anxiety and depression after surgery. I have had it since I was a teen and used to self medicate with mj. I cant ebem smoke it now due to my heightened amxiety which it makes worse. Good luck to you, you can do this!

Luna49 profile image
Luna49

Excuse my darn typos sheesh. Been a long day and my eyes are a bit blurry, hands a bit shaky!

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