Citalopram and increased anxiety/agitation

[Vicss]

Hi I've been on 10mg citalopram for 10 days and 20mg for 21 days and all I've had is increased anxiety and depression and loads of side effects. My anxiety and depression and side effects have all got worse with each increased dose and now my doctor wants to increase the dose as she just thinks it's my original anxiety but I know it's much worse. I also have awful agitation. Did anyone else have this after so long and then it improved?

[Ffaiers]

Yes I did. You need to get to the correct level of citalopram you are going to take then after around 6 weeks it all starts to work & you will be a lot calmer.

I was the same as you at 1st. Side effects don’t last so please try your hardest not to let them overwhelm you or stop taking them.

I promise that it does get better & I honestly couldn’t be without citalopram now.

I wish you all the best.

[Vicss in reply to Ffaiers]

Thank you so much! Did you get really bad shaking and agitation/restlessness/twitching particularly in your legs?? It’s driving me crazy literally x

[hepman in reply to Vicss]

Hi, I am having the same issues. Increased anxiety and panic, restless insomnia and some dizzy spells. Taking zopickone yo sleep but that only gets me 5 hrs. Only on day 6 of 10mg si, I hope that they ease as I can barely leave the house. I too will try to hang in there.

[Vicss in reply to hepman]

I sleep better on 20mg. Yes the same as me. Do you get twitching in your legs and arms?? I am struggling to leave the house whereas I could before..... I will try to hang in there with you x

[hepman in reply to Vicss]

Thank you for that as I live alone and have hardly been out except for appointments. This all came to a head when I was having bowel issues and of course thought I had cancer. While trying to ease my panic and anxiety waiting for the procedure I injured my back. As I am off work I can't tell them that I injured my back as they would cut off my sick pay. This has led to more anxiety. Went to a chiropractor and he seemed to make it worse. Went to my old chiropractor and he says that I was misdiagnosed and is starting different treatment. Cue more anxiety. Sorry for droning on but just texting with friends about the issue causes panic. They just don't understand and get frustrated with me cause I can't just "suck it up".I hope it eases for you soon as it's a completely horrible thing. I'll hang in there with you too!

[Vicss in reply to hepman]

Yes I totally understand what you mean about friends....I have some really nice friends but they are used to me being well, very chatty and giggly and the listener and it has been hard for them to understand that I’m trying my hardest already but I’m just not able to crack on with it. I have been able to before as I’ve always thought I was quite resilient but something simply happened very quickly to make me ill, can’t really explain it. I feel for you and I get it. I’m not surprised you struggled after all your stress and I really really hope the citalopram will help you love. Thinking of you and keep me posted if you want ❤️❤️ Xx I am all over the place at the minute...feel really unco-ordinated but I do try and get out for a walk and that helps xx

[hepman in reply to Vicss]

Thanks for your kind words, they mean a lot. The isolation is the hardest right now. The days seem like weeks. I hope that you also get where you need to be. I'm all over the place as well mostly edgy and the lack of solid sleep doesn't help at all. I miss people although being around them makes me anxious and being alone makes me anxious. I'm usually pretty gregarious despite the underlying unease. Hang in there! I hope the sun shines on you again.

[Vicss in reply to hepman]

Yes I can totally relate to this...your experience is mine exactly. We will be ok if we keep getting up and trying I promise ❤️ Thinking of you xx message me when you want xx

[hepman in reply to Vicss]

I certainly will!❤️

[Ffaiers in reply to Vicss]

Yes I was very shaky & restless. Twitching not so bad. I owe my life to citalopram & please believe me that you will too. Take care & my inbox is always open x

[Vicss in reply to Ffaiers]

That is so kind of you...you might regret that!! My twitching is really bad! Did you get some at least and if you did did it go away?? Very foggy headed too and finding it hard to concentrate and I could concentrate really well before. Glad to hear you have done so well on it. My psych wants me to add a med but continue but I was wondering about switching. What dose were you on and how long did to take to work and the side effects go away? Xxx

[Ffaiers in reply to Vicss]

I’ll inbox you x

[Vicss in reply to Ffaiers]

Sorry also were you taking it for anxiety, depression or both? I’m really taking it for anxiety x

[Ffaiers in reply to Vicss]

Anxiety but they both go hand in hand really x

[Beardie88]

Hi! I've been on citalopram for about 9 months now and yes it was pretty bad at first. I didn't have the twitching like you, but dizziness, nausea, restlessness, feeling agitated. It wasn't nice but you have to bear with it and the side effects should drop off 🙂

[Vicss in reply to Beardie88]

Thank you I will ❤️ Xx

[Vicss in reply to Beardie88]

Has it helped you with anxiety? Xx

[Friends31]

Hi how you getting on now? I am thinking about starting medication but scared too