Citalopram

[ashleybakerr01]

did anyone else's allergies go Haywire when they first started. I'm going into week two of being on it, and all week I've struggled and felt so miserable with sinuses. Has anyone else went through this too? And has it gave anyone else a high resting heart rate too? Since I started it my heart rate has Been up. I'm also only on 10 mg. Last time I was on this medication, I didn't have any side effects at all. And the other day I had a severe panic attack out of nowhere. Anyone else go through any of this, and how long did these things last after starting?

[Babe1213]

Hi AshleyBakerr01- I began taking citalopram about 8 years ago, because I was on a high mixture of prescription tablets and experiencing from them weird and not so wonderful side effects. From Day 1, I have never had any adverse reactions. The side effects quickly from the other tablets quickly settled down. I was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation just prior to starting the citalopram, and I have the same episodes now as I had before. I did develop a constantly 'runny nose' during the first lockdown, along with a 'gravely voice', which is still a bit gravely, however tests show nothing is wrong. Did your doctor prescribe Citalopram for you? If not it is worth asking him/her for a prescription anti-histamine.

[ashleybakerr01 in reply to Babe1213]

Yes my Dr prescribed it. I'm not sure if its just allergies or what. I have tonsillitis again, which sucks. This medicine has given me a higher resting heart rate. At times it feels as if my heart is beating out of my chest. I see Dr later today for throat though, so I'll be sure to mention it all to him

[ashleybakerr01 in reply to ashleybakerr01]

I also have a strong fear of medication interaction. Taking medication scares me. Ever since a doctor prescribed me something for my throat last month, I had an allergic reaction to it, and I've been afraid of taking medicines since then. I know that probably sounds ridiculous, but it terrifies me that whatever my doctor possibly prescribes for it today could possibly interact with my Celexa. Does anyone else fear these things?

[Babe1213]

It sounds like you may have been given an anti-biotic for your throat, (possibly penicillin) that either reacted badly as an allergy, or reacted to your other medication, either way it is helpful to read the accompanying information leaflet before taking anything. Usually medics check other medication before issuing prescriptions, and are very careful, but if what you were given was a 'first time use' and did not know not to prescribe that particular. In the same way it is helpful to tell your G P if you are taking any over the counter meds. Allergic reactions are most certainly not nice - my 50 year old daughter is allergic to NUTS and has to keep an EPIPEN with her should she have a reaction, it is scary to see her having to use it, so no you don't sound ridiculous at all, in fact quite the opposite if you are unsure it is right and proper to question your medic. For your heart rate beating very fast, it sounds to me - and I am no expert, but do have very senior Nurse Managers as granddaughters - and I ask them questions - that the possibility is the tonsillitis infection could have started your palpitation, and your healthy fight or flight hormones (adrenaline and noradrenaline) kicked in to ensure your body could cope. Once that job is done the residue of the hormone has to travel out of your body, and in its wake leaves a bit of confusion. This should soon pass, the best thing to do is sit down, take some good deep breaths, breathing deeply in through your nose and out slowly through your mouth, try playing a piece of music you may like, or imagine you are in your favourite place - garden, beech, let your senses work, 'What can you touch, taste, smell, feel, hear, see. You will come out of that safely. Let us know how it goes with doctor. xx

[ashleybakerr01 in reply to Babe1213]

Thank you for taking time to respond back. I have a fear of having allergic reactions . I will update about how it goes with my doctor.

[ashleybakerr01 in reply to Babe1213]

I'm also going to see if I can just have my tonsils removed because it's a reoccurring situation. I'm constantly dealing with these darn tonsil stones. It's so draining. It's the fourth time this year dealing with this. Just last month I had an issue with my throat too. I just hope the doctor will be able to help with this issue.

[ashleybakerr01]

just some bad sinus drainage dr said.

[blaster21]

I hesitate to give advice but my experience has been that the first few - let's say the first two weeks were very difficult and I nearly gave up but I have been assured that things will be better after 3 Months. There is some improvement after 5 weeks but episodes of discomfort.continue. I intend to keep going.

[ashleybakerr01 in reply to blaster21]

what dose were you started on? What side effects did you experience? I plan on sticking with it for at least a month because I know it can take up to four to six weeks to feel the full effects. Plus the side effects shouldn't last long. After a weak I had bad heartburn at first, now I don't. And the other day I had a severe panic attack, but I've seen others go through this too. It can get worse before better apparently. But I'm planning on sticking it out for a few more weeks and seeing how I do. Wishing you best of luck

[blaster21 in reply to ashleybakerr01]

I have been taking 20mg of Citalopram once a day. My GP seemed to think that I will be better after 3 Months on this medication - we will see!!

[ashleybakerr01 in reply to blaster21]

I wish you luck. So far I've been better when on this, and it's only been almost 3 weeks.

[RayannAbbey in reply to ashleybakerr01]

Hi l started citalopram 18 days ago on 10mg had severe heartburn teary tingly skin very weak and achy joints and muscles. Dr upped dose to 20mg had severe burning sensation all over my body so she had reduced me to 10mg again. Im like you and scared of meds due to side effects. Wake up in panic every morning did you experience any of this?

[ashleybakerr01 in reply to RayannAbbey]

I had bad heart burn bad on day 7. Then it never occurred again. My anxiety is honestly worse than ever. I never had this much anxiety prior to starting meds. I literally feel as if i can't do anything anymore and its sad bc I used to be able to go out and hangout with friends, now i can't. I also had the burning sensation after about a week. It lasted a little all through last week off and on. The side effects seem to come and go right now. I know they said it could be better before worse but i dont know if i can keep doing this not being able to go places and heightened anxiety

[RayannAbbey in reply to ashleybakerr01]

how long have you been on citalopram? I can’t stop crying too it’s vile. I’m on day 18 and struggling.

[ashleybakerr01 in reply to RayannAbbey]

Tomorrow makes 3 weeks exactly ive been on it. First few days i also cried alot. I had a bad mental breakdown a few days ago bc i tried going ouut with friends and had a severe attack and almost passed out. I felt insane..😥. And I feel bad bc i keep canceling plans due to this rn , fearing itll happen every time i go out. I dealt with anxiety pretty ok before celexa...now I can't deal with it unless im home, and even home im having random anxiety attacks. But i will say it did really help my depression a good bit. And i know it takes awhile to get past side effects and see the full potential, but its been almost 3 weeks and i just want it to all stop 😩. I wanna be me again. Go out and have fun again..but im still gonna try pushing a few more weeks to see if it gradually stops, as it can get worse before better. If it gets too much more unbearable tho I'm talking to my Dr about it

[RayannAbbey in reply to ashleybakerr01]

I really feel for you and truly can relate to everything you say. Fingers crossed it improves for us both soon. Have you been on any other meds before for anxiety?

[ashleybakerr01 in reply to RayannAbbey]

No i haven't. Im scared to try anything else. I hate change...it absolutely scares me. I don't wanna become a completely different person..i don't know if that makes sense. Im slowly going back to not barely eating again and its aggravating bc i was doing so well for like 2 weeks. I don't want to go through side effects again. I just feel as if im getting somewhat worse now and it makes me feel hopeless at times 😢 i hope it gets better for you. You can always message me i don't mind

[RayannAbbey in reply to ashleybakerr01]

ah thank you x I’m here too if you need to chat. Keep me updated on your progress. Did you say you were on 10mg?

[ashleybakerr01 in reply to RayannAbbey]

I will. And yes im on 10mg. Last time i took it, which was about 4yrs ago, i didn't have any of these effects

[RayannAbbey in reply to ashleybakerr01]

did you stick to 10mg then too?

[ashleybakerr01 in reply to RayannAbbey]

For a little Yea. Then I just kind of quit taking it, not even sure why I did but.

[RayannAbbey in reply to ashleybakerr01]

keep strong hopefully all will improve soon.

[ashleybakerr01 in reply to RayannAbbey]

I'm trying, thank you

[Valleyheath]

I’m going through exactly the same thing as you but on a different drug. Have tried citalopram and it worked for a few years. However new drug day 22 and still nausea and sleeplessness. Feel like giving up.

[ashleybakerr01 in reply to Valleyheath]

it took like almost 3 weeks if not 3 weeks to get over side effects. i hated it. I pushed through though only because I didn't want go have to do it again with a different one