Escitalopram

[Dianne19]

I have been on escitalopram for 6 weeks now when I go to sleep at night I start seeing lots of coloured objects coloured lights zig zag lines and shapes . I'm not sure if this has to do with my medication or have I started seeing things. I'm not sure whether to tell my doctor about this and should I be concerned about this ?

[Hidden]

Hi. Dianne. Drugs can do this but it would be a good idea to talk to your GP. I do know that flashing lights and colours can be caused by anxiety and may not be the result of drugs. The eye muscles are very delicate and any bit of stress can upset them. Blurred vision is very common in the anxiety state as are twitching eyes (very disconcerting). Just another symptom of this rotten illness. I still get what I call 'the zig-zags' now and then. Had them for many years while in the throes of GAD. I just accept them now. They always pass. But! It can be really frightening if there is not real explanation and we do get frightened do we not!

It is very, very unlikely that you are 'seeing things' but have your eyes checked by your GP if only for reassurance. Good luck and blessings. jonathan.

[Poppy45]

Hi Dianne,

I've been on Citalopram which is almost the same and had a barrage of different side effects including tinnitus. I would definitely go to your doctor, I would almost guarantee you're not 'seeing things' but it's either a by-product of stress as Jonathan says or as you suggest a side effect.

I found that my citalopram side effects did fade after a couple of months - but that was my experience, if it is a side effect and you're feeling like it's too much then, with your doctors support, perhaps explore a different medication to find the right fit for you! All the best!

[Hidden]

I am on the same tablets and have just looked the Patient Information leaflet that comes with them. It's longer than War & Peace, but on there, it lists "Abnormal Dreams", "Difficulty Falling Asleep" and "Visual Disturbances" so I guess that is what you're having.

Maybe mention it to the doctor or pharmacist, ask if you should be worried, it's not usually a reason for coming off the drug as it is not likely to be harming you, just an unpleasant side-effect. It will probably wear off in time, but so speak up as they may alter the dosage if applicable.

[Pennylayne]

Hi Dianne, it's almost certainly the medication and you are not 'seeing things'. The medication is only now being fully built up in your system as it takes at least 6 weeks and after that it will take a few more weeks for your body to get used to it being there.

If you think about it, it has to be pretty impressive a drug to alter how we feel so hardly surprisingly there are extra sensations etc.

The good things is that these normally settle down given time.

I had hearing 'hallucinations' when I started Citalopram. I used to wake up at night and hear a choir singing in 4 part harmonies. I actually thought that a TV or radio had been left on in another room at first, I could hear it clearly but not loudly. There were other strange side effects too, some visual, dreams were very vivid and colourful too.

If it doesn't settle down eventually you should speak to your GP as Jonathan mentioned earlier but usually it does go away as you get used to it.

[TeamDB]

Just to add another voice of reassurance I too take Citalopram, a remarkably similar treatment from time to time just to take a break from moving through some of our more challenging symptoms during the winter months.

Again I always find in those initial weeks the side effects include very vivid dreams, visual sensations and all manner of other sleep related or bed time side effects but only for those first weeks. Again I always check with my GP if I experience anything particularly challenging.

I think too it's worth noting that right now if you're suffering from a nervous illness your whole body will be hyper sensitised to any odd, new, or just average sensation. I this state your nerves will make falling asleep feel like diving off a cliff and free falling or waking in the morning feel like such a shock you're immediately bowled over by panic and worry. This is perfectly normal, you're body is set up right now to feel this way. As you work through the symptoms, learn to accept them and sort of float above them (as Dr Weekes would say) you'll find you realise that they don't matter any more, this takes time and your nerves will take even longer to rest and recover before you feel better able to move through the symptoms with ease but trust me, it will come. Good luck!

[Lindenlea]

I have read the above messages, and would say that I have been on Cipralex 7 years, I was to take them in tghe mornings, as I would have abnormal dreams if I took them at night, I am also on Valium, Cipralex I take 15mgs at 7am in the morning and they seem to put me to sleep for a good couple of hours extra sleep, I do not work as I also suffer from depression agoraphobia, and panic attacks, The pscychiatrist said this to me only this week, but as others say they do take about 8 weeks to get used to them, I can vouch for that. Please reply when you take yours. from Lindenlea

[teri]

I have been off Cipralex since January of this year and it has been very hard coping with the withdrawal symptoms but I keep going as I don't want to go back on them. I seem to get very hot, especially in the face. I wonder if this can be a withdrawal symptom or a sign of stress. Has anyone else experienced this?