Susan135

[Susan135]

Day 10 still waiting for an improvement I take 10mg citropram at night thinking any side effects would happen when I'm asleep waking up at 4am and having panic attacks on and of for hours when does anyone else take it and how do you feel

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi Susan135 and thank you for your post.

I understand your anxiety about taking Citalopram, but one of the primary reasons it is prescribed is to help control and calm down the brain to reduce panic attacks. Bear in mind that by focusing on anxious thoughts and our own self-talk, we can trigger symptoms like a self-fulfilling prophecy. Maybe it would be helpful to ask your GP for a talking therapies referral to run concurrently with your medication, that can have a more effective outcome. CBT can help us to identify negative, spiralling thought patterns that lead to unhelpful behaviours, which becomes a vicious cycle. If you have trouble sleeping, it is best to take it in the morning. Remember it usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for citalopram to work. Like all medicines, citalopram can cause side effects in some people. Many people have no side effects or only minor ones. More information can be found on the leaflet inside the medication box. I encourage to please see your GP if you are experiencing side effects.

More information can be found on:

Citalopram: an antidepressant-NHS:

nhs.uk/medicines/citalopram

Mind UK: mind.org.uk/information-sup...

Medicines.org.uk: medicines.org.uk/emc/files/...

I hope this is helpful to you.

Thank you and best wishes.

MAS Nurse and Moderator

[Susan135 in reply to MAS_Nurse]

I have suffered with anxiety and panic attacks for 20 years but never taken anything for it I have always coped only went to doctors because I had a cold and felt anxious as it was not getting any better and was put on citropram and now I feel absolutely awful because I have only been on them for 10 days is kit safe to come of them or will I start to feel better at the moment I can't even get out the house feeling anxious

[Susan135]

Thanks for that I know it takes time for the medication to work but should I start to feel a bit better know after 10 days I feel worse know than before I stated taking it

[MAS_Nurse in reply to Susan135]

Hi Susan,

Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all with medications. If one doesn't suit then there are others in the arsenal they can try. Citalopram tends to be the first one folk are put on for anxiety and depression, but give it more time. If you really don't get on with it, don't suddenly stop taking it, but have a discussion with your GP about it, and whether a different one would be better.

Take care,

MAS Nurse and Moderator

[Susan135 in reply to MAS_Nurse]

Been taking citropran at night just before I go to bed at first it did not disturb my sleep now not sleeping not sure it’s the tablets or that I am not a work so not so tired when is best time to take it did not want to take first thing in the morning because of side affect and going back to work soon.

[welly10]

Hi Susan I used to take 20mg but in a morning.most anti deps increase your insomnia or waking up early at the start everyone is different.suggest speaking to your doctor again but it usually takes 2/4 weeks to get the better effects.good luck.

[Peanutd1959]

Hi peanuts here.

I take sertraline but on a higher dose than you. I took them at night but doc said take them in the morning as that is the time to take them for best results. They work by releasing chemicals through the day. At night is not recommended as the affects wear off during the day. Hope this will help you more.

[Peanutd1959]

I was like you. Can't wait until the morning comes, nights seem endless. I find that getting up and trying to get my mind thinking of anything else but sleep. Put the radio on read play your favourite music. Make a warm drink decaf, brush your teeth, have a wash, or a quick shower. Try not to go to bed if you feel panicked or wide awake. You CAN do this. Small steps become bigger...

Reward yourself with something that pampers you. Nice perfume etc. Look after yourself you are worth it. 😍