Citalopram and side effects: Have been taking... - IBS Network

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Citalopram and side effects

Cats15 profile image
14 Replies

Have been taking Citalopram (10 mg) for two weeks and two days (counting!) and wonder whether the side effects are from them as I’m also taking a new PPI for acid reflux.

I am suddenly overwhelmed with nausea and think I’m going to be sick but don’t in the end. I’m also having continual fast heart beats and anxiety attacks, with dread in the pit of my stomach. This medication was supposed to help with that.

Does this sound familiar to anyone? Does it continue for long?

Have a Drs review next week with a view to taking it up to 20mg but worried about increased side effects!

Any advice on how long more before I can break through this nightmare would be incredibly helpful.

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Cats15
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14 Replies

Hi I’m taking the same at first it caused anxiety symptoms to increase for a while then it settled , used to get nausea too so I take it after food now x

Cats15 profile image
Cats15 in reply to

Thanks. I also take with lunch but get episodes mid afternoon that make me go green. How long did it take to power through?

in reply to Cats15

About a month lol I decided I’d rather be happy in pain rather than miserable 😂x

Cats15 profile image
Cats15 in reply to

Thanks. I’m encouraged to keep going then x

Belfast70 profile image
Belfast70

I take 10mg of Citalopram for anxiety and 20mg of omeprazole twice a day. Taking the citalopram for anxiety has made a huge difference to my life .side effects usually ease after a couple of weeks.

Beezwax profile image
Beezwax

I was given citalopram many years ago. I took it for a while and was ok. I had a break from it then took it again and it caused me horrendous symptoms - I had an increased heart rate, I couldn’t rest or sleep at all. It went on for days even though I stopped the medication. In the end I was prescribed lorazepam to bring my heart rate down and let me sleep. I would never touch this kind of medication again. During that time when I was truly frightened of the symptoms I found something called Serotonin Syndrome, which I believe was caused by citalopram. It was really not nice.

I understand SSRI’s work for some people but I would never take any again.

Best wishes. I hope your symptoms improve.

Cats15 profile image
Cats15 in reply to Beezwax

so sorry to hear you reacted badly. I guess it doesnt suit everyone although 99% of people seem to overcome the initial stage and calm down with it. I wish you good health x

miniione1224 profile image
miniione1224 in reply to Beezwax

I had the same reaction. I only took it once and my symptoms went all out of wack. Rapid hr, high bp, shaking, very nauseous. I was sick for a long time. I was finally told by a different Dr about the Serotonin Syndrome. There was no powering through. Once that happened, I went on a journey to wean off of most of my medicine, as I found it was doing more harm then good. I pray it works out better for others,as some have gotten good results just not for me.

PinkDragonfly profile image
PinkDragonfly

When I started taking Citalopram I noticed my IBS D got worse. After talking to my GP, he said some people's IBS can get better with Citalopram but it can also worsen symptoms. Guess I'm one of the unlucky ones.

Cats15 profile image
Cats15 in reply to PinkDragonfly

I guess you didnt stay around to power through those initial side effects :(

SKWEKER profile image
SKWEKER in reply to PinkDragonfly

I'm sure I read that citalopram was more useful for ibs c, and that amitriptyline was for ibs d. I've been taking 10mg for 3 weeks and just went up to 20mg hoping it makes a difference! Maybe you should ask about amitriptyline?

Cats15 profile image
Cats15 in reply to SKWEKER

Maybe because it can cause D but I am not on Citalopram for IBS. It was prescribed for anxiety attacks and moderate depression (due to the bloody IBS!) lol.

SKWEKER profile image
SKWEKER in reply to Cats15

It's a vicious circle isn't it? I don't know if I have IBS, I've always had bother but it got worse after I had my hip replaced last September. The constant churning and feeling of pressure/needing to go makes me anxious which makes my stomach worse!

Billybum profile image
Billybum

ive been on it for years ,personally think its wonderful !i had terrible anxiety etc.. the first few weeks ,about 3,i felt strange -nearly stopped taking it .stick with it -it will get better .i couldnt do without it .

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