Hi there,
After much deliberation, talking to just about anyone I could find and generally scouring the internet for information, I have decided to go with the Docs advice and take Citalopram, starting today. And then I found this site....
Has anyone NOT had any side effects on this? It is making me feel very worried about taking it. Am I just going to have to sit tight and presume the worst? Are there people who take it and dont feel nauseous and tired or even worse to begin with?
I would really appreciate any comments.
Thanks
M
Hello, Ive been on Citalopram for four or five years, the only side effect i had was a headache, nothing serious like migraine, just a constant dull headache. No other side effects at all, and when i went back to the g.p. to get a higher dose, i had the headache again for a bout a week, but i still carried on working etc.
Honey
Hello, I was prescribed Citroplam 20mg to take daily for stress/ anxiety related symptoms. I only took the tablet for 3days an experienced terrible side effects... I discontinued use cold turkey an expected this would be fine, but again experienced further withdrawls waiting for the drug to leave my system.
My side effects/ withdrawals were as follows...
* Extreme Constant Anxiety, unable to switch off or relax, pushing me to the verge of panic
* Insomnia, going from my usual 10hrs sleep per night to just 2hrs
* Vomiting, complete loss of appetite, only managing to keep down water, losing 10lb in weight in 1 week
* Horrible Constant Tingling sensation in my head, wish can only be described as the sensation Tea tree shampoo gives.
* Diarrohea
* Pins & Needles...
* Muscle tension... just to name a few...
I wish I would have looked into forums prior to taking this drug, as for me I seem to have experienced an extreme reaction, I would advise anyone who was contemplating taking this drug to be aware that if side effects become unbearable, to see there doctor or reduce the dose immediatly. As after looking into this drug further, Iv read that Citroplam has a half life, meaning it takes 35hrs for it to reduce in the blood stream by HALF its original does, and a further 35hrs more to reduce the remainder again... thats going on a single 20mg dosage. Its been 4days of withdrawals, an they seem to be subsiding... managed to eat and keep it down... But I would just like to say, this is my own personal experience... and have read & know people who have been fine & doing well with the drug... All I can advise is you never know how youl react till you try.
Good Luck!!
Wish you luck in whatever you decide.
Thanks both for your comments. I have now done 7 days on 10mg and about to up the dose to 20mg today. So far I have had a slight feeling of nausia, a dull headache, loss of apetite, feeling tired all the time, a greater thirst, yawning much more than is usual and generally feeling "spaced out".
I did start taking this at the tail end of flu so I am hoping that some of these "side effects" can be attributed to having just got over the virus - after all you people do feel tired for a few weeks after - dont they? I know, I know.... I am probably kidding myself on this one.
None of these side effects are unbearable in the grand scheme of things - I am just hoping that upping the dose will not have too bad an effect. The ends justify the means I guess, I am hoping that I will just be able to use them for a short period, just to get over this black hole, and then I shall start the withdrawal programme - extremely slowly.
I shall let you know progress.
Thanks again for all comments.
Hello, I just wanted to add a little something and do not want to scare anyone, but my daughter told me yesterday that is says on the news tthey have discovered that Citalopram over 40mg may have been causing heart damage?? She could not read a lot on this as she was on her mobile phone, but they said they were telling Dr's not to prescribe high doses anymore? I have been on 50mg for a while now, but changed it last year when i found out i had cancer and i felt the need for an even higher dose, but dr had to change it to a different antidepressant as he said 50mg was the highest i could go on citalopram. well now ive finished my chemo and radiotheapy i have found out i have some mild heart damage?? The dr's have said it is the chemo that has caused this though??
So sorry to hear that Honnybea.
Have to say on the 20mg I feel great. All side effects have stopped and I am finally feeling myself again - even the children have noticed the difference - Mummy doesnt shout anymore! Yaay. Seeing the docs next week to have a chat about progress.... 
That is just fantastic news, its so nice to hear that the anti depressants have helped, but more that you are feeling better. I never know if mine are working or not, i feel ok, i dont feel depressed but i get very anxious but after what ive gone and are going through i'm not surprised. But i would not be prepared to stop the tablets to see if i felt any different to find out if they are working or not lol. I'm just so glad to hear your feeling a lot better, and that the kids have noticed it to. I used to shout a lot as well, but until you mentioned it, i never really thought about it, but now i can see i have also changed in that way. Good luck for the future xx
anxietynomore.co.uk .... superb website to vist if your an anxiety sufferer.
started on 10mg citalopram feel great now compared to before very little noticable side effects a bit of nausea yawn a good bit sleep better a nights and on the whole thank god for citalopram !
Could physically not have went on how i was and emotionally not as edgy or anxious. Would not hesitate to say to anyone give it a try see how you go don't knock it down give it a chance
Hi everyone, istarted on 2omg on tues have felt shocking, insomnia,dizzy,shakey,felt drunk,anxious...so on sat i broke the tablet in two, so today i feel a touch better just v tired,had a feel anxious moments but didnt last llong , im just worried now im gonna get withdrawel symptoms or do you think ive not been on them long enough.any advice please ....
Hello, I have been on Citalopram for just over 5 weeks now.
I started at 10mg (1/2 tablet) for a week then up to 20mg.
Initially felt sick so I changed the time that I take my tablet from AM to just before bed, all feelings of nausea have now dissapeared and I am starting to feel better.
Stick with it and good luck
Best wishes
A
Hi, I've been on 10 mg for 9 days now anxiety is better but I'm so. Tired and dizzy have a constant dull headache has anyone else experienced this and does it get better ?/ I sometimes wish I hadn't gone on them 
Hi, I've been on 10 mg for 9 days now anxiety is better but I'm so. Tired and dizzy have a constant dull headache has anyone else experienced this and does it get better ?/ I sometimes wish I hadn't gone on them
Hi Nikkie
I felt like you at the beginning and now I feel GREAT!!! Keep on going with them, it will get better!
Good luck
M
How long did it take ??? Thanks so much for replying I feel so crappy , i just want to feel normal again
Hi Nikkie,
I have just hit 6 weeks on Cit and am now starting to feel good again.
Doctors say 2 weeks and they should kick in but it took a little longer for me.
My doctor prescribed 5mg tablets of Diazepam 3 times a day until the cit started to work but the Diazepam can be very addictive, but it works within an hour.
No good if you drive though as it chills you out and makes you feel sleepy.
Ask your doctor if they can give you something till the cit starts to help you.
Good luck
A
Hi Nikki
It took about 10 days and I started to feel better and the side effects went. Headaches stopped, slight nausia went, still havent got back onto tea or coffee though and am constantly drinking water. After 3 weeks and people outside my immediate family started to notice the difference in how I was.
Stopped crying almost immediately - but that was probably due to me thinking it was going to work - the placebo effect I guess, but havent done my daily "weep from the bottom of my heart till my arms ache" crying session since I started them. I dont shout at the kids, and nothing they do irritates me any more. I have the feeling that nothing is too much trouble and everything will come out ok in the end. No more anxiousness regarding things beyond my control either.
I have now been on them for 8 weeks. Was the best thing I ever did - I wish I had had the courage to do it sooner. I really am feeling like my old self - and she has been gone for far far too long!
Stick with it - things do get better
M
Thanks everyone all encouraging comments x il stick with it !
Thanks everyone all encouraging comments x il stick with it !
Hi Nikkie
Having spent 15 odd years on venlafaxine and spending 6 months of hell coming off them, due to gp not wanting to give them to me, this citalopram is a breeze...taking it slowly, started on 10mg, now on 20mg which will probably increase in the coming months.... I felt quite sick in the morning till I realised the tablet was supposed to be taken at night... other than that all ok so far.....keep on in there, and just remember if it doesn't work or side effects are too much, ....there is a whole load of others to try... that is why i was on the venlefaxine so long, it had the least side effects for me and it worked....until I had to come off them ( but this is well documented for venlefaxine) Other half had citalopram a few years ago for IBS and stopped taking them no problem
take care lizzie