I've been on Celexa (Citalopram) 20mg for about 5 or 6 days I feel like the medication is working for all the panic attacks I was having before starting it. but also these side effects are killing me. I've been having weird dreams, increased heartbeat, shaking, and insomnia. I'm only 18 and I feel like maybe I should talk to my doctor about trying something else? But I want to try and stick it out if these side effects dissipate? Has anyone else had side effects like this? And do they go away after time?
Hi katelin
Unfortunately the first couple of weeks can be rocky. Many of us would instantly recognise your side effects. They will definitely dissappear! I understand how horrible it is when first starting this med.
My advice would be to hang in there. Rest as much as you can and drink lots of fluids.
Really wish you better soon xxx
Hi Katie,
I know exactly how you are feeling I had all of those symtoms for the first 2 wks and I lost 1 1/2 stone, as I just couldn't eat my stomach was in a complete knot all the time..
This dId pass I am almost 9 weeks on cit 20mg but I have found that I am after getting more depressed, my anxiety is not as bad but I just really feel down and just not myself, people say it takes time for serotonin levels to build up, from what I seen some people get better quicker than others, I would say stick with ithe, these sIde effects will pass, I am going to up my dose to 30mg this wk and really nervous of side effects again also, but at 9 weeks I feel I need too..
I wish you the best of luck hang in there you will feel better soon xxx
Thank you so much. So much relief to hear that.
Thank you. Glad to know I'm not alone!
Your welcome I know it's the loneliest feeling in the world, but the more I talk to people the more common it seems to be, take one day at a time and hopefully we will all get there very sn xx
The first bit is horrific! I'm on day 17 and still don't feel great but far better than day 5 and 6, def try and persevere xxx what time of day do you take your tablet? xx
Hi
I am now on day 17 day 7 of an increase. Totally understand your position. ...the side effects are pretty gruesome and off putting. .yesterday was the first day I managed to brush my teeth without heaving and vomiting and the first day I managed to eat lunch. The waves of anxiety that came in the first 10 days have improved and the shaking has calmed down.
I honestly thought I would feel awful for ever.
I now need to work on the underlying causes which I hope to do with counselling and over the next couple of weeks feel some of the postive effects of this drug rather than just the horrible side effects.
Do you have someone to look after you ? I could barely do anything some days. You are being very brave to soldier through this and there really is a brighter side to life. I wish I had been as courageous as you to admit I needed a helping hand so young instead of pretending to be ok.
Hang on in there x
Thank you. It means a lot knowing I'm not alone. But no currently on my own on the bright side I've been able to focus on my classes more on citalopram but waking up shaking and miserable is really getting to me. I hope I can manage the symptoms. Thanks for the input!
Usually in the morning after breakfast. I'm relatively healthy and get lots of exercise I just hope these symptoms get better in time. I'm also nervous about developing serotonin syndrome. I read about it being related to citalopram.
hi , yes had side affects really bad WHEN i was on cit,,, i now take venlafaxine ,,, BUT you have to give cit,, 6 to 8 weeks to take affect,,,, the side affects should subside by then if not talk to your doctor coz not everyone is the same,,, cit didnt work for me at all,,,, hope this helps,,, gentle hug x
I swapped at about day 5 to evenings so the worst side effects happen whilst I'm asleep, although I'm not sure it made much difference xxx
Hi x
How are you doing ? Are the side effects reducing ?
X
Hi, yes although the mornings are still awful, lots of people seems to be the same which is good in a funny way because it's obviously 'normal'! xxx how are you doing? xxx
hey, Katelin, how have you been today? xx
Definitely getting there ! Nausea really much better thank goodness. Shaking calming down just a bit dizzy from time to time.
Have driven the car for first time since on the medication.
Cooked and ate dinner today so compared to this time last week much different x
That's great, I've not braved the car yet, but did think about it today. I've been less shakey too, let's hope this next week is even better xxx
Lets hope so x hope this morning is better for you x