Hi Everyone. Just started taking celexa. Am on 30mg - day 6. Still have a bit of nausea and dizziness, fogginess and dry mouth. Also have burning sensation on and off on my skin. I'm taking it for generalized anxiety - one horribly stressful year - and depression. I think my anxiety level has gone down in the past couple of days. Any idea how long I can expect the side effects to last? How long before I notice a bigger difference?
Thanks!!
Hi Linda,
I have had all of the side effects you are experiencing except for the burning of the skin. I'd check with your GP about that. Could be a reaction to the drug and you might need something different.
The side effects for me lasted about 5-6 weeks before subsiding or have completely gone, although I still suffer from sleepless nights (Insomnia) from time to time.
I noticed big changes between weeks 4-5, however it varies from person to person. It may work quicker for some people and longer for others. Generally it should take between 4-6 weeks to notice any real differences.
Anyway, hang in there, it's worth it.
Regards
Marcel
Hi Marcel,
Thanks for your comments. This is not exactly fun, that's for sure, but I'm hoping I'll feel better day by day.
Best,
Linda
Hi Linda, I have been taking Citalopram (brandname cipramil) for 3 months now. I think celexa is the same thing from what I've read. . . My side effects were not as bad as you but they went away in about 2 weeks' time. I noticed a difference maybe 4 weeks in I'd say but have since gone downhill a bit since leaving therapy. But I'm going to try and get the right balance of eating/sleeping/exercise/relaxing time and also some more therapy so hopefully it will improve.
If your side effects are bothering you a lot you should talk to your doc and you could change meds as Marcel mentioned. However, it is normal to get side effects with the medication so maybe the doc will tell you to stick with them for a while. In that case, just hang on in there as things will get bettter
Hope it works out
anonymousgirl
Hi Linda,
I completely agree, the first 2 weeks were awful, with the support and encouragement from people on this forum was a real life saver for me. I still have some really bad days where I go down hill where I completely brake down and feel like life or nothing matters and end up back to where I started when I first started taking Cit
It's quite a journey but as each day passes things do get better
Check with your Gp and they will be able to advise the best course of action for you.
Hope you feel better soon, you'll be yourself in no time
Take care
Marcel
Hi Marcel,
Thanks for the word of encouragement. I t sure is a battle.
Best,
\linda
Thanks for your reply anonymousgirl,
Still trying to forge ahead. Day 7!
.best,
\lina
Hi Linda,
I've been on Celexa for about a year now, initially dosed at 20mg, and 3 months ago it was upped to 30mg. Both at the beginning, and after the increase, I experienced the majority of the side effects you describe. For me, the dizziness and dry mouth subsidded after 2 weeks, and the wierd skin sensations around 3-4. Both sets of side effects reoccured after my increase, but for much shorter lengths (days). I'm only taking it for depression, and for the first few weeks, I ended up experiencing an ebb and wane to the effectiveness until things stabalized. Everyone is different, and it hopefully doesn't take longer than 4-6 weeks. But, as others have stated, both in this thread and others, if it works, oh boy does it work! Stick with it!
The best thing I can suggest at an early stage is this: pick a time to take the pills, and stick with it. It'll be much easier to adjust if you take them at the same time every day! Even after being on them for a year, if I start varying the time by a couple hours each day, it can throw me off.
HOWEVER: It has changed my life! I didn't realize how bad things were before I talked to a doctor about it, and things are significantly better because of it. There are times when things still get dark, but those are VERY few and far between.
Stick with it, and I hope it can help as much as it helped me!
Hi MattBearPig.
Thanks for the encouragement. Went to work for 4 hours today. It was tough, but I managed to stick it out. My anxiety is still pretty fierce, but there are moments here and there where I definitely feel a little calmer.
Take care,
Linda
You're welcome! Keep up the good work!
anonymousgirl
Your welcome Linda,
Keep fighting, you're worth it😊
Take care
M