Hi, I have just started taking Citalopram (day 3) I was on it a few years ago and didn't have many side effects. This time I feel terrible. From when I took the first one My anxiety got worse. Is it possible for side effects to present themselves on day one? Or is it just my anxiety? I have taken the tablets at night time but then I can't sleep and then feel terrible in the morning and for most of the day. Should I take them at a different time? I have to up my dosage in a week, will that make me better or worse?
Yes I felt side effects after day one. Plus it could be the anxiety on top. It takes 2-4 weeks to get in the system so I doubt you'll start to feel better until then. Hope you are feeling better soon
Hi Jenny,
Welcome to the club! I suggest you do not do anything without discussing it with your Doctor first. Everyone here will give you excellent advice, that even your Doctor may not know, but when it comes to "upping", have a chat first.
I did not think I had anxiety, or was suffering (much) from it when told. However, cita causes anxiety to then be able to treat it and hopefully lessen it. It has done this for me, but it was a bit weird to say the least, four nearly five months ago, when I started on 10mg. I have "upped" after consultation with my Doc, basically each month, and therefore am now on 40mg (and no more!).
I used to take mine in the afternoon, but started getting multiple, vivid, dreams every night, it became very distressing. If I woke up, went to the bathroom, no matter how manytimes, I went either back to the same dream or started another! Aaaargh! I posted here and some kind soul suggested take cita just before bed and this has helped (it worked for me, it may not for others) and even though I still dream, I no longer have multiple dreams. Phew!
I have had loads of side effects that others here can relate to and have helped me with, but as we are all different means we may not get the same, or if we do, the level or intensity may not be the same either! Viola! As I said, welcome!
The important thing is that you are here and here there are some wonderful people to help you with any question or concern, no matter how weird or trivial! The weirder the better, as it makes a change from the normal problems we all have! LOL!
Keep reading discussions, keep posting and generally just keep in touch it has helped me and many, many more! Next question?
Best Regards,
David
Hello Jenny, when i first started on Citalopram i had side effects straight away including increased anxiety. I was on 20mg but i asked the GP if i could reduce to 10mg. I have managed on this dose now for 10mths and it takes the edge off for me. It takes about 6 - 8 weeks for it to stabilise in your body. I had panic attacks as well as anxiety and depression and i can honestly say the panic attacks have ceased and anxiety and depression have lessened greatly. I would talk talk to your GP before upping the dose. Alternatively i would give it a couple of more weeks first to see how you feel once the effects stabilise. Citalopram does not work for everyone, but give it a fair try.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for your kind replys, when I took it last time I felt okay but this time I feel terrible. I understand that it will take a few weeks to start working and that there are no garantees with it. I'm just wondering how I will get through the next few weeks. I take it night time but I don't know If that's a good idea as I'm not sleeping well. I cry all the time and wish for each day to be over. I have cut caffeine from my diet, eating healthy, trying to go running and listening to medication CDs but nothing seems to help :-(
I tried night time first and couldn't sleep, now i take in the morning and find that better. Hope you soon start to feel better.
Hi
Im on this medicine too for the 2nd time, and like you was ok the first time, but I restarted back in August and also found the side effects worse (especially the anxiety). One night I woke up around 4am and had to pace round the bedroom.
Side effects have settled again now and all is well.
hi jenny
Like you I was on cit a few years ago had no side effects on it again and have side effects big time like jaw clenching, spaced out and falling alseep an hour after i've taken it I was on 20mg and felt really bad couldn't form thoughts, sleepy all day. Tonight I have dropped down to 1/2 a tab and feel aot better (did it off my own back) if I was you I would go back to my doctor and see what they say.