Just been prescribed citalopram after been on Fluoxetine (prozac) for the last 6 months and not getting much better.
I have to have a 4 day break then start the citalopram. Going to wait till next week tho as I have things on this week and after reading experiences on here, I think I need to prepare to be ill with the first few days – very scared to swap over!
:?
Hello there Hi-me!
You don't mention what dose of Citalopram the doctor has started you on. I'm guessing maybe 10 mg and building up from there?
Yes, these tablets can have side effects, if you've read through some of the posts on here then you'll have seen this, but also, some people (such as myself) had fairly mild effects from them. Hopefully if your GP has started you on a lower dose then your body can get used to them and the effects will not be to bad.
If you're going to give yourself a few days to see how you respond, that's probably a good idea, but do try not to get to scared of them (easy to say!) as that in itsself can make you feel sick and upset.
The most important thing is that if you are scared or worried or react badly to the pills, then please do talk to your GP about your concerns. Whilst you'll see many different views on here, there's really no substitute for proper, informed medical guidance and support.
Good luck & let us know how you're getting on.
Best regards.
Hiya,
I have being started on a 20mg per day dose. side effect I seem to be getting is restlesness/crawling skin.
I had this on the fluoxetine & could handle it mainly in my lower legs, but with this i seem to have it constantly in arms, legs & sometimes body. Its getting to the point where its affecting me a bit to much (not sleeping, cant sit still for any amount time, scratching at self, freaks me out), gonna go to docs & see about this.
Hi there Hi-Me
I can totally sympathise with the sleeplessness. That was the main reason I had to come off Citalopram.
Fluoxetine and Citalopram are from the same Anti Depressant \"group\" - they are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors - so that may be the reason that the symptoms you describe, of your body feeling restless and irritable have continued and got worse since you changed. These effects from Citalopram may, of course reduce over the next week or so after you have been taking them for just over a month.
You've not mentioned why the doctor prescribed the tablets for you initially, whether for anxiety, depression or another reason and I wouldn't presume to suggest an alternative. It does sound though as if you may want to discuss with him or her a possible alternative anti depressant from a different group if the the side effects are really making life bad for you.
As always, there is absolutely no substitute for proper discussion with your doctor.
Take care and good luck.