I was just today given a prescription from my doctor for citalopram. I was advised to take 1 10mg pill every AM for 2 weeks and then to start taking 2 10mg every AM. When I asked about the side effects I was told they may make me a bit nauseaus but that would go away. I have now re-read the instructions etc many time and then found this site on line. I don't know if I should be going to work whilst in the early stages of taking this. The more I read the more scared I get! I already have severe sleep problems as it is. Has my doctor made light of the reality of this pill??? I'm supposed to start taking them in the morning. I am going through a very troubled problem with a family member who lives in the states at the moment and my job is fairly stressful everyday. I have severe sleep problems and when I'm not crying and feeling anxious I can't motivate myself to do much of anything. Is this realy going to help or just make a bad situation worse?
I am on week 4 of citalopram and I know where you are coming from. My doctor told me what the side effects would be and to keep with it and I'm glad I did because I feel so much better now and you will too. Trust your doctors its worth it. I worked through it to take my mind off things and retain some normality but I suppose it depends what your job is. Take care.
12 months in and only side effect is weight gain. Everyone's side effect are different, some people none at all. The list of side effects are always frighteneing but no drug is side effect free.
Keep going with it and you can be the judge if the side effects outweigh the benefits.
Hello to all of you on the prescribed drug. My story is not meant to frighten but to help. I had a breakdown in 2001 due to a very very stressful job thast I had. I was ill for a very long time I am still on citalopram but 60mg per day. This is the maximum dosage - I myself have cut to 40mg per day. I did not feel any effect of the drug but they did make me feel relaxed not \"out of it\". My journey to get well took 6 years of counselling - you cannot rush depression its a very gradual process. You are not nuts but all the thoughts that you have are quite normal as when you do not sleep and are constantly thinking is tiring and a chemical imbalance affects you body. Rather like sleep deprevation you know when maybe you have had a night flight. I can't explain it any clearer. Getting mentally well takes time and sometimes its a long time. I am actually fine now. However I had a little setback as I've just had treat for a large benign brain tumour so things could be worse. I went on holiday to India (not saying thats where you should go) I did yoga and a relaxtion technique I still use can helps my body when I feel in pain or stressed out and anxious. You must have an open mind to all and any treatments that might work for you. I would not believe at that time I was unwell that I would ever get better - I did get better. You must listen to your body and it will tell you what and how you feel. Your mind is the most powerful part of you and it takes you to the darkest places - have faith in yourself as it will ony be you and the work that you put in that will make you better. I am sorry if it all seems a bit airy fairy but it unfortunately does take a long time. A short course of citalopram to mind mind without counselling is of absolutely no use.