I am on my 5th day of citalopram. I currently am taking 10mg but was prescribed 20mg, but the doctor told me I could take half so that is what I decided. I might just be paranoid and causing these problems myself but, I have noticed an increase in sex drive as well as strange bowel movements i.e. Strange colors-yellowish orange. Does citalopram cause other types of side effects like these not listed on the pamphlet included with the medication?
5th day of citalopram... Is or has anyone experienced any side effects not listed?
Question posted by MCScott88 on 18 Aug 2015
Last updated on 6 May 2020
4 Answers
kaytay1120
6 May 2020
I to am recent user started on 10 mg for a week then changed to 20 mg I'm on day 5 of the 20mg yes I have been having some odd side effects first week was gas & constipation now dry mouth extreme thirst, diarrhea with different color stool. Reddish orange to a darker orangish to yellow as well as stomach pain trying to keep going but really getting frustrated with effects. I'm not sure this is going to be the one for me, ready to put it down for good. Good luck to you.
WildcatVet
6 May 2020
Hi, kaytay!
What you describe are common to very common side effects when first starting citalopram (and most other antidepressant/anxiolytics) and after dosage increases. The good news is that now that you're on a standard maintenance dosage these side effects should resolve within days to a week or two.
Try to get through this initial period and don't give up as you should be feeling better soon. Most people begin to feel some improvements in the first 1-3 weeks. Look for those positive changes!
Best regards,
Wildcat
"Very common (10% or more of users): Nausea (up to 21.4%), dry mouth (up to 20%)
Common (1% to 10%: Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, increased saliva"
Inactive
30 Aug 2015
Well the increased sex drive is good. There are several side effects that you might experience. May be anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite, drowsiness. Don't think into it, you can create side effects in your brain placebo effect, just act like you are taking advil, but only take one a day obviously
Delila
25 Aug 2015
Hi, as already stated, an increased sex drive can be a 'side effect', due to the increase of serotonin. There are many side effects that have been discussed on this site from Citalopram that aren't listed, but have occurred in more than 1 person, such as hair loss. I would, as already suggested, speak with your doctor or pharmacist re the colour of your stools...
PepperM
18 Aug 2015
Increased sex drive and prolonged erection are some of the side effects and should subside in a few weeks. As for the stool I've never heard of that color. Lol. Usually its a real dark color. Like very black but not yellow or orange. Ask the pharmacist about it they will know.
Related topics
depression, paranoid disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, citalopram, side effect, anxiety and stress, doctor, prescription
Further information
- Citalopram uses and safety info
- Citalopram prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Citalopram (detailed)
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