Just started citalopram and checking side affects?
Question posted by Cns20 on 18 Dec 2020
Last updated on 25 February 2021
I’m on day 4 of taking citalopram after refusing all types of antidepressants for 17 years started when I was 16 I’m now 33 but this year has pushed me right over the edge after losing my dad in may 2020 and then this horrid virus (which sets my health anxiety disorder off) then stresses with work etc just been a nightmare of a year.
I get all tense and have pains in chest and now can’t even sit still or drive for 5 mins without reaching for a diazepam and checking my heart pulse (which I paid to have checked and was all OK) I also had gastritis a month ago which made me even worse like a vicious circle which is totally not the way I want to be but my body does it’s own thing so I decided to start this and I have bad diarrhea, dizziness and nausea I’m hoping this settles after reading reviews they all sound positive and to stick with it so I’m going to just hope this is the answer that is going to help lift my struggles from the past 17 years.
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
Answers
WI
WildcatVet
18 Dec 2020
Did you post this question just a day or two ago? It sounds like your situation is the same so I'll give you the exact same advice as Tyrese. Your side effects are "normal" and should resolve shortly as your metabolism adjusts to the drug and you'll also begin to feel some improvements. As T said, be patient and stick with it for a bit because this is an excellent medication for the treatment of anxiety disorders. It may take a few weeks but it's time well spent... it's nothing compared to 17yrs of misery! You'll most likely find that you can kick the benzos too.
Votes: +2
CN
Cns20
18 Dec 2020
Thank you. Yes I did but as I changed my user name it deleted my question so had to start over and lost our conversations thank you both for clarifying il stick with it and fingers crossed I see some improvements soo Yes you are right anything’s got to be better than 17 years of misery struggling to cope x
CN
Cns20
28 Dec 2020
Hi wildcatvet can I check if going up to 20mg from 10mg can affect your breathing or is this a panic attacks and I feel really tired and no motivation to do anything other than go to bed. Feel as if this drug is making me worse? And seeing no improvement Day 14 today
WI
WildcatVet
29 Dec 2020
Dosage increases... and your dose was doubled... can cause new or worsening side effects temporarily. It can also take a few weeks to see real improvements. How long have you been on this higher dose (or am I reading it wrong)? Increased anxiety, tiredness/drowsiness, and lack of motivation are common so hang in there on that. You might want to tell your doctor though that you're not feeling much improvement yet.
CN
Cns20
29 Dec 2020
Thank you for your reply. I only increased it yesterday I might do 15mg today and increase slower as I have noticed that my muscles are having spasms too in my stomach to the right hand side and a headache are all these side affects normal? Thank you
WI
WildcatVet
29 Dec 2020
Yes, about 25-30% of people will have stomach problems and headaches so it's "normal" in a sense... unfortunate but not unexpected. Be patient... this is temporary.
CN
Cns20
2 Jan 2021
Thank you. Is feeling really low and fed up in the mornings normal too. Iv increased to 20mg for the last 4 days but feeling really low mood and down. Is this normal too?
WI
WildcatVet
2 Jan 2021
New or increased depression can be an initial side effect and it can also occur after dosage increases. Try to be patient... it should resolve rather quickly.
CN
Cns20
7 Jan 2021
Hi. Iv been on 20mg for 10 days now after increasing from 10mg and feel they aren’t doing anything is this normal? In total been on citalopram for 24 days
WI
WildcatVet
7 Jan 2021
You might feel improvements within the first few weeks... better sleep, better appetite, less stress, and so on... but it can take as long as 6-8 weeks for the medication to become fully effective. That's what's usually called a "fair trial". It's only been a little over three weeks so you may need to give it a little more time but you really should let your doctor know that you don't feel like you're making progress.
CN
Cns20
7 Feb 2021
Hi I’m coming up to week 8 on citalopram and I’m still really weak and lethargic every day with no motivation is this still normal Also my breathing seems very restricted as it’s I have no energy to even breath Don’t feel like I can do exercise at the moment as just so fatigued I’m still on 20mg going to call the drs this week. Do you think I should be on 10mg. On the plus side I have drove on a motorway a few times now and been ok.
CN
Cns20
23 Feb 2021
Is it normal to feel no motivation or lack in interest in doing things. And feeling down. I don’t seem to get happy about things anymore on this pill I’m on week 9 now of taking citalopram on 20mg. Has anyone else had this experience and will I get my energy back?
WI
WildcatVet
25 Feb 2021
It seems you've made some progress but it doesn't sound like you're where you should be. Have you discussed this with your doctor? Maybe a dosage adjustment?
I’m sorry to see what you’ve been going through. You will feel better soon. I know you will. Since you have been taking Celexa/Citalopram for 4 days now. You mention having diarrhoea, dizziness and nausea. You don’t have to worry. The good news is those side effects subside within couple of weeks once you continue taking the medication. SSRI take a little while before reaching it therapeutic level. It roughly takes 4-6 weeks for the full effect. Some may experience changes within the 2nd week. Moreover, An effective dose may be beneficial. Hang in there, you will get well soon. I wish I can share my experience with Celexa but I have never taken it before. Hopefully someone here can share their experience for you.
