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2 doses of citalopram & horrible side affects

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claire42877
claire42877

I started 20mg citalopram Tuesday & had another weds, by weds afternoon I felt so sick, couldn't eat, then in the evening got a horrendous pain in my head that only lasted a few seconds followed by a panic attack & the most intense burst of heat down my arms, as a mum of 4 I couldn't handle the side affects so didn't take another, still having crazy anxiety & panic & the burst of heat 3 days on, has anyone else experienced this & how long until its out of my system? dr says can take up to a week even tho was only 2 doses, thank you xx

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Hope3578
    Hope3578 claire42877

    Edited

    Is this the first time you've taken citalopram? They probably should have started you on a lower dose really and increased. It is very common to experience side effects straight away. I get immediate bowel issues when I first start citalopram. This is my second time around and it was the same both times. I also got extreme nausea and increased anxiety so again all normal. I would say the more concerning side effect is the burst of heat, so I think it was probably right to come off them, it will take a few days for the cit to come out of your system, so just try and be kind to yourself. Will you be trying a different med?

    • claire42877
      claire42877 Hope3578

      Posted

      Hi, I took citalopram 14 years ago for PND & don't recall these side affects, but like you say think I should of been told to build the dose up...6 days on now after taking thre last pill & no more bursts of heat, anxiety calming down slowly but surely, just the odd wave of panic, cant believe only 2 doses can have such a massive impact, thank you for replying x

  • stephen20693
    stephen20693 claire42877

    Edited

    I was gonna say is this is your first time taking antidepressants in general. Personally I would go in and ask the pharmacist whether it would be a good idea to stop but booking an earlier appointment with the GP wouldn't be a bad idea.

    The "most intense burst of heat down my arms" is a bit concerning.

    Citalopram has a theoretical half-life of 36 hours so it would take approximately 10 days (or 228 hours) to drop blow 5mg.

    • claire42877
      claire42877 stephen20693

      Posted

      Hi, last took antidepressants 14 years ago but don't recall these side affects at all...spoke to GP she agreed to come off them. Bursts of heat definitely eased off now thank god, still not feeling myself but only on day 6 so hoping to feel better soon, had no idea 2 doses could make me feel so awful...thank you for your reply x

  • lily999
    lily999 claire42877

    Edited

    yes same for me. I have been on this med in the past and persevered. it got me back to myself but took a few weeks to stop side effects. I have the burning feeling top of my shoulders and cant eat or sleep. lost weight. I am on day 5 now and it's so hard. I am not functioning at all tbh. It doesnt help that my partner isnt too well. speak to your dr explain your family commitments. I am going to carry on till weekend reluctantly.

    • claire42877
      claire42877 lily999

      Posted

      I really hope they work out for you, they are horrible side affects aren't they x

  • lily999
    lily999 claire42877

    Edited

    yes same for me. I have been on this med in the past and persevered. it got me back to myself but took a few weeks to stop side effects. I have the burning feeling top of my shoulders and cant eat or sleep. lost weight. I am on day 5 now and it's so hard. I am not functioning at all tbh. It doesnt help that my partner isnt too well. speak to your dr explain your family commitments. I am going to carry on till weekend reluctantly.

  • gemma74311
    gemma74311 claire42877

    Edited

    im on day 6 terrible morning amxiety, people keep telling me it will let up soon but so far i have felt worse hopefully it will get easier soon xx

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