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Citalopram advice please

Posted , 12 users are following.

eggmond
eggmond

Any advice please would be useful I was prescribed 20mg Cit per day, 5 days ago and I am taking them............I have struggled with worries etc for approx 2- 3 years and finally accepted I probably need medication to help me after trying to resolve my issues alone (I know some may say how silly of me but I tried).

Please may I ask the following

How long does it take to start to work ?

I have had no side effects other than I wake up during the night several times well about 5 times is that to be expected ?

Whens the best time to take it. I do so when I get up?

Should you take it with or without food?

The advice sheet on the tablets states avoid alcohol which I have, but with the festive season nearly here can you actually have a little or should it be totally avoided. To be honest I just dont want to be a party pooper but I wouldn't want a drink to cause an issue either ?

I have to admit I do feel somewhat of a let down at the moment to those that I love. Even hypothetical worries bother me (you know the what if's) and I just can't seem to let go of them at all.

I suppose I am just like everyone else and I just want a bit of contentment in my life and not be seen by those that I care for as carrying the world on my shoulders all the time.

I fully appreciate lots of you will have seen information on the forum and be asking why I haven't done so myself...to be honest some of it scares me a little so I stopped, also I'm sick of discussing my issues with my family since thats all they hear from me and that's simply unfair on them.

Therefore since this is my 1st ever post I do hope some kind person may pass on any info they feel may assist me thanks in anticipation

 

1 like, 32 replies

32 Replies

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  • SilverEagle
    SilverEagle eggmond

    Posted

    It starts to work in about 6-8 weeks. Best to take in morning at the same time every day (roughly) after breakfast (or at least something to eat) I myself rarely take it with food and at the same time, but well its just me lol

    About alkohol - I do drink on it and always have done, weekends, wine in evenings at home etc.

    Been on it for a year now, the second time, first time was few years ago for a year and half.

    The worst part was always the first 2-4 weeks on it, coz u don't know what to expect. Once the drug is in your system your fine. So dont worry about it too much smile

  • jen31560
    jen31560 eggmond

    Posted

    Is anybody super drowsy during the day even when they take citalopram at night?
    • Babette
      Babette jen31560

      Posted

      I feel constantly tired, at work I struggle to keep my eyes open sad yet at night I never manage to get a good night sleep. Keep waking up in sweat. 
  • eggmond
    eggmond

    Posted

    Update re myself

    Well its now been 3 weeks since I started taking my medication. I have to say to date other than waking up several times in the night I have had no other side effects at all. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to say that this is the case. It looks like I'm going to be on my medication for quite a while (and there was me thinking a months course and I'll be sorted).

    I did ask in my 1st post about drinking alcohol whilst taking the medication. Well I had 1 and a half pints of lager a couple of nights ago, this being the first alcohol I have had since I started my medication. If honest I had no side effects but I wish now I hadn't bothered.( I felt a bit guilty afterwards ) I certainly wont be having anymore until my Christmas Dinner and that will only be one glass of wine. I have read this site with interest and it has at the least stopped me from pestering my other half as much as I have done in the past.

    With the time of year in mind, please can I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and I do hope that 2015 brings happiness to you all

    Eggmond

     

    • Emz3279
      Emz3279 eggmond

      Posted

      And too you eggmond I hope you have a great Christmas! I too still haven't had any drink and don't fancy it yet! 

      I wish you the best

      Emz 

  • Man94920
    Man94920 eggmond

    Posted

    Hi eggmond,

    I too worry alot not about superficial things but I've been affected by my moms severe dementia. I seem to take everything personal. My brother is affected in this way too. I have started on 20mg CIT and it's early days. Just wondering how you are now and do you enjoy a tipple little or often and what affects it had in you. I too do not want to destroy any work these tablets may do for me in the future to feel better about my own life and socialising and generally getting my own life back in track after taking over the care and funds of my dear mother.

    Hope to hear from you M

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