Citalopram and twitching

Posted , 5 users are following.

Hi, I've been on citalopram for almost a month I think. And last night a muscle in my arm started twitching. For ages. Then again today at work and tonight in my arm and leg. This is panicking me. I'm trying really hard to stay calm. I feel like I can't breathe properly, im fighting off a panic attack. I haven't felt this way since I started the meds and my mind is going into overdrive. If anyone has experienced the twitching and can tell me it's ok, that would be great. Or do I need to get to the Drs asap?

Thanks

Sarah

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    My jaw is getting sore from the anxiety. I feel like I can't get enough air. And I'm shaky and I just want to cry. I don't know why. I think it is just the muscle twitching is making me panic. I hate this. I hate these feelings. I thought it wouldn't be this bad and the whole impending doom feeling was over after getting on medication. I was so scared to take medication. It's taken me years to start, and I can't cope with anxiety AND new side effects. It's too much!!

    • Posted

      Yes my dear it's completely normal. I been on them for 6 weeks 1 day, and I still have the muscle tension in my legs, and the twitches, because the medication can highten your anxiety when u start taking it yes your gonna.feel really off and peranoid, I was the same as the days go by the anxiety is gonna be easier and easier to deal with, at 6 weeks I don't get a panic attack like I used to, and seems like when I do get the anxiety I can stay calm and wait for it to pass. And it's totally normal to cry, I had quite a. It if crying spells few of them just happened out of frustration why I was not normal yet. You will get there just give it time.

  • Posted

    Hi Sarah

    First of all, it's perfectly normal to have twitching. Its a side effect. Better to laugh at them rather than worry cause you are feeding the anxiety. You are giving your brain more to worry about. I have been through all this came off the Citalopram. Caused me more problems with so many side effects.

    I now take an amino acid from the health food shop called 5htp. It increases your serotonin naturally and produces the same effects as anti depressants without the side effects. Ask my anxiety has stopped and I feel calm. Good luck

  • Posted

    Yes the twitching is normal.I had a severe reaction ten years ago to an antibiotic after a miscarriage and got severe twitching all over for months!It was scary and had every test done,it all went away and celexa was why I recovered at that time!Try to just let them come and go and think nothing of them!Its hard but they will not hurt you and when you tell yourself "I can't breathe"!Say to yourself "Yup,I'm just gonna stop breathing right now forever...and you will still be breathing and the fear will pass!You have to do some reverse psychology on yourself at times to get your mind out of the tricks it plays on you.You can do it!

  • Posted

    It sounds like you are having a side effect that is been reported on quite regular.

    I do not know how long you have been on your medication. However you seem to be suffering Anxiety with your depression

    If you have been taking your medications for four weeks, talk to your GP and explain all your twiching a new medication may be tried

    BOB

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.