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citalopram for 3 weeks now-insomnia!

Posted , 5 users are following.

laura86158
laura86158

Hi guys

Its my first time posting on this but would love some advice.

just over 3 mmonths ago i started to have sleeping problems due to major life events, after these were over i started obesessing and over thinking the sleep hence making it worse. It created a terrible anxiety in me. So i started taking citalopram just over 3 weeks ago, started on 10mg first 2 weeks and then 20mg the last week. First week the side effects were pretty bad. They have faded now and feeling alot less anxious and more positive, but the last weeks ive had really bad insomnia. I know thiscan be a common side but its reallreally wearing me down. Has anyone ever experienced this on citalopram? And does it get better?

Thanks for any replies!

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • jcwray
    jcwray laura86158

    Posted

    three weeks is too early to be making decisions. Side effects need to be monitored but they generally subside. I've been on 20mg for three months and it saved my life. I don't sleep the whole night through, but in 3 or 4 hour blocks. I've adjusted and it doesn't seem to bother me. Keep aware but don't fret. Best of luck
  • stevo1975
    stevo1975 laura86158

    Posted

    Hi Laura,

    Sounds pretty normal I still have very mild side effects after about 14 weeks, no insomnia though I would google sleep rituals get yourself a natural method of going to sleep and relaxing before sleep insomnia plays on ones mind alot before bed it did for me!! I would read books before bed and avoid racing mind if you have too try taking sleeping meds just to get you to sleep as a last alternative ! exercise is really good for sleep too, as the med starts working there will be improvements insomnia may be one of them hang in there! 

  • laura86158
    laura86158

    Posted

    Thanks for your reply guys, yes im gonna hang in there as its defo helping my anxiety and i know insonmia can be one of the last things to resolve itself. Just looking abit of reassurance from anyone else who has come out the other side.

    Thanks again for the advice! Its much appreciated

    • holly_t
      holly_t laura86158

      Posted

      Hi laura

      I had this terribly, couldn't sleep for various reasons then was terrified of not sleeping - hence going on to citalopram. I didn't think it possibly but initially it made the insomnia worse, I couldn't bear it! I eventually broke down in my doctors office. She initially gave me 7 days worth of zopiclone which I didn't want to take but I was desperate, so I think I took 4 perhaps. Then I went back and said I didn't want them anymore so she prescribed me amitriptyline alongside citalopram. Made a huge difference!!! It's a muscle relaxant and it doesn't knock you out but relaxes you and when you are asleep you stay asleep. It is non addictive like citalopram and I used it only through the worst side effects so for about 2 weeks.

      Not suggesting you should do the same just giving you my story. Hope you feel much better soon.

      X

    • laura86158
      laura86158 holly_t

      Posted

      Thanks Holly! Sounds like a pretty similar story! Been to the docs and hes given me week of zopliclone so will take if need to! When did your insomnia start to pass if you dont mind me asking? Am defo feeling better and almost able to cope with the lack of sleep more but aslong as it doesn't go on for ages! Are you still doing well on citalopram? :-)
    • holly_t
      holly_t laura86158

      Posted

      Hi Laura

      I think from when I started taking the cit I had about 2 pretty rough weeks, and then another couple of weeks that were on and off. I think at around the 6th week I started to feel back to 'normal' and stopped taking amitriptyline etc. I'm still on it a year later and feel 100%. I'm worried about stopping as it's now the 4th/5th time I've been on them! But will see how I get on.

      Best of luck to you let us know how you get on x

    • laura86158
      laura86158 holly_t

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply holly! Going into my 4th now so i suppose it just a matter of time before it all settles. I think if your feeling that way you should take aslong as you need to.

      Hope ur well, ill keep everyone update xx

    • laura86158
      laura86158 holly_t

      Posted

      Hi Holly

      Sorry to bother you, had a pretty bad night last night so probably just looking abit of reassurance, did you ever worrry when you started cit that it was you that was causing the insomnia and not the meds? Had no sleep at all last night which is quite uncommon as I'll usually even get a couple of hours at worst! Itll be 4 weeks on sunday that i started but this insomnia is driving me crazy and making me doubt myself! Its definitely helping my anxiety during the day though so i suppose that is a silver lining

      Hope ur well xx

    • stevo1975
      stevo1975 laura86158

      Posted

      Hi Holly, Insomnia is a real pain and when you have a couple of bad nights you start telling yourself you wont sleep......been there! I would suggest you get a sleep ritual unwinding techiques before bed read a book avoid certain foods there are a number of things you can do to help and if all else fails try sleeping meds as a last resort. 

      Being relaxed before sleep and reassuring yourself is vital if your stressed and anxious I wouldnt comtemplate sleeping as that will make your night worse try unwinding and try again. wish you all the best!

  • Guest
    Guest laura86158

    Posted

    Hi Laura .

    I haven't experienced lack of sleep.I am in 30 CIT. I do have a drink before I go to bed. .

    I have dad hypnosis which helped me with all my issues .meds help but they are only a plaster over a big wound

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