1. Community
  2. Brain and nerves
  3. Citalopram

CITALOPRAM SIDE EFFECTS

Posted , 4 users are following.

mackem1
mackem1

I started on 10mg for 7 days and this I increased to 20mg 5 days ago. I take the tablet every morning as I understand you cab have sleep problems taking it at night.

Since almost the first day I hae been more anxious especially in the mornings?The anxiety symptoms of heat and pins and needles in legs and between shoulder blades are there all the time.

How long will the side effects last?

Is there areason why the side effects are worse in the morning

My condition is OCD intrusive thoughts

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Lifechanging
    Lifechanging mackem1

    Posted

    Hi

    Ive been on meds for approximately four months now and would still feel slightly anxious in the morning. I take my medication with my breakfast and can almost feel it easing the tension which has become less and less as time has went on. My Doctor explained its the meds wearing off during the night and you need that boost again taking your medication  to level you out. Hope that helps, bear with it, it does get so much better.

  • David_21660
    David_21660 mackem1

    Posted

    Hi,

    It does get better.

    I started in the afternoon, but I moved mine to just before bedtime as I was having multiple vivid dreams every night and if I got up during the night (sometimes more than once) each time I returned to bed I would carry on the same dream or start another! This has made it much better for me however, not every one finds this as we are individuals and the med works differently for everyone and at different levels!

    You should also be aware that Cita causes anxiety before it treats it and I am now, after over 4 months able (now and again) to go out on me own. I'm a 58 year old male who would have laughed at anyone who said last year that, I'd be like this.

    Re intrusive thoughts, these have been hightened since I have been on Cita. I used to have them before over the years and after reading the novel Shogun (don't laugh, I'm being serious!) I tried a technique the followers of Shinto use. That is, imagine a room (whatever kind you want - mine is a medieval chamber!) with doors leading off, everytime you have an intrusive thought, whether out of the blue or one because of an up coming event imagine you open a door and shut it in one of the rooms. I found after a while I could do this and if a thought popped back in the old cerebral vortex I'd just accept the door wasn't shut properly and put it back in!

    If I have only cheered you up by replying then good, but otherwise try it!

    Keep at it an just try and ride the side effects, you will get better.

    Regards,

    David

    • eilostnyc
      eilostnyc David_21660

      Posted

      I just don't understand that a doctor gives you medicine to treat anxiety and you end up with more anxiety.  There just has to be a better answer.  I dread starting a new pill called Zoloft cause I couldn't deal with the Citalopram side effects.  I anticipate probably will get the same result but we shall see.  I am afraid to drive or make appointments thinking I will be sick from the pills.  It is awful.  Thanks for your post.  It was comforting.
    • David_21660
      David_21660 eilostnyc

      Posted

      Hi,

      At the time I did not really know what was going on, even though I realised it was due to working with some total idiots, one being the office manager and one on the board. My own department was overworked, but organised.

      When I went ill with work related stress, I had no idea that the palpitations, shortness of breath was down to panic attacks and anxiety! I was stressed and badly compensating (unhealthily) for it, but never thought pa or angst! So, when the Doc got me to admit I was ill and then I accepted help I was (and still am) very grateful she warned me about the side effects and poss increase in anxiety.

      I did not drive for 4 months until last weekend, when I felt properly in control, mind you that was okay for a couple of days.

      One thing I have noticed in me and here at the forum is that we all get a little paranoid about what is happening to us and we just have to try an dgo with it. I have had a full health check which the Doc suggested and it helped me realise, apart from age things, there is s*d all to worry about!

      In the end with help out there and here where there are some wonderful listeners and advisers we'll make it, just have faith!

      Take care,

      David

Back to top

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.