Citalopram-tiredness-really want to give up-help!

Posted , 3 users are following.

This forum is so supportive and I'm trying so hard to remain positive. I'm 4/5 weeks in taking a very small dose, 5mg, as I'm very sensitive to medication. I tried to take 10mg the first week but suffered severe nausea. These last couple of days I've had such bad fatigue (worse than usual) and am just still generally feeling off, a bit sore and achy and a bit shaky that I do genuinely feel like giving up. This is a shame as I have been feeling less anxious and don't want to return to how I was at all. Has anyone else felt at rock bottom with the tiredness and managed to improve? I don't mind feeling a bit tired but this has floored me. I do feel motivated to walk everyday and spend time in the fresh air and find that I can walk off the tiredness to a certain extent but it always returns. I take the tablet at night. Isn't it the case that all antidepressants make you feel tired so little point in switching? Some encouragement would be so welcome at this point.

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13 Replies

  • Edited

    Yes.... Tiredness is one of the main symptoms of antidepressants, it floored me the first few weeks. Didn't really start to lift until around week 6.

    Its relentless tiredness for no reason isn't it. Horrible. But yes, it does go away, I'm week 9 into citalopram 10mg now and I'm practically back to my old self most of the time now, so in answer to your question. Yes you will regain normal energy levels back in the next couple of weeks. Definitely don't give up, it'll be worth it I promise.

    • Edited

      Thanks so much for these words of encouragement. You're right, the tiredness never goes-it is horrible and unrelenting leaving you with no motivation or energy. I will come back here and let you know not if but when it passes as you seem certain that it will -so reassuring!

    • Posted

      Hi there

      just reading your thread and wondering how you're feeling now?

    • Posted

      Hi Rachel, I'm 7 weeks in now and have increased dose to 5mg each day for one week on GP's advice. I'm very sensitive to meds but we both had to acknowledge that I needed to increase to get anywhere near a therapeutic dose. GP said that the drug will eventually increase energy levels although it feels odd while still feeling tired and groggy but sticking with it. Am experiencing a bit more nausea, as expected, tiredness persists but is no worse and maybe ever so slightly improved, not sure yet. GP has advised to play the long game with him and to have faith. All the best.

    • Edited

      I hope you start to feel better soon.

      I'm feeling very anxious, tired and nauseous today (only on day 2).

      Really want this to work. Hoping that side effects pass quickly but know i need to be patient.

      I waa on mirtazapine for 4 weeks but although it helped me sleep i was very lethargic in the day with constant brain fog. Didnt get side effects like nausea though!

      Take care x

    • Posted

      I wish you well Rachel, only day 2-you've a way to go but you'll get there! The nausea should wear off and hopefully the tiredness which is a real nuisance-I'm still waiting for some energy to kick in but my anxiety has improved. x

    • Posted

      I'm also hoping that the insomnia doesn't come back as I've just started to sleep without the zopiclone!

    • Posted

      Hope you manage to sleep ok now. My sleeping is very hit and miss. Sometimes I sleep well but mostly I have broken nights. I keep napping during the day as feel so tired and groggy. Find it difficult to get up and stay up!

    • Posted

      Hi Judith. I can't relax enough to sleep in the day. I just can't switch off. Feeling nauseous today and stomach in knots. I'm really hoping the citalopram relaxes me and I can feel less anxious. I'm still sleeping at night without taking anything but I do wake a few times. Woke this morning very agitated but took a diazepam and it helped relax me to go to the cbt session. I hope your day has been ok.

    • Posted

      I was like that too. No way I could nap in the day, I was just a ball of nervous energy and couldn't keep still and never knew what to do with myself. Constantly felt sick and shakey and frustrated and tired... But it does go away eventually. The first few weeks of citalopram is a massive roller coaster.

    • Posted

      Thank you so much for the reply. It really does help having support. I am determined to get through this x

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