Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi everybody ive been prescribed citalopram today for the first time in my life. I'm absolutely petrified of taking them after reading experiences on this forum. I am having to work over christmas ( it's because of the job i've been given them!) and I really can't take time off work as we don't get sick pay! Do these tablets make you feel really ill that you can't function? Please help I really don't know what to do, whether to take them or not.
0 likes, 11 replies
Stiltman
Posted
First of all, try not to get too scared about the possible side effects of these pills. Fear in itsself can be very upsetting and debillitating. Everyone is different and the effects of any anti depressant drug on an individual will vary because of many factors. This drug is widely prescribed and not everyone will have an adverse reaction to it although, as you will have seen from this forum, some people, unfortunately, do - that doesn't mean that you will be one of them.
You don't mention what dose the doctor has started you on, however, given that you can't afford to take time out from work, perhaps starting on 10mg for a few days and increasing to 20mg would give your body a chance to adjust to the pills. 20 mg is a fairly common starting dose so if you explain the position to your doctor, i'm sure that he/she will understand. Perhaps also take the pill before you go to bed so that any side effects are reduced as you may sleep through them? If sleeping is a problem for you, the doctor may also prescribe a short term course of sleeping pills for you. Alternatively, make sure you take the tablet with plenty of water and with food. If you really don't feel like eating much, try some dry toast.
The most important thing to remember is that there is no substitute for informed medical support and help. Explain your fears to your doctor and seek the reassurance you need. If you do find you react badly to the tablets - talk to him/her. Whatever you may read here, remember that your doctor knows you and your medical history and has your best interests at heart.
Take care, good luck and best regards.
Guest
Posted
I have had little to NO physical side effects at all - other than total loss of appetite, and an INCREASE in sex drive.
All my side effects were purely psychological - increased depressed thoughts, anxiety and some very dark thoughts - but if you are working and around people - hopefully that would be enough to take your mind off things.
I was prescribed Diazepam to help me calm down on the enhanced anxiety and depression.
Try not to worry, plenty of people have no side effects at all - and for some it's purely in their head.
Guest
Posted
I found I could barely sleep at all for the first four days (I often don't sleep terribly well but this was different). I lay awake most of the night having terrible panic and anxiety attacks and feeling virtually suicidal - worse than I'd been before. I nearly cracked up at work and also found that I felt a bit nauseous and lost my appetite a bit. Food tasted different - I couldn't cope with strong flavours like dark chocolate or mature cheese.
After that however, things started to improve. I feel a lot better psycologically, more upbeat, enthusiastic and no longer tearful. My appetite, taste of food and sleep patterns have returned to normal. I was nervous about taking antidepressants in the first place but now I'd be nervous of coming off them as I feel so much better. I'm glad I stuck with it.
lesleyanne
Posted
I sleep well, try and eat sensibly, I won't lie and say its an easy path but it will get easier as time goes by so keep taking them and you will know when you are ready to stop
All the best
Lesleyanne
janey
Posted
Guest
Posted
Glad to hear it's going well. I was also prescribed citalopram and put off taking them because of stories I'd read on the net and hearing first hand of someone suffering sickness and migraines when starting them. However, after years and years of on/off depression and anxiety (which I'd previously overcome on my own) I decided to give the pills a go.
I've been taking 10mg for five days now and I've also had no side-effects apart from very slight nausea on the first couple of days and a very slight detached feeling, which has made my anxiety lessen to a huge extent. I've only had a couple of short panic attacks, but worsening of the depression and anxiety has certainly not happened. In fact I feel like my old self feel and motivated to do all the stuff Iused to enjoy; going out, etc.
So far I'm pleased I've tried them and I hope I continue like this and felt I should post because there seems to be so many negative stories out there.
Guest
Posted
Since I've been on the meds - only 10mg a day I take first thing - not a single argument! We usually have a few a day! Strange detached feeling, not much appetite and hard to fall asleep too, but much mellower and finding it so funny that I'm not freaking out at every little thing like I normally do! Bit worried about work though - I knocked over 2 glasses of water on my desk today almost all over my pc... couldn't concentrate at all and felt like people were looking at me thinking 'what's she doing?'Will I be ok to do my job? I'm a bit scared too that the part of my personality that I liked - my spark, might be taken with this? Also I love my glass of wine in the eve and sometimes like to go out and get smashed with friends and will I never be able to do that again? Think my man is really happy that I'm not abusing him anymore! Help... :roll:
Guest
Posted
I can't help but think that all the side effects mentioned here are precisely why i would be taking the tablets in the first place. I seems to defeat the object :-S
I have been in and out of depression for as long as i can remember and have constantly pulled myself out of it on my own - but - It always comes back. I think enough is enough and i want to break this cycle now and forever! Ths is why i am finally considering pills. I have been with the man of my dreams for over 2 yrs and the last 6 months he feels he is treading on eggshells around me and that just makes me feel worse. I know that if i'm happy, he's happy! I feel like i'm constantly struggling against myself and when it gets bad is when insomnia and excessive sleep set in, lack of appetite, feeling disengaged from the world, unmotivayed to do anything, apathy... All things mentioned in side effects - [u:f0a8635d59]that i want to get rid of.[/u:f0a8635d59] A lot of my paranoia comes from feelings of unnatachment to peolple and situations. I don't want to increase that!
Is it just me??
Cheers Loz xxx
Guest
Posted
First of all i am really glad that you find the Citalopram are working for you!! I just wanted to say that you should most definately bear with it, I had very similar side effects at first when i started on them and they lasted no more than 2 weeks!! I was very clumsy and confused especially at work when i had a lot going on but it soon settled down.
I have been on the tablets now for 4 months and am feeling back to my old self pretty much. I know when you are suffering from side effects it feels like you may be losing a part of yourself but honestly give it time and things will come together. They reckon that you should be feeling some benefit within a few weeks and get better and better over the next few months, of course everyone is different but the fact that you are already feeling some good effects is encouraging!!!
As for the Alcohol question you had all i would say is that i still enjoy a drink the only thing being that i find myself feeling the effect of it much more quickly (which i don't see as too much of a bad thing lol) The only thing i don't do that i used to is to have a small glass of wine with a meal in a restaurant if i am going to drive as i know i could be possibly be unsafe to drive even though i wouldn't be over the limit!!
I hope you find this post useful and that you continue to make progress. i know that i am just taking one day at a time enjoying the fact that im starting to feel human again and i suggest you do the same!! Don't worry what people think of what your doing when you're clumsy etc it sounds like you have a husband who will be supportive and a son to be proud of and thats all that matters!!!
Take care of yourself!!!
KLM xxx
Poppy1234
Posted
Guest
Posted
thanks so much for your helpful thoughts KLM - I've been hoping someone would reply to me, especially as I've not found the courage to tell me family - apart from my husband, who thinks I'm doing really well. I sort of feel like it will make them treat me differently if I tell them, and I don't want it to be a focus, if you know what I mean. I'm really close to my brother & mum though. I did talk to my other brother - who is also on citalopram. it turns out (he's an alchoholic too & struggling but says they've helped him lots - PLUS he used to be really aggressive and he's sweet now but still a drunk) Anyway, does anyone else feel the same about telling loved ones? I'm not sure, I know they'll freak out, even though they know I've been having problems for ages.
Day 6 now, and I'm starting to feel, at times, a bit like my old self - not scared or worried all the time! Still feel odd - and slightly nauseous and monged out a bit - but managed to clean the house today AND work late at the office last night - he he! Bit nervous of drinking wine as I got a bad headache on one glass the other night. STILL no arguments - which is unbelievable! Loz- - sounds like your having a hard time, try to relax and stop beating yourself up - after all that's what depression is about a lot of the time... Keep going, I think it's possible we all might get to that good place.. x
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