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Problems with Citalopram - is this normal?

Posted , 5 users are following.

amanda7497
amanda7497

Hello

I really need some advice as I’m havjnf such a bad day today.

I started taking my Citalopram 2 days ago, it took me 1 week to finally take them because I was so worried about it. I have heath anxiety which was one of the main reasons for my worry to take them. I took it about 6pm and was so restless afterwards, couldn’t stop making myself sick. I never slept a wink all night, I feel asleep and woke up 30 mins later with a racing heart, tingly arms and sore chest etc and was instantly sick with fear. I never slept a wink all night, I had a sore chest and arms all night and a racing heart.

I had quite a good day that day, apart from feeling really tired I was ok. I took another about 8pm last night. I had a better sleep, but I did wake up a few times in a bit of a panic but not as bad as the night before and I managed to calm myself down. 

Today I have just felt totally spaced out, not ate all day, feel shakey and weak, my pupils are sometimes really wide and I just tried to go for another sleep and woke up in another panic 30 mins later.

Has anyone ever experienced this? Also a ometimes when I’m trying to sleep I feel really confused, my heads doing overtime.

Thanks 

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • mike07300
    mike07300 amanda7497

    Posted

    I’m afraid that’s just the Cits ‘kick starting ‘ your brain Amanda, what dose are you on?  If you get to worried try halving the tablet.  It’s deffo worth hanging In their though.
    • amanda7497
      amanda7497 mike07300

      Posted

      Hello

      I am on 20mg. I phoned my doctor today after waking up in a panic after a nap and told him about how I’ve been feeling. He said to stop taking it if it’s making me feel worse. Not sure what to do 

    • Paula2019
      Paula2019 amanda7497

      Posted

      Am surprised your doctor started you on such a high dose, 10mg is normally the starting dose for a few weeks, increased anxiety is one of the side effects of starting cita, no wonder you feel bad on a starting dose of 20mg.
    • amanda7497
      amanda7497 Paula2019

      Posted

      Hi Paula

      Thanks for replying. I haven’t took them now for 2 days, I only took 2 tablets so the doctor said it was safe to stop. I’m going to phone the doctor today and see about either changing the meds or getting a lower dose. 

  • marsh23433
    marsh23433 amanda7497

    Posted

    hi amanda.,these problems which you are feeling is just a side effect which you will get for about 6/8 weeks until the ssri  starts working would suggest you take them about 2 hrs before going to bed as whilst you sleep the medication will start to work within your body and brain.Please don't stop them as if you do   -,you will get withdrawal symptoms  and citrolopram is one of the better ones to take

    • amanda7497
      amanda7497 marsh23433

      Posted

      Hello

      Thanks for replying. I haven’t took them now for 2 days, I only took 2 tablets so the doctor said it was safe to stop. I’m going to phone the doctor today and see about either changing the meds or getting a lower dose.

  • mike07300
    mike07300 amanda7497

    Posted

    Hi again Amanda, 20mg seems a big dose to start on !  try taken 10mg, I was on 10mg for two years, I'm now down to 5mg & life Isn't loooking to bad again, let us know how you get on.x

    • amanda7497
      amanda7497 mike07300

      Posted

      Hello

      Thanks for replying. I haven’t took them now for 2 days, I only took 2 tablets so the doctor said it was safe to stop. I’m going to phone the doctor today and see about either changing the meds or getting a lower dose. 

  • T.C.21
    T.C.21 amanda7497

    Posted

     Have you started to take a smaller dose? I've been on 10mg for 2 weeks. 

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