Side effects and insomnia on citalopram.

Hey, what time do you take your citalopram? Because for some it can cause insomnia if taken to close to bedtime. Others it can help sleep so it really all depends on the person. I have suffered insomnia since my second child was born and the first time it was rotten, as is most physical and psychological symptoms when you first experience them. I am in my 3rd week of citalopram 10mg and its affecting my sleep too, along with various other symptoms like nausea, body aches and headaches and its kicking my arse.

I take my tablet at 9am. But think if I took it at night it might cause me to have even worse sleep as it doesn't make me drowsy like other people report. Personally I'd suggest looking at the time you take it. (could it help you sleep? Does it make you drowsy) or if it doesn't, take it in the morning, this should then allow your body tone to process the side effects during the day (I know its rotten) but it doesn't last. I promise. It could take up to 12 weeks to feel normal again and when told this so early in your journey its a horrible thought, but you won't feel this bad the entire 12 weeks, it'll just be blips. Eventually you'll be sleeping better, which will reduce anxiety and things will be easier. Try nit to panic about not sleeping, I know easier said than done, I have been working on that for years and still haven't quite grasp it, but tell yourself, OK if I don't get enough sleep tonight then its fine, I will catch up tomorrow night, this isn't gonna last forever and I'll be OK. Because you will be absolutely fine. All this is only temporary, bad times never last. Also if you're unsure about the second medication you've been prescribed, try something less extreme like night nurse, or get yourself some lavender spray, drink camomile tea before bed and try and do something relaxing like colouring in to take your mind off the sleep issue.

A common side effect of Citalopram is insomnia and is usually worse in the first few weeks on the meds. It should settle down over time.

Agree about taking it in the morning - my doctor told me the same too that its less disruptive to sleep if taken early in the day.

oh boy,

i was just going to post about this when i woke up. i am going through the very same thing you are. This is my 2nd time on the meds.. the first time i dont remember any sleeping problems, but this time around its the cause of most of my anxiety, some nights it feels like im in limbo, ready to fall into sleep but for some reason not falling asleep, i have good nights, had 8 in a row last week, but back to the same this week. i have been on 20mg for 7 and 1/2 weeks but my dr. increased my dose to 30 2 1/2 weeks ago..its very frustrating, i hear ya. my dr said taking it in the morning wont change anything...i wished drs would be on the same page. i just hope it goes away soon. hang in there