Still struggling, any advice welcome

Posted , 5 users are following.

Hi everyone

I'm 20 days in going from 7.5 to 10 mg. I've had some Good days and some really rough ones. The last couple of days I've been feeling weird about an hour after taking my dose at 4pm. Light headed, headachy, tired and just feel the need to lie down. Yesterday I felt good all day until I took my med. Last night I woke up three times with a racing pulse, hot and cold sweats, spaced out type of feeling and back and fore for a wee all the time. Not sure if they were anxiety attacks or something else. I'm beginning to wonder whether 10mg is too much for me the second time round. I cannot remember these side effects the first time round. Is this to be expected or should I see my GP?

Thanks everyone

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi lena, I have been trying to settle on cit again, 4th time around for me, I have given it 6 months giving each dose a good time to settle. I got better the last 3 times on 20 but I could not take it this time and after giving 15 3months, all the side effects had gone but I was only feeling good for a week or so then not too good for a week or so, it was too much up and down. Had a visit to my GP and she has now given me a taper off plan with a switch to sertraline. We went through various reasons why it didn't work this time but both agreed you can give yourself a headache and cause more problems trying to figure out, as to exactly why it sometimes doesn't work as well as it did before. You could stick it out for a few more weeks and see if it improves but maybe a chat with your doctor will give you more reassurance as to where to go from here. Citalopram is a well tolerated drug used by lots and has in the past worked well for me, only you and your Dr can decide when enough is enough. I really hope you find some peace soon .

    • Posted

      Thank you Sue, it's good to talk to someone going through similar issues. It worked well for me too in the past. If I get another bad night tonight I'm definitely going to make an appointment. Fortunately I can usually book an appointment the same day which must sound like a luxury for those who have to wait two weeks or so.

      Yesterday I felt great up until I took my med at 4pm. I just don't understand it anymore. I seem to be taking one step forward and two steps backwards.

      Good luck with your taper off plan, I hope setraline works for you.?🙏

    • Posted

      I always felt great in the late afternoon/ evening, apart from 3 weeks when I felt really ill for the whole day, sometimes it even started getting better by 11 in the morning, sometimes the whole day was good from waking up till bed time, it is hard to plan anything when you are so up and down, going to work, helping my daughter with my grandson, even down to if my husband could go to work, I am lucky in that work have been fantastic over these last 6 months and my husband works from himself. I completely understand where you are coming from with the back and forth, you think yes this is it and I am on my way forward just to feel like you have made no headway the next day or week later. Don't recall it being like this at all before, from what I remember it was 2 weeks of living hell, 2 weeks of feeling a bit spaced out then just got better and better after that. All we can do is listen to our bodies, try and tell ourselves it is the medication and come hell or high water we will get better

    • Posted

      Also I think it is a great idea about seeing your Dr tomorrow, even if you have a better night, sometimes it gives you a bit more positivity just talking to someone about it, makes you feel like you are taking charge of the situation rather then the situation taking charge of you
    • Posted

      Hi Sue

      When I read what others are going through I realize how much of a wimp I am. I think you're right, I'll probably see my doc. I need to sort myself out.

      Hard to believe how powerful this little med is, it changes your life for the better most of the time but you have to go through an assault course to get there (most of the time).

      Take care?

  • Posted

    Hi Lina, I have been on & off Cit for two years, fighting myself to whether i feel better either with or without, I struggled with feeling to 'weird' on 10's this time,so ive been on 5mg now for a month & i'm starting to find an Imbetween from feeling energetic & clear headed on the cits or tired & slight numbness,but have 'emotions' without the drug.  So Its deffinatly worth experimenting,let us know how you get on, It's allways nice to know that your not the only one struggling.

    • Posted

      Hi Mike

      Sounds like you've been struggling too. I have already been experimenting to a certain extent. I went from 10 to 5 three to four months ago with the intention to wean off but the withdrawal effects, giddiness in particular, were unbearable so I went back up to 7.5 and now 10 for 3 weeks. The side effects can be really scary at times, puts doubt in your mind. Like you I get moments when I have lots of energy and feel a almost normal again but the following day can be completely the opposite. Thank goodness for this site where you can speak to people in the same boat, it's very reassuring. I hope you feel well again soon.

      Take care?🙏

  • Posted

    there isnt much that lois doesnt know about low doses of citalopram. if she doesnt respond, try finding a previous post of hers, and email her.
    • Posted

      Hi Nigel

      Yes, I agree. Lois has helped me a lot, just a few words but ever so comforting.☺

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