Posted , 119 users are following.
I have now been on 10mg Citalopram for 2 weeks, have to higher the dose to 20mg at the weekend, at the moment I am not feeling too good, hightened anxiety which the GP told me to expect, only sleeping a couple of hours a night and tummy upsets, I would love to hear other people's experiences with this drug as I am not sure whether to pack it in or carry on, thank you.
8 likes, 314 replies
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yvonne51053 cmc46
Posted
Hi all I've been on cipramil for 3 weeks now and like some of you I am actually feeling more anxious. I have a "brick" feeling on my chest and "missed" heart beats. My anxiety levels are through the roof. It seems to be consuming me. The Dr told me it was all anxiety but I can't seem to get it out of my head that I have a Heart condition. I am going to get an ECG tomorrow to see if that will ease my concerns. Always something. Also I have had 2 beers in the evening and that seems to help relax me. I am not advocating taking a drink but Dr and Chemist said one or two would be ok. Maybe I'll soldier on and give this medication another few weeks.
Yvonne
yvonne51053 cmc46
Posted
I have been on cipramil for the last 3 weeks and my anxiety levels have gotten worse. I am reading that this can happen. Nevertheless I feel like I have a "brick" on my chest and "missed" heart beats. The Dr says it is anxiety but am getting an ECG tomorrow for peace of mind. That is if peace of mind enters my vocabulary. Dr and Chemist says it is ok to have one or two drinks but not overdo it. Not that I am advocating it but just thought I would mention it. Yvonne
Sxx yvonne51053
Posted
Hi Yvonne,
Easy for me to say it is anxiety, I know the feeling, tight chest feeling just by your sternum. The ECG should be ok and then it will take time to accept and believe the results. From what I have read on here and another forum I am on, citalopram can take weeks to fully work.
A couple of drinks won't do you any harm and as you say calms you down a bit. I used to love a glass of wine but since getting ill alot of things taste awful...
let us know how you get on,
take care
Sxx
yvonne51053 Sxx
Posted
Hi thanks for reply. Well I got my ECG done and the nurse saw the "missed" heart beats on the monitor even though the ECG itself read all was ok. BP high so now on a 24 hour BP monitor. Always something. In the meantime the Dr took me off the Cipramil as it is over 3 weeks since I went on it but definitely got worse. I have to see him in the morning to review all so it will be interesting to see that comes of it. Will keep you posted.
Sxx yvonne51053
Posted
Glad you are getting things sorted and that you had the tests today.
Once you've done the 24 hour BP monitor test then your doc will know more and hopefully be able to sort things out. If you have questions make a list so you don't forget the half...like I always do..
I've been on cipramil for nearly a month, don't think I feel worse but can't say there have been any glimmers..I'm tired all the time and the depression/anxiety are not much fun. Can't wait for it to be time for bed and I can go and read my book.
hope all goes well tomorrow and you get some answers,
take care
Sxx
p.s. I hope you haven't stopped the citalopram cold turkey??
yvonne51053 Sxx
Posted
Hi Sxx
Thanks for replying. BP very high a few times but in general Dr was satisfied thankfully. Yeah I did stop cold turkey as Dr just told me to come off them as I couldn't handly the brick on my chest sensation. I thought my heart would explode. Brick sensation not as bad since i came off cipramil. Maybe it's psychomatic? Feeling a big light headed today but maybe that is the result of coming off it cold turkey. I was only on it 3 weeks so hopefully this feeling will pass or i will be hassling the Dr AGAIN. There's always some anxiety or other. Just want to feel less stressed and "normal". Yxx
Sxx yvonne51053
Posted
You feeling any better? any new advice from your doctor?
take care
Sxx
cmc46
Posted
Please don't give up Katrina, I felt exactly the same when I started to take them and I did start to think that they would never work and then all of a sudden things get better and you will be glad you stuck with it. It was back in 2012 when I started them and I stayed on till just over a year ago and have been fine since.
Stick with it, you will be glad you did, it took about 6 weeks for me to start to feel better but it will come, good luck.
katrina215 cmc46
Posted
For some reason these notifications went into junk mail! Thanks for responding. I'm in nursing school and the side effects were getting extremely debilitating. Unfortunately, I stopped taking them to be able to finish off my semester but plan to go back on next week since I have a 3 week break and can afford to feel all of those crappy feelings for a bit
hayley64982 cmc46
Posted
katie97463 hayley64982
Posted
Hi I'm just interested to know if you upped your dose? I'm due a one month review with my doc and if he puts me up to 20mg I would like to know if the side effects come back? 🙂
Sahliel cmc46
Posted
I know this is an old post but I just started on Cit four days ago and I feel horrible. First days not too much symptoms but now I'm having severe anxiety. If this will be like this for at least two weeks I don't know if I can make it.
Does it ever feel good in between?
katie97463 Sahliel
Posted
Hi Ive been taking it for just over three weeks and the side effects lasted about two weeks. Im really glad I stuck at it even though the side effects were horrendous. I'm starting to feel the benefits of it now and I'm having really good days now. I didn't think I would ever feel better but I do. Just be kind to yourself and take it a day at a time. 🙂
Sahliel katie97463
Posted
Thank you for replying kate. Did you have bad anxieties in the beginning? I'm worried my anxiety is out of control and it's now causing more physical pains. How much more if I have to endure at least two weeks.
katie97463 Sahliel
Posted
Hi. The anxiety in the first week is the worst i have ever experienced!! But after the first week the anxiety got less and less everyday. The morning anxiety was the last to go and now when I think I will suffer with anxiety it just doesn't happen!! Those first days were a real struggle. I listened to meditation for anxiety attacks on you tube when it was really bad and this did help to calm me down. X
Sahliel katie97463
Posted
Thank you very much Katie. This makes me feel better already knowing that what I'm having is a normal symptom and that it will get better. I'm trying EFT but it only helps for a few mins and then I get tired of tapping. I'm just so tired cuz the anxiety and tension kept me up all night last night.