Third day- Citalopram- Advice please!
Posted , 10 users are following.
Hello people,
I was prescribed citalopram last week by the doctor, taken me about 3 years to go to them and finally try and deal with the depression i've had. The main issues are that i've had a pretty low self esteem ever since i can remember, i battled with bulimia for 3 years which i never got help for- just managed to gradually take control and stop myself doing it, and there have been big family problems. Although I still have happy, normal- feeling days (usually when im with my boyfriend who has such a good effect on me) I can sometimes change so rapidly and get really agitated and angry, like i'm sinking into a black hole. i have been having disturbing nightmares for a long time too, though it doesnt effect the amount i sleep. i'm going on abit, basically ive been prescribed the drug, and i didnt take it until a couple days ago because i was wondering do i need this? i know that i have bad days and panicky feelings most mornings i wake up, and i do sit going over things over and over again. Is there anyone who has had a similar predicament? I'm on my third day of taking it and i feel a burst of up-beat energy in me, and ive woken up to a blurred memory of my dreams, which to me is better than a vivid dream of being chased by a murderer!!!! only other side effects i can feel is my heart beating in my chest and waking up in the middle of the night feeling awake before i get back off to sleep again.
I feel i need an opinion (other than a doctors- who will dish out drugs to anyone) of whether they feel i could benefit sticking to taking it.
i will appreciate hearing from anyone. Thanks
0 likes, 27 replies
john729
Posted
Also, make as much use of the positive things in your life. Like your relationship. You can do it on your own but a bit of support makes it so much easier.
john729
Posted
Also, make as much use of the positive things in your life. Like your relationship. You can do it on your own but a bit of support makes it so much easier.
Guest
Posted
Guest
Posted
I agree that GPs are often critised (maybe rightly?) for dishing out the antidepressants too easily and readily. But judging from what you've mentioned, I think it was right for the doctor to prescribe you Citalopram.
My personal experience with citalopram is generally feeling 'lighter' - not so weighed-down and sluggish. Also, crying less and feeling that maybe life isn't so bad! My sleep improved, and I felt calmer and less irritable. Maybe a few things for you to look forward to...? I don't know whether it will help with your vivid dreams, but by the sound of it, they're already becoming more hazy, which is great. It might also help with your anxiety/panicky feelings. If after 5 weeks you don't feel the medication is helping enough, then it's quite common for the doctor to increase your dosage, or try another antidepressant.
It's normal to have 'good' days - it doesn't automatically mean that you're not depressed. But it seems you often have 'low' days which affect your relationships, and sound pretty unbearable for you too! In time, the antidepressants will improve your mood and help you see the positive things in life, and be more resilient during difficult patches.
Without meaning to sound trite, I think it's great that you finally plucked up the courage to see the doctor. Things will start to improve soon - just be patient! It sounds like you've been battling with this alone for a few years now. The fact that you've had bulimia in the past, and depression for quite a few years, makes the doctor's decision to prescribe you the medication even more justifiable. This isn't something that'll necessarily go away by itself, and I think you did the right thing by asking for help.
I hope this gives you some reassurance. Keep us posted on your progress!
Take care,
Emma
Guest
Posted
Thank you for reassurance, its helped me a great deal. This forum is excellent, i wish i had come on one a lot earlier to talk about things. I have two close friends, but anytime I've opened up i can tell they just don't get it, and it makes me feel like I'm always moaning. Anyway, I'm on my 4th day and seeing a difference in my mood already- with none of the nasty side effects, just mainly feeling spaced out (which i'm well used to!)- i wasn't expecting it to kick in for a couple weeks at least. I came home today for the first time in a week, after being at my boyfriends place- i normally walk in the door, feel the bad atmosphere, realise why exactly i hate being at home, start crying and getting extremely angry- but today i've come in feeling so much better, i feel like im in a cosy bubble. no major anxiety. Also last night i had a nice dream, i woke up laughing!
I hope it lasts, still early days.
How long have you been on Citalopram? Does it reach a point of not being so aware you're on something?
Sarah x
Guest
Posted
Wow what a weird day.
Many thanks for the feedback i got.
lockie
Posted
when i started taking mine i expenced same sort of things ups and downs ive been on mine about 4 weeks now and it seems to be starting to take effect so like i say stik withit unless it getts intorlable then see ya gp or a support unit
Guest
Posted
I also am a person who likes to try and cope naturally and not take tablets. Recently I have been trying to cope with depression and had a real bad day where i ended up at the GP's getting prescribed citalopram. I have only taken it for the past two days and cant believe the side effects its having. I too have felt like im coming up on ectasy and havnt been able to focus on anything, ive just walked around with this silly spaced out smile on my face. I know they are meant to be happy pills, but surely this isnt right? I too have had my fair share of recreational drugs and for me I dont think i can cope with feeling like this on a daily basis especially as i have to go to work etc!
So i think i should give up and try and do it alone again??
any advice
Guest
Posted
I think it's great that citalopram works for some people, and i don't mean to come across like i think its a bad drug. The general opinion seems to be that one should stick to it and allow it time to kick in. This seems very daunting to me, many days/ weeks / potentially months of feeling like i'm buzzing on something, monging out and generally talking shit to people. I'm alright thanks. I came to this decision because i don't think my anxiety is bad enough to take shit that will make me feel weird all the time. i have to get off the computer- ive rushed this so i dont think i make much sense or got my point across. I'll be back later to continue! x
Guest
Posted
I found out that a drink helps not lots but a litle ammount seemed to calm me down alot, I am now on my 10th day an I feel ok, not quite rite but im doin ok
when i started feelin like i was on extasy i was walking around a town about 15miles away from where i lived an i went in to co op pharmacy an asked if i should be feelin gthat way, he said thats its normal but if the effects last more than 2 weeks to consult my doctor, he also said, that i can break them in half an have 10mg , i didnt an now im feelin alot better although i do get very good time an very bad times which stick in my mind more.
Like alot of other people have said stick at them and in a few weeks you will be fine, what you have explained are usual effects.
Take care and if you want to talk properly my msn is
***********
i would like to talk to someone who has had the same experiances as me on them.
Thankyou
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Guest
Posted
peace people.xxxx
Guest
Posted
however will stick to the drug and keep u posted x
Guest
Posted
Have you stuck with citalopram since?
Stay strong and be in touch.
Panther81
Posted
I took my 1st Citalopram last night and all night felt really sick as though I had taken a bad Ecstacy tablet, couldnt sleep all night, eventually got a bit of sleep and woke up feeling the exact same way!!
Was very anxious when I woke up as though I was having a major Ecstacy come down................dont know if I can handle this feeling everyday, its very scary!!!
My hearts beatin out my chest and I have such bad nausea and my jaw feels stiff!
Hope it will eventually get better
Stacy x
Guest
Posted