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Too afraid to sleep?

Posted , 7 users are following.

danielle10513
danielle10513

Been on 10 mg of cit for a week now and sleep has been an absolute nightmare. I'll doze off for a max of an hour and wake up dazed, confused, tense and unfocused. Sometimes my vision is wonky too. it's a foggy uncertain feeling and I can't even begin to describe how anxious it makes me feel. I haven't slept at all this week. Is this normal for cit?  I've been on it before and never had so much trouble with it...

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • matt39801
    matt39801 danielle10513

    Posted

    Hi

    Yes what you’re experiencing is common side effects , I didn’t have any problems the first time I was on cit but have this time , I’m 5 months in now , the foggy feeling , blurring disturbed vision lack of sleep I creased anxiety are all common side effects, I had those and more ! Yuk !

    Hang in there , it will take a while to settle down but the cit will start to help you.

    Matt 

  • Hope3578
    Hope3578 danielle10513

    Posted

    Hi Danielle

    What time are you taking your citalopram? I’m on day 10. This is the first time I have taken cit. they say the first week or two are the worst. 

    • danielle10513
      danielle10513 Hope3578

      Posted

      Hi Sarah 

      I take my cit at night time around 11pm in hopes I won't suffer side effects during the day

    • Hope3578
      Hope3578 danielle10513

      Posted

      I take mine with breakfast. I have dealt with the side effects throughout the morning until around lunch, but I have just been persevering. It is common for them to give you sleep problems if you do take them at night. Although this doesn’t happen for everyone. But appears like they are maybe doing this for you. During the day I can distract myself at work and that helps a little,  whereas at night it’s more difficult to distract yourself from the side effects so it’s obviously keeping you awake. It’s entirely up to you, as you may wish to just persevere with them the way you have been taking them. But it’s worth a try maybe switching to mornings. I’m already feeling some benefit from mine so fingers crossed you will soon too xx
  • portugalthecam
    portugalthecam danielle10513

    Posted

    I also never experienced sleep problems the first time I was on Cit, almost 10 years, and then when I tried to go off of it and back on, I had sleep issues. It's awful. You are definitely not alone. I tried various things to help me with sleep, but ultimately I think what helped me most was having faith that your normal sleep patterns will return eventually, and mine did somewhat, although I'm still up and down while trying to get my dosage right again. I also currently take Clonazepam (Klonopin) here and there at night to help my mind settle. It doesn't seem to be quite as harsh or addictive as Alprazolam (Xanax), with seemingly little side effects. I try to take it sparingly, but it does seem to help quite a bit when I am increasing/decreasing dosages. Most importantly, though, have faith that your sleep will return to its natural way, it just takes time and can be quite hellish in the meantime. You are not alone!

    • lois95799
      lois95799 portugalthecam

      Posted

      Everyone is different with meds..for example for me Klonopin did not work...but zanex did...they are both benzos and they are both addictive ..so be aware...take care
  • johmac
    johmac danielle10513

    Posted

    Hi Danielle

    I think this is one of the side effects with Cit.  I had insomnia last year for a few weeks and again this last month. I know how you feel although I wasn't afraid to sleep. I begged for it.  People say don't worry about it but I know how it is. There may be an add on med you can get but for me 2 didn't work, then the insomnia left. It may for me also have a been a work situation.  I know that when you go back on Cit the side effects can be different so maybe that's what you are experiencing. I listened to soothing meditation, even tried a brandy at night although I'm not a drinker. Brandy relaxed my body but not enough for sleep. I wish I had good news but if it is the Cit, maybe it just runs it's course. 

    I wouldn't worry about the vision or foggy brain, that won't harm you and it will probably pass. Hoping you have some sleep soon.

    Jo x 

  • Mark7004
    Mark7004 danielle10513

    Posted

    Stick with it. Sounds totally normal in terms of side effects!  It may last for another 2-3 weeks.  Stick with it as it will pass and it will be worth it in the end. Its a bit of a roller coaster for the first few weeks. Good luck. Mark x
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