Worries about taking Citalopram
Posted , 9 users are following.
I've just hit menopause big time and have been terrible hot flushes, lacking in sleep and crying all the time. I went to see my doctor yesterday to get my bloodtest results and I told him that I was feeling awful, lacking in confidence, hot and cold and all the other symptons that I'm sure everyone else is suffering too.
I told him I was taking lots of herbal medication from A.Vogel and it was early days but I was just feeling so low. He suggested 10mg of Citalopram for about three months but he wants to see me again in three weeks. I was worried about being hooked on them and having problems coming off them but he assured me for such a short period of time it wouldn't be a problem. He gave me this patient forum to look at and I've come across everyones comments on Cit and none of them seem positive and its worrying me.. Has no one had a good result from them - all I can see if headaches, sleeplessness, nausea, dirarreah, sweaty palms, dizziness - this is really worrying me now. I spoke with the pharmacist when I picked up my prescription and he said that I could get a bad reaction possibly in the first two weeks but after that it would be fine.
Interested to hear what anyone else thinks about this?
0 likes, 22 replies
robin67880 alex33450
Posted
Yes there is side effects for alot of people.(myself included) However for me, I can say that Citalopram is helping me find me again. I have been on it for about 5 weeks and after a few rough weeks I started to see the better days. Yes I still have bad days or glitches as I like to think of them but they are getting better day by day. I am told it is normal to go through these bursts of bad on occasion. I am still finding my way around with this as well but I do have hope that I will get over this hump. I started on 10 mg then after a week went to 20 mg. My gyno is testing me for Perimenopause as I beleive it is part of what is happning with me as well. Good luck! XX
alex33450 robin67880
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Good luck and thanks x
lorraine52317 alex33450
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It can be a bit rough in the first couple of weeks but it does pass. You may be lucky and get no side effects at all. I started on 10mg and did get better but meds did not hit the mark for my depression as the dose was too low for my situation. I'm still trying to find the right dosage. You will find positive replies here and I hope you hear from someone shortly.
Wishing you well I can recall your symptoms well even though it was ten years ago... but know menopause can be very distressing. Did your gp not offer any other options for you other than antidepressants? Maybe see if your gp will agree you starting on 5mg and working up to 10mg to minimise possible side effects.
Take care
Lorraine x
alex33450 lorraine52317
Posted
I've been hit badly by menopause and its totally debilitating and I'm trying to be positive but some days it just doesn't work.
I'm calling my doctor tomorrow for a chat and I'll see what he says. Today was day two and I had a terrible panic attack whilst driving so I had to stop and then when crossing the road a man got too close behind me and I was convinced he was going to take my handbag but he was just an innocent pedestrian! I felt much safer when I got home
Thanks for your advice x
lorraine52317 alex33450
Posted
It does sound like the citalopram would help you. If you get any side effects feel free to post me and I will try and alleviate any concerns you have. Please stay in touch and wishing you zero side effects when you start the meds xx
Warmest wishes and better tomorrow's xx
alex33450 lorraine52317
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mamasaver1 alex33450
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alex33450 mamasaver1
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holly_t alex33450
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Wanted to reassure you that unfortunately people mostly post bad experiences on here not good ones - mostly I think once people feel better they think 'why would I need the forum'? I know that has been my situation. At the same time last year I was posting about 5 posts daily for a couple of months, and then I got better. I still get notifications of people's messages but I'm ok so I don't need to post my own.
First of all we'll clear up - citalopram is not addictive. People struggle to come off it either because they do it too quickly or because they are simply not ready. I am not sure I will ever be ready to come off then but I have made peace with that as I didn't realise how unhappy and anxious I was until actually going on them.
They do not change who you are, they SIMPLY allow more serotonin to reach the brain - most of us on here are lacking in that.
Yes we'd all like to be drug free and on herbal remedies but life just isn't that simple all the time. People who have high blood pressure have no choice but to take a tablet each day, I'm sure they would rather not but it keeps them going.
Secondly - the side effects can be pretty severe I won't lie. Some people they don't affect at all, mine were awful. Every minute felt like an hour for a good 2 weeks. I would ABSOLUTELY not change it for anything though - it has saved me and put me back on track. I am lot where I want to be.
I hope this helps in some way. There are MANY positive stories about citalopram - in fact google 'positive stories about citalopram' and I bet you'll find some great stuff!
Good luck x
alex33450 holly_t
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claire56511 holly_t
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I just read this post you answered to someone and wanted to say how great it was.
I'm on day 4 of this drug and honestly feel horrendous. Every side effect you can think of ... To be fair I don't tolerate any medication well - prob linked massively to anxiety.
I was about ready to throw the towel in because part of me still feels I don't need it.
I'm not depressed - but suffer with panic attacks in certain situations.
So I avoid those situations. .. but the doctor feels that's anxiety 😕😕😕.
Anyway after reading your post I think I'll carry on for a few more days and think again cxxx
holly_t claire56511
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xx
claire56511 holly_t
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Xx
amber_6594 alex33450
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pat97152 amber_6594
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so glad to hear your story ends happily 😀😀😀
alex33450 amber_6594
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amber_6594 pat97152
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