I need some support (Citalopram/Celexa) - :-(

11-25-2011, 02:41 AM

Dear All,

I started on Citalopram (Celexa) 10mg about 5 days ago, and I'm really struggling. I was prescribed the drug for anxiety and some depression after trying CBT & Homeopathy and a number of other routes too... I found that I was just getting to the point where things were getting a bit too much for me :-(

I take the tablet at night (as advised by my doctor). When I wake up, I'm REALLY anxious, this eases off a little towards afternoon, but ALL DAY I feel fatigued and spaced out and nauseous too (I've not been eating much because of that). I really don't feel like myself, and feel like i can't concentrate or focus. Strangely by night time (I guess when the tablet has worn off???) I start to feel a lot better and clearer, and then I take the tablet go to bed, and when I wake up, the cycle starts again...

I know it's only been 5 days but does this mean the tablets aren't working? or is this normal? I don't know whether to carry on or stop?

11-25-2011, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uk_worried_guy

I know it's only been 5 days but does this mean the tablets aren't working? or is this normal? I don't know whether to carry on or stop?

I ask myself two questions when the side-effects become quite bothersome: is the side-effects severely impairing my ability to function in daily life? And am I willing to put up with the side-effects for at least a while longer?

Celexa may or may not be successful with minimizing your depressive symptoms later on. If the side-effects are having too much of an impact on your daily routines and don't lessen over time, you may be better off switching to a different medication. I know it's not an easy decision whether to stay on a medication or try something different. When I made the decision I wondered whether I was quitting prematurely and whether the new medication would have even worse side-effects.

Hopefully your experience with Celexa will help your doctor in selecting a new medication that will work more favorably with you should you decide to try a different medication.

11-25-2011, 09:41 AM

...Thanks for the reply. I think you're right... It's only been 5 days, I spoke to the doctor today who said I need to give it *at least* 10 days (and ideally upto 14) to see how the side effects are... It's NOT pleasant, but I guess I have to man-up and deal with it for now :-( It's especially hard when I was emotionally very raw anyway....

12-01-2011, 09:49 AM

hey, i was on citalopram for 3 months. its not the greatest antidepressant considering the side effects. i was feeling sick the first 10 days or so, but then out of the blue i felt really really good. and two weeks after i started taking it i was literally a different but happy person.
its been a week since you last posted, so i hope citalopram is working better with you now

12-01-2011, 10:05 AM

thank you for the replies. The side effects are still there, albeit not as bad as last week, but i still don't feel good. I went to the doctor today, who said I need to give it another 10 days and see how i feel :-(

12-01-2011, 10:19 AM

it's kind of a weird med. you may also experience super vivid dreams. i do not know how stressed you feel(i would imagine a lot) but you can always tell your doctor earlier than 10 days. after all, it is your decision. you need to be patient when taking antidepressants. unfortunately they do not work straight away. i wish they did! try to keep your mind busy, the drug will do its work

12-01-2011, 10:24 AM

thank you ! did you find the side effects went away after you started to feel better?

12-01-2011, 10:30 AM

yes. when i started to feel better the side effects did not matter any more. it took me 2-3 weeks to start feeling a lot better. after couple of weeks i was feeling perfect. they gave me some meds for IBS and the stomach too. but once you get out of the worst part of depression, you dont pay attention to the side effects.

12-01-2011, 10:33 AM

My depression and anxiety weren't 'horrendous' the reason for the treatment was because my anxiety levels were getting quite escalated quite quickly which was not helpful... but mainly because my anxiety and stress levels triggered me to develop rather serious IBS. The aim is that hopefully... by clearing the edge off the anxiety and stress... the IBS will ease-up too.

i'm just really sick of feeling rubbish!!!

12-01-2011, 10:38 AM

i think IBS is primarily stress-related disorder. you need to keep your mind busy and go for running. its helpful for a lot of people with depression and/or anxiety. it takes all the stress out(if you know what i mean, i cant express it in english correctly i think!)

12-06-2011, 05:08 PM

I took Citalopram 50mg for about 6 months in 2008 and it takes time to kick in, get used to what it does to you. couple of weeks should have to feeling what you should feel. LIke the AD I just started, every morning I took them I was soo nauseous but now they are helping and no more sickness!
You need to persist with the side effects and go back to doc after 4 weeks and review. Stop getting freaked out by them and accept you will take time to adjust.
It didn't work for me but hey maybe for you
Holly

I need some support (Citalopram/Celexa) - :-(

Sign Up Today!

Join Our Newsletter

Whoops,

Thank You