Citalopram - your stories please?

[AlexAndreN]

I am going to make an appointment to see the doctor for my mood swings and anxiety and by the looks of it, Citalopram could be on the cards.

My questions are:

How long before you see a change in your mood?
How noticeable is the change?

[Sparklingbrook]

Hi Alex. I started on 20mg in July 2011. Started to feel better in a couple of weeks, and it really worked for me. Won't lie to you I had a few side effects to start with.

My GP described it as something to knock the rough edges off your anxiety and that's how it feels.


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[AnnoyedAtWork]

Expect to feel worse for about a week. They should warn you about that. i could hardly eat i was so anxious. Then it kicks in. I just felt like all my anxiety had been 'deleted' if you like

I'm off it now but was on it for 2 years and it helped me a lot. I went up to 40mg (from 20) for a while but made me feel worse (less anxious but more depressed) Keep checking in with the doc. Good luck

[racytrace]

Hi I am on 10mg for IBS actually but I guess it helps with anxiety too. I have been on it quite a few years now and don't really suffer with mood swings even at PMT time!

The first week was the worst, I had a few headaches whilst it was getting into my system but after that it was fine. Stick with it you will be fine

[Sparklingbrook]

Is it working for your IBS racy? i have been quite constipated on it. (TMI)

[Geargrinder]

As i mentioned on your other thread, OP, I was on it for a year. Noticeable difference within about two weeks. It makes a huge difference. Only once it had started working did I realise how bad I had been. It was such a relief to finally sleep again rather than lie awake feeling anxious.

[FromEsme]

It worked for me, one of the few things that did. It did, however, kill my sex drive. And I felt awful for about 10 days, the anxiety was worse and the suicidal feelings, but that went away. If you can make sure you have some support and don't have too much to do those days you'll be fine.

[racytrace]

It has worked for the IBS. I used to find within 20mins of eating I was visiting the toilet but now I am more the other way. I have to be careful not to eat too spicy foods, and I have to make sure I eat enough fibre otherwise I too get a bit constipated.

Have just been to a consultant re womb pains though and it appears I have adenomyosis and need a total hysterectomy. The consultant said he has seen many case of this diagnosed as IBS so if IBS is your concern take care to check all avenues. I have spent last 15 years thinking it as IBS when actually it could have been my womb all along.

[AntoinetteCosway]

It worked for me in terms of anxiety/mood but unfortunately it also made me itch all over really, really badly, so I had to switch. Am now on Sertraline which is not as effective IMO.

[Dunnitt]

Hello. Glad to see this thread as I have just logged on to ask the same question. I have been taking for 6 days and last night had the WORSED anxiety/panic attack which lasted 17 hours. Did not sleep a week. I am tempted to not take todays tablet as I am just starting to feel a bit more normal and don't want to be back to what i was like last night. i am seeing the consultant tomorrow so will discuss with her then but fancy a night off feeling sooooo horrendous. Whats everyone elses advice?

[Sparklingbrook]

Hi Dunnitt, I would keep going and keep taking the tablets. It is well known that you can feel worse before you feel better, you just need to get through this bit to reap the rewards in a couple of weeks. Crap though that sounds I know,

[Paps123]

I've been on 20mg citalopram for over a year now. Thought i felt better and graduallystopped them( 10mg for 2weeks) well what a shock i got after a week off of them. Couldn't sleep very anxious joint pains dizzyness blah blah. Spoke to doc today and said i must go back on them as depression has returned, she said not addictive as i was very adamantat taking them again. When i first started on them it took me about three weeks to notice a difference.So off to gp to get some more

[AnnoyedAtWork]

Dunnitt it WILL make you feel MORE anxious for a week or so - my doc warned me about it very surprised yours did not. Do not stop taking them as then you will have to go through that all again !

[AnnoyedAtWork]

paps I came off mine very very slowly - over about a year from 40mg to nothing, reducing by 5mg at a time. I'm now off them and feel happier than I have ever done, got coping strategies for when I get anxious ( which is not often any more )

[5hounds]

im on 40mg after alot of trying with others before. Citalapram has worked wonders for me, took a couple of weeks to get it in ur system. I think its great