Citalopram- Not Sure It Suits Me

[JustBe]

What dose were you taking of the Citalopram when you noticed the side effect with your heart?

 

[Sazza]

I went on citalopram 3 weeks ago, previously been on it and worked wonders for my anxiety but dose kept increasing and never lifted the depression. Here i am again back on it and again helping anxiety but my mood is still low. Currently on 20mg, one thing i am experiencing is extreme tiredness. Anyone else feeling totoally exhausted on citalopram? If so when did that ease? I don't really want go above 20 as last time increasing did nothing for my mood. After the citalopram last time went through various other antidepressants and none agreed with me.

Movin on with regards to the heart question, last year there was an alert issued regarding citalopram and doses above 40mg increasing the risk of cardiac rhythm problems particualrly in those prone to such problems. I don't know if this helps we are all different in our responses to medications.

 

[Abstract]

Hi IceFire,
I think 10 mg is thought of as sub therapeutic dose so no wonder you were not helped by that. Apparently even 40 is quite common. I have been on it for 7 years now and it definitely helps me so hear is hoping for you.

Sazza,
I did experience the tiredness initially but am afraid I cant remember how long it took to settle. It might have been about a month actually. My depression was bad at the time so it was also hard to separate the side effects from depression symptoms.

I really don't have any side effects from it any more. Not looking forward to coming off if I need to though! :rolleyes:

 

[Loveneverfails]

I've been on 20mg of Citalopram for a month and a half now. I was also taking Clonazepam(Klonopin) at the same time and was having a really hard time sleeping(which is never good for me). I was super irritable and emotional from having four or less hours of sleep a night. The first two to three weeks were really bad for me, I think I also gained some weight during that time that I wouldn't normally pack on. I finally stopped taking the Clonazepam and my sleep pattern returned to normal after a few nights. I've been off the Clonazepam and just taking the Citalopram for about a week and a half now and things are getting better. I think taking both drugs definitely had a negative effect. I can feel my mood evening out, but I do think I'll need to either try a higher dose or switch to another medication since even though my mood is even and my anxiety is a lot better, I'm still so low.

 

[Abstract]

Oh Loveneverfails reminded me: I take mine in the morning as I find taking it at night can aggravate my insomnia a little.

 

[YogiBear]

Hello All,

I was on this medication a good 8 months. I found this medication to be effective. My former psychiatrist had me on 80 mg a day. When I told him about FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) heart-related issues, he became angry at a friend of mine who informed me of this contraindication and proceeded to leave her various voicemails after requesting her number from me. He then informed me that the EU permitted higher doses than the US.

That day I had both my friend and psychiatrist upset with me. (It was not a good day for me.)

I switched psychiatrists, and went down to 40 mg and I did not like the sexual side-effects. I am now on Lexapro 20 mg, which is similar, but causes fewer sexual side-effects.

Good luck,
YogiBear

 

[JustBe]

I've now been on 20mg. for three months and still have no energy, though that may be the depression or my thyroid issues.

 

[Ice_Fire]

I have been changed to Zoloft, 50mg. Feel much better. Been on it a month/6 weeks I think. Feel more able to recover from set backs and getting back on with life more quickly.

 

[cat]

Great news Ice Fire, so pleased you've found something to help you.

 

[Sazza]

I came off the citalopram about 11/12 days ago now. I am definitely not as tired as I was on it but I am still stuck in rut. Its fair to say I was feeling worse mood wise on it but I'm afraid to say I feel jut as bad now, lots crying since been off it etc and crippled by the darkness. I am going doctors on Friday and will be thinking about trying another antidepressant don't think feel want retry the citalopram. Think at moment I need more stimulating one whatever that may be.

Hope all still going well Ice with the zoloft.

 

[anni]

Hi Sazza- I just clicked on this because citalopram had been new to me, wished to see what others were saying about it. Insomnia? Whoa. I'm sorry it didn't work for you, but it does sound as if you do require something to adjust your chemistry, hate to hear you're having such a tough time.

Since you have an appointment booked for Friday, have you tried typing in various meds to the search option here, to see them discussed? They're all here somewhere, to be sure. I'm sure you know this, the only reason I'm offering this as an option at the moment is because you sound so terribly shredded- sometimes just being able to have some positive occupation which contributes to your healing can be enough of a diversion to be helpfull in getting yourself some peace, you know? Docs tend to like the input also, at least the good ones do, but you probably already know that.

Friday is only a few days away, almost there! Do take care.

 

[Ice_Fire]

Hi Sazza,

Yeah, the Zoloft is much better still. Maybe worth a try? I'd discuss it with your doctor. :)