Just started on citalopram.

Hi everyone, I hope you are all well today!

I'm 21 years old and I work in a special needs school which I absolutely love. I've always had an 'over the place' mind which could be fantastic or terrible depending on the situation! I was recently diagnosed with depression and social anxiety, and just 2 hours ago started on citalopram. I know it will be a long journey .. lately I haven't been able to cope, feel good at all, concentrate or focus, see anything through and have missed a lot of time from work. The tablet has kicked in and although I feel a little blank, my mind feels calm. I hope these tablets do work out for me! Besides a little headache they're seeming good for just the first try. Has anyone else had any positive experiences with these / have any advice for how to move forward taking them? :)

I've been on citalopram three times in my life. I'm still only in my mid-20s. :) It's always been my AD of choice.

It's fairly mild as far as side effects go, at least for most people. It may hamper your sex drive for the first few months, but that'll even out. Getting over the line can be difficult, so warn your partner so you don't hurt their feelings! You may get a little nausea, that's really common, but again, doesn't last long. And the jaw-clenching! You may experience that.

You may feel worse before you feel better, so keep that in mind. I'd say at around day 4 or 5 my anxiety worsened for a few days. It evened out, but I definitely had a few patchy spots. By weeks 2-5, you should start seeing improvements in your life. You'll start to feel glad that you roughed out the side effects by this point.

I have faith they'll help you get back to living life again. They certainly helped me do so. Keep posting over the next couple of weeks, ok? Update us on how you get on.

Hi messed03 I might have to go back on them in the next few day if I see no improvements I was on them about 7 years ago for just over a year and they did work for me to be fair. But the first few weeks were horrible for me did you experience the same level of side affects on the second or third time round thanks Daniel

Hi!

I also have depression and social phobia as well. The psychologist who diagnosed me also said I was a nervous nelly and suggested that I put on psychiatric medication to help eliminate my hypochondriacal fears about death and illnesses and to help the anxiety and depression as well. I was on 20 mg citalopram for three years before going off it for a year and I just restarted it again yesterday. I had no side effects either and it leveled me out the first time and I feel little side effects this time. Of course the feeling out of it that i feel may have to do with my hay fever but anyways, I hope Celexa works for you. :)

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Originally Posted by healed patient

don't be sad ... you will be better just it need some efforts and big patient and i prommis you you will be heale
i used to have panic attacks every day .. and by good treating to my self and helping i get better than many parson
and i heal from 10 years the atackd dindt hapen to me
just think good and tray to be better and you will be...

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Did you take meds I am still looking at my clitropham deciding if to take them or not I haven't eating properly in 4 days now they did work for me last time but I can't remember if it was because I was so new to panic attacks and couldn't understand what was happening to me if that made my side affects worse and maybe this time it won't be as bad because I understand more this time round basically I scared shitless to take them but I have a week off work so I feel the pressure of now over never because I couldn't afford more time off .

Hi Rednaa

This time round you know what to expect with the meds. You know that they can and did work for you. That's a big positive. You also know that it is going to take a bit of time for them to kick in. The decision is yours, but ultimately are the possible side effects (and I say possible because you don't know that you will have any until you take them) are worse than the anxiety you are living with right now.

If you decide to take them, go into it with a positive attitude that they are going to help you get control of this monkey that is sitting on your back.

Good luck, and know that we are here to help you through.

Cheers!

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Originally Posted by needtogetwell

Hi Rednaa

This time round you know what to expect with the meds. You know that they can and did work for you. That's a big positive. You also know that it is going to take a bit of time for them to kick in. The decision is yours, but ultimately are the possible side effects (and I say possible because you don't know that you will have any until you take them) are worse than the anxiety you are living with right now.

If you decide to take them, go into it with a positive attitude that they are going to help you get control of this monkey that is sitting on your back.

Good luck, and know that we are here to help you through.

Cheers!

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Thanks needtogetwell I decided to take them only 2 half hours in little bit sick but really don't know what to expect just nervous I guess. I can't believe after 6 years it just came back out of the blue I really thought it was behind me turns out it was waiting to pounce it took just over a year last time then i came off them slowly and was fine.

Being nervous is absolutely normal, as is feeling a bit sick. You will do just fine. When I started AD's a long time ago (I have been off them for a number of years) I found that some gravol helped the sick feeling. Just a thought.

Hope you have a relaxing Sunday! Be kind to yourself.

Well I am 9 hours in gonna try have a bath and calm down feeling very edgy at times. Aslo feeling dizzy constantly at the moment hoping it will fade sooner rather than later. It definitely scary stuff I won't lie but trying to stay positive and think of the old me with no worries. Thanks for listening guys.

Hang in there, everything you are feeling is normal. Bath is a great idea, the dizziness sucks but it does pass. If you can sleep for a while even better.

You're doing great!

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Originally Posted by needtogetwell

Hang in there, everything you are feeling is normal. Bath is a great idea, the dizziness sucks but it does pass. If you can sleep for a while even better.

You're doing great!

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I have been in and out of dozing I am trying not to sleep to much so I can sleep all night fingers crossed thank for the words of encouragement it means a great deal

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Originally Posted by Joiningyou

Hi everyone, I hope you are all well today!

I'm 21 years old and I work in a special needs school which I absolutely love. I've always had an 'over the place' mind which could be fantastic or terrible depending on the situation! I was recently diagnosed with depression and social anxiety, and just 2 hours ago started on citalopram. I know it will be a long journey .. lately I haven't been able to cope, feel good at all, concentrate or focus, see anything through and have missed a lot of time from work. The tablet has kicked in and although I feel a little blank, my mind feels calm. I hope these tablets do work out for me! Besides a little headache they're seeming good for just the first try. Has anyone else had any positive experiences with these / have any advice for how to move forward taking them? :)

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Hi joiningyou I hope your doing ok still would love to hear an update if your up for it I have been on them before and the 1st week or so can be up and down but after that I remember them working very well for me I remember even being able to get on a plane and go on holiday with no anxiety only the normal amount as I am not a fan of flying lol. Sadly after 6 years I find myself back on them today it has been a ruff year ups and downs my wife's sister sadly passed a way on my birthday last year in June and to the shock of everyone she took her own life. And I helped keep them altogether as best I can I was closer to her family than my own so it was very tough as I loved her just as much as everyone else and miss her dearly. On top of that I've been I my job for over 3 years now and still on a contract basis so with my wife 5 months pregnant I do fear losing it as I am the sole provider. The funny thing is I work in pharmaceuticals manufacturing and actually make celexa and lexapro among other things to do with Alzheimer's blood pressure etc. Thers irony for ya

Hello everyone .. thank you for all your lovely messages! As I am on my phone it's difficult to respond one by one but please know I've read every message and you've all been so wonderful!

I am on my 5th day of taking them. On the first day I was so nervous about taking them .. I was incredibly hesitant and just say there staring at the packet but I took the tablet eventually. I have to say it didn't magically fix all the 'problems' I've had however it just made me feel more like I could 'cope'. I spent 2 days with my partner as he has been worried about me so he wanted me to stay at his while I started on these and it was so nice to have that support there. Sadly I've also come down with a sinus infection so I've felt a bit groggy but I did a day at my 2nd job yesterday and it went really well .. I didn't feel like I was going to break down or couldn't cope at all which was a nice change! The only side effect I had was the other night I woke up at 3am incredibly groggy, heart racing and was close to a panic attack .. for about 15 minutes I was incredibly scared of what was happening but then I thought 'no, I am in CONTROL' so I started doing some breathing excercises (breathe in to the count of 8, hold for 4, breath out 8) and calmed myself back to sleep. I did see one message where someone was a little hesitant to take them and my advice would just be to take it one step at a time, any side effects remember YOU are in CONTROL and to keep strong contact with your doctor. I hope you are all having a wonderful day and keep well and safe. X.

Glad to hear your doing well. I am on day two and just feeling dizzy and a bit sick and I also have this weird jaw thing when I yawn. Woke up a couple of times last night with feelings of panic but managed to clam down without taking anything and fell back a sleep so hoping it will fade sooner rather than later.

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Originally Posted by Rednaa

Glad to hear your doing well. I am on day two and just feeling dizzy and a bit sick and I also have this weird jaw thing when I yawn. Woke up a couple of times last night with feelings of panic but managed to clam down without taking anything and fell back a sleep so hoping it will fade sooner rather than later.

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It's brilliant you were able to regain control when you were waking up in panic - from what I've gathered that's just your body getting used to the medication. I have to say my jaws been a little stiff lately, I don't know if that's to do with the relaxing aspect of the medication or just coincidence .. we'll have to see! Hope it continues going well for you :)

It's nice to see that everyone's side effects aren't terrible. I had some anxiety the first four days of taking it and none today, a bit of insomnia, some dizziness, and still have some apathy but that's apparently normal as your body adjusts to the medication. I actually don't mind the apathy after spending three months in a constant state of anxiety. I'm starting to feel like my normal self again but I guess we'll see by the end of the month.

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Originally Posted by PurpleStarGirl

It's nice to see that everyone's side effects aren't terrible. I had some anxiety the first four days of taking it and none today, a bit of insomnia, some dizziness, and still have some apathy but that's apparently normal as your body adjusts to the medication. I actually don't mind the apathy after spending three months in a constant state of anxiety. I'm starting to feel like my normal self again but I guess we'll see by the end of the month.

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I suppose I am not crawling the walls or anything but I wish the constant dizziness would stop its like a weird head fog or pressure type sensation that makes it very hard to concentrate or be motivated.
Still don't have any appetite as of yet mostly just making sure to take on fluids. Only day 3 so can't expect much I suppose but that's my update thanks for all the support.

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Originally Posted by Rednaa

I suppose I am not crawling the walls or anything but I wish the constant dizziness would stop its like a weird head fog or pressure type sensation that makes it very hard to concentrate or be motivated.
Still don't have any appetite as of yet mostly just making sure to take on fluids. Only day 3 so can't expect much I suppose but that's my update thanks for all the support.

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I felt a bit dizzy when they upped my dose recently. More like a loss of balance more than anything. I also felt extremely tired. On the second day I was only awake for four hours.
This happened last week. I'm not sure if it had anything to do with the fact I had a fever and was sick as well, but it did compare to the symptoms I had last time.
A week later it has subsided considerably. I do notice I got less intrusive thoughts lately.

Day 4 today was very anxious this moring around 8am only up for 10 mins before crawling back into bed then before I knew it it was noon. Got up and went for a walk with my wife then came home and had to go back to bed its now 17:30pm don't know where the day has gone. I took my meds at 12 instead of 10 like previous days but I sure that's ok. Got the usual lightheaded and dizziness. Still have no appetite hope it fades soon I am normaly a big eater here's to hope for tomorrow being a better day.

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Originally Posted by Rednaa

Day 4 today was very anxious this moring around 8am only up for 10 mins before crawling back into bed then before I knew it it was noon. Got up and went for a walk with my wife then came home and had to go back to bed its now 17:30pm don't know where the day has gone. I took my meds at 12 instead of 10 like previous days but I sure that's ok. Got the usual lightheaded and dizziness. Still have no appetite hope it fades soon I am normaly a big eater here's to hope for tomorrow being a better day.

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I'm hoping tomorrow is a better day, one step at a time, you will get to where you need to be.

Day 5 eveing time not to bad today bit of anxiety this morning went for a long walk came home knackered. Still have zero appetite it's concerning me a bit now even the thought of food is a nightmare Not much dizziness today either thank God long may it continue. Dry mouth is a pain but can live with that lol

Nice to hear things are looking up for you.

Hi its sound that the medication has done the work and due the quick effect I am realy believe that the soical anxiety had came from clear cause .
do you can tell us what are you feeling when you stay at work ?
and another qestion when you weren't working the school how did you feel ?
it was an improving then ?

meanwhile i wish you good luck :)

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Originally Posted by Naor

Hi its sound that the medication has done the work and due the quick effect I am realy believe that the soical anxiety had came from clear cause .
do you can tell us what are you feeling when you stay at work ?
and another qestion when you weren't working the school how did you feel ?
it was an improving then ?

meanwhile i wish you good luck :)

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Hi naor not sure if your questions were for my self but the first time I took meds the first 2 weeks were the worst of my life but I did respond to them vertically well when they kicked in. Hence why I was so hesitant to take them again 6 years later. But not sure if because I was new to the hole anxiety thing last time it was worse and this time although still very frightening I knew what to expect. Or because my body has been through it before it had some kind of memory I can't say to be honest my anxiety is very low at the moment expect in the morning it medium to high. As for work haven't gone back yet not due in until Wednesday morning then two weeks of night shift so I need to mend quickly or I am screwed lol. If you read back the thread you can see my story always been a nervous person but had it under control during school and college.

I have to strat with the fact that you don't screwed at all . yes I can see a pressure under your shoulders and I know how that's feel and what are you feeling .
according to what you describe on the medication that's just a sign whose things work well .
"between the lines" i can see a little desire to defeat the anxieties . but i also can read that something stop you perhaps its the "shield"(lot of defence on yourself , mostly the though that " if I will not do something whose has a direct conecction with the anxiety I will be safe mostly that it worked least once and i want to emphasize that the prevention was just a conicidence ) for exemple i got an anxiety attack near to my cousin and automaticly I try to prevent the next attack and I start to think what was wrong and I understand that week ago every thing was fine and I was only at home moreover I did not was near the cousin house so I think whose the cause to the anxiety was at the cousin's house and for prevent more attacks I prevent than myself to walk there in order to be safe , its happened a lot to who are suffer nearly 24/7 from anxiety . the point is simple I prevent than myself meet dangers and becuase that I create a mass shield that sometimes help and most of time just don't to "the job" ) once again we made "shield "usuelly at situations like that ( lot of anxiety or pressure) .
though the warm whose the "shield" can get , has to be careful becasue the fact that same "shield" also can to prevent the progress of yourself !
by the wat what the dose of the medication that you take ( if you still take)
and what happens when you at a work ,do you still feel under control ?
wish that you will feel better :)

I am on 20mg and have only been back on it now for 6 days so haven't gone back to work while on meds yet off until Wednesday so I am trying to get myself ready and in a good frame of mind but it's proving very difficult at the moment I'll have to wait and see. I work in pharmaceuticals manufacturing and as irony I make most of the meds we are on so harder to take my mind off it

Although very anxious today think my appetite is slowly coming back had a small dinner late last night first bit of grub in 7 days. Had a small breakfast today and even had a bit of lunch in McDonald's I know I know but I just smelt it while have a walk in the shopping centre and had something small. But have a healthy dinner hoping I am hungry later. Any way I hope your all doing good

And do you have any diffrente feelings when you at work than you don't stay there?
you enjoy working there? have you came to work there with desire? or under pressure of one the parents or somebody from the close environment(maybe friends , cousins or even somebody with influence) ?
about the medication the dose is realy ok , but its take sometimes a brief time to see the progress
I also recommend in any chance of over fressure ,concerns call to the treat physician
meanwhile i wish you feel better :)

about the meal the Mcdonald's it is ok mostly whose you ate , you can feel great! :)
I am glad that you eat even its bit
most important that you will listen to yourself do not eat under pressure
once again I wish you feel better :):)

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Originally Posted by Naor

And do you have any diffrente feelings when you at work than you don't stay there?
you enjoy working there? have you came to work there with desire? or under pressure of one the parents or somebody from the close environment(maybe friends , cousins or even somebody with influence) ?
about the medication the dose is realy ok , but its take sometimes a brief time to see the progress
I also recommend in any chance of over fressure ,concerns call to the treat physician
meanwhile i wish you feel better :)

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Sometimes working the weekends can be a bit tough especially when on night shit but I do like my job I like know I make other feel better when in times of need I mean I make everything form high blood pressure tablets to Alzheimer's tablets as well as antidepressants among others for many different illnesses that people need. I mean I feel a bit of pressure as I am the only one working at the moment and my wife is pregnant but I feel that many others are in this position and don't have anxiety issues and need meds. Hopefully a psychiatrist can get to the bottom of it when I finally get to see one until then I just need to get fit for work

Its realy sound very charming , job with a satisfaction ! :)
now I can see brighter the "picture" you are definitly can feel like a men with huge impact!
I recommend take the uniqe ability ( yes that's true who work with you more workers for the same purpose and you do not work there alone , but not each worker is looking on the work in the same glance like you ! and you should be proud of yourself ) and do with her help the change who you so want
let's don't forget who you are a sensitive person ( also I) and you are just looking on the things little diffrente and that's alright!
congratulations on the pregnant :) !!