Citalopram side effects?!
Question: I started taking citalopram 2 days ago for severe depression and anxiety. I've been having a lot of side effects (dry mouth, muscle pain, fatigue, strange dreams, excessive perspiration, headaches, and vision disturbances).
I was wondering how long these side effects are supposed to last? This is REALLY bothering me.
Before anyone suggests it, yes, I am seeing a therapist too.
Answers: I started taking citalopram 2 days ago for severe depression and anxiety. I've been having a lot of side effects (dry mouth, muscle pain, fatigue, strange dreams, excessive perspiration, headaches, and vision disturbances).
I was wondering how long these side effects are supposed to last? This is REALLY bothering me.
Before anyone suggests it, yes, I am seeing a therapist too.
These side effects are quite normal. I have been on citalopram 4 weeks today. I have had all of those side effects except for the strange dreams. the dry mouth should go away in about 2-3 weeks. the fatigue will go away in about the same time, you might have the excessive perspiration for a little while longer. The headaches will go away after the first 2 weeks. what kind of vision disturbances? blurry vision? if so, that will take a little bit. Other side effects that i have had is nauseau. That one just went away last week for me. Please remember that it takes your body a while to adjust to this change in brain levels. You might not notice a significant response for 4 weeks. it actually will take about 8 weeks for this medicine to fully kick in and reach its full effect.
Hang in there, it will get better.
If you just started, then within the next 10 to 14 days, you'll experience such side effects; if they continue, see your doctor for a potential alternative.
Citalopram Side Effects:
Shakiness, nausea, and dry mouth are among some of the potential side effects that may develop while taking citalopram. Side effects are, in most cases, minor and do not require medical attention, but you should let your healthcare provider know immediately if you experience hallucinations, chest palpitations, or any signs of an allergic reaction.
Other rare citalopram side effects (occurring in less than 1 percent of patients) include hypothyroidism, diabetes, and congestive heart failure.
talk to your doc if it's too much but they can last a month before you feel better depression wise and decide it worth it after all
My doc told me 2-3 weeks is about how long it takes for your body to adjust to citalopram. i'm certainly looking forward to that. :)
i have taken many of the medications for depression and they all have similar side effects. some lasted a few weeks others didn't go away. are you aware that there are other severe side effects associated with these medications, such as stroke, heart attack, death even. mine made me pile on weight. they can even make your condition worse.
befor e i started on medication i was just depressed and had a breakdown over my abusive childhood. i wasn't violent and i was fit and healthy. fast forward 10 years and i am now very double the weight i was before and at the height of my illness abused my partner.
please reconsider your choice to take medication. i stopped mine over a year ago and it has ruined my life. i am in a constant daze.
my sister in law is currently on medication for similar problems and she is now a total wreck, they have ruined har life. the doctors even gave her electro-convolsive-therapy (electroshock) and now she is partially blind and they took her car licence away.
please try something else first. if i could go back i would never have gone to the doctor in the first place. now i just try to find enjoyable things to do, like ride my motorbike, play with my kids, paint,draw,write.
please research the medication you are taking.
good luck darling
Get your GP to prescribe Fluoxetine instead then, they are in the same group of drugs and have the same effect. Over the last 2 years i've been taking both at one time or another, they both help but the side effects may be different.
Good luck, most people have no idea what you're going through, take it from someone who's been there - it does get better.