Has anyone tried Citralopram for depression/anxiety?

[JellyBean]

Hello.
My doctor has now given me Citralopram to try since Sertraline brought on my migraines.
I've been taking them for 2 weeks now, having started off on a low dose of 10mg, in the first week, increased to 20mg in week 2, and so on.
The tearfulness continued, but that has seemingly given way now to a feeling of numbness.
Also they make me feel drowsy, making some days very difficult to get on with things.
Anyone else tried this?
I know everyone is different in how we react to medications etc, but I'd still be interested to hear your experience of it.
I still feel sad, but with a feeling of numbness now, like someones thrown a blanket over the sadness to muffle it a little, but it's still there if that makes sense?
Still fairly early days I guess.
Thanks for reading my waffle

[cyclegirl]

hmmm citalopram, my favourite *licks lips*...yes, I have lots of experience with it and its currently what I'm on.

I first started taking it a few years ago and initially I did feel as you described, but I found that it subsided. Its a little hard going though.

Its now one that works really well for me and whenever I have a little bloop, I get  it prescribed. I don't ever get the same symptons though. My body seems to have become friendly to it.

I would say try and stick it out, however if it gets too hard, go straight back to your GP. Everyone has different experiences with it. Hang it there.

[JellyBean]

Hi, thanks for your reply.
I've now been taking it for 3 weeks.
There was something else I wanted to ask, I have the most bizarre dreams since taking this med. Some dreams are just very busy, with loads going on ( I can remember everything in fine detail), whilst others are like nightmares. 
Pe ople will no doubt say, these stressful dreams are probably not a direct result of the med, but a reflection of the stresses and anxieties I feel everyday. However I have NEVER had dreams like this before, they feel different, I hope that makes sense?
The whole dreaming experience is so vivid, and detailed, far more so than I've ever had before in my life!!
Just wondered if you found that you had vivid dreams on Citalopram?
I dont feel any better and it is now 3 weeks. How long is it normally on average before someone begins to feel some benefit of this med?
Some of these dreams have been very disturbing. Alot of anger and sufferring in them. Hopefully this side effect ( which I'm sure it is) will subside in time too.
Thanks for reading.

[cyclegirl]

Hi Jellybean,

I don't remember having any vivid dreams when I first started taking them (but it was quite a few years ago now). I do have these when I am more stressed / anxious and have things on my mind. It sounds like you are on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster.

I think the tablets are supposed to take between 2-6 weeks until they start working properly. I'm assuming you are due to go back and have your medication reviewed? If not, I would make an appt and perhaps have a chat with your GP about how your feeling and how you are managing. It can't do any harm and may provide you with some further reassurance. They should be monitoring you anyway.

I hope things start to feel better for you

Take care x

[Lou100]

Ive been on Citalopram for nearly two years now i think. Im currently taking 60mg, and i still get side effects from it!!

Im not really sure it does a great deal to be honest, i still get very down and tearful alot, but i suppose each person is diferent! I recommend sticking wth it for a while to see how you get on and allow it to really get in ur system before you decide if its right for you or not.

Ive suffered from sleep problems alot lately and inthe past few months i went from having stange and busy dreams to now not sleeping much at all! Ive been advised to keep a diary by my bed and each night before i go t sleep to write down everything on my mind thats stressing or troubling me, the idea is to clear you mind and have a bit of a rant before sleeping! Ive only just strated this but it mite be wort a try for you too, cant hurt to give it a go i spose!

Feel free to message me if you wanna chat more about it all!!

lou

[JellyBean]

Thank you @CycleGirl, and Lou100 for your comments.

I've been back to the GP, and I updated her on how things have been. She said that the unpleasant dreams are not ucommon when taking this medication, ( I've since read that nightmares and strange dreams is on the leaflet of known symptoms.)
They really are quite a kaleidascope of things going on!!!
I'm one of those annying people that likes to tell people their dreams..........so that notebook diary idea might be a good idea!