How long until the initial side effects of the anti-depressant 'Citalopram' wear off?

Question

Hi all, I've just started on the SSRI anti-depressant 'Citalopram'. I took my first table last night and to be honest was a bit surprised that it hit me so quick. Today I feel a tad weird, spacey, a bit nauseaous and 'headachey' aswell, and my vision is a little disturbed, but only slightly.
I was wondering what to expect with this? Will these effects taper off in the next few days? Will these side effects increase as the medication kicks in for the next few days?
I would appreciate any responses, especially from those who've had experience of taking this A/D.
Thanks in advance!

The doctor has started me on 20mg once a day.

The side effects I previously mentioned above are not concerning me too much at this stage, was just wondering what other's experiences were to give me an idea of what to expect.

There is one thing that is bugging me slightly and that I seem to be experiencing slowed down 'functions' or delays with them. For example when going to urinate there is a delay almost as it it can't happen and then lo and behold it does still work!

I also don't like chewing solid food in my mouth at the moment because it feels 'weird' eg my jaw seems a tad not quite right - does that make any sense to anyone?

Answer 1

OK I've been taking citalopram for 2 yrs now. The initial side effects wore off in about 2 weeks, as long as it takes for them to kick in properly. Don't worry all these side effects are normal. My doc upped my dose from 20mg to 40mg about a year ago and i had the same side effects again then. I also got diarrhoea. Always take it in the morning not at night. Give it a few days and the side effects will lessen then disappear totally. Any more help i can give you on this med in particular email me.

Answer 2

Side Effects Citalopram

Answer 3

I used to be on Citalopram. For the first couple of weeks I threw up every morning, but that did go away. It happened again when I increased the dose, but again, it went away.
After the initial period I didn't have any side affects from it.

Answer 4

I take Citalopram, but I've been on it for so long I can hardly remember what it was like when I first started. But from what I can remember, the first one or two days is the worst for the side effects. The effects gradually taper off. It can take up to 2 weeks for the side effects to mostly go away. Is your doctor tapering your dosage, meaning is he starting you out on a lower dosage and gradually working you up to the desired dose? You get less side effects this way. I think my doc started me out with 5mg per day for a week, then 10mg per day for 2 weeks and then to 20 mgs for the duration.

Answer 5

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Nausea, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, weakness, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, increased sweating, blurred vision, or yawning may occur. These are normal symptoms but if any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.
Tell the doctor immediately if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). in the very unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur. Be mindful of these symptoms especially as you have just started this medication.

Answer 6

Some drugs may never wear off. Thats the honest truth!