Citalopram, how long do I have to wait?!

[Worrywort80]

Hi, I’ve been on Citalopram 10mg per day for 10 days now. I’ve not noticed any obvious reduction in symptoms of anxiety or panic from my HA. I have noticed some side effects (nausea, although hard to judge if this is drug or HA), and delay in reaching orgasm. However my anxiety seems unaffected. I still see random flashes of light in my central vision daily, and every time I see something I can’t explain (or can explain but only after a few seconds!) I get a massive panic reaction, causing heat throughout my upper body, sweat on my palms and forehead, and a sense of doom.

My questions are, should this get any better with Citalopram? Will I respond differently if and when it takes some effect? If so how long do I have to wait?

Thanks everyone, these light flashes are ruining my happiness in life :(


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[BlueIris]

Ten days is nothing, unfortunately; it can easily take about a month for it to kick in.

[Worrywort80]

Ten days is nothing, unfortunately; it can easily take about a month for it to kick in.

Thanks Blueiris. Will it be obvious as to the effect? I’m just thinking at which point I say to the GP to up the dose or switch to another drug?


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[BlueIris]

Not obvious, exactly, you'll just realise at some point that the anxiety isn't preventing you doing the things you want to any more.

[Hypo27]

I also just started citalopram about a week ago but I have only been taking 5mg. I've noticed a big reduction in anxiety but I've been feeling like really zoned out and zombie like. Anyone know if this will pass?

[BlueIris]

The stoned feeling definitely passes, it just takes a little while. I think it had gone for me by the week mark, but everybody processes these things differently.

[Hypo27]

Is 5mg possibly to small of a dose?

[BlueIris]

Could be, but you can always raise it? I've not heard of anybody being started on less than 10mg.

[Hypo27]

Well the dose is 10mg but I have been taking half to possibly avoid side effects. If I'm already feeling like this now I cant imagine what it would do taking 10mg..

[BlueIris]

I started on 10mg and I didn't have a massive problem with it, but I know I've been lucky. The thing is, you'll have to go through the side effects again when you step up anyway.