Side effects of citalopram and how to counteract them?
Hello everyone,
Ive been having a lot of problems with depression lately, and my family has a history of it. My doctor recently put me on citalopram, and by recently I mean 5 days ago.
Needless to say man oh man do I feel weird. I realize for the first 2 to 3 weeks ill probably feel weird. However I didn't really expect this, though I know what I am experiencing is apparently normal side effects.
Here's a list of what I have noticed:
Minor tinny taste in my mouth, minor drymouth I guess
Difficulties maintaining an erection
Lack of enthusiasm for activities I once enjoyed, as well as brain freezing when attempting to really think about them. Example: Im on a paintball team. The other night I was trying to get myself geared up and ready to go and get mentally ready, however when I thought about everything that can happen during a game my brain literally froze up and I just couldn't think, it was too overwhelming. This wasn't the case a week ago. Same thing with things at work.
Sometimes I'm very very sleepy, though this is rather rare.
I'm noticing headaches at night, whether this is due to this I don't know.
Difficulty focusing, becoming easily confused. Its like my mind is made of concrete and I can't think through it. Things that require a lot of focus and attention are difficult.
Apetite increase.
Some lack of emotion. The only time I really feel anything at all is when I'm with my fiancée. Everything is normal with her. This isn't to say I feel numb the rest of the time, I just feel zero really...
Needless to say, again, I realize that this drug can take time to kick in, my doctor advises around 2 to 3 weeks. What I'm wondering, is there any possible way to counteract most of these side effects?
I typically take the drug first thing in the morning, but this is causing a lot of confusion in me during the day, and I can't have that at work. Im wondering if I should switch to taking it right before I go to bed, I'm hoping if I do so that the effects would be a little more manageble by the time I wake up.
Thoughts? I really would like help with this.
Thanks!
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