Hi all. I have been on Citalopram for 6 months now (20mg a day). I take them for anxiety, and altho I personally haven't noticed a huge difference in myself, my friends and family say I am a different person since I have been on them. I guess this is what counts.

I am finding that they make me incrediably fatigued and sleepy tho. Waking/getting up in the morning is so hard, and come mid afternoon I really am fighting to stay awake. I feel like a bit of zombie and its had a big impact on my social life and actvities. The other main side effect I have noticed is my sex drive is pretty non existant. I always had a very healthy one before, so this is rather annoying too (especially for my partner who is very supportive).

Has anyone else experienced either symptoms? I've read up on them and it seems both can fairly common, but they're both so bad that I am thinking about coming off the tablets. I was kind of hoping that after 6 months these side effects would have petered out, but it would seem they are here to stay (and even to a degree getting worse!)

Can anyone offer any advice or confirm that this is normal. Many thanks in advance.

Hi Crybabyskater-

I can completely relate to what you are experiencing. I had these same SEs on Celexa, plus many more much worse SEs. After 3mos. the sexual dysfunction had not abated, nor the fatique. I was switched to pristiq which has worked much better for me. You might want to talk to your pdoc and see if she/he feels that an SNRI might be better on your functioning.

Best wishes!

Deepster

thank you deepster. i appreciate your words and taking the time to reply. :)

Yes exactly the same for me too (also on 20ml) The mornings are hellish getting out of bed is a constant burden. I'm okay after an hour or so then again like you in the afternoon there is a big crash weighing up the pros and cons though i'm glad that i'm on them.

I didn't get either personally, but I know people that have and they told me it those side effects just wore off over time. Try not to think of them too much.

Hi crybabyskater,

SSRI's are infamous for sexual side effects via it's serotonergic properties. Trazadone, Nefazodone, and Mirtazapine are the best anti-depressants for patients concerned about sexual side effects, although they may not be as effective at treating anxiety. They do not agonize serotonin receptors, which is known to cause decreased libido. Also SSRI's can cause sedation through its actions at the serotonin pre-synaptic autoreceptors, although it's not typically a problem for patients. If sedation is a problem, the best action may be to switch to an SNRI—Cymbalta, Pristiq, Effexor or Wellbutrin, an NDRI. Everyone has different experiences with these drugs. Throughout my experience with several medications, I'd say SSRI's have more tolerable sexual side effects than SNRI's. SSRI's usually carry less anxiety too. SNRI's killed my libido. I hope that helps. Good luck.

This post has been edited by blackcompe: Oct 17 2009, 05:49 AM

Hi Hi crybabyskater,

Yes I am on Citalopram for years now and this problem still persists. I have gotten a bit better in the libido department and I don't suffer from Fatigue.

Exercise, diet and keeping fit mentally will all help improve your life and in time the rest will improve.

Best Wishes

Jim Bow

Hi crybabyskater,
Yes i have heard of others with the same side effects, in fact a close friend of mine hates not having an active sex life.
I've been on citalopram for about 4 months and haven't experienced any of the side effects.
I agree with Jim Bow "Exercise, diet and keeping fit mentally will all help improve your life and in time the rest will improve."
It takes time but it works in the long run
I haven't experienced the fatique but there again i take my meds at night and it seems to help me sleep better.
But there again.... all meds affect everyone differently.
Peace out and take care
Shio

Hello, just wanted to add my two cents here. I started taking 20mg of Citalopram about a month ago and I hate it. I am always tired, always. My husband told me last night that I look like a walking zombie. I am always falling asleep. If I sit down to watch something on tv, I'm going to fall asleep. I used to get up and run before work and now I can't even get up when I have to to. And my sex drive has totally gone out the window. I just got married in Feb. so it's a little too soon for that to be happening. :) Before this, I took 50mg of Zoloft, but my Dr. said the Citalopram is a "cleaner" drug and she wanted me to try it. I know everyone is different, but the Zoloft did what it was supposed to do without the annoying side effects so if you're looking to change, I would def. recommend trying it. Thanks and good luck!