The NHS notes that some of the typical side effects of citalopram tend to diminish as your body adjusts to the medication. Initially, it may exacerbate anxiety, particularly when used for panic attacks, but this effect usually subsides after a few weeks.
If these side effects persist, it’s advisable to consult your doctor. They may suggest a lower dosage to alleviate your symptoms.
Approximately one in every 100 individuals taking citalopram encounters common side effects such as a dry mouth, excessive sweating, insomnia, headaches, and nausea.
If the recommended coping strategies don’t alleviate your discomfort, or if a side effect continues to trouble you, it’s important to speak with a doctor or pharmacist. However, there are some rarer, more serious side effects to be mindful of.
These rare effects occur in fewer than one in 1,000 people and include noticing blood in your stool, which could appear red or black and indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.
The NHS advises contacting a doctor or calling 111 immediately if you encounter this symptom.
You should also call a doctor or call 111 now if you:
- Start bleeding from the gums or get bruises that appear without a reason or that get bigger
- Have strong feelings of happiness, enthusiasm or excitement, or feeling restless and you cannot sit or stand still
- Start coughing up blood or have blood in your pee
- Have blood in your vomit
You should call 999 or go to A&E now if:
