Not everyone who takes citalopram will experience side effects. If you are experiencing mild side effects after recently starting on citalopram or increasing your dose, you can try to wait it out – people who experience common side effects usually find that they get better over time as your body adjusts. Common side effects include: Tiredness Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) Dry mouth Sweating a lot, including night sweats You can try adjusting the timing of when you take your citalopram to avoid certain side effects.
For example, if citalopram makes you feel tired, you can take citalopram just before bedtime. If citalopram gives you trouble sleeping, you can try taking it first thing in the morning. It is also common to feel worse for the first few weeks after starting citalopram, before starting to feel better after a few weeks. However, if at any point you begin to experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide, you must see a doctor immediately. If these side effects don’t get better over time or if they bother you, speak to your doctor and they may suggest reducing your dosage or switching to a different antidepressant. Some side effects are very serious. Tell a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: Thoughts about self-harm or suicide Headache, trouble focusing, memory problems, losing your balance, seizures, or feeling weak – these may be signs of low sodium levels Chest pain or shortness of breath Severe dizziness or fainting Unexpected changes in your weight Changes in your periods, for example, heavy bleeding, or spotting or bleeding between periods Painful erections that last for more than 4 hours (priapism) Abnormal bleeding, such as bloody stool or unexplained bruises It is also important to be aware of the signs of an allergic reaction. If you experience an allergic reaction to citalopram, you must see a doctor immediately. Signs of a serious allergic reaction include: Skin rash – for example itchy, red, or swollen skin Wheezing Tightness in the chest or throat Trouble breathing or talking Swollen mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat