My Citalopram Nightmare

By Ray Li

2 min read

8 yrs ago I was prescribed Citalopram in hopes that it would help with my IBS pains as well as other pains I experience from other diseases. I wish I had never taken that medication.

The pharmacy provided an information pamphlet with the medication but it didn't have the full list of side effects. For that, I had to go online and read one that E.R departments are given. That is where I saw the risk for the side effects that I experienced. If I had known the risk, I never would have taken the medication. Drug pamphlets should contain the full list of side effects cause not everyone has access to the internet.

Short-term memory issues

Just after a week of taking Citalopram, I was having MAJOR short-term memory issues. Have you seen 'Finding Nemo'? Yea, I was like Dori. I could start talking about something and forget part way through what I was saying. If I was interrupted, I wouldn't remember what I was saying before I was interrupted. It was incredibly scary. I had seen my Mom go through this with Prednisone and couldn't believe it was now happening to me.

A week later, the scariest side effect happened. While walking home with my husband, all of a sudden I collapsed on the side of the road. I was no longer able to stand, or move my legs at all for that matter. I could still feel them, but that was it. I couldn't move my arms that much either. My husband had to carry me a block to our home. I instantly stopped taking the medication and made an appointment with my GP.

He informed me that he knew of those risks but decided it was worth the risk. I 100% disagree. Especially because it did nothing for my pain levels.

Not fully recovered

There are things that happened during that month and the following that I have no recollection of. Conversations, events with people and family members, shows/movies, etc. are all gone from my memory. To this day my short-term memory hasn't fully recovered. It's very frustrating because I can be having a conversation with my husband and when he asks for clarification about what I said, I can't always provide it due to not being able to remember what I had just said. There have been times I have had to bring my husband with me to doctors appointments as my backup brain, which is exactly what I tell the doctor.

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bookloverdeb Member
Your story makes me so sad - I am sorry you had to go through this. Oddly, I experienced horrible impact when I STOPPED taking Citalopram. I had been on it for 10 years but was in a good place in life but was feeling flat and wanted to stop taking it. I backed off slowly, under the guidance of my physician, and shortly after my GI symptoms got much worse. Long story, but a year later I started taking it again, slowly increasing the dose, and it has worked wonders for me. All neuromodulators carry risk, and we unfortunately can't know how our bodies and brains will react in advance. I tried two others before Citalopram, and they were terrible for me! I hope that you have found or will be able to find something that works if you take or will try medication again.
1. Ray Li Member
 <inline-mention username="bookloverdeb" user-id="4237789"/> Indeed, everyone reacts differently to meds. I am glad to hear that the med works for you. The IBS specialist was never able to find something that worked for me so I only have medical marijuana (legal in Canada) to help me.
Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
I am so sorry you went through this. That is so scary. I hope at least the medical marijuana can provide relief to your pain so that you don't have to risk any side effects from drugs like that again. How have you been feeling lately? Hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
1. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 Oh gosh, I am sorry to hear that. When I get super dehydrated, I go in for IV fluids. It is practically miraculous how quickly it helps. Do you have access to an infusion center? Best, Elizabeth (team member)
2. Ray Li Member
 <inline-mention username="Elizabeth Alvarez" user-id="2297012"/> Health regulations here in Canada are different and not too many places are allowed to give IV fluids. I would have to go to the hospital to get an IV but would have to go through the E.R to do so. I recently picked up a pediatric drink for hydration. It was $13 for 1L.

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