Citalopram and headaches?

[Arienette]

sorry to make so many threads all of a sudden.

My citalopram was increased to 20mg 3rd september (19 days ago)

to begin with i had no side effects but I have noticed lately I have been getting a lot of sudden and very painful headaches. I would say not quite a migraine because im not crying, but laughing seems to trigger them.

Has anyone else had this? Is it possibly citalopram related? or maybe just coincidental?

I NEVER normally get headaches. Usually it is once in 2 blue moons and because of dehydration and I know it: but rehydrating hasnt helped them, eating hasent helped them, and its just like my brain is being squeezed in a big grip, like what picks up cars, from the top.

It really hurts :(

so, any idea?

Thanks. I really appreciate your answers.

UTOPIA screwtopia flu-topia me-topia iTopia YOUtopia :hop: :smurf: :hehe: :blink: xx

[sherlock holmes]

It's possible it's a side effect from the increase in citalopram, though I think it that was the case it would have happened sooner.

Your headaches that you describe as being a vice like pain is typical of tension headaches. I know this because I've been back and forth to the doctors with headaches and was told they are tension headaches. A common feature of tension headaches is a band pain around your head that feels like it's being squeezed, feeling of pressure in your head or feeling your head is being gripped like a vice.

I was told that painkillers aren't very effective for tension headaches, the best thing to do is stay hydrated and eating well, but above all to reduce the stress and tension in your body by doing gentle exercise and relaxation techniques every day.

I'd advise you to see your GP, mention your symptoms and ask about the possibility of tension headaches.

[Arienette]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. I have been having issues with food (digestive problems) so am going to try FODMAP (not ED, it's for IBS) so maybe I'm reacting to things in my food or something because it's been really REALLY flared lately.

And even though im drinking loads i might knock back a diaralyte to make sure im all ok hydration and electrolytes wise. It might be related to that. I didn't think it was linked until I had a ton of issues this morning.

So maybe it isnt citalopram related. I just think when im on meds that everything weird happening is to do with my meds.

Thanks.

uTOPIA

[sherlock holmes]

I have IBS too. Heard great things about FODMAP. My GP told me that IBS is linked closely to stress, mental health etc. He said the phrase "gut feeling" is very apt as IBS often flares in response to emotions, stress, mental illness. So if you are having tension headaches and a flare up of IBS it kind of makes sense. Mine often go hand in hand.

I'd still recommend you see your GP to make sure it's not something else.

[Arienette]

I am due to see her in 5 weeks anyway so will mention it then if im still bothered by it.

If it gets too much she said i can phone her, so I will do that if I'm really not coping.

x