Skip to main content

Citalopram User Reviews & Ratings

Brand names: Celexa

Citalopram has an average rating of 7.4 out of 10 from a total of 2,201 reviews on Drugs.com. 67% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 15% reported a negative experience.

Condition Avg. Rating Reviews Compare
Anxiety and Stress  
7.4
989 reviews for Anxiety and Stress 6 medications
Depression  
7.2
727 reviews for Depression 76 medications
Generalized Anxiety Disorder  Off-label
7.8
212 reviews for Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 medications
Panic Disorder  Off-label
8.4
111 reviews for Panic Disorder 18 medications
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder  Off-label
7.5
44 reviews for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder 9 medications
Postpartum Depression  
7.1
31 reviews for Postpartum Depression 9 medications
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder  Off-label
8.9
28 reviews for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder 49 medications
Hot Flashes  Off-label
6.2
16 reviews for Hot Flashes 19 medications
Bipolar Disorder  Off-label
8.5
14 reviews for Bipolar Disorder 35 medications
Borderline Personality Disorder  Off-label
7.7
12 reviews for Borderline Personality Disorder 28 medications
Agitation  Off-label
7.8
6 reviews for Agitation 7 medications
Persistent Depressive Disorder  Off-label
7.2
5 reviews for Persistent Depressive Disorder 9 medications
Trichotillomania  Off-label
7.7
3 reviews for Trichotillomania 3 medications
Severe Mood Dysregulation  Off-label
9.5
2 reviews for Severe Mood Dysregulation 3 medications
Vulvodynia  Off-label
2.0
1 reviews for Vulvodynia 1 medications
Add your review

Reviews for Citalopram

  • Lefty
  • July 12, 2021

Celexa (citalopram) for Depression "I was suffering severe depression when my child was diagnosed with cancer. I am in my early 50’s. I lost 25 pounds in a matter of weeks. I went to the doctor because I was in a constant state of trying not to cry. I have taken Celexa for a month, and I feel normal. I realize now that I have been suffering from at least mild depression and anxiety for years. I don’t remember feeling normal like this ever. I believe I would have been a much better husband and father all of these years if I would have dealt with this earlier. It’s like the first time when I wore prescription lenses. I didn’t realize how bad my vision was until I could see clearly. I feel the same about what Celexa has done for my mood. My range of emotions are narrow and smoother rather than the wide range and spiking (or plummeting) emotions. PS, child’s cancer (following radiation and chemotherapy), is undetectable. Child still has one more round of chemotherapy to go."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
723 Report
  • Anonymous
  • January 29, 2021

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "I'd taken celexa 10mg in my teens. I got off celexa when I reached my 20s. At 26 years old that's when panic attacks started. It was so bad I couldn't leave house as I was afraid I would get dizzy and faint if I went any where. I started back on celexa, not sure if I was 20mg or 10mg. Because DR. prescribed 20mg but I think I cut them in half to 10mg. Celexa worked great, the attacks had went away. From what I remember I had no side effects from taking Celexa before. I took it for 2 years and got off. I'm now 32 years old and the panic attacks started again. Today is my 2nd day on celexa 20mg. Side effects are horrible. I feel weird and having panic attacks. Hands, feet sweat, trembling, heart racing, numbness. I've been reading reviews of others are going through the same and they are saying to stick through it as it's great outcome. I called Dr and suggested I half pill to 10mg and take at night instead of morning. I pray for all those facing this battle. We'll get through this in Jesus name."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
776 Report
  • Thank...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • July 29, 2017

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking this medication since I was 19 due to panic attacks, anxiety & dissociation that came from my brother being diagnosed with a terrible mental health disorder. Since taking it, It's worked like a charm, I'm now 25 and am still on the medication. This SSRI is so mild and gentle & I have 0 side effects. Please try this medication! My panic attacks are gone, my anxiety is minimal and my dissociation has disappeared. Please don't be ashamed to take something your brain may need. I'm now a Registered Nurse & I'm so calm and happy and have my life back from anxiety and panic. Please give this a try! Oh and I'm currently on 20mg. Also, remember there is always hope. Praying for everyone who reads this."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
1095 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Nbano
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 4, 2020

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "This medication brought me out of such a dark place. I have struggled with severe anxiety which had manifested into severe depression so I started 20mg of celexa at night. At first I took 10mg for one week and let me tell you, my side effects were AWFUL. I couldn’t sleep, my anxiety was horrific, I had brain fog all day, and my brain was going a mile a minute. However, after 2 or 3 weeks the side effects went away almost completely, and now I have none. I am so much less anxious of a person, and just overall way more happy and outgoing! I used to be so anxious about everything but now I feel like I can handle whatever is thrown my way! So yes while the first couple weeks can be horrific, for me it was all worth it as this medication truely does work!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
727 Report
  • Shawana
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 8, 2021

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "Hey Everyone, Thank you for sharing your testimonies. I am 45 years old. I had my first experience with anxiety and panic at 37. I was hospitalized because I didn't know what was going on with me. I kept running to emergency room but my physical being would check out ok. That's when I was admitted to Psych and discovered I had Anxiety and Depression. Hardest thing I ever went through in life. Well recently I just went through it again. Racing thoughts, sleepless night, hopelessness, feelings of doom. I started back on celexa 20mgs and was worried it wasn't working. I came here read comments and found hope to stick it out and as the weeks passed felt better and better.. at 3 weeks I felt better. 4 weeks little of no racing thoughts or worry. 5 weeks completely in better mood. 6 weeks felt normal again. I still have some worry but not nearly as bad. Hang in there"

Was this helpful?YesNo
434 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Dont...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 25, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "TRUST THE PROCESS!!!! I am here to tell you that things will 100% get better. Give citalopram TIME! Patience is key here, give it at least 3 weeks. You will be 100% yourself again, happiness is in your reach. The side effects fu*king suck so hard. Increase intrusive thoughts, anxiety, tiredness, insomnia, sweating and the rest. But it DOES WORK. I really want you to believe me. If you are reading through these reviews every second of every day at the start, scared that you are going mad is it are you, or the with the side effects from tablet? Will I ever just STOP thinking about every bad thing? Yes. You will. Here I am as your reassurance. Read this review every day."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
387 Report
  • Edog
  • February 2, 2020

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "Just wanna know I’ve taken Celexa 2 years ago for 3 to 4 months and after I felt like I was fixed! Fast forward to now and my anxiety has never been as bad as it is now... so I’m back on celexa day 5 and I get this crazy heart beat feeling in my chest and crazy hot flashes feels like my skin is burning.. I just wanna know if it gets any better because I didn’t have this the first time. Can anyone relate to the side effects I’m having"

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
566 Report
  • Lee...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • May 24, 2020

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "I started this medication in 2009 and started with 20mg. Last summer I went down to 10 mg. I started off ok and was still having some anxiety. Fast forward to March 28, 2020 and I had a full blown panic attack and thought I was dying. This happened at 3:00 am. I had my husband call 911. Thought I was having a heart attack. I started the next day on 20 mg. It’s. Now been over 7 weeks and I’m not 100 % but I’m doing so much better. You have to bare with the some symptoms, headache, A little off. Hold on it will get better, I promise. This anxiety and panic attacks, I wouldn’t wish on anyone! Take care of yourself. Also use an app to help you stay calm."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
456 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 11, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I’m on day 6. I’m experiencing really uneasy feeling in head, nausea, worse anxiety. Hoping this goes away as I’m at my wits end! Has anyone else experienced like I say this weird uncomfortable feeling in there head/ eyes"

Was this helpful?YesNo
348 Report
  • Sarah...
  • May 18, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I always said that I would write a post on here if I ever got over my mental breakdown, so here goes... I had a miscarriage and this triggered my first ever panic attack in 2017. I felt like I was dying and the world was fading around me. After this attack I couldn't relax, fearing that it will happen again. I became totally obsessed with monitoring myself and trying to remain calm (which meant I was constantly anxious 24/7). The person I used to be was completely gone for almost a year. I broke down at the docs and was prescribed 20mg citalopram. First week side effects were electric feelings in my body. No improvement till week 7 when I suddenly felt free from my mind for 20 secs. I'd get more of these little snapshots of normality where I could remember how it feels to be safe in my own skin. By 6 months on I was fully recovered and remain that way 2 years on. You can get 100% better. When you overcome fear anything is possible."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
311 Report
  • Celexa...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 22, 2019

Celexa (citalopram) for Depression "Yes, yes, and yes....Celexa has let me live again. I've tried all other medications for depression with no results at all. My energy level has improved and I am now doing more activities now. My concentration and memory has improved a lot. No more waking up in the morning not wanting to live, and no more ocd, or constantly checking things over and over again. I am sharing my experience with this medicine because there might be someone else like myself that has major depression that is struggling..."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
403 Report
  • Judy
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 3, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "It took just over 5 weeks for 20mg dose to work to calm my anxiety. During those weeks I was in a terrible state so frightened and unable to sleep I really thought I was losing my mind. So many times I thought of stopping but decided I would give it 6 weeks and I'm glad I did. The strange thing is at 3 weeks I had 2 or 3 good days and thought I was making good progress but then I went backwards. I decided to score each day out of 10 and hovered around 2 for a long time but I gradually started to improve and the score increased. I'm writing this to give hope to anyone struggling in the early weeks. I now feel like the old me, my mood is good, I don't dwell on negative thoughts and I sleep much better."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
277 Report
  • Jen
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 17, 2021

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "I’ve been taking 20mg Celexa (generic version) for 27 days now and in the last week have started feeling the positive effects. Thank goodness because oh lordy, did I ever have EVERY side effect for the first 2-2.5 weeks! Deep tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, brain fog/spacey-ness, those were the most prominent ones. I really wanted to quit but kept going, and I’m glad I did. Finally over the last couple days the bad side effects have subsided considerably and I can feel the positives: happiness, lightness, no more sinking feelings, renewed interest, patience, and a more relaxed mind. I am smiling at people. If you’re having all the side effects, hang in there! Stick it out, take Imodium and/or Zofran, eat crackers and ginger ale, etc with the hope that it may be totally worth it. Hang on for that breakthrough. I’m a newly minted Celexa believer!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
262 Report
  • Sarah
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 5, 2021

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "Week 5 & I feel human again. I had all of the side effects, increased anxiety, panic attacks, no appetite, diarrhoea, headache, nausea & just not feeling connected to my brain (really spacey) but today is week 5 & I actually laughed & felt a lot better! I prayed that I would feel some light & it’s here. I’m glad I didn’t give up, I thought I’d feel awful forever but they’re definitely working & I feel like my old self again."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
266 Report
  • Anonymous
  • November 26, 2019

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "I have been using celexa for a few weeks and I have seen a dramatic change in my anxiety and stress levels. Before taking this I would wake up every single morning in a state of panic and anxiety and since taking celexa I feel calm and alive again I can function I feel like I finally have my life back I feel like myself again. I feel soo wonderful!!!!!!!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
342 Report
  • bill
  • September 23, 2014

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Celexa since January of this year and the medicine has been awesome. Stress, anxiety and panic attack free. Celexa gave me my life back. I was scared to take it at first because of all the stuff I read on the Internet. My advice to anyone starting any SSRI is not to read all the horror stories on the internet. It will just make it worse, believe me. All I can say is I never want to go back to the way it was. That being said if I have to take Celexa the rest of my life so be it."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
574 Report
  • Anonymous
  • August 31, 2009

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "I work for a large Fire Department. I was having a tough time with some bad calls. No sleep, always feeling like I'm in trouble, like I'm drowning and no one can help me. My doctor put me on Celexa and life came back. I worry about the things I need to be worried about and don't stress about the things that shouldn't stress me. I feel "normal" again. I believe it saved my career."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
776 Report
  • Anonymous
  • March 25, 2008

Celexa (citalopram) for Depression "I responded after one week. The side effects (lethargy, some bowel problems) are the only reason i didnt rate this medicine a 10. After 44 years of excessive anxiety and depression I finally feel like I can be "myself" instead enslaved to unreasonable thoughts and frustrations. Ironically, I avoided these types of meds for years, instead "self medicating" with alcohol and cynicism. Had I switched to this years ago maybe I would still be married to a wonderful woman. Sad, but true."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
816 Report
  • RIG
  • September 17, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Firstly I would like to say that this drug has saved my career and relationship. Constant negative thoughts? Depression with passing suicidal thoughts? Panic attacks? Me too. All due to stress! This stuff citalopram works (for me) It takes time! Be patient! Only read good reviews as it prolongs it working with reading negative stuff. I'm on my 5th week and I'm managing to go to the supermarket for the first time in months. I can drop my boy off at nursery with having a panic attack. I can do my gigs now without thinking everybody hates me and packing up mid gig. The benefits out weigh the side effects for me. I had big pupils, sweaty nights, crazy dreams and heightened anxiety for a few weeks. Honestly this stuff is a miracle. I tried to go the natural way for months before with no joy and sometimes meds are needed. You are not weak! You are taking the right steps by asking for medical help. The stigma around these drugs is nonsense as everyone is different and these meds saves lives. Simple!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
308 Report
  • Man
  • January 3, 2021

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "I had a few bad anxiety attacks and my doctor put me on Zoloft which was the worse experience with a medication I’ve ever had. I had ton of side effects and despised the drug. The doctor urged me to try celexa and I’m so glad I did. I’ve had zero side effects while on this anxiety medicine and never felt better. I’ve had one episode since I’ve been on this I felt that I was getting stressed but that was short lived. I have completely stopped worrying about little things I shouldn’t be worrying about and my anxiety levels are almost zero. It’s amazing things that I use to stress about doesn’t even bother me anymore. So glad I tried this medication."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
234 Report
  • Bubba...
  • October 12, 2020

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "I started Celexa during COVID-19. I always had high anxiety but COVID pushed me over the edge. My anxiety got to the point that I ended up in the hospital with a panic attack. My doctor started me on 20 mg of Celexa. The side effects were a little rough at first and included nausea, some random spasms, trouble sleeping and a feeling of falling shortly after sleep. However, after about 2 weeks they subsided. The positive far out weigh the negatives. My anxiety is under control now. I'm able to live my life without constant worry. Things that used to be major stressors are now tolerable. I sometimes have to be a little careful because I feel like I'm too comfortable and don't worry enough. The one major long term side effect has been the lack of sex drive. Everything functions fine but my drive has been greatly reduced. I also feel like my emotions are slightly muted whereas before I was felt emotions very deeply, now they are slightly less intense."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
241 Report
  • Keigh...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 12, 2019

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "I started taking Citalopram about about 3 weeks ago for high blood pressure, increasing panic attacks, and generalized inability to keep my adrenaline down to healthy levels. I've been fighting my doctor about taking mood altering medication because I've been on the slew of Prozac, Paxil, Effexor, etc. a couple of decades ago. They didn't help and withdrawal was horrific. I am so glad that he talked me into trying Citalopram. The first day was really rough - gastrointestinal issues that rivalled my IBS, but ALL day. However, by the second and third day, that went away and a feeling of general well-being started to replace the panic. It's only been a few weeks, and I know many of the guides say you won't notice a difference right away, but I was lucky. I did start to notice a change after 1 week. So far, it's just this side of miraculous for me. I think I'd forgotten what hope and happiness felt like."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
264 Report
  • JessT...
  • February 26, 2020

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "To update from my last review: I've been taking it for a month now. I did only take half (the 5 MG) for a week and now I'm on the 10. I'm finding my moods to be SO much better already and I can describe my feeling as being "lighter"... like a grey cloud that was over me for whatever reason is just lighter and I'm more excited to do social things again. A relationship made my anxiety worse, then I would be moody, that would cause issues and it was a cycle so this has really helped my home life and work life too as things don't bother me. I will say ... I do feel less motivated at work - I guess just a side affect. My highs are still high tho, my lows just aren't as low. I'm friendlier and more positive at work (I just don't feel like doing that much of the boring monotony). Lastly, I can't tell a difference in my sex drive which is good. If you're anxious or moody, or just feel some heavy unexplained cloud, I definitely recommend trying this!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
241 Report
  • Anonymous
  • January 29, 2010

Celexa (citalopram) for Depression "I've been taking Celexa for about 2 months now and my life is completely different. I have been struggling with depression on and off for about 14 years now. It was getting really bad for me, I was at the point where I couldn't control my emotions at all. It made me very drowsy at first, but that subsided after a couple of weeks. I feel so much better inside and people around me can tell a distinct difference too. I like the fact that it doesn't make me emotionless, just that my emotions aren't so strong and out of control. I still get sad, but that is a normal human emotion. I am so thankful that there are ways to make people like me feel better. Depression is a disease, not a choice."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
591 Report
  • Jean...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 31, 2013

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "It is awesome. I totally recommend Celexa. Do not be afraid of taking this: It really works: You will bathe in tranquility without feeling anything different: The best way to describe it is to be at a Spa relaxing yet fully awake and functioning normally. I am definitely converted and I am converting everyone I know. It works: I guarantee it."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
454 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.