Citalopram User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)
Brand names: Celexa
Citalopram has an average rating of 7.4 out of 10 from a total of 2,193 reviews on Drugs.com. 67% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 15% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Citalopram
- Anonymous
- March 5, 2016
Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Celexa for almost 2 years and it has completely changed my life for the better. I take 40mg once a day. I suffer from severe anxiety and mild depression. Celexa is my happy pill, my savior. It's the best pill I have ever been on. I am anxiety and depression free all from Celexa. Never once had one side effect. I am full of energy all the time and am happy beyond happy. It took about a good 2 months for the medication to start doing its job. WELL WORTH THE WAIT. I thank my doctor all the time for introducing me to the wonder drug Celexa. Give it some time to kick in and you'll thank me later. Lol good luck to all."
- Jilly...
- December 20, 2014
Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "Day 4 of Celexa & WOW my negative thoughts, constant worry & irritation have almost vanished! I'm taking 10mg a day and am amazed at how quickly I feel this medicine working. I have had some bad headaches, dizziness & a little nausea but that's about it & totally worth it for the difference I'm feeling. I feel like life is worth living again. Thank you Celexa!"
Frequently asked questions
- SSRI’s vs SNRI’s - What's the difference between them?
- What is the difference between Celexa and Lexapro?
- What are some common side effects of antidepressants?
- Sue
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 15, 2024
For Anxiety and Stress "Hey all, I thought I would leave a review since reading helped me hugely. So first of all, I started taking 10mg of citalopram for a week, then increased to 20mg. I'm 6 weeks in now, and let me tell you, my life has changed. Before taking them, I was so bad with anxiety and depression. I literally could not walk a 10-minute walk on my own. Some days, I would be so bad that I actually wanted to die. I wasn't suicidal, just not wanting to wake up. I felt horrible each morning; getting up, I would have that sick feeling in my stomach. When I had to go out, I would get so dizzy and start sweating. It got to the point where I didn't leave my house for days. I never slept; I just felt like I was just existing. I hated myself, couldn't even enjoy going to the park with my kids. So finally, I gave in, went to the doctor, and started medication. The first two weeks were absolutely horrendous - anxiety non-stop, nausea, headaches. By the third week, the side effects went away. It was like a switch went off in me. I felt calm, sleeping right through the nights, no attacks. In 4 weeks, I have been going on walks alone. Don't give up."
- Cha
- September 3, 2015
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Been on citalopram for 6 months now. I tried to beat anxiety for years, constantly battling my thoughts, counselling, CBT, exercise, etc. In the end, I gave up and went on medication. The first week was HELL! Jaw clenching, extreme thirst, lethargic, excessive yawning, exhausted... I nearly came off them! Even after 4 weeks, I wasn't sure if they were doing anything. My advice is stick it out! After about 2 months, I noticed the full effects. I wasn't crying anymore, wasn't as angry or impatient, didn't worry over everything anymore! I fall asleep within 10 minutes when I used to be awake most of the night and unable to sleep! Situations that I'd usually get very stressed out over are now much easier, and I'm now much more laid back :)"
Are you taking this medicine?
- Quiet...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 26, 2016
Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "I rarely post online reviews, but I recognize that most people only post reviews when they don't like something, so I wanted to sort of offset that here. I'm in my mid-twenties and female. I've suffered with severe anxiety and depression for several years due to trauma. Enter Celexa. To be fair, I went to therapy for several months before deciding to go on medication (and was feeling a bit better), but I still experienced severe anxiety that the therapy wasn't helping. I started feeling better after the first week on Celexa, and things have only improved from there. I've been taking it for around three months and my anxiety/depression is almost completely gone. I've had no sexual side effects whatsoever, no weight gain, no issues."
- Mat
- March 9, 2020
For Anxiety and Stress "I spent 6 months deciding whether or not to start taking medication. I had a range of concerns (especially as the forum tells a wide range of experiences). I am happy that I have started taking Citalopram, and although it has only been 3-4 weeks, I have noticed an ongoing change. At first, I had bouts of feeling VERY tired (lasted an hour plus) and then felt confused and hazy. Still able to function, but a little removed. I did find that my anxiety was raised from time to time, but things have leveled off, and I find that I feel the same without the same amount of stress/anxiety. I feel more like my younger self. I still care about things, but can be more relaxed. I used to be a little compulsive/anxious and now have a more balanced perspective. I don't feel as stressed or upset about things that would (and shouldn't) stress/upset me. I would recommend Citalopram and would suggest that if you start taking it, you need to prepare for sticking with it for at least 4 weeks."
- Kelly...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 17, 2013
Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "Celexa has given me my life back! I suffered from severe anxiety and depression to the point where I would just lay in bed for days. I didn't want to go anywhere, and cancelled plans with friends all the time just to stay home and sleep. It took about a month to work and now I feel great! I am back to my old self - I love going out, seeing friends, exercising, reading, everything I used to do and I'm happier than ever! My only side effects were the first 2 weeks - anxiety was worse, insomnia, no appetite. That's gone now and I have no complaints. If I take it in the morning, I sleep well. If I take it at night, I can't sleep. You just have to learn what's best for you!"
- Synch...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- October 31, 2014
Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "I'm a 40-year-old male that has taken Celexa for about 10 years now for anxiety. I take 40mg once a day. It works well to manage my anxiety. With the higher dose I take, it can cause nausea for me if taken on an empty stomach. I also get sleepy for an hour or two after taking it, so I take it at bedtime. The only issue I've had is forgetting to take or running out of this medication. The withdrawal is pretty bad after about 4 days of not taking, causing anxiety, dizziness, brain fog, 'brain zaps', insomnia, and flu-like symptoms. Celexa has worked very well for me, and I would recommend it for treating anxiety. Just don't suddenly stop taking it. You have to slowly wean off."
- K-Murr
- October 29, 2013
Celexa (citalopram) for Depression "I've been on 10 mg of Citalopram for 6 months. Honestly, I've always been skeptical regarding anti-depressants (SSRIs), but once I quit being stubborn and finally started on this medication...just, thank goodness. Citalopram has essentially saved my life. I feel like the me I SHOULD be; as in, this drug didn't turn me emotionless/zombielike; it simply enhanced me and has brought me back to life. I'm happier, more confident, and so thankful that I've gotten myself out of an abyss of chronic sadness. I have experienced a few side effects such as SUPER vivid dreams and more difficulty self-lubricating before sex, but in the scope of things it's totally manageable. Also, I did NOT gain weight, so don't let that possibility scare you off!!"
- Calippo
- August 28, 2019
For Anxiety and Stress "This year my lifelong anxiety worsened, with panic attacks & a constant sickness & dread. I avoided the tablets for quite some time (relying upon propranolol & diazepam). After needing to take an extended spell off work, my dr asked me to try citalopram. I'm now on my 5th week and it's been WONDERFUL. The only side effects I had were in the first 3 weeks, I was getting really tired late afternoon. Online it'll tell you it can take 6 weeks to work, but I felt my anxiety ease after 3 days. Now on week 5 I'm feeling so much better, everything seems far more manageable & my resilience & ability to cope with stress is a lot better. I will probably never be cured fully, but this is honestly the best I've felt for years. All I would say if you're reading this & feeling as bad & hopeless as I was 5 weeks ago is: hang on, it does get better & the anxiety will lift eventually. I'll happily be on it forever if it means never feeling the way I did. Good luck everyone, this too shall pass x"
- imhav...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 4, 2014
Celexa (citalopram) for Depression "I've been diagnosed with moderate depression in December. I've been in therapy with a psychologist since October. I lost my job, didn't go to school, broke up with my boyfriend. I was pretty much a mess. I had no motivation whatsoever. I basically secluded myself. I started Celexa 3 weeks ago and WOW oh WOW. I feel so happy. People noticed that I've changed and seriously, the first week on Celexa was hard but it's so worth it. Stick with it, give it a chance. The only problem I have with Celexa is that it takes me forever to achieve orgasm, but whatever, I still have a sex drive which is very good. I got my boyfriend back, yay. Now I'm back to school, found a new job. I mean I got my life back on track and I am so happy with the results."
- MavsFan
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 23, 2020
Celexa (citalopram) for Depression "I'll let you know. Before taking Celexa 40mg, I would always overthink or think people were using me somehow, but not anymore! If a thought runs across my mind, it stops in its tracks! I have to admit it has changed my life for the better."
- Tommye...
- December 10, 2008
Celexa (citalopram) for Depression "After years of trying everything from self-medication to prescription drugs, Celexa has proven to be the best (for me). My marriage has been saved, and countless friendships as well. I have no side effects on this medication, and I love that. I have tried countless others, and they either had terrible side effects or just did not work at all. I'm not a bit sorry I tried it, and will stay on it, as I am tired of not feeling like a whole person without it."
- gourm...
- April 11, 2014
Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "I'm a 16-year-old female. I was diagnosed with depression, anxiety disorder, anorexia, and bulimia about 2 years ago. I attempted suicide 3 times, and I really thought there was no hope. Zoloft did nothing for me. It was awful. But then along came Celexa and it's awesome. I no longer wake up and feel like I'm drowning, and my lungs are going to explode. I can get up out of bed and not hate everything. I can go about my day without worrying about every little thing. I no longer get panic attacks. It's awesome. I have lost weight too. I totally recommend Celexa, best thing I've ever tried."
- yogini
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- April 10, 2015
Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "Starting Celexa was one of the best decisions I've made in my entire life. I had lost myself in a world of anger, darkness, fear, anxiety, panic attacks, and hypochondria. I was not myself. In fact, I didn't even recognize myself anymore. The first month of Celexa (10mg) was hell, to be honest. Side effects included upset stomach, nausea, numbness, weakness, brain 'zaps', hot flashes, night sweats, panic attacks, anxiety, inability to sleep, the feeling of extreme heat within my body (difficult to explain), and strange awareness of limbs. After a month, I woke up one day and was myself again. It felt like a weight had been lifted. I was free, happy, courageous, calm, and peaceful. I am about to meet the 1-year mark - the serenity remains."
- Female
- August 29, 2011
Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "I used to be extremely uptight and I am now very laid back. It feels like a dream. If I dig or look for my anxious thoughts, they are gone. I suffered from uncontrollable panic and crying, also extreme nervousness. I can now see things in my life more clearly. I was extremely uptight for the last 5 years and now I am more laid back. I'm sad because I wish I had done this sooner. Lost the love of my life because of my horrible depression, and I feel like if I had been on this sooner, I wouldn't have pushed him away with my panicky behavior which I thought was just my personality! We don't choose depression/anxiety; it is a disease. I thought it was 'me' for years! Feel a bit guilty about not going on it sooner. I am 23/Female."
- Anonymous
- July 27, 2009
Celexa (citalopram) for Depression "I was on 100mg of Zoloft a day for 6 years and suddenly my depression symptoms were coming back quickly. When I spoke to my doctor, she suggested Cymbalta or Abilify as a supplement to the Zoloft, but as I am uninsured, they were way too expensive. She suggested we try Celexa, and I weaned off of the Zoloft while slowly increasing the dosage of the Celexa to 20mg. So far, so good. I actually wish I had been taking it all along because I have more energy, have actually lost some of the weight I gained on Zoloft, and the sexual side effects are not nearly as bad as the Zoloft. Everyone is different, but I highly recommend it."
- Julz
- July 4, 2013
Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "Just started Celexa, and already I noticed the more feeling of calm, and calm is not something I think I've ever been, I get angered easily, upset, cry, feel overwhelmed, hopeless, feel better off dead, mood always up and down because of how many losses I have had in my life, feeling like a failure, you name it, I really hope this helps me long term. I've noticed a difference already and am optimistic."
- otter
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 22, 2019
For Anxiety and Stress "Anyone thinking of trying this drug for anxiety, I would urge you to give it a go. I was very apprehensive about taking antidepressants, but after struggling with peri-menopausal night sweats and horrendous intrusive anxious thoughts, I had to do something. I'm so glad I did. My anxious thoughts have completely stopped, and the night sweats have become very occasional and far less intense after about 10 weeks. At first, I experienced most side effects, but I'd urge anyone to stick with it and start on a low dose (I'm on 10mg). I had horrible insomnia for a few nights, a 'woolly' headache for a week, and a very dry mouth. However, all these side effects have disappeared, and the benefits massively outweigh the few days I had no sleep! My concentration levels are so improved, I'm no longer irritable, no sweats, and most importantly, no horrible anxious thoughts which were affecting my work, my marriage, and my ability just to enjoy life. P.S. no problems with sexual climax either!"
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 2, 2021
For Anxiety and Stress "At first I was skeptical, I was really scared to start taking it and thought it might change who I am or alter my personality, make me drowsy or gain a ton of weight. When I started taking it my anxiety went up a bit, probably because I was taking a new med and already in a really bad place. I’ve been patient and I’m now 3 and a half weeks in and I honestly feel great. I feel much less day to day, constant anxiety and I feel so much happier throughout the day. My mood has stabilized and I feel far less worried and and upset by the people, things and situations around me. I have more energy and I just feel more at ease if that makes sense. I honestly haven’t noticed any side effects either. I’m really happy I took the leap and started taking citalopram. I didn’t really realize how bad things were until I realized how much better I’m feeling now. I feel like I’m getting my life back and I’m starting to feel like myself again."
- Jhorn
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 24, 2019
For Panic Disorder "*update* I reviewed earlier on 2019-06-14 under the same name. I am now on my fourth week of citalopram. Every side effect has essentially faded and has passed. I still get tremors from time to time, but it's well worth it. I've not had a SINGLE panic attack after week one. I am now able to drive by myself because the world isn't so scary anymore! The Lord and this medicine has helped me TREMENDOUSLY the past month! Please do yourself the favor and take this medicine if you've been prescribed it. I am on 20mg and it's worked wonders for me. Don't be scared of the side effects either! The worst ones are less than 0.1% of those who took it! Praying for everyone who is suffering from panic attacks and anxiety."
- bentl...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 24, 2014
Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "Literally one week of medication and I'm feeling great! I was up at 7:00 am this morning, wide awake. For anyone who knows me, that's amazing. I was ready for my day and made it a productive one. Thank you, Celexa, you have given me my life back."
- Yikes
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- April 7, 2020
Celexa (citalopram) for Depression "I started on 10 mg of Celexa in 2016, after 7 years of depression and suicidal ideation. Once the drug began to take effect I had 3-4 months of feeling neurotypical. My only side effect during this time was trails of movement and rainbow auras around lights. This, however, was a very small price to pay for finally feeling good. Month 5 I entered an unshakable state of numbness. I began sleeping through full days again. I was unable to feel empathy for others. After a year or so of all-consuming numbness, I began slipping. By the end of the 2nd year, I had spiraled into the darkest place I have ever been in my life. Suicide was the only thing on my mind. I had such violent intrusive thoughts that I could hardly sleep, I could hardly lay still even. I no longer take Celexa and my head is much more clear. P.S. it does get better. I know, I know, everyone says that. But trust me. Your situation will change, you will adapt. Stay strong, please."
- Ruth
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 7, 2024
For Anxiety and Stress "I've just finished six weeks of 10mg citalopram and a further six weeks of 20mg citalopram. Please hang on until the end. I had the most dreadful side effects: dry mouth, feelings of an electric shock, tiredness, the need to stay in bed, yawning, constipation, diarrhea, pains in my stomach or side just under the ribs. I would stare at food but couldn't eat it. The list goes on. I was lucky to have my husband help me because it totally stopped me from functioning. I had to try different things to keep going. Deep breathing exercises were essential. Opening the bedroom window and standing in the cold for as long as possible were some strategies. Some of these symptoms may have been due to anxiety or stress that made me unwell. However, I found looking up reviews every time I was scared or needed reassurance very helpful. Now, I sleep through the night and feel 'normal'. Please keep going. Good luck."
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.
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For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Hang in there! It's tough adjusting to this stuff. I am now on week 7/8. I did 5 and a bit weeks at 20mg then 2 weeks now at 30mg. Trust me when I say this. Hang in there! I know it's a rollercoaster but I'm giving myself 6 months on this to see fully as I know it can take time for GAD especially. My anxiety was unbearable! It's still there and the intrusive thoughts come, but they go quicker, and I'm not scared of them. I now understand what I'm going through, so it doesn't bother me as much. I was having suicidal thoughts and really scared of them. They still come, but I'm not worried by them, I'm not worried as much by life, I understand that the anxious passing thoughts aren't mine, and they come and go. They're just thoughts. Stay strong people. I know it's been the hardest thing I've ever done. All the best"