I had been prescribed celexa for my anxieyy. I had been taking 20 mg a day for almost three weeks. I had developed terrible diarrhea after about 1 week and a half after starting celexa. I didn't notice any benefit for aiding in my anxiety but the diarrhea has been so bad that I stopped taking it. It's been 3 days since I stopped taking it but the diarrhea hasn't stopped. I'm way more miserable now than I was before as my anxiety is off the charts worrying about the diarrhea! I have an appt with the dr in 4 days but I was hoping for some answers before then. Has anyone else had to deal with this horrible side effect?
Citalopram and horrible diarrhea?
Question posted by Anxietyangel on 9 Oct 2017
Last updated on 18 October 2019 by Starzai
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4 Answers
Starzai
18 Oct 2019
I only took it for two days, and am having the same problem! Looking for answers too. How long did this last for you after you stopped the medication? :(
Rustyrus97
6 March 2018
I’m dealing with it now ! I work 8 hours a day and have to continuously get up every two seconds Bc of it
Inactive
9 Oct 2017
Hi Anxietyangel: I had a similar problem each time I tried to take generic lexapro - which is excitalopram. There was something that helped me with the diarrhea through this problem - Immodium. It is over-the-counter. Hopefully this will help you until your diarrhea subsides!
WildcatVet
9 Oct 2017
Hi, angel! Side effects like these usually begin almost immediately and last from a few days to a week or so:
Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, increased saliva, taste loss/perversion, vomiting
You wouldn't notice any great improvement in your anxiety for about 4-6 weeks as antidepressant/anxiolytics work very slowly in your system, but the diarrhea shouldn't last this long. I'd call your doctor's office or ask a pharmacist for advice ~ you may be able to use something OTC such as Pepto Bismol or Imodium
Meanwhile, drink LOTS of fluids to be sure you stay hydrated.
Anxietyangel
9 Oct 2017
Chugging the pepto, which does offer hours of relief until I eat or drink something again and we start again... bathroom, pepto, bathroom, pepto...
Thank you for your response! It was not an immediate reaction, though... it didn't start until I was half way through the one month supply.
Prior to this medication, I was very regular, my diet has not changed, I can't think of anything else that would be causing it???
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celexa, diarrhea, citalopram, prescription
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