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Citalopram User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

Brand names: Celexa

Citalopram has an average rating of 7.4 out of 10 from a total of 2,232 reviews on Drugs.com. 65% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 16% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Citalopram

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Ray...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 21, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking this citalopram medication since last year, summer 2019. Each time I have taken it, it has really helped me calm down for my anxiety. This year, I have been taking it since February as I started feeling anxious and weird again. Like, I feel like I don't know where I am and what room I'm in and overthink any little unwell feeling I get. Particularly with my nose, throat, and chest. It has been so much better these last 6 months, however, these last few days, I feel anxious again, and I do not know why. Does this mean I need to increase my dose or just carry on with the 20mg I have been taking these past few months?"

9 / 10
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  • Jes...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 13, 2020

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I've been on this for a week. The first night I took it I felt really, really high but pretty anxious too so I cut the tablet in half for 6 days, and on the 8th, took a full (10 MG). When I cut in half for 5 MG, had no sleep issues, when I take 10mg I do have sleep issues and I do have an anxious chest - not jittery but my stomach and chest feel anxious like I've had too much coffee except the rest of me is still tired. After the first night though, I could already tell in my mood swings and I'm sticking with it. It's not unbearable by any means, but I'll check back in after another week to update you! I would say... if your side effects are so strong, cut it in half and wait another week. Almost every negative review is about the first week or two - make it through that, eat healthy and force yourself to exercise (even if you're tired from not sleeping thoroughly the night before). I believe the long-term effects will be totally worth a week of feeling antsy."

8 / 10
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  • ms...
  • September 19, 2009

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Celexa has calmed me down a lot. I used to stress about everything. I always feared the worst. Celexa has helped me overcome this feeling. However, at times I seem too laid back and I get very annoyed with people who complain about everyday situations. At first, I thought this drug is not working, but a month later, I don't know how I survived without it. I do have headaches more frequently, and sometimes I get lazy, but sometimes I get this burst of energy too. Also, every so often, I get really somber, but within an hour I calm down and feel awesome. This drug works wonders for me."

7 / 10
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259 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • cak...
  • February 2, 2015

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I've only been on Celexa for 5 days. I understand that this will not be an entirely accurate review of the medicine because it takes about 4 weeks to get the full effect, but my experience is worth sharing for those just starting. Reasons for being prescribed: -anxiety associated with emotional stress -depression (seasonal) -inability to sleep due to anxiety -panic attacks (only about 5 in a 2-month period). Days 1-2: 10 mg - felt awful. I felt anxious, foggy-headed, weird. Day 3: I was quiet but full of energy. Some trouble sleeping (woke up in the middle of the night). Day 4: Tired because I didn't sleep well that night. Midday exhaustion. Somewhat antisocial. Still 'myself' though. Day 5: General good mood, positive. Productive."

7 / 10
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  • Kee...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 31, 2014

Citalopram for Depression "I've suffered from depression/social anxiety for years. After a recent breakup, my depression spiraled out of control. My doc put me on Remeron for about a month which did nothing except help me sleep. In the past I've taken: Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Lexapro, and Buspar. I was just prescribed 20mg Celexa a week ago and WOW - the constant racing cynical voices have been silenced. Instead of picturing worst-case scenarios, I'm picturing best-case scenarios. I haven't felt this 'at peace' feeling for so long. I'm excited because the dark cloud is lifting more by the day. I haven't experienced any side effects."

10 / 10
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  • Bea...
  • May 23, 2017

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I never review anything, but this I had to review!! This stuff has basically given me my life back! Before I started taking this, I had severe depression issues, high anxiety and stress, and a touch of PTSD. Since taking this stuff, all of that has faded, especially anxiety and stress. This stuff is a blessing! I take 20 mg in the morning and 20 mg in the evening. It took about two weeks or so to kick in, but once it did, my god, it was incredible!! I still get depressed, but it's nowhere near as bad as it used to be. As far as side effects go, I haven't had any!! They must be very rare. Would recommend this to anyone! I am a riverboat pilot, so if any offshore or towboat pilots are looking into trying this - it IS a coast guard approved med."

10 / 10
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  • 1ha...
  • July 5, 2015

Citalopram for Depression "Week 1 dizziness, nausea, no appetite, foggy feeling, stomach growling. Week 2 same as before plus sweating, bad GERD, and insomnia. Almost stopped but decided to stick it out. Week 3 everything slowly disappeared. Now on week 4, much calmer, lost weight about 8 lbs, blood pressure dropped to normal readings, I have more energy now. I am walking every day, still feel like myself, not numb like some reported. Reason started was I had 2 deaths in a month and was losing it. In the past, I have tried Prozac, Lexapro, Effexor, Zoloft, and many others, nothing has worked as well as Celexa. My advice: give it time, be patient. Like many things, it's worth waiting for. Good luck to all!"

9 / 10
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  • CKa...
  • March 13, 2014

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Best anti-anxiety medication for me. At 20mg, it perfectly takes the edge off & allows me to focus with clarity at work & at home. I have been on Celexa for 10 years, tried Wellbutrin once thinking it might help with weight loss, but it made me feel crazy & irritable. I did not like it at all. My daughter has similar issues as I do & Celexa did not work for her, she's going to try Prozac now. I think it's important to realize that everybody is different as is their chemical make up & what might work great for one may not for another."

10 / 10
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  • Art...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 7, 2013

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I started taking Celexa about a year ago. I had severe depression and anxiety due to multiple losses: job, house, bankruptcy, the loss of my brother to cancer, divorce - you name it. The anxiety I was experiencing was affecting my family relationships, work relationships, and general well-being. I had been on Wellbutrin, which I am still on, but my doc prescribed Celexa. It has made a world of difference. I am happy, relaxed, able to concentrate, and feel a sense of hope for the future. Recently, I ran out of the med, and within a day or two, I was again feeling anxious, overly emotional, sad, and just not right. I got the medication again, and I am back to normal. It saved my life as well. Thank you, Celexa."

10 / 10
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  • Dar...
  • September 6, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Citalopram has saved my life. Before this drug, I would panic over everything and overthink every event in my life. This med calms your brain and helps you live a normal life. I don’t care about the stigma these meds have, people who are saying bad things probably don’t suffer like we do."

10 / 10
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  • Hea...
  • July 26, 2014

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I'm 29 years old... (Mother of 2 boys). I lost my grandma (who raised me) on June 10th (My birthday). She was my everything. This is the first time I've experienced losing someone this close to me. I've had a very difficult time dealing with this, crying every day...and it has affected me at work with having less patience for things...anxiety, etc. Which I already had anxiety at night before she ever passed away. I've been on Celexa for 5 days and I haven't cried since then. It has made me feel more calm...more understanding of things. My anxiety has subsided a great deal...the only downside is I'm having a little bit of insomnia, which I know is a side effect. I'm optimistic about the future now."

9 / 10
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  • kav...
  • November 27, 2014

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I started this medication 2 1/2 years ago. It has worked wonders for me. It took my anxiety away. I used to have panic attacks that would last for hours and hours. I thought I was losing my mind. This made me feel normal again. I hadn't had an actual anxiety attack in over 2 years. Thank you, Celexa."

9 / 10
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  • bri...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 20, 2013

Citalopram for Depression "I have absolutely no complaints about Celexa. I've been on 20mg for about a month and a half now, and I feel like a huge weight has just been lifted off of me. I spend so much less of my day thinking about things that upset me, and I'm much more capable of just letting negative thoughts go and not letting them affect me. As a college student, I've been dealing with a tremendous amount of social and academic stress. I was very wary about getting on an antidepressant out of fear of being 'judged', but in retrospect, getting on Celexa may be the best decision I've ever made. I couldn't help but post on here and share my experience. It certainly took a little while to kick in, but be patient. I am feeling happy like I haven't in years!"

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • July 27, 2008

Citalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking Celexa for only three weeks, but I've already noticed a difference in my mood. I feel a bit more relaxed, and the panic attacks are null if any. I started with 10mg for 4 days, then up to 20mg, which proved to be way too much for me, so I backed down to 10mg and have felt great since. Side effects: some slight yawning here and there, but not a big deal. I recommend this medicine for those with mild anxiety/depression."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • August 2, 2009

Citalopram for Depression "This medication has wiped out almost all of my daily bouts of depression. For the longest time, I would have depression daily and now to be free of this burden, this weight, it's like living in a different body. I love feeling more upbeat, even on the days when it's simply a good casual uneventful day. I am happy and content."

9 / 10
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  • Chr...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 2, 2020

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I've held high positions mainly in the field of Human Services, somewhere down the line, my demanding jobs affected my concentration in addition to other stressors in my personal life really done a number to my mental and emotional well-being over time. I feel perfectly sane, my main concern is my inability to focus. I'm a week into Celexa, so far so good, my thoughts aren't so scattered as they were prior to treatment. I feel more calm and gradually feeling like my old self. I am comfortable holding long conversations as opposed to before. I'm quite pleased with this medication."

9 / 10
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  • Bri...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 2, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "68 years old. Been on a dose of 10 mg citalopram for 6 months - gradually felt better after 6 weeks. Still had a few panic attacks and excessive yawning/stress headaches. After 6 months, I feel much improved so the doctor suggested I increase to 20 mg as he thinks it will help even more. So, I’ll let you know how I make out. I’m very optimistic."

10 / 10
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  • Mrz...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 31, 2013

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "For the past few years, I think I have suffered from anxiety. Couldn't really put my finger on it until Thanksgiving Day. Everything was fine until it hit me out of nowhere. I remember feeling like my future was doomed. I couldn't concentrate, I felt like I wasn't myself. I completely lost it. It was like I was losing grasp of every aspect of my life. I cried and thought I was losing my sanity. It was the scariest thing I had ever experienced. After seeing 2 doctors, the medicines they prescribed either didn't help or maybe my anxiety got the best of me, but finally, my mom made me go to the ER and they gave me Celexa. The side effects were pretty bad, but I stuck it out, and I must say that almost 3 weeks in, I'm feeling back to myself."

9 / 10
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  • Gay...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 1, 2019

Citalopram for Depression "I have been on Celexa for a few months, and I feel so much better. My mood is better, and I had very few side effects. I tried other medications and would feel worse, but Celexa is doing the job. I know a few other people that take Celexa, and they also say it works for them. I haven't felt this happy in a very, very long time."

10 / 10
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  • Cal...
  • August 12, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Amazing. I had severe anxiety and developed depression due to coping with a chronic illness. I have been so low, upset and couldn't see how to pick myself up regardless of what I tried. I couldn't just keep coping day to day, I was a misery. I started on citalopram 5mg then after 6 days went to 10mg and then finally to 20mg. It has been 4 months now. My message to you is: Hang in there! The side effects are grim, yes, yawning, headaches, increased anxiety, and a bit of an upset stomach but they honestly pass and settle. I have no side effects now. Compared to how I felt, they were manageable and I didn't need time off work. The difference is night and day. It's like a lead weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It's cleared my daily migraines. I no longer have panic attacks, it hasn't affected my mental state or made me emotionless. I genuinely feel happier and calmer in myself, just my lows aren't as low. I have been getting out more, exercising, taking pride in things again. The difference is amazing."

10 / 10
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  • Sha...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 24, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I posted twice now, day 5 and week 6. I am now heading into the 3rd month and I have never felt better. No more suicidal thoughts, no more depression, no more overthinking, or imagining worse scenarios. It has always helped my OCD which was checking and rereading things. Amazing drug, highly recommend, do not read the negatives. Go off your own experience. I am now 22, my daughter is almost 2, and life has never been better. Also after getting out of a relationship and having a miscarriage it didn’t affect my mental health. Amazing life changer! ❤️"

10 / 10
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  • Tom...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 20, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was on citalopram for many years. It wasn't until I stopped it, my own decision by the way. Then I realized, wow, after 3 months without it, I was in big trouble. I had hit the lowest time with anxiety. I'm back taking them again, only 10mg to start. I won't be stopping them again, lesson learned. Thank you."

10 / 10
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  • Yik...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 7, 2020

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."

2 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • April 4, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Honestly, I remember coming on here and reading the reviews before trying it myself. This medication changed so much for me, in a great way. I struggle with GAD and I had major panic attacks that led me to be hospitalized. I was not a fan of wanting to take medication for my mental health challenges, but at that point, I had no other choice but to try. It was hard at first, side effects were a little bit annoying, but eventually, I started to feel human again. I hadn't had a panic attack anymore since then, or at least as severe/strong, and I didn't feel like my anxiety was constantly weighing on me every second. I tried to lower my dosage once I was feeling better, but it turned out it was too early for me to reduce my dose. I am currently taking 20mg every day and have been on it for about 6 months. I encourage you to try it, and if you're worried about it, know that trying it is better than not knowing at all. Good luck!"

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • April 27, 2008

Citalopram for Depression "I began taking Celexa 10 mg tablet 3 years ago - one every evening. I find that it helps a lot with low moods and mood swings, especially around the time of my period. I've always had mood swings but didn't quite understand why I felt so bad on some days and felt pretty good on other days. This pill helps to regulate my moods so that I'm feeling good most of the time!"

8 / 10
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218 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.