Celexa and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 3)

• fee...
• May 9, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking Celexa 20 mg for 6 1/2 months. I am currently tapering off this medication from 20 mg to 10 mg for 3 weeks, then 5 mg for 3 weeks. I am currently on my second week of 5 mg, one week left. The withdrawal symptoms are horrible and can intensify the feeling of depression and anxiety. I informed my doctor, and he stated the withdrawal symptoms will diminish on their own after a few weeks. I decided to increase my exercise, increase my water intake, eat healthy, and sleep. I continue with progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, meditation, and talking with my therapist. I RECOMMEND IT to anyone dealing with anxiety/depression. When you first start taking this medication, it takes about six weeks, and the side effects are horrible, when you are tapering off, the withdrawal symptoms are horrible. This is my 3rd review of this medication. The 1st was 12/26/2017 under anxiety/stress. The 2nd was 3/22/2018 under depression. Look for relief. I hope this review helps someone."

• Anonymous
• December 7, 2010

For Panic Disorder "I was in a really bad spot with the constant anxiety and panic attacks. It was affecting every aspect of my life negatively. At first, I slept a lot, which wasn't necessarily bad since I hadn't been sleeping anyway. Sex was a little off, but at least I feel a lot better and don't feel like I could jump out of my skin 24 hours a day. I hate that I have to take something, but it's much better than the alternative!"

• Que...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 1, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "It worked for my mother and my aunt well, but unfortunately, this medication was not for me. While it did stop my panic attacks, that is only because it made me so numb, feeling off, and detached the entire time I was on it. I had to stop, I gave it plenty of time to work too. I was taking it for 9 months, and no change. I could not live with the way it made me feel, I would rather have panic attacks than feel like the outside world didn't really exist! After coming off of it, though, 3 weeks later, all that detached, numb fog has lifted, so I can pretty confidently say it was the medication."

• Ang...
• October 26, 2013

For Depression "I was on Celexa for about a month. I started feeling very paranoid and started showing psychotic symptoms that I've never had before. I ended up in the hospital for a week. I still have anxiety problems to this day. Be careful with this medication."

• Por...
• October 30, 2010

For Depression "I have been on Celexa for five months. Started at 20 mg. After three weeks, my anxiety went away. I was no longer hesitant to leave my house or afraid to make a simple phone call or check my email. (I used to have to prepare myself mentally for an hour just to go to the grocery store because the thought of getting dressed, stepping outside, driving the car, parking, etc., would overwhelm me.) For a while, I felt so good, better than ever. I was free! I felt 'normal.' When I needed to go to the grocery store, I hopped in the car and did it with little thought or fear. Felt great! But alas, five months later, now on 40 mg, my anxiety is coming back, good times are over."

• Anonymous
• June 13, 2011

For Anxiety and Stress "I was put on 20 mg of Celexa, it's been about a month now. I had a hysterectomy and am going through instant menopause at the age of 43, and I can't take any hormones, so my anxiety levels were through the roof. This medicine has helped. My nervousness and shaking have subsided. There are side effects, but some go away eventually. Glad I took it because I almost didn't."

• Sis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "I suffered a massive left-side hemorrhagic stroke 15 months ago. While I have recovered almost completely from a physical perspective, I was left with crippling anxiety. I was in a constant state of fight or flight and often felt like I was going to pass out. I felt like it was a side effect from the stroke that I was just going to have to accept and live with, and I also felt bad complaining about it because I should be happy to still be alive. I eventually mentioned it to my doctor, and she immediately made me feel better and told me we would work to fix it. She started me on Celexa 10 mg for 10 days and then increased it to 20 mg daily. The first couple of weeks were rough (jumpy, foggy), but after 2 weeks, the side effects subsided. The 6-8 week mark was when I really noticed how much better I feel, almost no anxiety at all, and I feel so much better. I am so happy I was prescribed this medication."

• mak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "This drug is awful. I took three doses for anxiety and went into some kind of mania for a week. Literally the most painful experience of my life. It felt like someone was constantly stabbing my head. I never experienced anything like it before. It's been two months, and I'm still nowhere near normal. I have constant splitting headaches and an inability to do my work. Still have anxiety. Be very, very careful. This drug can and will seriously mess you up."

• Har...
• November 14, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I recently started Celexa, my doctor told me to start with 10 mg for a week, then go up to 20 mg. I noticed a difference with the very first pill, I felt more anxiety and severe nausea. I kept taking the pills, and it got worse with every dose. I couldn't leave my house or bed, it made everything worse. My doctor said to keep taking them, so I did. Six days later, I couldn't take it anymore, so I stopped, and the withdrawal side effects are just as bad: extreme nausea and excessive anxiety, it's been a terrible roller coaster ride. After not being on it for a week, I'm finally starting to feel better."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2012

For Anxiety and Stress "Was put on this for depression/anxiety, and it was a disaster! About 40 minutes after I took it, I started to feel very nauseous and had bad diarrhea. I also felt very hot and had a lot of anxiety (more anxiety than I had in the first place). Later on, I noticed it made me yawn quite a bit, and each time I yawned, my jaw would stay clenched for a couple of seconds before it would relax again. I only took it for one day, and almost 2 days later, I am still having some nausea, yawning, and burping a lot. According to the other reviews, it seems like it either works for you or it doesn't. I am obviously not one of the people it works for!"

• Zio...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2017

For Depression "I'm on the generic version, Citalopram. First 10 mg for 7 days, then upped to 20 mg. Now on that for a little over 4 weeks. Still feel blah. I've been switching when I take it to see if it helps sleep. Well, apparently you need to take it at night! It's a cousin to Lexapro. I just took my 20 mg at 9 a.m. (to see), and it's 2 hours later, and I'm very sleepy. I'm giving it 6 weeks. I'm on med #7. I hope this works. Not many left for me to try. Not much side effects with Celexa. Occasional anxiety, but I also have Klonopin when needed. So, going back to take it at night. I am having night sweats occasionally also, but lethargy during the day."

• Tex...
• February 27, 2012

For Anxiety and Stress "As a police officer, I suffer from high amounts of stress. Over the years, it gave me anxiety. Started with Lexapro, but it made me a zombie. Cymbalta gave me suicidal thoughts. Celexa worked great for 4 years. It leveled me out, and I became a much better father, husband, and police officer. After 4 years, it stopped working very quickly. I have switched to Wellbutrin and hope it works as well as Celexa did."

• Mat...
• January 22, 2012

For Anxiety and Stress "First day taking it, at 8 pm, the medication peaks at 4 hours, so at midnight I looked in the mirror and my pupils were dilated. I felt very jittery, I was unable to sleep, I felt a strange sensation creep up my body and to my head, hot flashes, it felt hot at 73 degrees. It wasn't all too bad, I did feel a bit joyful and playful after I slowly forgot about the other effects. The second day, same time, same effects, and I went to sleep. I woke up at 9 am on the dot. I again had a strange sensation overwhelm me, I had vomiting and had a panic attack. I called my doctor and was advised to stop taking the medication. I did not respond well to this medication."

• kGm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2021

For Depression "I felt compelled to write a review on my experience. I'm into the second week of this drug, and it's been a miracle. I started at 10 mg for a week and increased to 20 mg in the second week. The first two days were rough, felt like the flu and increased depression and anxiety. After a week, I woke up with energy and no negative thoughts. Prior to this, I woke up not wanting to live and dragging myself out of bed. I was plagued with negative thoughts, I was in a deep fog and struggled cognitively. Now, in my week two on Celexa, I feel great. I'm also taking 5 mg of Trazodone for sleep, which also causes me to feel nauseous for the first few weeks. Everything is balanced out, and I'm back to being me again! I wish anyone reading this lots of love and hope."

• Anonymous
• July 27, 2011

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking Celexa, in total for about 5 weeks. My doctor started me at 10 mg for a week, then 20 mg for a week, then 40 mg. I have been taking 40 mg for about 2.5 weeks now. Celexa helped my depression, which was from the anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, after about a week. I am also taking Klonopin 0.5 mg at night to help me sleep. My doctor said it would take at least 3 weeks, maybe as long as 6 weeks on my 40 mg to control my severe anxiety and out-of-nowhere panic attacks. I made the mistake of taking myself off of my Klonopin this past Friday. I have gradually gotten worse since. I am seeing my doctor today, but I already know it's because I stopped taking my Klonopin too soon, and the Celexa hasn't reached its full potential yet."

• SMa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 22, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I took this Celexa about 15 years ago for depression and stayed on it for about 3 years. At first, it made me a little sleepy, but that went away after a couple of weeks. The only side effect was it made it very difficult to ejaculate. I stopped taking it because I started to feel too chilled out/apathetic. I cut my dosage down to half for about a week and quit. No side effects at all. Now I'm 49 and started taking it again for stress/anxiety. The first two days started with 5 mg, then I upped it to 10 mg. By about the 6th day, I was feeling mild nausea and some dizziness. The 7th/8th day was terrible-hot flashes, anxiety, nausea-I had to take Xanax and Zofran. Then, by the 10th day, I felt a change-almost like a light switched. I'm thinking, ok, this is working now! I still feel a little nausea, but my mood has improved. I'm also feeling the difficulty with ejaculation. I'm not sure if the side effects are due to my age now or what, but I was surprised since I didn't have them in the past."

• Anonymous
• February 8, 2012

For Anxiety and Stress "I was put on this medicine after anxiety issues. It made things so bad that I was having severe anxiety attacks, was constantly jittery, and unable to concentrate. I had severe hot flashes, made my heart race like crazy, and lots of chest pain. I discontinued after 3 doses of 10 mg after 3 days."

• Anonymous
• February 8, 2012

For Anxiety and Stress "I was put on this medicine after anxiety issues. It made things so bad that I was having severe anxiety attacks, was constantly jittery, and unable to concentrate. I had severe hot flashes, made my heart race like crazy, and lots of chest pain. I discontinued after 3 doses of 10 mg after 3 days."

• Izy...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 31, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I’ve been on Celexa for a little over a year now, and I feel like the meds and I are in a really good groove at this point. Celexa has given me my life back. I struggle with crippling anxiety and panic attacks. I am now able to work, travel, and exist without the misery of anxiety. I have absolutely no regrets giving Celexa a go and have no plans to discontinue it any time soon."

• fee...
• July 18, 2009

For Depression "I have been taking citalopram 60 mg for about 3 years. At first, it was working great, I was smiling more and laughing from the bottom of my stomach instead of just my throat. Now, though, I feel like it has completely stopped working. I have mood swings, anxiety, fears, not sleeping, waking up before dawn, etc. I don't know if it's just me or if my medicine is telling me it needs a change. What else can I try? I need my life back, my children need me."

• Dmc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2021

For Depression "I first started Celexa when I was 17 and continued to use it until I was nearly 20. I was able to get to 40 mg and had no issues with sex drive. I was able to cope with a sexual trauma, attend community college, and even helped me get my first job. And I was still able to enjoy alcohol as well. The only reason my GP changed my meds to 20 mg Lexapro is he claimed it was “more effective.” Well, why fix something that isn’t broken? I was on Lexapro 20 mg until recently, it “pooped out” due to the increase in anxiety from COVID, work, and suicidal thoughts returning. I am now on day 4 of Celexa and still have anxiety and loss of appetite. Then again, the first week can be the most difficult when starting an antidepressant. I’m on 10 mg and gradually decreasing the Trintellix. Hopefully, I see improvement by Tuesday when I increase to 20 mg Celexa. It may be more effective this time since I have a toolbox of coping skills I didn’t have 7 years ago (yoga, hiking, meditation, therapy)."

• nor...
• October 10, 2017

For Depression "This is the only antidepressant I have ever taken (and I've tried a lot of them) that has not given me anxiety and jitters. It is too bad the doses don't go up very high, and it could work a little better with anxiety than it does, but for an antidepressant, it is the only one I can tolerate for extended periods of time. So thankful for it. Because I am an addict, I can't take benzos, and this keeps anxiety under control with a PRN hydroxyzine when it happens anyway."

• can...
• August 25, 2011

For Panic Disorder "20 mg citalopram caused me to have severe anxiety attacks, feel like I cannot relax ever, cannot sleep, I feel dizzy all the time and nauseous, and it's given me horrible digestive problems. I have taken Zoloft and Paxil with good results for years, but started having sexual dysfunction and was switched to citalopram. It stopped my crying spells, but I feel like my depression is still there. I just cannot let out my feelings due to this medicine. The only positive is that I can just barely manage to function sexually. I am really surprised to see all these good reviews on here as to how it made others less anxious and more positive and social and even drowsy, as it has had the total opposite effect on me."

• TOL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 12, 2015

For Depression "At first, I was prescribed Zoloft 50 mg, which I cut in half to 25 mg. I'm sensitive to medications, and this being my first SSRI, it really threw me for a loop. Severe derealization and anxiety that lasted all day. So I quit the Zoloft and was put on Celexa and Buspar, the Buspar is useless for me. I once again had bad derealization. So after giving the Buspar two chances, I gave it up. I started Celexa at 10 mg. First day, same thing: derealization, anxiety, etc. So I cut the pill in half to 5 mg, which helped me get used to the medication really well. I now take it every night at 8 pm. I'm currently taking 15 mg, about to take 20 mg after 3 more doses. I'm starting to feel emotions and connections with myself that I haven't felt in years. So far, so good."

• Anonymous
• August 26, 2011

For Depression "I started Celexa about 5 weeks ago for depression. My depression was pretty serious. I had also just been through the death of a family friend. Also, I have insomnia. I started on the 20 mg, one per day, and immediately felt side effects. Feeling super jittery, major energy, mind racing, uncomfortable in my own skin, rapid heartbeat, and loss of appetite. It made me VERY uncomfortable and unsocial. I called my doctor to tell him how I was feeling, and he told me to do 10 mg for 2 weeks and then bump up to 20 mg. The 10 mg was much more tolerable, and I noticed I did start to feel much better and more social and can sleep better at night. I stayed with 10 mg because 20 mg is too strong for me. I feel great now! The side effects have gone away."