Celexa and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• January 29, 2010

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."

• amd...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 7, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "I'm a 20-year-old female, been on Celexa for about 4 days now. I was pretty skeptical reading all the reviews, and some negative ones really scared me, but I decided to take it anyway. So far, I am liking the medicine. Little side effects such as a mild headache that seems to come about 5 minutes after I take the pill, drowsiness (which is why I take it at night), and a tiny bit of nausea. Nothing too major like I thought. Oh! And also no panic attacks, which is one of the main reasons I started taking this. Celexa has given me a sort of 'calm, relaxed' feel. But I also feel more uplifted. I'm not sure the right word. I'm not energetic but I feel energized, which is great. I would recommend trying this if you suffer from frequent panic and worry."

• Syn...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 31, 2014

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."

• Rel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "I researched and read numerous forums on medicines and was quite leery to take Celexa after some of the issues people had experienced on the medicine. I am so glad I decided to try it for myself. A few months ago, out of the blue, I developed symptoms which turned into full-blown GAD, which was getting increasingly worse with constant nervousness, stomach upset, nonstop worry about feeling so darn out of control that I burst into tears. I was starting to have panic attacks while at work and couldn’t have that, so I contacted my doctor who put me on 5mg of Celexa daily, which was to increase to 10 mg. After a few days of awful nausea and sleepiness, the side effects subsided. 1 month in, still on 5mg, and I feel absolutely amazing. I am back to feeling myself again. I am so fortunate that this medicine worked for me."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2023

For Anxiety and Stress "I used to take Celexa (20mg) back when I was 16 years old for severe agoraphobia, severe panic disorder, severe depression, and PTSD. I would faint, chest would hurt, shaking, hyperventilate, avoided all social places, I had no energy, felt suicidal, (I was homeschooled), I had all symptoms of PTSD, anxiety attacks, and depression. You name it, I had it. I couldn’t even leave home, not until Celexa was prescribed to me, and I got my life back within 2 days of taking this medication. The only side effect I had was drowsiness. I’m now 27 years old with the same issues once again, I’ve been isolated for 6 months now, having severe panic attacks and been avoiding all public places, even avoiding outside and my own family. I was prescribed Celexa 10mg 2 months ago, but I am deathly afraid to try it because I don’t want my anxiety to get worse, it’s my last hope to feel better. I believe Celexa will benefit me, but that’s my anxiety talking. I think I’ll try it today, I can do this!"

• Fiz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "It works well for anxiety. Difficult to orgasm, get really sleepy if I drink (especially Scotch/liquor), but other than that, definitely more chill. Sleeping better, chest pain I was having from anxiety has virtually disappeared after 6 weeks on 20mg. Going to keep on it for 6 months then taper & reevaluate. Gained 10 lbs and liking carbs more. Seems related to the meds."

• Had...
• June 24, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "So far, so good. I'm only four days into taking it. I take it at lunchtime every day and notice I get a bit drowsy and yawn like crazy for a couple of hours after I take it. However, my anxiety is already feeling better so this side effect is nothing in comparison! My anxiety was becoming debilitating, just so much stress...I lost my mom to cancer, my cat passed away, going through a possible separation, just horribly stressful situations now. I have a lot of support from my family and friends and feel like this is the first step in getting back in check."

• cdm...
• September 1, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "I'm a 25-year-old female, and my doctor prescribed Celexa to help me manage my anxiety. I've been on it just shy of 3 months. I started with 10 mg and increased to 20 mg after about 2 weeks. My initial side effects were dry mouth, decreased appetite, sleepiness, and low libido. The first few nights I was on Celexa, I also found myself suddenly waking up in the middle of the night in a panic. This also happened after my dose was increased. After almost 3 months on Celexa, all the side effects have disappeared, except my sex drive is completely non-existent. Overall, I feel very relaxed, and my anxiety symptoms have significantly decreased."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I (VERY reluctantly) began 10 mg of Celexa (for anxiety) for a week, then 20 mg for the next week, and now I've been on 30 mg for a few weeks now. I had anxiety about taking the anti-anxiety meds! Honestly, the first week was AWFUL. My anxiety was heightened, I couldn't sleep, had bad headaches, and felt like something was tickling my brain. By the second week, those side effects were gone. My anxiety was resulting in constant physical dizziness, floor 'bouncing' (feeling like you're on a boat/elevator when you're just walking around), racing thoughts, sleeping just to avoid it all, etc. My dizziness has mostly disappeared, and usually the floor feels like it should. PLEASE DON'T BE SCARED! It can be a lifesaver."

• Qui...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "After self-medicating my anxiety for a couple of years with booze, I took the initiative to regain control. Went to the ER, they gave me Librium to detox at home. Helped tremendously. Walked away from my business (had to, that was my huge stressor, and it was going to kill me). Went through the roller coaster of emotions being sober. So here I am a year later. I asked my doctor for an antidepressant last month to help the lingering bouts of anxiety. She prescribed 20 mg of Celexa. Starting with 10 for a week. First week, I seriously felt like I was on cloud nine. Euphoric, music sounded better, relaxed...but could not sleep 'normal'. My sex drive is back and in full swing. Still staying on 10 mg as it still feels strong. Sleeping better the past 10 days."

• Anonymous
• January 31, 2012

For Anxiety and Stress "I've always been a worrier, since I was a child. I assumed it was normal because it was all I'd ever known. After a bad break up and a lot of professional stress, I decided to see my doctor for a 'crutch' to get me through the worst of it and was fully intending for the medication to be a short-term situation. I've always been against taking medication for my stress. However, in the two months I've been on Celexa, I've decided I'd be more than happy to stay on it forever, as long as it keeps working. The obsessive worrying is just gone, poof! I can worry about something for a few minutes and then move on with my life. I'm happy and vibrant, and I feel completely normal now. I had side effects - Yawning, sleeplessness only for the first 2 weeks"

• MB1...
• August 5, 2015

For Depression "I've taken this medication for about 3 years now. Back when I was diagnosed with major depression, one of the first medications I tried was Celexa. It helped me out of a very bad place. Like every medication, it has its side effects, but compared to other medications, they are minimal. This medication, along with exercise and a healthy diet, helped turn my life around. There are no side effects worth mentioning besides mild drowsiness and a lack of energy on higher doses. If you feel stuck, I would highly recommend Celexa as your first choice for meds."

• Ron...
• January 2, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I suffered with anxiety my entire life, and I graduated school it became debilitating. I would have panic attacks randomly, and my heart was always racing. My GP put me on 10 mg of Celexa, and after about a week, I was feeling much better. I have been on it for about 2 months now and feel like an entirely new person! The only negative side effects I have experienced were a bit of drowsiness when I first started (my body has adjusted) and frequent, very vivid dreams."

• Bet...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 26, 2012

For Anxiety and Stress "I've suffered from a level of anxiety for most of my life, but last year my husband lost his job. While that was a bad turn for us, my reaction to it was quite out of proportion. I was a crying, anxiety-ridden mess - just struggled to make it through my workday and felt completely unglued and out of control. It was the final straw, and my doctor prescribed Celexa. I was nauseated the first two weeks, and then suddenly, one day I wasn't, and it's been smooth sailing from there on out. I do have less interest in sex - a downside, and I am sleepier than I'd like. But it is overall worth it - plus. God bless whoever made this medicine. It has been a lifesaver for me."

• Kil...
• September 29, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "Celexa worked really well for me, in terms of stabilizing my mood. I actually felt really happy and thought with clarity for once! But I had to stop taking it because the side effects were just extremely unpleasant. I wasn't able to achieve an erection, and if I did, I wasn't able to orgasm. I also had this sedated-like feeling. My body temperature would increase. But I also felt emotionless at the same time, if that makes any sense. I found it hard to respond to my partner's emotions. Everything was just on a cloud for me. Someone could have insulted me, and I would have been alright with it."

• Anonymous
• February 27, 2010

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Works very well for me. Obsessive thoughts occur very infrequently, and when they do occur, I am able to brush them off, as the drug has reduced my anxiety. My side effects of drowsiness lasted about one to two weeks. I also find that the mineral magnesium is helpful. Daily exercise is also part of my treatment and is great for reducing stress and anxiety, as well as burning off excess adrenaline."

• Jay...
• August 8, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I was diagnosed with GAD (general anxiety disorder). I was previously on Cipralex and felt like a zombie taking it. I didn't want to take it anymore, so my doctor prescribed me Celexa about a month ago. I have a bit of a hard time sleeping, tossing and turning, but overall, I do get my rest. I feel drowsy after the first few hours of taking it. A little bit irritable sometimes, short of patience. Overall, I'm not overthinking at night anymore, not stressing nearly as much, and actually have motivation to do the things I want to."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2012

For Anxiety and Stress "I used to take Celexa when I was very young, and just started it back up today. I know generally it takes 2-4 weeks to see any real results, but let me just say even after only 1 day I can already feel a slight difference. I feel a lot more mellowed out. It may be the placebo effect (me thinking I feel better because I know I took something), but I do feel a bit more calm than usual. I did experience some drowsiness and a little bit of dizziness, but it didn't exceed any more worse than that, and it didn't last long. I would definitely recommend this medicine to someone suffering anxiety and depression."

• Jus...
• September 14, 2010

For Depression "I started taking Celexa almost a month ago after having gone off Lexapro because (of course) I thought I was feeling good and thought maybe, but I went back down the rabbit hole of my depression, which has been with me for most of my life. I was worried about Celexa after reading a lot of message boards, but I have experienced virtually no side effects - just a little blurred vision and sleepiness at first, but that went away. I feel so much better. I feel even and stable and positive, and the best part is that my libido has actually increased, which is incredible because Lexapro worked well but kind of ruined my ability to 'finish', so I think everyone is different and it's all about finding the right cocktail. Good luck everyone!"

• Sim...
• November 30, 2009

For Panic Disorder "I have had panic attacks and anxiety and stress for over 10 years now. They tried everything until one doctor put me on Xanax, and it was such a relief for a while. Now I am up to 2 mgs, 3 times a day, and my newest doctor put me on Celexa 6 months ago. There was some nausea at first, like he said, and sleepiness, but it quit after a week or two, and it so mellowed me out more. The attacks are less frequent and not near as bad. So for me, a godsend! I know everyone is different, but I have not had one bad thought and can actually go out and shop and do things without worrying about an attack! The nausea was worth working through. Thank you, Celexa! It sure helped me!"

• Joy...
• May 6, 2016

For Depression "I was on Celexa for about 3 months, started with 10 mg and raised up to 20 when I felt no changes. After going up to 20, I felt constantly tired, drowsy, and like a walking zombie. My anxiety and depression only got worse, it caused me to have thoughts of suicide and self-harm, and I just felt worse overall. My experience on Celexa was terrible, and I would not recommend this drug at all."

• Tom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2021

For Depression "Was on the medication for around 4 months, totally alleviated my depression (20 mg), was a lot more easygoing and content with life. Took things in my stride. I will say, however, that although it does alleviate symptoms of depression, it also makes you very unmotivated in terms of your goals and life achievements. It made me content with just getting myself to work and then relaxing and sleeping the rest of the time. I would say this would do wonders for somebody a bit older and more content in life. I'm going to try to find something less sedating. Good luck, everybody, sending love."

• Anonymous
• May 17, 2012

For Anxiety and Stress "I've had panic attacks since 8th grade. I'm 28 now and notice my anxiety about having a panic attack was getting overwhelming. I started to notice I was avoiding situations. I'm a full-time student and work part-time. I need to do many speeches, and I would worry about speeches from the time they were assigned. I've been on citalopram 20 mg for 2.5 weeks. I have no panic attacks, and I have done two speeches with no issues! Side effects of nausea with yawning and sleepiness, but those go away (1.5 weeks), then I noticed the change! Wish I started sooner."

• Ros...
• September 28, 2015

For Depression "I have only been taking Celexa 20 mg for about a week. My only complaint is that it makes me extremely drowsy, like a zombie, and slight stomach cramps, so I started taking it at night, and I am considering cutting the tablet in half. However, I have had depression for most of my adult life, and like others, I was against medication, but I could not take it any longer. I do feel a slight improvement, I am not numb anymore, but I think I need to give it more time to get the full effect."

• bon...
• November 13, 2011

For Anxiety and Stress "I have taken several medicines for depression and anxiety in the past. None have worked and would cause me to have terrible insomnia at night. Celexa has been great. At first, I experienced dizziness and was very sleepy. I also had nausea and GI upset. After a week, the side effects went away. I feel more relaxed and do not worry about things that used to stress me out. I sleep great at night. I take 10 mg at night. I am so glad I tried this medicine."