Celexa and Nausea: What Users Say

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 17, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I’ve been taking 20mg Celexa (generic version) for 27 days now and in the last week have started feeling the positive effects. Thank goodness because oh lordy, did I ever have EVERY side effect for the first 2-2.5 weeks! Deep tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, brain fog/spacey-ness, those were the most prominent ones. I really wanted to quit but kept going, and I’m glad I did. Finally over the last couple days the bad side effects have subsided considerably and I can feel the positives: happiness, lightness, no more sinking feelings, renewed interest, patience, and a more relaxed mind. I am smiling at people. If you’re having all the side effects, hang in there! Stick it out, take Imodium and/or Zofran, eat crackers and ginger ale, etc with the hope that it may be totally worth it. Hang on for that breakthrough. I’m a newly minted Celexa believer!"

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 5, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "Week 5 & I feel human again. I had all of the side effects: increased anxiety, panic attacks, no appetite, diarrhea, headache, nausea, & just not feeling connected to my brain (really spacey) but today is week 5 & I actually laughed & felt a lot better! I prayed that I would feel some light & it’s here. I’m glad I didn’t give up, I thought I’d feel awful forever but they’re definitely working & I feel like my old self again."

• Bub...
• October 12, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I started Celexa during COVID-19. I always had high anxiety, but COVID pushed me over the edge. My anxiety got to the point that I ended up in the hospital with a panic attack. My doctor started me on 20 mg of Celexa. The side effects were a little rough at first and included nausea, some random spasms, trouble sleeping, and a feeling of falling shortly after sleep. However, after about 2 weeks, they subsided. The positives far outweigh the negatives. My anxiety is under control now. I'm able to live my life without constant worry. Things that used to be major stressors are now tolerable. I sometimes have to be a little careful because I feel like I'm too comfortable and don't worry enough. The one major long-term side effect has been the lack of sex drive. Everything functions fine, but my drive has been greatly reduced. I also feel like my emotions are slightly muted, whereas before I felt emotions very deeply, now they are slightly less intense."

• nel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 18, 2020

For Depression "I want to write this review to anyone struggling with OCD. I have been struggling with OCD for years, and was put on Celexa. Let me tell you, it helps immensely. It did not work right away, and there are some initial side effects (nausea, yuck!). I take it in the morning, 40 mg. My OCD doctor is wonderful (highly recommend seeing a specialist in OCD). And she stated that for OCD, this drug is safe to even go up to a higher dose if necessary. I want to write this to give people hope. I was in a very, very dark place with my OCD. I felt I would never escape the pain and discomfort of OCD. It did not work right away (which is normal), but once I got up to 30 mg after a month or so, I started to see improvement. This medication saved me! Truly thank you to whoever created this medication, it is life-saving for those of us who struggle with OCD and depression. Please, anyone out there who has OCD, starting this, be patient with yourself, find a good doctor, and know that there is hope!"

• 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."

• INd...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 29, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "So, I was first on Celexa from 2001 until 2016. I felt it wasn't working, so my doctor prescribed Venlafaxine/Effexor XR. I ended up in the emergency room with a heart rate of 185 bpm. Anyway, I should have just stuck with Celexa. I am back on it after trying Prozac, which made me nauseous for a year and gave me more anxiety. Celexa works for me. It takes away my anxiety. It's safe for me, and I'll never go off of it or try another again. These past two years have been so bad. Getting off of Effexor brought me to my knees."

• Mag...
• June 10, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "Please try! I was like you reading these reviews, scared to death to start taking this drug. I am so glad I did. The first 2 weeks I felt like I was pregnant: nauseous and sleepy. After that, I just gradually started feeling better. Anxiety has gone and life is on the up and up. I should have taken this 20 years ago. All the worries sort of just fade away. Good luck and please give it a shot!"

• Zig...
• April 13, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I went on Celexa after three years of getting more and more depressed, and my anxiety beginning to make it difficult to be at social events or function from day to day. I gave in to Celexa after hitting a low that I cannot explain. I couldn't get out of bed, and I determined my life was worthless. I started on 10mg. The first two weeks were bizarre. Headaches, nausea, and diarrhea. The anxiety seemed worse. But after 3-4 weeks, it's like an ugly cloud lifted, and I feel like I have my life back. I upped it to 20mg, and I'm staying at 20mg. I never worry about anything - which seems nuts. How can I not worry? I'm unemployed, single, no kids (I'm 48), yet I feel like everything is okay, and I can move forward on achieving my goals."

• Anonymous
• February 18, 2009

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking Celexa 20mg for about 3 months for social anxiety disorder and it's worked great so far. I am much more talkative and social around people. I don't get shaky and don't dread meeting new people anymore. Someone at my last party asked me if I was high at a party when I hadn't been drinking or anything. He said usually I am sitting in the corner being anti-social. I had a touch of nausea when I changed from 10-20 mg, but other than that I do sleep deeper and I think I have less nervous energy than I used to. I was also yawning uncontrollably for the first month, but I am much happier."

• Jil...
• December 20, 2014

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!"

• 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."

• yog...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 10, 2015

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."

• gou...
• April 11, 2014

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."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "This medicine is incredible. I had about four months of out of the blue, never had it before in my life terrible panic and anxiety. I was to the point I was throwing up every morning and constantly worrying and thinking about it. I finally went to the Dr. after crying and feeling miserable for days/months. She prescribed me Celexa 10mg to wean on (minimal side effects - nauseous and a little more tired than usual, but I take it at night), then a month later I went to 20mg and I'm happy there. Absolutely no more anxiety or panic, and I don't feel like an emotionless zombie, I feel just like myself. My sex drive is normal, just takes a bit longer to get there."

• lit...
• November 23, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I'm only one week in, and seriously feel better. I'm a mom of two and a lawyer--I've suffered a lot of loss and have been shouldering a lot of stresses. I've always been anxious, but just thought that was who I was. My doctor put me on 10 mg of Celexa. I did have some nausea the first few days and headaches, but other than that nothing. I had so much anxiety about taking the medication, I almost didn't. But one evening my daughter told me that all of the things I worry about turn out fine--and she was right. If you need help, sometimes you can't do it yourself. I exercise, meditate, eat well, sleep well, but I couldn't shake the anxiety. This has helped a ton. I laugh, I feel more relaxed, and I'm gratefully enjoying life again."

• all...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "After holding on to the medication for about 3 weeks, I couldn't believe the results after just one day and literally felt the effects hours after I took the medication. I did experience side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness, but I found out after taking it the second day that it was only because I hadn't eaten before Celexa. I really see the difference, I'm no longer stressed and depressed. I do feel the difference, and it's a really great medication. I was so iffy about taking depression anxiety medication, however, I'm so glad that I did."

• Anonymous
• May 9, 2009

For Anxiety and Stress "I like Celexa so much better than Zoloft. With Zoloft, I had trouble sleeping, nausea, and it did not help my anxiety and depression symptoms. I have had a great experience with Celexa. So much so that I am uncertain if I would ever want to be taken off of it."

• 1ha...
• July 5, 2015

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!"

• Blo...
• February 15, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "I am just starting my 3rd week on Celexa. I was more upset when I found out this was for 'depression and anxiety' as I am NOT depressed. I am a very outgoing person that loves to be around people, but I do have anxiety, panic attacks, and anger issues, so I thought it would be worth trying. I find myself more 'Calm' in general since taking this. I am not obsessing about phobias I have, and I am back to being 90% happy because I am dealing with stress better. I have been incredibly nauseous though this past week in the early morning to about lunchtime. By mid-afternoon to evening, that goes away, but I do not like that feeling. No interruption in sleep. I do feel 'forgetful' more than normal. Overall doing well."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 30, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "Started 10 mg Citalopram 8 days ago, and although they said it would take 2 weeks to really work, I started to feel better on the first day! Minor nausea the first couple of times I took it, but it went away quickly. This stuff has changed my life, helped me quit smoking. It's so strange being able to walk around and interact in public without anxiety. Improved my sleep overall, however, you will probably want to make sure you are active during the day because it takes a little more time to fall asleep. Wonderful Medication, wish I had started it much sooner."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 26, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "To deal with menopausal symptoms: stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia, I tried Paxil and Prozac. Not a good result - both very heavy-duty, you feel drugged. With Prozac, I was drooling and I didn't even know it, with Paxil, I felt dull-witted and thick, like a beached whale. But the third time was a charm: I tried Celexa, and it worked almost immediately. I felt calmer, not depressed, and I slept like a baby. For me, it's the best. The only side effect is that one-half hour after taking it, I feel nauseous for a few minutes. Small price to pay."

• Jud...
• December 28, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "I started Celexa in July and within a few weeks those closest to me remarked on the difference, how much happier and less angry I seemed. I felt less overwhelmed by stress and felt happier. The change had been subtle from my viewpoint, and it wasn't until after my doctor suggested a change in medicine that I realized how much it helped me. Within days, I noticed my irritability had returned and within a couple of weeks, I felt as if I weren't taking anything at all. I asked my doctor to return me to Celexa. Side effects I've noticed: initial nausea, jittery (especially with the addition of caffeine), vivid dreams, weight loss (15 pounds since July)."

• Kay...
• April 25, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "For many years I had been trying to live with anxiety until it reached a point when I realized I needed help. I often felt stressed and anxious with simple activities like going to the store, and couldn't hold a job or stick with things. Celexa made me happy again, helped me look at life as a glass half full, not empty. Started on 20, noticed some improvement but not complete relief...increased to 40, and then feeling great decided I no longer needed medication. Tapering off, withdrawal symptoms included: dizziness, shakiness, nausea, etc...also, anxiety returned full force. I'm back on it, I gave it an 8 because as effective as it is, therapy is an important component to include with treatment. I'll probably stay on this for many years!"

• Its...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "Was on Zoloft for months for panic disorder. Thought nothing could ever help me. After months of going from 25 mg to 200 mg of Zoloft, my doctor finally switched my medication to the same one (Celexa) my mother takes for depression. The first about 8 days or so were awful. Withdrawing Zoloft and Celexa side effects. Hot flashes, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, extreme panic, and tiredness. Then suddenly I just felt better. Happier. Less anxious. Normal again. It saved my life!"