Citalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder User Reviews (Page 4)

• Gho...
• December 3, 2019

"One of the best decisions I've made. I was suicidal for the last year and reached the point where I would think about it for 6 hours each day, paralyzed in bed. I was always skeptical of pharmaceutical medication. I believed that doctors are just legal drug dealers (if you look into history, doctors in the 1950s prescribed cocaine to housewives and more recently the Xanax epidemic in the USA = an opioid, and led me to the conclusion that doctors have no idea what they're doing). But the prescribed medication citalopram, along with therapy, helped me to stop my paranoid obsessive episodes of cynicism. The first couple of weeks are horrific. But if you power through, the benefits are extraordinary. A newfound appreciation for life. I noticed staying active during the trial stage (the first month) helped to reduce symptoms, e.g., studies, work, and gym. More specifically, doing something you love. Note: the medication is there to elevate mood, if you don't want to help yourself, they won't work."

• KAY...
• December 17, 2016

"I would just like to say that these reviews can seem scary to someone. I thought the same after reading them. I decided to go ahead anyway with the citalopram. Started on 10 mg, then 20 mg, and now 40 mg. These do make a great difference. In terms of side effects, it wasn't bad for me. I found I was tired during the day and always kept yawning lots. Had an odd sensation in my head for the first few days. Apart from those symptoms, I was fine."

• Law...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2015

"I've been on this medication for only 5 days, and although most side effects normally aren't experienced until about 2 weeks after starting a new medication, with me, the effects are almost instant, as my body reacts to pills differently than most people. With that said, the only side effect I've had has been the inability to orgasm whatsoever. I don't have a need to fake anything with my wife, so she knows, but it's just very annoying! Other than that, anxiety has been pretty good the past few days. I generally avoid crowded areas but went to a couple and didn't have any problems, so it's been good for me so far this week."

• But...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2019

"I started having panic attacks in March of 2019. I started Celexa in April. The first couple of weeks consisted of insomnia, nausea, burning of my arms, anxiety, and I lost about 20 lbs. I was scared to leave my house. After about a month or so, I became better. I was able to leave the house, my appetite was better, and also my mood. I've been taking 20 mg. I increased to 30 mg and then I went back to 20 mg. I'm now breaking the pill in half and taking half in the morning and half at night along with Atarax 10 mg for anxiety. Overall, I'm 80% better. Give the medicine a shot. Everyone's body is different. It will definitely stop the panic attacks. Good luck and God bless!"

• Tas...
• August 26, 2019

"I was having outbursts of crying, shaking, anger every day for two weeks, and my stepdad said, "We've gotta get you some medicine." I was in a very bad place. I didn't know if I wanted to die or if I just wanted to hurt myself... but any little thing would set me off... I finally got on medicine, and it was supposed to take 28 days to get in my system and work properly. But to my surprise, things got better!!! The next doctor's appointment went very well, I was doing much better, smiling, laughing... this saved my life... I do still have bad days, don't get me wrong, but they are much easier than before... with citalopram, I've got this!!!!"

• Ive...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 24, 2016

"Been on it for three years now after what seems like a lifetime of swings into depression and out. This drug has stopped that and keeps me on a level that helps me to function. Previously 40 mg, now 20 mg is good for me. The reduced dose also helps my libido, as the higher dose stopped me from being able to ejaculate. So all's good now. Though my GP thinks now I'm cured, I should stop the medication altogether. I think if I do, I will experience the return of my ups and horrid downs."

• kim...
• February 14, 2012

"I've been on 10 mg of citalopram for just over 2 weeks, and I noticed a huge difference after 5 days! I was put on them for generalized anxiety as I couldn't get in my car and drive on my own after passing my test in Nov 10. The first few days I didn't feel 'all there', dizzy and sick and yawned like mad, it's worn off a bit now, I'm sleeping better, have lost 3 pounds since taking them, feel better in myself, and my driving and confidence are getting better by the day! I've also suffered from depression after losing my dad 16 months ago, and the doc seems to think the anxiety has stemmed from that. I would take these just before bed, as otherwise you can't sleep, but they are great! I'm happy anyway."

• pde...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2016

"This is the third time I am on Cit. This time it's 30 mg. The first time was 10 mg, and then 20 mg, and now 30 mg. I am very sensitive to the side effects. Anxiety increases (both mental and physical symptoms). Now, after 7.5 weeks (5 weeks on 20 mg and 2.5 weeks on 30 mg), feeling a lot better. The physical symptoms are close to gone. The enthusiasm to do all the chores and office work is slowly (very slowly) coming back. Waiting to feel my old self again."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2024

"I am a 59-year-old woman in the UK and have never taken any medication other than HRT. I was suffering from acute panic attacks lasting most of the day and anxiety. My GP and I discussed taking Citalopram 20mg for this. I was worried when first taking them. Would I be able to still cry? Have normal feelings, including orgasms? Still be able to be rational and make decisions? Dr. told me 'they will make you feel a better version of you.' I held onto that. The other thing I held onto was the review here written by Don't. October 25, 2021, TRUST THE PROCESS.!! This was a fantastic review. See side effects for the first 2 weeks - it was HELL, but day by day, it got better even though those days felt long. By week 3, I felt I turned a corner. Week 7, and I am now happy, singing, and a nicer version of me, plus none of the worries I had above have happened. Win-win. What a difference!"

• PBY...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2022

"I had a traumatic childhood, being the child of several divorces on both sides and lots of physical and emotional abuse. I had managed my symptoms with meds and CBT through my 20s and was off in my 30s. I had some trauma happen through the pandemic and lost a dear friend, as well as my own health scares that, paired with heightened anxiety over COVID, I began having terrible OCD/GAD that turned into depression. I couldn’t fathom life and figured I’d be better off not in it. I started 10 mg generic Celexa and moved up to 20 mg after 8 days. I had no side effects besides a fuzzy feeling in my head on the first few days. This stuff changed my life. My symptoms are under control, I can stop the obsessive thoughts and ruminating, and I can walk away from doing one of my OCD rituals. I’m no longer consumed most of the day by ruminating and obsessing. I don’t feel like life is pointless. Don’t let bad reviews deter you from trying this medication like I did."

• Lin...
• June 10, 2017

"Posted nearly a year ago about how I was doing, which was good at the time. Having been on it for 12 months, I thought I could do an update. It has been really good for me. I suffer all the severe physical symptoms that come with anxiety, and citalopram keeps them in check. I do notice if I forget to take my dose (20 mg) for more than 2-3 days, my anxiety flares up again. I still have the occasional off day, but it's never been anywhere near my pre-medication days. Happy with the low dose. I really recommend exercise and eating well if you suffer from anxiety. You can't make a judgment on only a week's worth or less of taking this drug. I see lots of people posting 1 star after a day on it. You need at least 4-6 weeks to see changes."

• Ulf...
• September 7, 2017

"I spent a lot of my life struggling with generalized anxiety disorder. After suffering what I think was an undiagnosed breakdown, my doctor changed me from amitriptyline (very low dose) to citalopram. Life has not gotten easier, it is, in fact, the hardest it has ever been. I am divorced, out of work, and struggling financially. However, the citalopram has relieved my anxiety and depression and made me happy for being alive. The only downfall is that I sometimes wonder if the lack of anxiety is the reason why I am not achieving financial freedom at the moment and that the citalopram is causing complacency and making me too choosy. Perhaps, however, it feels so good not to have a dark, heavy cloud over my head, which was a constant source of mental pain."

• Ram...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 30, 2022

"56 yr old male. I dealt with GAD all my life but had it under control and learned how to manage it. After getting the bad flu, my GAD kicked in on high gear and developed major anxiety and panic for some reason. I kept researching if the flu could create anxiety. Yes, it does. Ample research shows being sick changes the brain chemicals and hormones, which causes anxiety, especially with people who are susceptible to it. After the sickness passed, my anxiety remained. It got so bad I became crippled and unable to function well. I have been prescribed Cit 20mg. For the next three weeks, I was living in hell, with increased anxiety, racing thoughts, anxious, small non-stop panics, crying. I wanted to stop the medicine, but I kept reading reviews here, and they all said, 'stick with it.' On week 4, it’s like the screen of anxiety dropped. I am feeling normal again, with light background anxiety, primarily due to my fears of getting the anxiety again. Slowly progressed and now feel fine."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 25, 2018

"This drug is amazing for my anxiety. I could not survive without it. So much better than benzodiazepines. Starting is very hard with side effects, but stick to it and they all go away. I am happy now, and I am myself after 5 years of fighting anxiety. Great drug."

• Sta...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 19, 2024

"I decided to write a review after coming back to this website for an unrelated anxiety issue. It's been 8 years that I'm on citalopram. I suffer from GAD, and before starting the medication, I was afraid to leave home or drive out of fear of passing out, being in an accident, etc., etc. After a few weeks, things started to get better. In the 8 years of this drug, I managed to hold down full-time career work, get married, have kids, and actually enjoy life. It wouldn't have been possible without it. I wish I didn't wait until I was in my mid-20s to take this. I should have started it when I first started anxiety at 16 years old. In any event, I recommend it for people with anxiety."

• Mat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 14, 2019

"Extremely effective in reducing anxiety. I had very severe daily anxiety, and citalopram has improved this dramatically. It comes with the side effect of diarrhea. The beneficial effects citalopram has had on anxiety have been life-altering given the severity of daily anxiety, so the benefits greatly outweighed the negatives for me."

• Anonymous
• March 22, 2018

"I have been on lots of anti-depressants, and this one is the best. I still feel like a human, and my anger towards everything disappears. I always turn back to this medicine because a lot of other ones I've tried in the past give me a blur in life. It's like feeling as if I'm just passing through life and not realizing the things that happen. One thing I will say is that this medicine doesn't let me get emotional much. I don't feel much emotion, like sadness. Which is good for me because I have anxiety and depression, and I worry too much, and this helps me out a lot. Hope this helps!!"

• Cat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 1, 2019

"I have been on this drug for years. I am currently on 20 mg daily. From what I remember when I first started taking it, my only symptom was feeling tired, but I got used to it pretty quickly. I don't have any side effects from it now. It does help with my anxiety and irritability. The only downfall it has is that if I forget a pill (I take it in the morning), I get sick as a dog with nausea and vomiting. Other than that, I totally recommend it, I feel like it's one of the less intense mood meds out there."

• Jem...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 28, 2017

"I have been on citalopram a couple of times. I have to say for me it has been a blessing. The first four weeks getting this drug into my system were hell. I have never felt so terrible in all my life, but I did know once I got through the initial ‘adjustment’ period, I would see the rewards, and that I am. See this drug through, it is hard work, but you have to weather the storm to see the rainbow."

• Ton...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2018

"After 8 weeks, side effects have reduced. Energy levels have increased weekly. Take 10 mg in the morning, and it has made a big difference. My worry and anxiety have gone, and I'm enjoying life. It’s great to enjoy the moment without constant anxiety. I should have done it 35 years ago, as I was trying to manage life without help. Bad mistake. I get mild effects like tiredness, but it's manageable as the advantages far outweigh any negatives."

• Emi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 2, 2021

"At the beginning of August, I had a really bad panic attack to the point where I called the ambulance on myself. Every day after this panic attack, I started dealing with nonstop anxiety attacks and terrible insomnia. I couldn’t sleep more than 45 minutes without waking up and having an anxiety attack. I thought my life was over. All I thought about was my anxiety, and the next time I would have a panic attack. I was fully consumed by my anxious thoughts. I went to the hospital three more times in the span of two weeks because I couldn’t deal with my own thoughts anymore. My doctor prescribed me citalopram at the beginning of August. After about three weeks, it kicked in, and my life has been amazing ever since. No more panic attacks, no more anxiety, and no more insomnia. I can sleep through the night, and if I do wake up, I’m able to just go back to sleep. No more thoughts consuming me and no more worrying. Citalopram changed my life."

• Ton...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2018

"I take 10 mg every morning, and after 2 weeks of horrible side effects, sweating, nausea, and general lethargy, the good effects are starting to kick in. I feel really good, energy levels increasing, anxiety has reduced dramatically. Please, please do not allow the initial side effects to deter you. Pain does lead to gain."

• Luk...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 13, 2020

"Started taking 20 mg of citalopram in June of 2019. I felt “odd” for almost a month before the side effects lessened. My mind raced all the time, so my doctor upped the dose to 40 mg after being on 20 mg for a few months. I stayed on it from June 2019 until January 2020. During this period, I never once felt any relief from anxiety or stress. Actually, I was more on edge than ever. February 1st, I stopped cold turkey without any withdrawal symptoms... I mean NONE! After a few weeks off this stuff, my mind started to settle down, and I could concentrate again. While on citalopram, I could not absorb and retain information. I consider this “experiment” a complete waste and wish I had never been talked into starting it... total disaster."

• Nig...
• February 28, 2017

"I asked my doc for citalopram last October as I had lost my partner and soulmate in March. I was heartbroken and tried to cope with how I was feeling but felt I wasn't getting any better. Since the doc put me on these tablets, I feel a lot better. I don't sit and cry the way I used to and just generally feel I'm coping with life better than before. They definitely have helped me."

• Dar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 20, 2014

"I have lived with generalized anxiety disorder for as long as I can remember, like being sick before going to school every morning (I'm now 40). Nearly a year ago, my doctor tried me on citalopram, mainly to help with headaches and muscle tension, but he commented it might help my anxiety as well (have had counseling sessions and Prozac, none much use). A couple of months in, I was astonished at how something I had come to live with was ruling my life and began to think differently about day-to-day life and enjoy things I used to worry endlessly about. However, I can now not come off them. I have tried to stop, but the GAD just comes back, worse than it was before."