Citalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder User Reviews (Page 5)

• Anonymous
• January 23, 2011

Citalopram "Citalopram has given me my life back. I was nervous, panicky, overwhelmed by thoughts, feeling vulnerable, at times even agoraphobic and like I couldn't cope. Now I would describe myself as fairly confident, happy, and self-assured. I still have some bad days, but generally, Citalopram has made all the difference. I have also had therapy and joined classes such as confidence building and positivity. These classes have also made a significant difference to me. No real side effects from Citalopram either, except dry mouth and feeling thirsty - which really isn't a problem."

• Pri...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 19, 2018

"I took this medication for 7 years. Started at 10 mg, now on 40 mg. It really works, but now I'm at the highest dose, I think. Don't know what I'll do when it stops working. Tried taking myself off of it a month ago, just trying to go more natural with my health. That did not work. Now I feel that I need to take meds as prescribed. Lesson learned. I am thankful for this medication."

• Fia...
• January 16, 2016

"I struggled with depression and panic attacks for most of my life. Three years ago, I was so paranoid I had started hallucinating. I saw my doctor and was prescribed citalopram along with therapy. My severe depression has gone, no more paranoia and no more panic attacks. So it has helped enormously with day-to-day life and work. Unfortunately, I feel my 'mood' never changes, I don't have happy or sad days, just one long stretch of average days. I find it difficult to cry when I know it would be beneficial. I find I have no motivation to do anything...presumably due to nothing making me feel any different. My sex drive has gone, as has the ability to orgasm."

• Zoe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2017

"I started taking 20 mg 2 months ago, and I noticed a difference after the first week. My issues stemmed from overly panicking about everything and crying hysterically whenever anything small went wrong with my relationship. As soon as the medication started to work, I developed more independence. I struggled to cry (I could cry... but after crying a bit, my body/brain stopped me from being able to cry hysterically like I used to). I also found that I cared more about myself and not silly arguments I was having with my partner. Since the medication has worked, if we argue, I'm calm, and I realize my worth so much more. I would definitely recommend this medication to anyone who panics or cries unnecessarily. I've had no trouble sleeping ever either."

• wil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 18, 2016

"I have been prescribed citalopram for the 4th time but have started my dose at only 5 mg as I get so many bad side effects. But the good news is, this really works 100% for me once I get used to it! I only wish I had not listened to my doctor, who kept tapering me off it but always gave me Zopiclone or Lorazepam to help. Only my new GP won't give me either, so this is tough right now. Only on day 3, but I remember how I was able to lead a completely normal life once the medication worked. A small price to pay in the end. I have been ill for almost a year now trying different medications but decided it was time to go with the one that truly works despite how horrible the startup effects might be."

• Bri...
• January 11, 2016

"Okay, so I started citalopram about 2-3 months ago. Because I started off having bad anxiety attacks, and I didn't even know what they were until I got diagnosed with the mental illness, and a few weeks after that, came along depression. And both of them were always getting me down, they also took a big chunk out of me. Like they made me feel down about myself. Made me feel suicidal. And stuff, so my mom and I finally decided to see the doctor and get the medication called 'citalopram,' and it was the best thing that I ever got onto. Is it hard to quit? Yes. Because the effects of not taking the pill are like you feel down, thoughts come running through your head, suicidal, like I said. Etc., so anyways, I highly recommend this medication."

• Sps...
• February 2, 2015

"I have had anxiety and OCD for as long as I can remember. I have also been on tons of SSRI medications (Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Cymbalta, etc.). Celexa (Citalopram) has been amazing! I currently take 40 mg after starting on 20 and have been on it for about a year now. My mood is so much better, my anxiety is almost completely gone, and I can now do things that I never could before, such as going out and socializing with people without reservations or panic attacks. I have some side effects, the two main ones being some weight gain (about 15-20 pounds) and difficulty achieving climax at times. Considering how much this medicine has allowed me to 'live again,' I can deal with these side effects."

• smi...
• April 1, 2015

"Helps a lot with anxiety and depression, but made me emotionally numb with a low sex drive (27 male here). I've been on them for about four months and am going off them. Don't use citalopram unless you really need to. I'm finding myself less motivated about life and apathetic toward a lot after being on them all this time."

• Azm...
• April 5, 2017

"I finally was brave enough to start this medication for bad anxiety and panic attacks. I have become limited on where I go. Finally, so exhausted from pushing myself just to go to the grocery store... I gave in and took 10 mg Saturday night. Took just half of a 0.25 mg Xanax with it, just in case of side effects. Surprisingly, nothing bad has happened yet. I know it will take time for them to take effect and hoping they will soon help. Tonight will be my 4th pill. I will keep you posted. Wish me luck."

• Joh...
• November 22, 2016

"I'm 23 years old and completely normal. I suffer from anxiety, which started making me feel very down in the dumps (depressed). I started on 10 mg 2 months ago and now feel great, a lot more calm and back to my outgoing self. I suffered from some of the side effects for the first month, such as insomnia and dizziness, and my symptoms did worsen at first, but stick with it, it does calm down in the end."

• Dol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2013

"Made me feel really numb emotionally as well as sexually. I felt like I couldn't cry or be anxious anymore, but I couldn't laugh, really be happy, or feel passion for life anymore. Please be careful if you decide to go off this medication, as you will probably feel strange electrical-like buzzy feelings in your brain, as I did. They last a few days but were very unnerving, and I sometimes felt like I was going to pass out. So be sure you don't go cold turkey. It did work for me in that it gave me a break from my obsessions, sadness, worries. And it did so for a long time."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2018

"I was like you, reading comments, being hesitant to start the tablets after many different meds, many failed ones. Well, let me tell you; I’m a 21-year-old with a 1-year-old. I have previous mental health problems, but I was in remission. I had my child and boom, came the anxiety; over time it got worse and meds stopped working. So, I gave citalopram a try after many meds made me depersonalized, depressed; suicidal thoughts, etc. I'm on day 5 of this tablet. The first few days were heightened anxiety, but my mood now is getting better; the anxiety is calming. Yes, it is barely days, and my dose will be going to 20 mg. But it does have to get worse before better; accept that and give it time. I never gave meds enough time, but this one seems to be doing something right! Hang in, there will be help for anyone! I was hopeless thinking nothing would work. I will repost in 5 weeks when the benefit should really kick in!"

• Ped...
• April 2, 2015

"16 years old. Therapist and I decided to turn to medication after 6 months in therapy had little effect. I was prescribed 10 mg citalopram, which we tapered up to from 5 mg. After only 2 days had passed on the 5 mg dose, it was already having positive effects; it stopped me from having a panic attack when I normally would have. It's been a week, and each passing day my anxiety is lessened, as well as some of the underlying depression. I have had side effects, though; slight headaches, nausea, some drowsiness (especially after taking a dose), and some of the worst heartburn ever. It's only been speedbumps in my normal day, though."

• Tyy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2019

"After being prescribed and taking citalopram, my life has changed in 3 short days. It may take up to 4-6 weeks for some people to feel the effects, but I felt them very quickly. I have serious panic attacks and stomach acid issues that have made my life excruciating due to drug use. The drug keeps my negative thoughts and feelings (anxiety and depression) at bay, stopping the release of the very painful stomach acid that is ruining my life. It’s the only thing that has worked. Again, only 3 days in, so still waiting for any potential side effects in the future."

• sil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 24, 2019

"This is my 10th day on citalopram, which I am taking for anxiety. The first 7 days, I was taking a 10 mg dose and am now taking 20 mg. My side effects seem to vary from night to morning. At night, I have trouble sleeping and have night sweats, then in the morning, I feel very drowsy and tired and nauseous. I also seem to be having hot flashes during the day and at night. Not sure if anyone else has these, or maybe it's just stress-related. I really hope this medication starts to work soon, as I have read other posts and everyone says to hang in there and it will get better. I sure hope it does."

• Mja...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2018

"So after an incident on a night out, after which I had a panic attack, I somehow ended up having panic attacks constantly and could never not feel my heart beating in my chest, which really put me off sleeping. Everything made me anxious, and I became dissociated and couldn’t sleep. Five months down the line, without any progress, I decided I needed intervention, so I was put on 10mg. The first week, I felt sick and even more hyper-anxious. But three months in, and I feel great. I’m more focused, my heart has calmed down, I feel confident doing all the things I did before. All the side effects went away within the first month :)"

• Luv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2018

"Please do not give up on this med due to side effects. I felt really awful for the first 3 weeks, my anxiety got worse. Had a fuzzy headache for 5 hours after taking the med, I felt terrible. The doctor said it would take 3 months to really take effect. He was correct. As I remember, after 5 weeks, I could really feel the difference. You can’t evaluate the true benefit of the med for a long time. The side effects gradually go away. I can’t believe there is a med that could help me feel like my old self again. I did not take the full dose at first. I ramped up gradually with time. Stay the course, be patient! If after 5 weeks, you don’t feel better, you may have to change to another med. If you don’t give it a chance, you can quit and go back to feeling miserable."

• Gar...
• September 16, 2018

"I had very bad panic attacks and anxiety after a bad time in my life. I couldn't get out of bed for weeks, felt panicked constantly, short of breath, chest pains, shakiness, aching shoulders and chest. Eventually, I went to the doctor. I was immediately put on 10 mg of citalopram. I had side effects for several weeks, but then eventually I felt okay, stable but not great. I got the odd relapse if I were in a shop/social environment and had to fight it somehow, so I upped the dosage to 20 mg. I felt much better, but you're always aware that you may have a sudden turn. A year on, and I've now upped it to 25 mg as I still feel it's still a tiny bit there, some good days and some not quite good days. Overall, I can function pretty well in most situations, it seems to go away at its best if I keep busy, work, etc. For now, I'm keeping okay and managing it, a huge difference from a year ago. Tell people you have this condition as it helps. I'll keep you all posted."

• cbu...
• January 11, 2016

"I started this medication for depression, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder. I felt the benefits on day 2 of starting it, and now (10 days later) I think it has been a miracle for me! I feel genuinely happy, and things that used to cause me strong anxiety are rolling off my shoulder like they're nothing. I don't feel like it has changed who I am, but simply made me a better version of myself. I would give this Rx 10 stars, but I do experience some mild side effects occasionally: nausea, headache, pupil dilation, drowsiness, loss of appetite, teeth grinding. Also, I am on 20 mg but feel like it wears off in the afternoon. I am going to talk to the doctor about increasing the dosage."

• Alu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2016

"I have been on citalopram for just over two months now. I have noticed a HUGE difference. I went from being depressed and wishing my whole existence away every night to 'going to bed with a smile on my face' basically. I spend a lot more time with my family, I get out a lot more, and I am much more motivated. I have not noticed a change in anxiety though..."

• Sco...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 5, 2019

"I have anxiety, and I am on my 5th day of taking citalopram, and for the first time in about 3 years, I don't feel dizzy. My stomach cramps are gone, I feel a sense of calm, and the lump in throat sensation has decreased. I have had diarrhea and disrupted sleep, but feeling good at the moment. I expect I will have bad days too, but the big difference is the sharp stomach pains that I used to get."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2019

"I'm on day 3 of taking citalopram medication for my anxiety. The first two days, I felt calmer, had the odd side effects: nausea, runs, dry mouth, difficulty falling asleep. But day 3, I've felt anxious (all day). This is a side effect, the doctor did tell me to expect things to get worse before they get better. I'm hoping things look up and I can free the anxiety."

• cwd...
• January 13, 2016

"I started taking it about 5 months ago. My experience was great. Within 3 days, I felt calm and not as stressed out. I was sleeping through the night. It was wonderful. However, I am feeling the stress come back, and I am not sleeping as well. I am taking 20 mg, I may see if my doctor can raise the dose. But I love not feeling like my heart will pop out of my chest just thinking about going to work."

• Bas...
• August 24, 2017

"I take citalopram for anxiety and depression. Before I started taking it, I had daily panic attacks and could not function very well. I've been on it now for four months. I highly recommend this medicine. My panic attacks have gone down to weekly. My dad started taking it too, and it helps him as well for bad depression. I started at 10 mg. I took that for two months, and now I'm doing great on 20 mg. You may have some side effects at first, but everyone I know who has taken it has not had long-lasting side effects. Two weeks or so is about it."

• l11...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2015

"Been suffering from general anxiety/social anxiety and acute OCD. Never been on any medication before and decided it was time to see a doctor to treat the anxiety. In the first week, I had no side effects at all and felt fine. After this week, I had a week booked off work and stupidly decided to drink about 5 times throughout this week, quite heavily. The day after stopping drinking, I felt really anxious and shaky, which was fairly usual for me. Then the day after this, I had 3 days of nausea, tremors, sweating, tiredness. On the fourth day, I began to feel slightly better and began to get my appetite back. By week 3, I feel really good at the moment, no anxiety, although I do have racing thoughts. Would not drink heavily using this medication."