Citalopram for Panic Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• Ari...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 22, 2023

"I started using citalopram 2 years ago for anxiety and panic attacks. I was in really bad condition. I started on 10 mg and I had really bad side effects. After a few weeks, it's working wonderfully for me. It's like I was reborn and it saved my life. I stopped after a year, really slowly, with no side effects at all. But then, after 1 year, the panic attacks came back. I decided to start again, but this time, I didn't make the same mistake of starting at 10 mg. I started at 2.5 mg and for 3 weeks now, I'm at 5 mg and I feel like myself again. I will remain at 5 mg, I don't need more. Please, when you start and when you come off, do it really slowly if you don't want to get the side effects. This medicine is a life saver."

• Tak...
• February 7, 2011

Citalopram "I have been using Celexa for a little over a year now. I was really going through some very stressful situations. Over the years, I have been on other medications and was taken off after about a year. I had gotten to the point that I was having chest pains and could not stand to be around people. I did not want to leave the house. This medication has worked wonders for me. I enjoy being around people now, and I no longer have chest pains and I no longer shake like I am freezing. I would recommend Celexa to anyone that needs it."

• sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 20, 2012

"I have developed panic attacks and anxiety almost a year ago and have been put on 50 mg of sertraline first, which did a good job at stopping my panic attacks. However, I had plenty of side effects, so my GP changed sertraline into 10 mg of citalopram, which has been wonderful for me. I still feel anxious now and then, but nothing I couldn't handle. And no side effects at all."

• gra...
• September 4, 2008

Citalopram "I suffered my first panic attack in 1992. I took imipramine for years, which got rid of the attacks but gave some side effects and gained weight with Paxil. Doctors then put me on Celexa. It has been wonderful. The only way I can tell I'm on the drug is that the panic attacks disappeared. I would recommend it highly."

• Bec...
• March 9, 2020

"2020, and my anxiety and panic are back with a vengeance! Think this was down to being told that I had high blood pressure at a fitness assessment. My anxiety has always been triggered by ill health, anything I can control about my body or health. So anyway, back to the docs I go, he’s put me back on Citalopram 20 mg. I’ve been taking one every morning, and I’m on day 7. My anxiety and panic seem high, I’m not sleeping great, and when I do, I wake up covered in sweat! My hands and feet feel constantly clammy. I have had very loose bowel movements, a loss of appetite, and a terrible dry mouth. And I have an awful feeling in my chest, like fuzzy and tingling, followed by heart flutters. After reading all the reviews on here, I am going to soldier on with the meds and give them another few weeks to work, as I know that the last time I took them, they worked wonders for me. Fingers crossed this all comes right."

• Lro...
• February 23, 2020

"I had been taking beta blockers for three years, trying to push through panic attacks, OCD, and anxiety. The beta blockers stopped helping, and my anxiety reached a new horrible level. My doctor prescribed citalopram, and I was petrified. I was convinced I would have all the side effects. Weeks of not having the courage to take the tablets, my doctor prescribed a short course of diazepam to take alongside the tablets. I am on 10 mg. For the first week, I split the tablets in half to 5 mg. Once I had started to take the correct dose, I had no side effects apart from not being able to sleep for the first three weeks. I have only had a positive experience with this drug, sometimes I have anxious days, but mostly they are good. It’s been three months now, and I am so happy that I’ve stuck to the drug, and I wish I had started them sooner."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 5, 2018

"I have been on citalopram 10 mg for nearly 2 weeks for anxiety and panic, and the first week the side effects were pretty bad. Nausea, lack of appetite and weight loss, drowsiness, general lethargy, and lack of motivation to do anything, not wanting to go out were my main side effects. However, after exactly a week, these subsided, and I am feeling much better in myself, and my appetite has returned, and I am putting the weight back on, and anxiety has certainly decreased. The other day at work, I experienced a panic attack which was worse than I have ever had before: tingling in the hands and feet, severe sweating, feeling like I was going to pass out, and a heart rate of 140 bpm. However, after a few minutes and deep breaths, I returned to normal and haven't experienced this since. Does anyone have similar experiences to this with starting citalopram and the panic attack? Any advice would be greatly appreciated :)"

• anx...
• July 21, 2011

Citalopram "I was on Lexapro for 6 years before it started to poop out. Besides panic disorder, I have some OCD, and I am scared of taking medicine. So, when the doctor wanted me to try Celexa, it took three months of therapy and hitting rock bottom before I took it. Well, 5 weeks later, things are great. Virtually no panic attacks, and it has reduced obsessive-compulsive disorder habits to a minimum. I did have loss of sex drive for the first three weeks, but I am back to normal now, and my husband is happy. I was also very scared of gaining more weight. I gained 45 lbs on Lexapro, but so far on Celexa, I have lost 8 lbs. I hope this medicine never poops out on me."

• MrB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 9, 2013

"Been on citalopram 5 weeks now. Getting better, the only side effect I had was yawning. Feel a big difference, been on many medicines for panic disorder, just like most of us have. It seems to be working."

• mid...
• August 24, 2008

Citalopram "I had never had a panic attack until a year or so ago. It had taken me by complete surprise. I thought I was going to die. By the time my wife got me to the ER, I had already been hyperventilating (I was not aware of this at the time). I calmed down after a half hour with deep steady breathing. My doctor saw me shortly thereafter and started me on 1/2 of a 20 mg tablet. A few weeks later, the full 20 mg. Then back to the 1/2 dosage after quarterly office visits. The most problematic side effect for me is very loose bowel movements. Every other aspect of my life is much improved."

• Azm...
• May 11, 2017

"Back again to post another update. Going on week 6 of citalopram. Started on 10 mg. Felt I needed to boost it up to 20 mg. Things have been going great! Haven't had a panic attack in over a week now. I haven't experienced any side effects. Just amazed. Still happy I had the courage to give this medication a chance. Best wishes. Panic and anxiety are awful to experience."

• Nik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2018

"I started on Citalopram after suffering with anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia for many years. I tried the natural route, but nothing worked long term. My panic attacks were awful. They came on without warning and made me VERY physically ill. My doctor put me on a low dose of Citalopram (Celexa). My initial symptoms that I can remember were dizziness, mild stomach upset, mild nausea, numbness in hands and feet, slight insomnia, increased anxiety, headaches, and severe lack of appetite. I was only consuming about 500 calories per day for 2 weeks, but then week 2 hit and I upped my dosage to 10 mg. My appetite came back for the first time in over a year, I sleep amazingly, I’m no longer anxious. If I feel an attack coming on, it quickly subsides (I haven’t had one since switching to 10 mg a month ago). I have energy, I’m not depressed, and I have the urge to go out and do things all the time! I no longer am afraid to go places in fear of having a panic attack!"

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2019

"After developing a pretty severe anxiety/panic disorder after a bad panic attack, my GP recommended I try citalopram + therapy to get back on track. I had tried buspirone, CBD, and regular CBT with mixed results. The first 2-3 weeks of citalopram were awful. Anxiety attacks were way worse, sweating from hands, insomnia, lost 15 lbs, had to stay home from work. Around the middle of week 3, I started to notice a slight improvement during certain times of the day. By week 4, I had gone from slightly agoraphobic to being able to get through an airport and onto a plane. I do feel a little bit zombie-like sometimes and still get bouts of dizziness, but overall, after 4 weeks, I feel like I went from a 0 to about an 8. Hopefully, it continues to improve-just stick with it for at least 3-5 weeks."

• Viv...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 9, 2018

"My panic attacks started in early 2017. Back in my country, a doctor gave me 10 medicines a day but no relief. Then I had to move to the UK. As I was not feeling well, I consulted a doctor here in GP, and she gave me two medicines (Propranolol and Citalopram) and stopped the others. The first 4 weeks were horrible, and I started looking into reviews on this website and got some confidence. My condition was very bad for the first 8 months, I thought of giving it up and stopping taking it, but I also read the side effects of going off the medicine. I consulted my doctor, and she increased citalopram from 20 mg to 30 mg, again, I had side effects for 2 weeks, insomnia, peaked anxiety, etc. The only thing that keeps me taking this medicine is the feedback here on the site, many people advised to 'be there and don't give up on this medicine,' and I promised that time if I ever recovered because of this medicine, I would come back and write an honest review. I hope you all get to where I am now, it is all worth it, and there is light at the end of the tunnel. Stay blessed, stay positive, and love all."

• Anonymous
• December 7, 2010

Citalopram "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!"

• Pan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2017

"For 8 years, I have suffered from anxiety and depression, and this last year, I began having debilitating panic attacks, most often while driving. I was very much against the idea of taking medicine, as I thought I could heal myself. When things hit rock bottom, I decided I had nothing left to lose. I started 10 mg four days ago, and it is the best decision I have ever made for myself. Day one was a bit strange and had one major panic attack, but since then, I have had zero anxiety or panic and zero side effects. I even went for a joy ride today in my car because now I can drive without fear! Please, please seek help if you're struggling, my only regret is not starting this medicine sooner."

• Sim...
• November 30, 2009

Citalopram "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!"

• Cam...
• June 21, 2016

"First of all, I just wanted to warn people of the reviews on here saying, ''I am on the 2nd day...'' ''It has been 1 week...'' This drug doesn't work like that. Whatever you're feeling before the WEEK THREE of taking this is pretty much irrelevant to the review, as Celexa's effects take at least 3 weeks to work properly and for the side effects to ease/disappear. That said, the side effects can be awful at the start, but once you're well into treatment, this drug can be a literal lifesaver. I was diagnosed with clinical depression 14 years ago, and this is the only SSRI that has worked for me. It's only after you're off it do you realize how helpful this drug really is. If the side effects do go away after a month, I'd suggest something else."

• Zan...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 17, 2020

"I've been taking Citalopram for 7 years now for panic attacks and generalized anxiety. I've tried other medications and have quit a few times, but my anxiety and panic always come back, and I end up going back to 40 mg for relief. It's a great medication, and the side effects are generally mild and do go away once your body adjusts to it."

• Gen...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 30, 2015

"I have been taking this for about 3-4 years, and what a difference it has made in my life. I started out at 20 mg, and because of my size (250), the doc went to 30 mg, and bingo, what a relief. Hang in there and give it a chance to work, and you will get there. It doesn't happen overnight. Everyone's metabolism is different."

• ANa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 18, 2015

"Been taking Celexa for 6 years now. I used to have such severe panic attacks I was afraid to live on my own, go grocery shopping, social gatherings, daily activities, etc. I would constantly be in emergency thinking I was having a heart attack. It took a few months for me to feel the effect. My panic attacks are so rare to none now. It also helped with my mild depression. Only bad side effect is I lack energy and am very tired. Celexa has changed my life, I'm so thankful for this medication."

• llr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 14, 2014

"I have had panic disorder for about 2 years now. I've been taking this medicine for a year of this. I had four ambulances ring to my house, constantly thought I was going to die. This medicine has helped me a lot, but my illness is very strong and still have severe panic attacks from time to time, followed by migraines. It is very effective, it won't kick in for a month or so, so just hang in there, things get worse before they improve. I take a 20mg dose, by the way."

• ROX...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2021

"I have been taking citalopram for over a month now. I didn't have any major side effects compared to what I did on sertraline. All I had was sweaty feet and loss of appetite, but this has helped me so much. I'm getting out, going to work without panicking, going into shops by myself. I feel so much better. Before, I was sleeping a lot, dizzy all the time, chest pains, etc. That's all gone now."

• Aly...
• March 30, 2017

"This has saved my life. I wasn't able to go to work or out because of intense panic attacks. I was hopeless. The medicine started working for me in a few days. The beginning side effects were bad though. Prepare to take it easy the first few days. I haven't had a panic attack in a long time now (compared to at least one a day). I am able to do things daily now without anxiety. I have nothing bad to say about this pill. I want to thank the creators of this medicine because it has improved my life tremendously!!"

• Anonymous
• July 23, 2009

Citalopram "Celexa worked great to curb my anxiety. No longer use Xanax at all. However, side effects are getting to me, and I am thinking of switching. I am experiencing: extreme fatigue and yawning, weight gain, blurred vision. Doctor is talking about switching me to Effexor. I recommend Celexa highly to anyone."