Citalopram and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Mic...
• August 4, 2018

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "So I am on day 2 of Celexa. I originally started four days ago at night thinking I would be drowsy, but instead, it kind of kept me up. So I switched to mornings. So yesterday was day 1, in the AM. And my day I did feel like I was sad and lonely, chemically buzzed, but I could still do things. I had anxiety about being alone with my two boys. But as the day progressed and I reached 5 pm, I decided that maybe I should work out. Maybe it would help the side effects. It was the best workout ever! I didn’t notice my heart pounding, I didn’t have fast, labored breathing, and my legs didn’t feel wobbly after being on the treadmill. I woke up non-drowsy and took my second pill. So here I am an hour in. I’ll post in a few days since I really can’t find a thread of the beginning days of this medication. I haven’t had a headache or nausea, but sometimes I have to force myself to eat. And I do get waves of brain lightheadedness that last a second."

• shr...
• August 6, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "First of all, only read the positives, and second of all - hang in there! I got hit with anxiety really bad. Started after a medical issue. It got so bad it was awful. I couldn’t leave the house and didn’t want to be alone. I was started on mirtazapine, and it helped, but I still couldn’t get rid of the morning into the day anxiety. I simply couldn’t increase the mirtazapine, horrible side effects, so I asked about adding citalopram. I’m super sensitive to meds, so I went really slow. Headaches, GI upset, and increased anxiety. I wasn’t sure, but then it settled down, and I’m feeling better. Give it weeks, not days. I would feel better for a couple of weeks, then not so good for a few. I feel it’s starting to even out. Just hit 6 weeks. Hoping things just keep getting better. So far, it’s making me feel better every day, like my old self. Never thought I’d take 1 med, let alone 2, but I just want to enjoy life and get out there. Please try and stick with it. It’s rough for weeks, but you can do it!"

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "So I posted on the 11th of November on the 5th day. It’s been a crazy ride. It’s now 6 weeks since I started 10 mg for horrific anxiety and panic. I was the worst patient on medication in the first two weeks that I was taking it, but I’m glad I have stuck this out. The first two weeks had heightened anxiety (prepare yourself for it) and sickness. Moods were up and down, I felt numb. But now they have all worn off, and I have never felt as calm as I do. I had suicidal thoughts and everything before citalopram. It’s an amazing drug for me anyway. I have a 1-year-old and I’m a single parent. Things get tough, but my agitation has calmed down, I’m more patient and can get on with day-to-day life again!!"

• G S...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2016

For Hot Flashes "I was having a lot of trouble sleeping due to constant hot flashes for months. I felt exhausted all day, and at night, fall asleep, then wide awake an hour later, kicking covers off and on. Dr. recommended low dosage, and after a few jittery days, I was sleeping most of the night and feeling rested in the morning. It's been almost a month, and I am so happy to have found something that works. No more expensive supplements that don't even work."

• Day...
• June 21, 2021

For Panic Disorder "I started this because I was suffering from bad social anxiety with panic attacks. Whenever I was in a social situation, I would have a panic attack. I am a 32-year-old mom, and I'm always being put in social situations, and I knew I needed help. Going on this med was a huge challenge. For me, it was an emotional roller coaster of increased anxiety, panic attacks for 2 months. I just completed week 9, and I know it's working now because I was recently out, and a mom came up to me and started talking with me. Normally, I would have had a panic attack with all the symptoms, but guess what!? I didn't!!!! I talked to her for over an hour! I went to a crowded beach and had no anxiety. I walked around totally comfortable! It's working! To anyone suffering from social anxiety... you CAN do this! It will be hard the first 2 months, but persevere to have this medicine cut the cord in your brain of constant panic!"

• Anonymous
• July 25, 2015

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "June 23, Dr. prescribed 20 mg of Celexa for social anxiety at work. I was running out of options. Thought I was going to have to stop working after 20 years with the same company. My 15-year-old teen felt sorry for us. Tried Zoloft at first, made me very tired, more like a zombie. The Celexa 20 mg first dose made me feel wired, scared, paranoid, more anxiety, I could not leave the house. A coworker who had very good success with Celexa recommended that I start with 1/4 mg of a 10 mg tablet and increase it when my body and mind worked it out... and it did! About every 5 days, however, the first and second week I took off work and watched TV and went walking. Now I am at 10 mg in 1 month. Social anxiety gone, plan to increase to 15 mg."

• Anonymous
• July 25, 2015

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "June 23, Dr. prescribed 20 mg of Celexa for social anxiety at work. I was running out of options. Thought I was going to have to stop working after 20 years with the same company. My 15-year-old teen felt sorry for us. Tried Zoloft at first, made me very tired, more like a zombie. The Celexa 20 mg first dose made me feel wired, scared, paranoid, more anxiety, I could not leave the house. A coworker who had very good success with Celexa recommended that I start with 1/4 mg of a 10 mg tablet and increase it when my body and mind worked it out... and it did! About every 5 days, however, the first and second week I took off work and watched TV and went walking. Now I am at 10 mg in 1 month. Social anxiety gone, plan to increase to 15 mg."

• Gel...
• March 26, 2015

Citalopram for Depression "I am taking Celexa 20 mg for four months now, and my depression is better. I am not crying every single moment. I still have anxiety, but for depression, it works.☺️ Also, I am more sociable now. It takes a few months, though."

• Mim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2014

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I was optimistic when starting this medication for uncontrollable anxiety. I have previously tried Lexapro and Zoloft with success and haven't needed any medication for several years. I had a horrible experience with Celexa even at only 10 mg. After my first dose, I immediately felt bad. I dreaded taking it every night due to the body twitching and anxiety-producing effects I felt within 45 minutes of the dose. Eventually, I was having anxiety attacks every day as well as feeling generally anxious all day. I had to discontinue it after 1 week due to the worst panic attack I've ever had. The withdrawal effects were horrendous, too-flu-like."

• Oct...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I was dealing with anxiety for about a month and went to see my doctor when it started to really take over my day-to-day life. She prescribed me a very low dosage of 5 mg. When starting the medication, my anxiety skyrocketed, which on day 3 of the medication turned into panic attacks (had 5 in one day), which made me go to the emergency room. I thought this medication was not for me. When I called my doctor, she told me to bump to 10 mg and after 2 weeks get myself to 20 mg. I have now been on this medication for over a month, and it has been wonderful. If you are reading this, remember that it will get better. Please give this medication time. Get as much sleep as you can and talk to someone. Remember that if you feel worse, it is likely due to your body adjusting to the medication, and do not read the negative reviews. I did, and it does not help, especially in the anxious mindset."

• New...
• February 11, 2014

For Depression "Initially, I started taking citalopram because I began feeling depressed, first 10 mg and then 20 mg. As the months passed and the side effects diminished, I noticed improvement with self-esteem, and I began to realize how severely obsessive-compulsive about things I was. What was so strange, I could even feel tension leaving my neck and shoulders that I hadn't noticed before. My emotions no longer control me, and I am not paranoid. I never realized how tense and anxious I was about almost everything. My only regret is waiting so long to get help. I didn't even realize that depression was only one area that I needed help in. I've given the boot to negativity, and I am feeling confident that I am on the right track now."

• NAT...
• July 27, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I am a 35-year-old mom of 2. I've always tried to manage my anxiety on my own by always keeping active. The more I stayed focused on a task, the less I worried about something else. Losing my father, going through a separation, 5 deaths in my family in less than 3 years. I wasn't happy with my career, and I had all of this on my mind being a single mom. I managed, I continued to smile, I didn't feel sad all the time. I just became a worry animal. I would lash out, get angry, scream, and panic. Still, through all of my anxiety, I tried to do it on my own. Until my doctor prescribed Celexa. One day I noticed a difference. It's been 1 year, and I am living a much fuller and happier life. The meds have helped me relax and breathe for once in my life."

• Hol...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 7, 2015

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I started Celexa in college after suffering for more than a year of horrible anxiety. I couldn't sleep, was skipping classes, and totally on edge all the time. I finally broke down and took the first appointment I could at the clinic on campus. I filled out a bunch of forms, and they came back telling me they were putting me on an antidepressant, which I hated the idea of, but hated the idea of feeling like that any longer. The first 2 weeks were horrible. Terrible migraines and increased anxiety, which they gave me Xanax for. I stayed on the medication for 3 years with no bad side effects and only a couple of dosage raises. I quit because I felt better and honestly wanted to drop the weight again. It really gave me my life back."

• LGa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 21, 2019

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "Citalopram is a total lifesaver for my premenstrual dysphoric disorder! My family loves it as much as I do! They see a more calm, nicer me! And so do I! Helps my anxiety and agitation and increased hunger! The first week will be the roughest! Just stick with it! The side effects will pass!"

• SAM...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2018

For Panic Disorder "This medication has changed my life. Honestly, I've suffered with panic disorder for years, and I've always had general anxiety too. At the start of the year, my panic attacks were happening several times a day, and I was very suicidal. My mum and nan are both on citalopram (Celexa) and recommended it to me. Not gonna lie, the first and second week was hard (started on 20 mg) as my anxiety was heightened, my panic attacks were worse, and I felt shattered all the time. But I'm now on week 4, and *touch wood*, I haven't had a panic attack in almost 2 weeks, I no longer feel anxious, and if I do start to feel anxious, I can quickly get myself out of it. Highly recommend for anyone that is a sufferer. This medication is my freedom."

• try...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 11, 2014

For Depression "I'm a 40-year-old single, full-time working mother, and for the last 9 years, I have been on 3 different antidepressants after the death of one of my children and a few of life's other nasty things that just make life unbearable. Firstly, I was on Lovan, which eventually stopped being effective, then switched to Lexapro, which worked very well for a number of years, and then in June this year, I was having major depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, so I was put onto 50 mg of Pristiq. For 3 months, I lived in hell. It was by far the WORST medication for me, so my doctor has this week switched me to Citalopram (20 mg). Today, I feel about 1000% better than I have for most of this year. I know it's only early days, but I am feeling very hopeful that my doctor and I may have found THE ONE!! (Fingers crossed!)"

• MRS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2023

For Anxiety and Stress "I started taking Cit 20mg 5 weeks ago for debilitating anxiety, health anxiety, and awful panic attacks. I’ve been this way for 20 years. I would barely leave the house, certainly couldn’t do a weekly shop or go out without a panic attack. The first 2 weeks on meds were the worst: heightened anxiety, tremors, no appetite, bad stomach, difficulty sleeping. I would wake with this horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach, and it would start all over again. Week 3 - I had one good day that ended with a panic attack. Felt I had gone backwards. Would this nightmare end! YES is the answer. Week 5 - now I’m starting to see me again. I’m also doing CBT. These tablets do work. The side effects for me have been awful, and YOU will feel better. YOU have to give it TIME and be KIND to yourself. I have been pushing myself daily: gym, mindfulness, and chatting with friends and family. Best of luck x"

• lin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2017

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I started taking this after increased anxiety/panic/depersonalization/derealization after starting a birth control pill (BeYaz). Celexa has helped my symptoms, but I stopped taking my birth control, and it has made a world of a difference in my mood. My anxiety and panic are almost gone. I've only been on Celexa for 1 month, and I stopped my birth control 2-3 weeks ago. Please check into your birth control. I've never had depression in my life, but after starting the birth control, I had constant crying spells, anxiety, panic, etc. Celexa is helping, but I think this was all caused by the birth control. Please be careful!"

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 8, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I started taking citalopram about a month and a half ago. Started with 10 mg, now on 20 mg. I did not have severe anxiety, however, I did not feel like my old happy, carefree self. I self-diagnosed myself with social anxiety and finally talked to my doctor. This medication has definitely helped me. Easier to get out of bed every day, worry less, and focus on what makes me happy. Overall, I feel a lot better, however, it is not black and white. I still have anxiety in stressful situations, but my day-to-day life feels easier."

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

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "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!"

• Rac...
• June 10, 2015

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I'm on my third day of Celexa! I have experienced a few side effects such as trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, tightened jaw and grinding my teeth, as well as loss of appetite and feeling as though I might be on cheap MDMA. I do feel as though it is helping with my anxiety because I already feel less stressed, and I feel happier than I felt before. I do feel a bit paranoid though, because I read many reviews of people gaining weight, so I'm trying to eat as healthy as possible."

• Che...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 5, 2016

Citalopram for Depression "I've been on and off for 9 years, and I'm 25. I have been on 10 mg before and am currently on 5 mg. I went off it for a while, and I find that I am able to laugh harder but also feel deeper sadness without them. They stabilize me. I get to a very dark place without just that 5 mg to keep me level. I would rather be a bit unable to express emotion than over-emotional. I struggle with anxiety, paranoia, and low-stress tolerance. It helps me live somewhat normally. Higher doses make me feel robotic, unable to process my own emotion. I am sensitive to meds, and so 5 mg (half of the minimum dose) helps me! The therapeutic dose is 20 mg, and for me that would lessen the quality of my life as I would be unable to feel emotion. I love Celexa. Try it."

• Sti...
• February 25, 2015

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "First 10 days were brutal. STICK IT OUT! Lots of people seem to have an initial period of getting used to this drug. My first 10 days I was unable to eat, nausea, anxiety increased to a point I was barely able to leave the house, crying for no reason. Just stick it out. Day 10 through about 6 weeks I noticed not much improvement. At about 6 weeks I noticed improvement in my anxiety, able to function much better. My anxiety disorder has only improved more and more since I've been on this drug (also seeing a therapist for anxiety). Just know there may be an initial period of terrible side effects. I've gained like 2 lbs, but it's due to being happier and having a new boyfriend because I am finally able to function as a normal person."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "I was very hesitant to start this medication after suffering from debilitating health anxiety. I am 56 years old and have suffered most of my life with some form of anxiety and stress. The first 3 weeks were very bad - the side effects were actually more anxiety, insomnia, sweating, and just feeling awful, but around 3 1/2 weeks in - all of a sudden I was sleeping better and feeling so much better overall, and the anxiety has really settled down. I have read most of the reviews, and I have to say what many others are saying - stick it out - after a certain amount of time it really does improve a lot! I am grateful for this medication so far - it's been 4 weeks tomorrow so far."

• kra...
• March 16, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I had just started taking citalopram for about 3 days, and I can already tell what a difference I feel! I had such horrible anxiety! Every time I would think of something that was putting stress in my life, my heart would hurt! Now... I don't feel anything hurt at all... well... not nearly as bad at least. I know this medicine takes a couple of weeks to feel the full effect, but I can tell a big difference already only on day 3, 20 mg! :)"