Citalopram and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Ner...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2018

For Depression "This drug literally saved my life. I was barely functioning due to generalized anxiety disorder and depression. I was losing my marriage and my friends and also my job. I was off work due to this, and I've never been off for mental health before, but I really was not eating and self-harming, it was awful. I was not in control. I tried sertraline, but it personally made me feel so sick, so my GP put me on ten mg of citalopram. I gradually moved up and now take 20 mg a day. The past six weeks, I feel like I've got my life back. Yes, I have the odd moment, I think I've had two days where I've felt overwhelmed at work after I made a mistake and I had to hide away and cry, but normally I would not come back from that. I urge people to not be scared and to try this, obviously, everyone is different, but if you're nervous about taking it, I say give it a go, a good six weeks. It really changed my life and I cannot express how bad things were for me before."

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

For Panic Disorder "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!"

• Din...
• October 9, 2016

For Depression "As you get older, you take more knocks and psychological blows to your belief system, and at 33 (had depression all my life, didn't really care, lived with it long enough, and I felt it kept me grounded), I started to lose control of my thinking and my depression became overwhelming. Hopelessness and pointlessness in living became a 24-hour battle. I was suicidal, and anxiety and constant panic attacks were causing me to lose belief in any sort of future. My dad died because of depression and drug/alcohol misuse. The last thing I wanted was to take medication for it. But it was either go to the doctor or die. 8 months on 40mg a day, depression is under control, and without a doubt, I'm learning to live again, thanks to these."

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

For Panic Disorder "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."

• Bul...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 1, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Worked very well for 15 years for me, no anxiety, 20 mg. Takes about 4 weeks to start feeling really better and sometimes longer. I have just had a health scare, and my anxiety came back big time, which was worrying in itself, but I have been upped to 30 mg, and after 2 weeks, starting to lose the anxiety slowly."

• dai...
• October 7, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "I am a sophomore in college. I started taking citalopram as a freshman in high school for anxiety that caused me to become depressed. I had awful anxiety and panic attacks every day. I was struggling to breathe all the time. I couldn’t eat anything too chewy, or else I wouldn’t be able to swallow it. I couldn’t stay home by myself because I was scared I would have an attack alone. My depression really took a toll on me. I decided to go to a psychiatrist. He prescribed me 20 mg. The way I was when I first saw him to where I am now is so hard to believe (crying during the entire appointment to feeling like myself again). I haven’t had an attack since freshman year of high school. I did have one two years ago, but I was expecting it (first time traveling alone). My anxiety does linger, but I feel healed compared to the past. I’m very thankful I was able to find this medication. I remember I did feel side effects: headache and jittery. Those passed, however, in a week or so."

• fee...
• May 9, 2018

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking Celexa 20 mg for 6 1/2 months. I am currently tapering off this medication from 20 mg to 10 mg for 3 weeks, then 5 mg for 3 weeks. I am currently on my second week of 5 mg, one week left. The withdrawal symptoms are horrible and can intensify the feeling of depression and anxiety. I informed my doctor, and he stated the withdrawal symptoms will diminish on their own after a few weeks. I decided to increase my exercise, increase my water intake, eat healthy, and sleep. I continue with progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, meditation, and talking with my therapist. I RECOMMEND IT to anyone dealing with anxiety/depression. When you first start taking this medication, it takes about six weeks, and the side effects are horrible, when you are tapering off, the withdrawal symptoms are horrible. This is my 3rd review of this medication. The 1st was 12/26/2017 under anxiety/stress. The 2nd was 3/22/2018 under depression. Look for relief. I hope this review helps someone."

• Bri...
• January 11, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "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."

• Ano...
• July 25, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I am a 64-year-old woman. I had suffered depression and anxiety for many years, especially since an early hysterectomy. I dealt with it and functioned. A smiling depressive. I needed to have a firm talk to myself to force me to socialize with colleagues who never knew the struggle. I could become an emotional wreck when alone over a TV advert. I started citalopram. In the beginning, bizarre, unpleasant dreams were disturbing. But they settled. Things have definitely improved. I still suffer from anxiety, fatigue, and insomnia. However, that overwhelming feeling of hopelessness, of waiting for God, as it were, has left me. I can take pleasure out of things without wanting to cry. Life has certainly improved since commencing the drug."

• Mat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 9, 2019

For Depression "Warning - citalopram takes time to work! I started on citalopram again after coming off Effexor, which was horrendous. The first month of taking this it was hard. My anxiety went through the roof, I lost my appetite completely for a week, had bad spells of really dark thoughts, and the dreaded zombie feeling, which is horrible because you don’t even feel like you are alive, you are just existing. But after the initial settling-in period, I could see improvements, normality started to creep back into my life. Things do settle down if you persist with this drug, though, I was continually doubting the process, but deep down I knew it was helping me get through the worst depression and anxiety of my life! So now I am on 40 mg of citalopram and some CBD oil a day, and things are improving... slowly, but it all takes time. Stick with it!"

• Lam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 20, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "I was put on 10 mg citalopram. I felt not too bad the first week, but as the tablet built up, I felt much worse. I felt so agitated. After nine days, I reduced to 5 mg. I started with extreme panic attacks, severe agitation, insomnia, diarrhea, sickness, and anxiety-almost suicidal. My doctor told me to reduce immediately to 2.5 mg, and after about a week, come off it. He gave me the odd 2 mg of diazepam for two weeks in case I could not cope with the effects. He told me that citalopram can sometimes have an adverse effect. I had given the drug five weeks, and I was getting worse by the day. Has anyone else suffered like I did."

• Gam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2022

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I’m on 10 mg. It’s been 10 days, and my anxiety is already more controllable. I feel anxious but have not had a SINGLE panic attack since starting this. I have had horrible side effects though: insomnia, increased anxiety, upset stomach, and depersonalization. If you are wanting to get off this or scared to take it for side effects, push through. It’s barely been a week, and it’s already helping. I feel like this will save my life once it kicks in full force and the side effects are gone."

• Bow...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "My daughter has been prescribed citalopram for anxiety and depression. She has been on it for 10 weeks. This medication has made her much worse. She has been through hell these last few weeks hoping it would eventually work. The panic attacks and social anxiety had multiplied tenfold. Be careful taking these, I’m shocked how these have affected her."

• Anonymous
• December 7, 2010

Citalopram for Panic Disorder "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!"

• Que...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 1, 2019

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "It worked for my mother and my aunt well, but unfortunately, this medication was not for me. While it did stop my panic attacks, that is only because it made me so numb, feeling off, and detached the entire time I was on it. I had to stop, I gave it plenty of time to work too. I was taking it for 9 months, and no change. I could not live with the way it made me feel, I would rather have panic attacks than feel like the outside world didn't really exist! After coming off of it, though, 3 weeks later, all that detached, numb fog has lifted, so I can pretty confidently say it was the medication."

• Mks...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 25, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "Citalopram works exceptionally well long term, BUT please be aware of the side effects for the first month or two. After suffering crippling panic attacks due to stomach problems, I was prescribed 20 mg Citalopram daily. For the next 6 weeks, my anxiety and panic got far worse, which has been the worst experience of my life by far. Found myself at the doctor's surgery or a hospital every day trying to get some help, even begging to be admitted to a mental hospital. Finally, I was given some diazepam, this did help short term, which then allowed the Citalopram to kick in. After 3 to 4 months, I felt myself feeling better by the day. Doctors, though, do not tell you that when you start taking Citalopram, your symptoms magnify for a time, so be aware."

• Ech...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I wanted to wait until this medication kicked in before I posted. For extreme anxiety and depression. My anxiety and phobia of going out was so bad. I couldn't go outside, I couldn't work or focus on my children. I was missing out on the joys of life. My depression was also very bad. After 8 weeks on citalopram, it finally kicked in full force at 40 mg. All my anxiety went away, depression has lifted. This medication makes you not sweat the little things. I believe I will never quit this medication. I had most of the side effects: extreme anxiety, nervousness, tremors, sweats, confusion, body aches, dry mouth, headaches. It took 8 weeks. Even by 7 weeks, I was not well. If you have started this medication, it can be very hard at first for weeks with the increased anxiety and side effects. It does go away, it does work. You have to give it time. It is a lifesaver and life is too short to be depressed and anxious. Don't let life pass you by when there is treatment."

• Ech...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I wanted to wait until this medication kicked in before I posted. For extreme anxiety and depression. My anxiety and phobia of going out was so bad. I couldn't go outside, I couldn't work or focus on my children. I was missing out on the joys of life. My depression was also very bad. After 8 weeks on citalopram, it finally kicked in full force at 40 mg. All my anxiety went away, depression has lifted. This medication makes you not sweat the little things. I believe I will never quit this medication. I had most of the side effects: extreme anxiety, nervousness, tremors, sweats, confusion, body aches, dry mouth, headaches. It took 8 weeks. Even by 7 weeks, I was not well. If you have started this medication, it can be very hard at first for weeks with the increased anxiety and side effects. It does go away, it does work. You have to give it time. It is a lifesaver and life is too short to be depressed and anxious. Don't let life pass you by when there is treatment."

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

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "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!"

• guy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "Completely effective. No side effects other than me being slightly more anxious after my first few doses, which was likely due to fear of possible side effects. Started to take effect after about three weeks. Been on it for three months, and excessive anxiety has disappeared, and I now wake up feeling great most mornings. Still go through a normal cycle of emotions, but it's like night and day compared to before I was taking it. Highly recommend it."

• Jac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Feeling discouraged with my experience with citalopram, round 2. I have been prescribed citalopram in the past, and it worked wonders for my anxiety; I was on it for 2 years and felt that I had a good handle, so I decided to wean off last year. Recently, my anxiety started to take over my life, and I went back to 20 mg. I have been taking 20 mg for over 3 months now, and I kept telling myself it will get worse before it gets better. But my anxiety has skyrocketed since starting medication, and I have all of the negative side effects (increased fatigue, diarrhea, disassociation, loss of appetite, increased anxiety, panic attacks, heart palpitations). I have decided that it is not worth going through these side effects, as it has tremendously interfered with my quality of life. I have decided to wean off the medication and take a more holistic approach to my recovery. My heart goes out to everyone who is on this journey; it is tough, but cherish the growth, and it will guide you to healing!"

• ooo...
• February 11, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "I used to smoke a lot of weed for an entire year and abused it. I was going through stress because I had no money and I had no job, etc. I had never heard of any mental medicine or anything. One day, I started feeling anxious, and I didn't know what it was. I started having anxiety attacks, and I felt like I was dying, and I started to get all of the side effects from anxiety. I felt like depersonalization, sweating while I slept, nightmares, I was scared I wouldn't wake up, etc. Crazy stuff! For an entire year, I became stuck in my room. It was my comfort zone until someone told my dad that they knew this very good psychiatrist. I went to him, and he gave me citalopram, and I swear to you the following week I was driving my car. I felt great, I felt normal, and little by little my confidence came back. Now I've been on the pill for 10 years, I have a house, a well-paid job, and I have 3 kids and a beautiful wife. I got my life back, thank you, citalopram."

• Elk...
• April 19, 2016

For Depression "I cannot believe that this medication has genuinely helped me to start turning my life around. I didn't recognize exactly how low I had become. I went to my GP following six months of extreme anxiety due to work stresses, and after a lengthy consultation and blood tests, was prescribed citalopram 10 mg. I experienced some nausea, mild headaches, and an increase in my anxiety after a week. So I revisited the GP and my dose was increased to 20 mg. I had minimal side effects for a couple of days, and then I felt myself becoming calmer, even of mood and generally enjoying the little things that I had stopped enjoying. I feel confident and happy - even in social situations I would normally avoid. I am smiling again."

• Ang...
• October 26, 2013

Citalopram for Depression "I was on Celexa for about a month. I started feeling very paranoid and started showing psychotic symptoms that I've never had before. I ended up in the hospital for a week. I still have anxiety problems to this day. Be careful with this medication."

• Tha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "So, I took citalopram 20 mg for 2 days for anxiety and stress. After that second day, I was so horribly bed-ridden with nausea, headaches, sleep deprivation, I couldn't even go to work because I genuinely felt like I was high and didn't even want to try getting behind the wheel, and my anxiety had tripled in strength and frequency. I was experiencing attacks I haven't felt since long before being able to handle it without medication. I would sleep for an hour maybe and wake up into a panic attack or just feeling that deep pit of anxiety in my stomach. After that second day, I haven't taken a pill and notified my doctor, but even after stopping the medication (going on day 3 now), I still feel all of the negative side effects as well as the increased anxiety. There was no way I could've stuck it out to the 4-6 week mark when the drug's full effect sets in. It is getting better, but so slowly. I know it affects everyone differently, but I would not recommend it to anyone unless they start on a lower dosage than 20 mg."