Citalopram and Depression: What Users Say

• Lis...
• August 12, 2014

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "This is my 12th day on Citalopram and already I am noticing a difference. I was on Effexor for over a year and it was okay, but started getting really anxious and having panic attacks all over again, more frequent, and also really sad a lot, so I decided to talk to my doctor about switching. He said 'Citalopram is my go-to medicine, and it's a lot cleaner than most.' I love reading the positive reviews. It gives me high hopes. The first week I did feel a bit off, but I know you just have to wait it out and things will look up. So far so good! Good luck everyone!"

• Ash...
• May 7, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Citalopram 10mg then 20mg after 7 days. The first 10 days were awful, but reading these reviews helped. I took 8 days off work (I never take sick days). I had extreme nausea, headaches, body aches, complete loss of appetite, poor sleep, increased constant anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, and dizziness. I did not leave my bed for 4 days. Clonazepam and Ativan helped with the sleep, panic attacks, and anxiety and got me through the first two weeks. Then each day got easier, the symptoms lessened, and I started going to therapy. After 3 weeks, I was feeling like I did before the medication, and by 4 weeks, I was feeling a bit better than when the panic attacks and anxiety started taking over my life. At 5 weeks, the anxiety that I have dealt with on and off for 5 years is manageable and almost gone. I feel like me. Citalopram also helped clear up my IBS, which I know is connected to my anxiety. If you are on this drug and just starting out and wanting to quit, I would try your best to stick to it."

• Ano...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 15, 2013

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking Celexa for 13 years for anxiety/irritability, which it works great for. Sexual side effects are terribly disappointing - lack of desire and difficult to climax. Anytime I try to go off, the anxiety and irritability are present within the 2nd day. Really wish I could find something that worked as well without the side effects. No other medicine has even touched anxiety/irritability the way Celexa has."

• Cri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2013

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I began taking Celexa during detox for addiction to prescription medication. I honestly thought I would never smile or laugh again, but after about 4 weeks, the fog I was living in lifted and I felt better than ever! This was the second time I went through detox, and after the first time, I used Celexa - and once I began feeling good. Unfortunately, I stopped and relapsed. Stopping Celexa without tapering was the equivalent of hitting a wall of great sadness. I have been clean and sober for over 90 days, and I believe Celexa plays a huge role in my decision-making process."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 9, 2013

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "For the last 7 months, I have taken 30mg/day. It eased 90% of my anxieties and obsessive thoughts. My family and friends quickly noticed my new, laid-back state. I laughed more and cried (a whole lot) less. I have never been so emotionally stable. However, these benefits come at a price. First, I'm extremely tired. Next, my libido is gone. Also, my memory is awful. I constantly forget simple conversations or tasks. Similarly, I now struggle to articulate my thoughts. I often stumble over words and lose my train of thought mid-conversation. Lastly, at times, I feel like an emotionless zombie. For these reasons, I plan to taper off the medication. I instead hope to learn new coping techniques."

• Yin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 14, 2021

Citalopram for Depression "I have depression that sometimes makes it impossible for me to leave the house. I took Celexa several years ago, and if memory serves, I was euphorically happy. Over the course of the last 2 years, I have tried everything under the sun, but nothing has helped. Three days ago, I started taking Celexa again. I’ve been sleeping almost continuously for three days. I’m so sad, I can’t clean my house or do much of anything, really. I’m praying that this lack of motivation goes away. I will update as soon as I feel any change."

• Hop...
• August 28, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Second time I have been on citalopram. A few years ago, I had depression due to relationship issues. I was living with someone with narcissistic personality disorder. Anyway, I finally got the courage to divorce her, but boy was I in for a shock. I ended up with anxiety and depression. However strong you are, you are only human. I started on 20mg and after 4 weeks things started to improve slightly. Then I went to 30mg. It's my fifth week now and improving more. Stick with it, initially, symptoms can get worse, but push through. You will get better. I can only say they saved me."

• Moo...
• March 5, 2017

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Started on 5 mg Celexa about 7 months ago. Works great to take away most of my anxiety and irritability, still comes around sometime but on more normal means instead of every single day like I was miserable before I started on Celexa. Took a couple weeks to adjust to it and my orgasms are few and hard to achieve, but still possible, unlike other meds I've been on in the past. I love everything about Celexa, and would have given it a 10/10... however, I've gained 15 pounds since I started taking it. My diet and activity level has not changed so I'm assuming Celexa is to blame. This is now causing depression from the weight gain and the inability to keep it off... If you start Celexa, start exercising regularly to help maintain, wish I had..."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 18, 2023

Citalopram for Depression "I wanted to leave a review for those struggling in the beginning days on Celexa/Citalopram. I had an A-fib episode in early January and was put on a beta blocker. Before this, I had no anxiety or depression, life was great. Soon after starting the beta blocker, I went into a depression and had much anxiety for no reason. I soon learned that beta blockers can cause both depression and anxiety. I weaned off the beta blocker with my cardiologist's permission but was still having the depression and anxiety. My primary care physician suggested Citalopram. The first 2 weeks were very difficult, to say the least. Fortunately, I was able to take those 2 weeks off of work because I could hardly get out of bed or off the couch. Increased anxiety and worsened depression, along with complete loss of appetite and insomnia. But I read a lot of the reviews, and everyone kept saying to give it time. I am now on day 30, and I feel like me again! Hoping those wanting to give up will give it time. It works!"

• pac...
• February 14, 2017

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I love Celexa. I have anxiety, and it was really starting to affect my performance in college. I started Celexa (10 mg), and the first 2 weeks were miserable! I was seriously depressed, but after that two-week adjustment phase, it worked wonderfully! I could feel a tangible difference overnight! I love it, but I would warn that the adjustment phase is brutal."

• Nje...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 28, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I'm back! I originally commented on 1/17/17 on my early experience on citalopram. Almost 2 years later, I have moved my rating from 9 to 10. This med has been a godsend for me. It did wonders for my anxiety, which I believe then ended my depression! I started at 20 mg a day and am down to 15 mg. I also take about 25 mg of an antihistamine (doxylamine) at bed. The combo of both helps me sleep great. Now that I sleep 8-9 hours soundly, anxiety and depression are gone! My experience is too many positives to write all! Side effects for me are weight gain (because I'm happy and hungry, lol) about 25 lbs. Not ideal, but I'll take it. Also, strangely, I am emotionally flat. I never cry and really don't get sad. This is a mentioned side effect. I'll confirm it in my case. Weird, but beats crying every day. Important to minimize alcohol intake. It neutralizes the benefit. I try to minimize drinking to once or twice a week. Again, can't say enough about the med. Give it a month, God bless you!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 4, 2013

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I started this about a week ago, and a few days afterwards, I slightly felt like a new person. I could enjoy the weekend with my friends without worrying constantly about school or them judging me. Just yesterday, the side effects began to kick in, and now I feel back to my old self. I'm even moodier and depressed. I don't stress as much, though. I fall asleep very early at night (8-9 compared to never being able to sleep), but now I have been waking up around 4 or 5 and not being able to sleep. I have very vivid dreams. I also have been extremely thirsty. My doctor said the side effects will even out. I'm excited for them to do so that I can start living normally again."

• Kil...
• September 29, 2011

Citalopram for Bipolar Disorder "Celexa worked really well for me, in terms of stabilizing my mood. I actually felt really happy and thought with clarity for once! But I had to stop taking it because the side effects were just extremely unpleasant. I wasn't able to achieve an erection, and if I did, I wasn't able to orgasm. I also had this sedated-like feeling. My body temperature would increase. But I also felt emotionless at the same time, if that makes any sense. I found it hard to respond to my partner's emotions. Everything was just on a cloud for me. Someone could have insulted me, and I would have been alright with it."

• 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!)"

• Dog...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 16, 2019

For Depression "I’m a long-time user of citalopram for depression - started on 20 mg, raised to 40 mg for a long time, then back to 20 mg and now on 10 mg (by my own choice). At my worst, I had a sense of detachment from everyone and everything - even myself, like I was only a pair of eyes, that my own body wasn’t mine. I was withdrawn from family, friends, and workmates. Enveloped in a black darkness. Alone. Angry. Impatient... but the worst part was a terrible feeling of “déjà vu.” What I can tell you with 100% certainty is this = it gets better!!! I promise you, you will enjoy life again. You may not notice it until one day you’re sitting down and you will think - “this time a year ago, I was a mess! Look how far I’ve come.” From time to time, I need to take an extra 10 mg when something bothers me - but that’s ok. That’s what it’s there for. Life may not be perfect - no one's is!"

• Dog...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 16, 2019

For Depression "I’m a long-time user of citalopram for depression - started on 20 mg, raised to 40 mg for a long time, then back to 20 mg and now on 10 mg (by my own choice). At my worst, I had a sense of detachment from everyone and everything - even myself, like I was only a pair of eyes, that my own body wasn’t mine. I was withdrawn from family, friends, and workmates. Enveloped in a black darkness. Alone. Angry. Impatient... but the worst part was a terrible feeling of “déjà vu.” What I can tell you with 100% certainty is this = it gets better!!! I promise you, you will enjoy life again. You may not notice it until one day you’re sitting down and you will think - “this time a year ago, I was a mess! Look how far I’ve come.” From time to time, I need to take an extra 10 mg when something bothers me - but that’s ok. That’s what it’s there for. Life may not be perfect - no one's is!"

• Anonymous
• December 21, 2008

Citalopram for Depression "I took Celexa in January 2002 for about 6 months. I was dealing with too many losses, I was crying day and night for a couple of months. I went to the doctor, and he put me on Celexa. It was amazing. I was so happy all the time. I figured I could handle everything, so I stopped it. You really need to come off this slowly. Now I am depressed again and plan on getting back on it until I can get past losing my job and the months of being out of work."

• mon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2013

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "First 2 days were euphoric and nothing could upset me. Then got more irritable and anxious. Stomach in knots. Then came depression and thoughts of suicide, along with anxiety. Yawning all the time. This is day 7 and I left a message with my doctor this morning letting her know I couldn't feel like this for another week in hopes that it would possibly even out."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 11, 2021

Citalopram for Depression "I have been off Celexa for about 6 months after taking it for 18 months. When I first started, 20 mg a day for a week, then 40 mg. I was a zombie for a month! Foggy-headed, that ended after a month. I started caring less and less about anything. The lack of motivation got worse. Then I would cry because my house was in such a mess! Nothing else bothered me. I have only seen the Dr. a few times after I started the medication, that was over a video appointment. I was gradually gaining weight, my heart pounded, blood pressure was high. No motivation! I'm now on another med and feel great!"

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

For Panic Disorder "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 :)"

• bli...
• April 8, 2015

For Depression "I've been taking 10 mg of citalopram every day now for 7 days and then had to up it to 20 mg after that. Have never felt so rough! Those first 7 days were hell for me, really bad headaches, sickness, and very bad depression that felt worse than what I had to begin with! I hadn't been able to eat anything either 4 or 5 days into it, but I tell you now the first day I took the 20 mg, start of week 2, absolute different story. I'm like a different person. Please stick the first week out, as that was the worst for me, it does get better, I promise. Stick it out, I nearly didn't, but I'm so glad I did now! I feel brilliant now. These tablets do work, but give your body time to accept them, and you'll reap the benefits. Be strong and stick it out. Tomorrow is another day :)"

• Als...
• October 6, 2020

For Depression "I really think that term 'old self,' which I see commonly referred to when reviewing citalopram, is the best way to describe it. I'm not euphoric all the time; it is not a happy pill. Rather, I have just returned to a familiar state that I had lost touch with. Social skills are the best they have been in years. Previously, I was scared to go outside and would stay locked in my room for days on end. I now relish every opportunity to get out and interact with other humans; something I had always loved but lost touch with as things deteriorated. Everyone's experience is different, but citalopram has worked well for me. I still feel emotions; I still get sad or upset or nervous, but I also laugh until my belly hurts and get real joy from everyday interactions. This is a massive change from where I was at, which was cut off, terrified, constantly ruminating, and experiencing severe anhedonia. It was about 6-7 weeks for me before I started to notice a change, and the rocky period subsided."

• Bad...
• May 19, 2011

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I was having stress issues dealing with family and work issues. I was prescribed Celexa 20 mg, and about an hour after the 3rd dose, I began to have severe anxiety attacks. My heart was pounding, and I had to run outside, feeling claustrophobic and severely depressed. I was told to stop the drug immediately, but it still took 72 hours for the side effects to go away. I had anxiety attacks several times a day, loss of appetite, and depression during that time. I realize this was a rare reaction, but my message is to be prepared when you take something like this."

• Swe...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 1, 2019

For Depression "My doctor initially prescribed 20 mg beginning 10 years ago when I was caring for my terminally ill husband. I was depressed, stressed, lacked clarity of mind, and would cry at the drop of a pin. I truly thought I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. This med was truly a lifesaver for me. Nine years after my husband passed, I found a new love but was having a lot of difficulty with extremely low libido. Discussed with the doctor and found out this is a very common side effect of this drug. I switched to several different meds but started getting depressed again. Decided to wean off all meds and see how I felt. After 2 months of nothing in my system, depression, lack of interest in most everything, and becoming overly emotional about most things returned. I have now decided to get back on citalopram so I can once again be the happy-go-lucky person I used to be. I would rather feel good and libido be not-so-good than to be depressed and have no interest in anything."

• Fia...
• January 16, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "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."