Citalopram and Depression: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• 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."

• smi...
• April 1, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "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."

• smi...
• April 1, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "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."

• Lil...
• December 11, 2019

Citalopram for Depression "I was prescribed Celexa for severe anxiety and depression back in 2015 and took it until January of 2019. Prior to taking Celexa, I was VERY functional--but an emotional wreck. I would cry for hours, lash out at my loved ones, and was so miserable that my parents finally intervened. My first few months on Celexa were great, I cared about nothing and was freed from my anxiety--but I stopped doing my homework almost entirely. I would sleep for hours during the day despite getting a full night's sleep, lost all motivation, and felt numb. Celexa made me constantly thirsty, sweat excessively, and have low blood pressure. I remained on it because I didn't know any better, even when my anxiety came back. I have now been off of it for 10+ months due to the blood pressure issue and am still experiencing the side effects. I fear the brain fog, lack of motivation, and sleep paralysis will never leave me, I worry that I will never be 'myself' again."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Mrs...
• January 9, 2017

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I have been on those pills for years now after suffering from PMDD. This is the very best. I have a history of depression, but at the time it was prescribed to me, I was charming 27 days out of the month. Two days prior to my period, I turned into a witch, a depressed one. It affected my relationship with my kids, my loving partner. I'm saying that now because a week ago, I ran out of them, having missed my physical. Those mood swings came back like a freight train, and I literally had to beg my doctor to give me enough before my next visit. I'll be more careful next time, but I can't help wondering if the symptoms are worsened if you get off it... or maybe I just forgot how bad it was!"

• Anonymous
• October 19, 2011

Citalopram for Depression "Took a while for it to start treating my depression, about 3 months to start feeling even remotely better and 6 months to a year to feel the full effects. At first, the medicine made me yawn a lot and almost made me feel more depressed (probably because it didn't start working as immediately as I had hoped). Gradually went up from 20 mg to 30 mg after 6 months and then went up to 40 mg after about a year. I have now been on Celexa for 2 years and on the 40 mg dose for about 1 year. This medication has honestly saved my life! I probably wouldn't be here without it. Before Celexa, most of my days were bad days, and now I am finally enjoying my life again. I highly recommend Celexa. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't start working right away."

• MLB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2016

Citalopram for Depression "I was prescribed 20 mg citalopram for anxiety and depression. It helped out immensely for keeping me calm, never stressed, and it helped me sleep well at night. However, it killed my libido and has made me emotionless. It didn't help my social anxiety very much. I can go out and not be a nervous wreck, but I can't enjoy myself. I feel like a walking zombie for most of the day, but my appetite is normal. What bothered me the most is, I can't hold a conversation with the people I love the most. I didn't have the enthusiasm to talk to my husband like I used to. I've been on this drug for 2 weeks. It killed my libido on my second day of taking it. I'm going to taper down to 10 mg and see how I feel."

• Chi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I have taken this tablet for 3 months. It has changed my life. I have suffered a lot of trauma over the past 3 years, and I was at my wit's end. I had panic attacks, sleeplessness, and depression. I felt completely overwhelmed with life and was filled with fear and dread continually. I eventually gave in to medication. I experienced relief from my symptoms after 1 week, and my blood pressure went down. I was calmer, and my family and friends noticed the change in me very quickly. I had been on other antidepressants before but never had the effect that citalopram gave me. I am trying to reduce to 10mg to see how I cope. I never want to go back to the way I felt before, so I am prepared to go back up to 20mg if necessary. I sleep well, and I wake feeling very calm and relaxed. My OCD is not as bad, and I can now leave things unfinished without feeling anxiety."

• Nik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "After suffering from generalized anxiety disorder, I took Celexa. I had horrible side effects: didn’t want to leave bed, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pains, feeling like I’m losing control, anxiety attacks daily, dizziness, no energy, no appetite (lost 15 lbs). The most concerning side effect was that this medication made me depressed. Mind you, I’ve never had depression in my whole life, and the purpose of me taking this drug was to combat my anxiety. I’ve been taking it for 2 months, and my psychiatrist said it’s reached its “full potential.” I gave this a 3/10 because at the 7-week mark, I had a couple average days. Average days really aren’t enough, though, to live a meaningful and happy life. A lot of doctors say that at the two-month mark, you’ll feel better, and that’s not always true. Things got worse for me on these meds. Wishing everyone who reads this all the love in the world and just know that things WILL get better, whether Celexa or another pill helps!"

• Anonymous
• January 19, 2010

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Celexa, for me, helped with stress and anxiety, but I had to stop taking it due to the bad side effects such as insomnia in the early morning, feeling depressed, dry mouth, memory loss, vision issues, and loss of appetite. Zoloft was worse, though. I am going to use natural supplements and not these strong antidepressants."

• ERr...
• April 6, 2012

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Currently on week 2 of my experience with Celexa to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression. The first couple of days were absolutely terrible due to side effects (nausea, insomnia, headache, flu-like symptoms, and a huge increase in my depression). Don't know why I had such a severe reaction to the medication right off the bat since I've heard this is one of the more tolerant SSRIs in terms of side effects. But after a few days, my system normalized, and I'm already starting to feel like myself again. The doctor said it could take up to 4-6 weeks for it to fully be in effect, but I find myself sleeping through the night and waking up with a much more positive attitude and not on edge with anxiety like I had been in the past. So far, so good!"

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 17, 2016

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Started on Prozac 20 mg but went off because of low libido. Doctor had me try Celexa 20 mg, and it was the worst month of my life. So many side effects! Not only did my libido get worse, but I had frequent urination, my depression worsened, my sleeping pattern messed up, fatigue, always sweating, and it made my period disappear for 3 months, and I wasn't pregnant! After a month, I went back to Prozac, I couldn't deal with Celexa's horrible side effects anymore!"

• nic...
• November 15, 2014

For Depression "It took a good month to start feeling like myself again. In the beginning, I was so tired and just wanted to sleep all day (of course, I wasn't sleeping well at night). I did notice right away how my anxiety decreased, and I wasn't snappy or having panic attacks anymore. I had a flat affect for about a month, and that felt strange to not feel anything. It's been almost two months, and overall I would say this medicine definitely helped make me feel more like myself again. I still have rough moments but am able to get through the day a lot better. I don't recommend drinking while taking this medicine."

• kha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 31, 2015

Citalopram for Depression "I was on Celexa 20 mg for depression. It helped great with my anxiety symptoms, but not well for depression. My doctor recommended I take it because I am on the anxious side of depression, and it really helped with those symptoms - overthinking, freaking out over every little thing. My boyfriend told me I became a lot less intense and irritable. It did not help my loss of energy and fatigue and low motivation, and I still had suicidal thoughts. The first week I started on 10 mg and experienced no change or side effects. I moved to 20 mg, and it made me worse for about a week, then my anxiety symptoms got better. I am switching to bupropion because I need help with depression symptoms."

• fai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I suffered from depression and anxiety. I tried almost everything, then finally put on citalopram. When I was put on it initially, 20 mg, the first few days my anxiety and depression heightened a bit, but as it crossed 6 weeks, everything is like before... thanks to my GP."

• Old...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 6, 2015

Citalopram for Depression "I had severe depression when we moved from a house I loved in the country to a smaller house I hated by the river in a little suburb that I'd always detested. Celexa works. Most definitely, but it works too well. After being on it for 11 years, I became emotionless. I had no feelings either way. It also helped me to put on 50 pounds. At 61, I decided to stop it. I weaned myself off by cutting the pills in half, then in quarters, then none. The side effects are the worst of any medication I've ever experienced... dizziness, SEVERE depression, SEVERE happiness, experiences in my head that I can only describe as 'zits' that were instantaneous moments of dizziness or a feeling of a bug 'zipping' by your head, fatigue, jitters."

• kGm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2021

Citalopram for Depression "I felt compelled to write a review on my experience. I'm into the second week of this drug, and it's been a miracle. I started at 10 mg for a week and increased to 20 mg in the second week. The first two days were rough, felt like the flu and increased depression and anxiety. After a week, I woke up with energy and no negative thoughts. Prior to this, I woke up not wanting to live and dragging myself out of bed. I was plagued with negative thoughts, I was in a deep fog and struggled cognitively. Now, in my week two on Celexa, I feel great. I'm also taking 5 mg of Trazodone for sleep, which also causes me to feel nauseous for the first few weeks. Everything is balanced out, and I'm back to being me again! I wish anyone reading this lots of love and hope."

• d88...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 1, 2017

For Depression "I've been taking citalopram for 6 years. I come off it when I occasionally go backpacking for a few months. The last time I did this, after about 5 weeks, I started to feel very depressed. I cut my travels short due to severe anxiety and an inability to connect. I felt so low and not in control of my dark thoughts. I cried often and felt very lost, had terrible insomnia also. I have had some traumatic experiences in life, and I've now started therapy for this, and I realize this is probably where my issues come from. However, citalopram allows me to function, my mood becomes more stable and my thoughts far more rational. Every time I come off it, I eventually become highly anxious and depressed and sucked into a hole. Started back on it today!"

• Ms ...
• August 29, 2018

Citalopram for Depression "Horrible. This medication made my anxiety and depression unbearable, and I took myself off over seven days. I still have issues but will never take psychotropic drugs ever again. I'm going to check out holistic meds and see if that will be enough for me. If things aren't working, then demand a referral to a specialist. Please be careful, this medication made me so sick and so down. So glad I'm not taking it anymore."

• Ski...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 12, 2019

For Depression "Made my depression 10x worse. I ended up self-harming in a bad way. It helped for a little bit, then all of a sudden changed, and it would happen once in a while. But when it happened, I was very depressed and made a lot of self-harming choices, and since I’ve been off, I’ve been better than ever."

• T23...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 15, 2015

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I started getting anxiety attacks, and my doctor started me off on 10 mg of Celexa. The first few days, I noticed I had more anxiety, and it made me really sleepy and groggy. After a few more days, I noticed it made me not want to get out of bed and lost almost all appetite. I was forcing myself to eat and ended up losing 9 lbs in 10 days. By day 10, I couldn't take it anymore, I knew something wasn't right, and Celexa was making it worse and making me feel worse. I went to my doctor, and she told me to stop right away, that the side effects shouldn't have lasted that long or made me feel depressed. It didn't work for me."

• Foo...
• April 9, 2021

For Depression "I took this for 2 months, and to say I had suicidal thoughts is an understatement. I became obsessed with suicide. I think why I didn't realize it was the citalopram at first is because when I first started taking it, I thought it was helping, but I think as it built up in my system, it had the opposite effect on me. I had never been on an antidepressant, so I knew it was situational depression, but I didn't catch that it was the medication that was making me worse. I thought some sort of past trauma must be triggered. I had never felt so emotionally horrible. Life was a struggle every minute of every day. I didn't understand 'suicidal thoughts' were also severe 'suicidal feelings of emotional pain.' I know this medication works for some, but if someone is reading this and you are in a different kind of emotional pain that you have never been in, stop taking it. If you start thinking or feeling like suicide at all... please tell someone and quit this medication or any other medication immediately."