Citalopram and Depression: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Bec...
• September 2, 2018

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "From the time I turned 35, I was irritable, low energy, bloated, and had awful insomnia for two weeks of my cycle. I was diagnosed with PMDD and prescribed citalopram. I started on 20 mg and became depressed, withdrawn, in a fog, and nauseous, and I stopped after 3 days. My doctor then prescribed 10 mg, and although I was still depressed, it was better on the low dose. I had bad insomnia, but after a week, that went away, and I started taking it at night, which cured all side effects. When my 'bad weeks' started, I had insomnia like usual and bloating, although I was not as low energy. I switched to 20 mg, and insomnia started again, but not nearly as bad effects. Today, three days after I started taking 20 mg, I feel good, no bloating, and it should be the worst week of my cycle. I hope the insomnia will go away soon too. I am planning to stay on 10 mg throughout the month and take 20 mg just for the bad weeks."

• Bec...
• September 2, 2018

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "From the time I turned 35, I was irritable, low energy, bloated, and had awful insomnia for two weeks of my cycle. I was diagnosed with PMDD and prescribed citalopram. I started on 20 mg and became depressed, withdrawn, in a fog, and nauseous, and I stopped after 3 days. My doctor then prescribed 10 mg, and although I was still depressed, it was better on the low dose. I had bad insomnia, but after a week, that went away, and I started taking it at night, which cured all side effects. When my 'bad weeks' started, I had insomnia like usual and bloating, although I was not as low energy. I switched to 20 mg, and insomnia started again, but not nearly as bad effects. Today, three days after I started taking 20 mg, I feel good, no bloating, and it should be the worst week of my cycle. I hope the insomnia will go away soon too. I am planning to stay on 10 mg throughout the month and take 20 mg just for the bad weeks."

• Hal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2016

Citalopram for Depression "I was put on Celexa for depression, bipolar as well as my OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). I started off taking 10 mg and then later upgraded to 20 mg, but my experience wasn't entirely the greatest. The Celexa aggravated my OCD tics, making them occur more frequently, which automatically raised my level of anxiety and stress. I am always tired and feel like a complete zombie, I find it tiring to even laugh and smile. My appetite has increased drastically, I pretty much never stop eating. And it has really affected my bipolar, making me very irritable. Ever since I've been on Celexa, I've had many child-like tantrums where I have gotten physically violent. This pill wasn't for me. I am currently still on Celexa but am being weaned off of it."

• anx...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2016

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Awful. Didn't help and made me feel so apathetic. My school performance significantly decreased. I tried weaning off from taking 20 mg, then 10 mg daily, then 10 mg every other day, then 5 mg every other day and had the worst withdrawal symptoms ever. Increased anxiety and depression. I was crying all the time and sometimes felt manic. I had more pain and also had a fever of +102.8 for three days. Would not recommend."

• anx...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2016

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Awful. Didn't help and made me feel so apathetic. My school performance significantly decreased. I tried weaning off from taking 20 mg, then 10 mg daily, then 10 mg every other day, then 5 mg every other day and had the worst withdrawal symptoms ever. Increased anxiety and depression. I was crying all the time and sometimes felt manic. I had more pain and also had a fever of +102.8 for three days. Would not recommend."

• Jim...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 2, 2019

Citalopram for Depression "Lost feeling from the belly button down. Lost the ability to run. It messed up my neurological system horribly. Cannot feel physical intimacy. All kinds of issues in my lower body. This was the only med I was on. Only time taking an antidepressant. Avoid it like the plague and find natural remedies."

• snu...
• April 18, 2011

Citalopram for Depression "I have struggled with anxiety, depression, and insomnia my whole life. Nothing ever had any noticeable effects until I was prescribed Celexa back in 2007. I was on it for years, then decided to try life without it and was tapered off. The thing about Celexa (and all antidepressants) is they work well in that you won't spend as much time crying and all that, but they also inhibit you from feeling genuine euphoria! You just stay at a baseline."

• Cas...
• June 14, 2018

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I was on Citalopram for 10 years. In university, I started showing signs of anxiety, and my doctor told me Celexa would get rid of the physical symptoms. It worked. However, a few years later, when I tried to come off it, I failed. So, on the medication, I actually developed depression and social anxiety, and my anxiety in general got worse. Recently, I decided to stop taking it. I took myself down half a dose each day for one week, and then every other day the second week. And I feel amazing! Aside from a few mild withdrawal symptoms, I’m feeling better! As a result of Celexa, I spent 10 years of my life a prisoner to this medication. I was always depressed, always afraid. I stayed so deep within myself I missed out on friendships, career opportunities, and happiness altogether. I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone! Get actual help for your anxiety, a pill is merely a band-aid that will cause you more harm than good in the long run."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2012

Citalopram for Depression "Was on Citalopram for 1 month, then asked my doctor to change. During the first 2 weeks, I was getting an average of 3 hours of sleep a night. Bed at 11 pm, wake up at 2 am, 3 am, 4 am, 5 am, 6 am, give in and get up at 7 am. Was completely devoid of emotions. Lost all focus, motivation, attention span, was so much worse than before diagnosis and prescription. Second 2 weeks, I was given sleeping pills, so I was sleeping 7-8 hours a night, but being 24 years old, I refused to be dependent on sleeping pills and antidepressants. Have now been on Mirtazapine just over a week, was like a light switch. Now sleeping easily between 10-12 hours a night. Emotions are back, but as unpredictable as they were before diagnosis. Will wait and see."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2012

Citalopram for Depression "Was on Citalopram for 1 month, then asked my doctor to change. During the first 2 weeks, I was getting an average of 3 hours of sleep a night. Bed at 11 pm, wake up at 2 am, 3 am, 4 am, 5 am, 6 am, give in and get up at 7 am. Was completely devoid of emotions. Lost all focus, motivation, attention span, was so much worse than before diagnosis and prescription. Second 2 weeks, I was given sleeping pills, so I was sleeping 7-8 hours a night, but being 24 years old, I refused to be dependent on sleeping pills and antidepressants. Have now been on Mirtazapine just over a week, was like a light switch. Now sleeping easily between 10-12 hours a night. Emotions are back, but as unpredictable as they were before diagnosis. Will wait and see."

• Dil...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 19, 2024

For Panic Disorder "I started citalopram when I was 14 on 10 mg for anxiety and low mood. I never had side effects. I woke up the next day automatically feeling better. I’m now 19. Since then, I developed panic disorder, emetophobia, agoraphobia. Four weeks ago, I tried sertraline and came off citalopram (worst decision I ever made). I was on them for three days and stopped. I started back on 10 mg of citalopram, the side effects were awful: no appetite whatsoever. I started drinking replacement shakes, depression (I wouldn’t even move out of bed). I kept on going for three weeks, nothing changed. I ended up getting a sick note for work, and doctors upped me to 20 mg. I started at 15 mg and then eventually went up to 20 mg. Things have definitely changed. I can eat again, but only a certain amount before I fall back into a panic attack. Mornings are terrible, and my main symptom of panic is feeling nauseous, which is my phobia, of course, but every day gets easier. Fingers crossed."

• Con...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 22, 2022

For Depression "The absolute worst medication ever! I had panic attacks, a foggy mind, started to pull my hair out, sweating profusely, high heart rate, loss of interest in everything, and couldn’t think clearly, just to name a few."

• ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2018

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed Celexa and took it for about a month. During that time, I was waiting on it to start working, so I kept taking it. Around the end of the month, I was starting to have breakdowns and suicidal thoughts. I honestly heard voices in my head and was so (even more than when I started it) depressed. I was put on suicide watch for 2 weeks while I was coming off of it. NEVER will I recommend this to anyone."

• snu...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 8, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started citalopram to treat GAD and major depressive disorder. I've now been on it for 3 years. I took a week off school and don't really remember any major side effects at the time. It was my first antidepressant and made a pretty big difference. Definitely helped with my anxiety, low moods, and suicidal thoughts. Bumped up my dosage a few times and I've been on 40 mg for about a year now. However, loads of symptoms are still present: mental fogginess, lack of motivation/concentration, near-constant fatigue, lack of emotion for long periods until I reach a breakdown state of panic. Panic attacks are around biweekly, which is improved from 3 years ago, but much worse than it's been in a long time. Switching to a new medication this week."

• K J...
• January 15, 2020

For Panic Disorder "I've taken citalopram for 2 years, 4 months (10 mg for 3 months, then 20 mg). Be prepared for initial side effects. Some people have none. I had them all. Overall, I like citalopram. Lasting side effects are dopiness and tiredness. It’s worth it as they gave me a chance to start loving myself again. Pros: - They lifted depression I didn't know I had. - Thoughts are slower, and I catch myself being overly self-critical. - Not as irritable and don't care as much about little things. - Once the side effects stopped, panic was easier to cope with. Cons: - My initial side effects were tough. I pushed through as my panic disorder was just as bad in a different way. It was worth the effort for me, but everyone reacts differently. - Side effects during the first 6 weeks included: very sweaty feet (weird I know), heightened anxiety, emotional numbness, weird dreams, feeling like I was losing my mind (DR/DP - depersonalization-derealization disorder). - Sex-related problems (vaginal dryness/tightness). - If I miss a pill, I feel odd for days."

• Anonymous
• January 3, 2010

Citalopram for Depression "I've been taking Celexa for about a month now. It helped me a little at first, now I'm having crying spells and feeling hopeless again. The glass is always half empty. I'm taking 20 mg. I was hoping Celexa would work. I had been taking Paxil 20 mg for about three years, and I was so happy on it! It didn't matter what was going on in my life. I felt great. I stopped taking Paxil because it made me sleepy all the time. I guess I'll continue for a few more weeks with Celexa. If things don't get better, I'm going back to Paxil."

• Hop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 5, 2021

For Panic Disorder "For 17 long months, I was psychologically in chronic shape. I feared life itself. I had continuous panic, anxiety attacks, along with severe depression. 8 months ago, my doctor put me on Cymbalta 30 mg, 2 times a day. I took them for 6 1/2 months, and very little relief. I requested a switch 3 weeks ago to Celexa, 20 mg. I ended the Cymbalta a week ago, and I feel almost like my old self. My panic attacks have subsided tremendously. I barely have anxiety. I feel calm, and my attacks are slowly disappearing. I'm not consumed with depression and racing thoughts. I'm finding me again, and that is a comforting way to live, because before Celexa, it was not a way of life. I can only share my experience and pray that other people can relate, that y'all find solitude also. There is nothing worse than a broken spirit, 24/7. Best wishes to all!"

• SJ2...
• June 1, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I'm on my second day of citalopram and on a 20 mg dose, so far, I've felt awful. I've had a little bit of nausea, hot sweats, my head feels spaced out, I'm tired but I can't sleep, and I've lost motivation to do anything. I've also lost my appetite, too. I'm on the verge of giving up after seeing a lot of reviews say side effects can last weeks because I'm not sure I can continue feeling this rubbish for a few weeks, the only thing keeping me going is people who say it does get better."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 6, 2016

For Depression "I have been taking Citalopram for over a year now, and at first, once the medication began taking full effect, it was amazing. My anxiety, quickness to anger, and deep, extended depression periods were lessened. Now, like a few have said on this blog, I have lost motivation, I feel like my body craves more sleep in addition to a change in my sleeping habits, and I have also gained weight. I feel I have gained weight due to my physical inactivity, which is an effect of not being motivated to be active. I also have trouble concentrating on my everyday tasks, and I do experience daily 'fogs' while trying to remain focused. I was taking Wellbutrin to try to counteract that lost 'good anxiety,' but I stopped because it was interacting too much with the Citalopram."

• JOE...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 15, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "Citalopram saved my life 16 years ago, alongside Depakote and Trazodone. I have Bipolar II. I'm always so freaking happy, but apparently too happy. I've been told I have a degree of serotonin syndrome and have to wean off. I'm terrified of both the withdrawal, as missing one dose makes me feel like I have the worst flu, and then the terrifying depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. Hoping the Depakote increase is going to save me. Citalopram started working after 7 days for me."

• not...
• October 14, 2015

For Depression "I had a horrible experience. I don't really know if it was the drug itself or the fact that my doctor went from Mylan (Xanax) 1 mg to citalopram (Celexa) 20 mg. It made me sick as can be. Diarrhea nonstop, loss of sleep, severe anxiety, severe loss of appetite, severely depressed, thoughts of suicide, hearing voices. But, like I said, I'm confused. It could be the medication, or it could be that I went to a careless doctor. I suggest starting at a low dosage!"

• Bob...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 21, 2023

For Anxiety and Stress "I began taking citalopram 12 years ago to treat my psychosis, and while it took time, the medication allowed me to function and lead a relatively normal life. However, it took years before I felt comfortable in public places without experiencing anxiety. After a decade on the medication, I believed I could stop taking it, but unfortunately, my anxiety returned despite trying therapy. I even experienced new symptoms like insomnia, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). I attempted other medications like sertraline and mirtazapine, but they either caused negative side effects or did not provide the intended relief. Ultimately, I returned to citalopram, and after three months of resumed treatment, I am sleeping better and experiencing less anxiety and depression. However, it took nearly three months to see the changes, and the side effects were unpleasant. I take 20 mg every morning and highly recommend it as a tool, not a cure. I am also making an effort to stay active, mindful, and mindful of my diet."

• Jra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am on day 9 of Celexa, and I can say it has knocked down my anxiety just a bit, but has made my depression a lot worse. I don't know if it's because I haven't given it enough time to work or what, but yeah. Also had a lot of the runs in the beginning, but that's gone. Also, I feel like my memory is a little cloudy, as if the things I did this morning were something I did yesterday."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 22, 2023

For Persistent Depressive Disorder "I struggled with depression most of my life. I was prescribed citalopram in my early 20s and then in my late 30s. The first time, it had a tremendous effect. It took a few months to develop its full activity, but then it allowed me to enjoy life and engage socially. Side effects were mild, with some sexual side effects, sleeping problems, and emotional blunting. After a year, I stopped taking the citalopram, hoping that I would not need it anymore. Despite reducing the dose gradually, the withdrawal was horrible. Besides the electric shock symptoms, I struggled with hypersomnia for more than a year. The second time, the experience was less positive. Citalopram helped me to be more emotionally stable and gave me energy, but the effect was not very strong. Side effects (sexual, restless legs, insomnia) were more pronounced than the first time. I stopped citalopram after 6 months with only a little withdrawal. I owe citalopram the best year of my life, for which I am very grateful."

• Lau...
• April 2, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "Last summer, I was hit suddenly with anxiety attacks, which led to the worst depression bout I’ve ever had. I started citalopram and dealt with very heightened anxiety and depression. It was the worst, and I asked my husband every day, “This is going to work, right?” I would read reviews and count down the minutes and the days. A little over 4 months later, I was feeling back to my regular self! So blessed that I didn’t wait any longer before starting citalopram. You will 100% know if you need medication, there will be no other way out besides not being here anymore. Get help! I’ve now been on citalopram for 9 months, and around month 4, I started eating all the carbs and sugar I could get my hands on and continue doing so. This is problematic, and I am making a doctor appointment to discuss what to do. I work out every day and am active, but it’s no match for the carbs. When I first started the medication, it made me lose 15 pounds."