Citalopram and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2015

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I (VERY reluctantly) began 10 mg of Celexa (for anxiety) for a week, then 20 mg for the next week, and now I've been on 30 mg for a few weeks now. I had anxiety about taking the anti-anxiety meds! Honestly, the first week was AWFUL. My anxiety was heightened, I couldn't sleep, had bad headaches, and felt like something was tickling my brain. By the second week, those side effects were gone. My anxiety was resulting in constant physical dizziness, floor 'bouncing' (feeling like you're on a boat/elevator when you're just walking around), racing thoughts, sleeping just to avoid it all, etc. My dizziness has mostly disappeared, and usually the floor feels like it should. PLEASE DON'T BE SCARED! It can be a lifesaver."

• LIZ...
• May 27, 2015

Citalopram for Depression "I have depression and high anxiety. I have had these most of my life but refused treatment. Now, having a son of my own, I have realized I need to be better for him. I have only been on it for a week and have noticed a lot of improvements! I no longer feel upset about my life. I can talk to my child like he should be talked to, not because I'm stressed and anxious all the time. I have had a few side effects so far: weird dreams, headaches, muscle spasms, dry mouth, and tiredness, but to feel 'normal' is worth it. I finally feel like I'm going to be okay."

• Spa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 7, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Citalopram has saved my life. Eleven years ago, I was suffering from severe anxiety and depression. My doctor started me on a 10 mg dose of citalopram, which I must say, for the first week, I felt sick, headache, and more anxious. The doctor increased my dose to 20 mg and again later to 30 mg, and after 4-5 weeks from the first 10 mg tablet, I woke up one day feeling great. I could do everything I used to do. I wasn’t crying, I wasn’t anxious, and over a period of a few months, I was down to 20 mg. I stayed on it for ten years and eventually I got down to 10 mg every other day."

• 19p...
• April 24, 2015

Citalopram for Depression "This medicine has been very helpful to me. I have always been very reluctant to try medications. This medication has stopped the crying every day, the constant anger, and helped significantly with anxiety. I have been on Celexa for almost 3 months and I feel a little better every day, it just takes time. I've had night sweats, light headaches, and not slept as well as I used to since starting this medication. However, for me, the benefits are outweighing the side effects at the moment and I will continue to use Celexa until that is no longer the case."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 9, 2013

Citalopram for Postpartum Depression "I am not sure if I had postpartum depression or not. My youngest child is 2, and it seems ever since having her I've not been the best mom out there, or wife. I was very moody all the time, and just recently it has gotten worse. I felt like I was always on a rage at home, yelling at everyone, everything getting on my nerves, snapping at family members, it was terrible. Celexa saved my life! I felt improvement within days. I feel more calm and no longer have the urges to yell and get angry with anyone. I have experienced headaches, fatigue, and yawning but nothing compared to how I was feeling before so I can handle the side effects. I am on week 3 now, hoping they diminish with time."

• Hap...
• December 9, 2012

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "My boyfriend has severe social anxiety and depression, which usually left him isolating for an entire week in a dark, depressed mood, which happened every 10-12 days or so. He started taking Celexa about a week ago and has been feeling wonderful! He is smiling again and is able to go out and have a great time! And as far as sex goes, he is BETTER than before. So no complaints here. Of course, I was concerned with side effects in the first week: nausea, diarrhea, headaches, and hallucinations, but that all disappeared after the first week. Now it's smooth sailing. Thank God for Celexa."

• Kee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Been on citalopram approx. 3 months. Dr. started me on 20 mg dose. I had every side effect for the first 4 weeks: headaches, nausea, tired, stomach cramps, and increased anxiety. Dr. eventually increased me to 30 and then 40 mg due to continued anxiety. Was sooooo tired every day. Constantly yawning when people were speaking to me. Now have cut down slowly to 10 mg and feel fantastic. My anxiety is gone and my social anxiety is greatly reduced. My advice is to start slowly and expect things to get worse before they get better. I highly recommend this drug, but keep reading the positive reviews to get you through the start."

• Car...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 26, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I had severe generalized anxiety disorder when my doctor prescribed Celexa to me. I had awful symptoms including severe nausea and stomach turning, headaches, restlessness, drowsiness, tiredness during the day, oversleeping, lack of focus, and the list goes on! Celexa has really leveled me out. I can focus, and I'm not making myself sick over minor everyday stress. I'm happier and more balanced. I couldn't have asked for a better result. I'm currently on a 40 mg dose, and it has worked consistently for nearly a year."

• Joo...
• February 11, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I was reluctant to take any antidepressant, thinking I could cope and would 'snap out of it.' Feeling like my life was spiraling out of control, with panic attacks daily and increased depression, I gave Citalopram a go. Initially, I had headaches and still have a dry mouth at times. No other side effects. Within a week, an overwhelming sense of calmness took over. I find it difficult to get angry, and life is so much better. Panic attacks are nonexistent, and I now have my life back and feel great. The change is amazing. I wish I had taken Citalopram months ago."

• lov...
• September 30, 2009

Citalopram for Depression "I've been on Celexa for a little over a year now for extreme depression and anxiety, and I have found it to be very helpful (as well as affordable if you are one of the many Americans without health insurance). Side effects were minimal and limited to some headaches and excessive yawning, both of which completely disappeared with time."

• 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!"

• Geo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I struggle with anxiety and have done so for many years, I was put on citalopram 10 mg but just stared at the box for 3 months, worrying about the side effects. I upped the courage one day and cut the tablet in half (the doctor said I could). I instantly felt different after about 30 to 40 minutes. I felt calm. I’m on day 4, and the side effects I’ve experienced are feeling sick (only for the first day), headaches, sweating a lot, feeling dizzy (calming down a little bit), and not being able to sleep at night. I don’t feel as anxious, panic attacks have calmed down, I’m able to get out of the house again. These tablets do take time to kick in, and I’m still waiting for the full effect to kick in. The side effects can be very hard to deal with, but pull through. These tablets are safe and are to help but do not work straight away❤️"

• jac...
• June 7, 2011

Citalopram for Panic Disorder "One day, six years ago, I became consumed with anxiety. Panic attacks, head pressure, foggy head, pressure in my ear, nausea, dizziness, and tingling appendages appeared literally out of the blue and became my life at 26 years old. I went to numerous doctors who tested me for EVERYTHING. I managed with Xanax, which seemed to be the only thing that made me feel normal again for brief periods of time. I just wasn't myself, and I longed for my old life when I felt confident and in control. I didn't want to believe that it could all be in my mind and was convinced that I had some unknown disorder. Finally, I went to a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with Panic Disorder and GAD. I was prescribed Celexa 20."

• cez...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2012

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I was having some marital problems and was unable to eat, sleep, or function. I went to the doctor after a few days, and she prescribed Celexa. I've been taking it for 23 days. I suffered from debilitating fatigue and sweats on days 3, 4, and 5. On day six, I was able to get up on time and be functional. I had a headache for the first 10 days, but now it is not noticeable. I am able to drink coffee and not feel jittery. I still have a low appetite and am losing weight, and my feelings of sexual arousal are numbed. I feel that the edge has been taken off and that I am very level. I feel more patient and objective. I have terrible premenstrual dysphoria, and this past cycle, all my worst symptoms did not appear."

• mr ...
• October 1, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Before taking any drugs, I suffered from debilitating anxiety. I couldn't really do anything or go anywhere without panicking at its peak. I'd been trying to fix it naturally for many years before my doctor insisted on medication. First, I tried sertraline, but it was frankly horrible - rapid heartbeat, fearful. Since starting citalopram, I've had none of that. The doctor started me on only 5 mg as I was in a right mess and didn't trust her. I went up to 30 mg over time, but I found I was getting headaches on 30, so I have settled on 20 mg. I've been on 20 mg for around 6 years, and it really has changed my life for the better. I'm out and about, living life, and have a good job. It makes me feel a bit muted and a bit 'meh' and look grumpy most of the time, but I'm honestly happy and fine. Sexually, everything is fine. I can still get panic attacks in extreme circumstances, but it allows you to work through it. The effects of the attack are somewhat muted. All the effects of the attack are lessened."

• joa...
• December 18, 2014

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I have suffered from panic attacks for about 12 years. Because I have a brother who became addicted to Xanax and ended up detoxing in a hospital, I have been afraid of all medication. After a major scare concerning a health issue, I found I could no longer ignore the consequences of the attacks. I have lost 20 lbs in 5 years and am now very underweight. I had no appetite and dreaded meals. I started taking Celexa 3 weeks ago, and the change is amazing. I still wake up in the middle of the night, and I do have very vivid dreams. However, now when I wake up, I do not go into a panic attack. I am eating 3 meals a day. The only side effects I have are headaches and constipation. I would recommend this medicine."

• jul...
• November 15, 2010

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed Celexa a week ago. At first, I had trouble sleeping, horrible headaches, and was very tired during the day, but now I'm starting to sleep better and not be as tired during the day. I also find myself not being as stressed out. I hope to see more results."

• Jes...
• February 4, 2021

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "10 years ago, I had a lot of things going on at home and work and was very stressed! I was having chest pain and headaches every day. I was started on Celexa 10mg - that stopped my chest pain. I was then increased to 20mg, and that stopped my headaches. I still have times when I feel overwhelmed, and I have Xanax for those times when I feel I’m about to lose it! I do feel that sometimes I don’t care enough about some things. My husband makes sure I don’t run out. He calls them my 'Be so much nicer to my husband pills.'"

• Anonymous
• October 4, 2018

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I was on Celexa for 6 years. I recently weaned off the Celexa due to the unpleasant weight gain that I experienced. I wanted to try a different anti-anxiety medication that was less likely to gain weight. I tried a combination of Lexapro and Wellbutrin for a while and then Zoloft. None of those drugs were able to help ease my mind. I experienced increased anxiety and depression, especially panic attacks. I am hoping to get back on Celexa next week, as it was my saving grace for 6 years! My only complaints about Celexa are the weight gain and the headaches that occur if you accidentally miss a dose (as well as the weaning off headaches). Crossing my fingers it works a second time!"

• Car...
• December 11, 2013

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I just started taking Celexa, and the only thing I notice are the headaches, which are very unusual for me. Sometimes they are worse than others. Can be distracting at work, but not so bad that I'm willing to throw in the towel just yet. Also, my stomach has been a little upset too, but again not enough to give up on trying to feel better!"

• 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 :)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 18, 2012

Citalopram for Depression "In 2003, I started on (brand name) Celexa 5 mg a day for anxiety and depression. Within a week, I started to feel almost a magical feeling of well-being and a nice calmness within myself. The world looking brighter and so much better. For once in my life, I felt that the hole in my soul was healing. No more anxiousness and crying most of the time, and no more waves of horrible emotional pain. I gradually worked up to 10 mg a day, and now I am on 20 mg a day. I did have a headache, nausea, and loss of appetite. They went away. I gained weight but was feeling so much better. I tried generic Celexa for almost 1 month, and I felt irritable-like a dark cloud descended upon me. It is not the same as the brand."

• Bri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Have had anxiety my whole life. I’m 68. Mostly dealt with it by exercising 1 hour a day. I was prescribed lorazepam 0.5 mg on an as-needed basis, and this works great when I need it. I take, on average, only 4 pills a month. I just started Celexa 10 mg about 2 weeks ago. Side effects are feeling a bit groggy, getting tension headaches, had 2 slight panic attacks while driving. Starting to feel a little mellow. I’m hopeful I will see more change in the coming weeks. My main issue is social anxiety. I isolate myself frequently and have no interest in doing anything outside my daily routine. Hoping this helps, as my wife deserves better."

• Kas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2023

Citalopram for Depression "The side effects were horrible. Fatigue, GI problems, headaches, hot flashes, sleep issues and nightmares, general malaise, increased anxiety, and a zombie feeling. The clinician said I will get used to it after a while. To me, this is poisoning your body and having your body get 'used' to the poison over time. Definitely not for me."