Citalopram and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 21, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "When I first started to take 20mg of citalopram, my whole life was falling apart. I couldn't go out, I had split up from a long-term, mentally abusive relationship. Before long, I realized I couldn't leave the house without this horrible and overwhelming fear. A work trainer told me about anxiety and this medication. From that moment on, my life got better. I am not fixed by any means, but then I am 90% better now. The side effects are crap: headaches, weird brain zapping sensations, crazy dreams, hallucinating, yawning, slurring words for about 4 to 6 weeks. Stick with this pill, it genuinely will work. It took about 2 or 3 months for me to feel better. You will see a difference."

• Dar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 20, 2014

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have lived with generalized anxiety disorder for as long as I can remember, like being sick before going to school every morning (I'm now 40). Nearly a year ago, my doctor tried me on citalopram, mainly to help with headaches and muscle tension, but he commented it might help my anxiety as well (have had counseling sessions and Prozac, none much use). A couple of months in, I was astonished at how something I had come to live with was ruling my life and began to think differently about day-to-day life and enjoy things I used to worry endlessly about. However, I can now not come off them. I have tried to stop, but the GAD just comes back, worse than it was before."

• Coc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "My GP started me off on 20 mg Citalopram, but after a few days, I felt so rough that I started taking a half dose (with GP guidance). I had brain fog and extreme fatigue for the first two weeks, however, in that time, my anxiety also started to lessen. I decided to persevere despite the unpleasant head feeling and tiredness (also had some headaches), and after 3 weeks or so, my head had cleared considerably. 4 weeks on, I’m still on 10 mg and feeling good. I think this is the right medication for me. I experimented with taking it at different times of day, and I find it’s best for me taken at bedtime."

• Tur...
• January 4, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "Thank goodness for this medication. I started having anxiety and panic attacks. I did not want to take any medication, but it got to the point where I had no choice. I was put on this medication, and it did NOT start working for me until 5 weeks or so. Longest 5 weeks of my life. Headaches, anxiety worsened, nausea, I had horrible sweats in the middle of the night, BUT I stuck with it like my doctor insisted! I'm so thankful I did. It's been 4 months, and I have my life back. Feels great. I still get mild headaches a bit too often, but I'll take that over anxiety any day. If you are JUST starting out, wait at least 5-8 weeks."

• 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!"

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 16, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed citalopram because my anxiety was taking over my life. Really pleased with the results. First few days I had a nasty headache and slept for a few hours after I took it, but by the 5th day they were gone. I have started to do things I was severely scared of, and am already building confidence. I have always felt my moods were really erratic, but I feel so much more stable. Even on a low dose of 10 mg, it has changed me completely. I do have cognitive behavioral therapy as well. I don't feel as it's cured my anxiety but lowered it to a point where I can start managing it. Really wish I'd tried it sooner as I was too frightened to touch medication."

• Eng...
• May 22, 2011

Citalopram for Depression "I resisted my doctor's claim that I was depressed and suffering from anxiety due to chemical imbalance due to being premenopausal. I have always felt in control of my emotions, generally happy and optimistic, but for the last year, I lost the ability to stay calm and feel happy, my moods kept slipping away from me, and I felt angry and sad at the same time. My doctor put me on Celexa. My very first dose, I had the worst headache I have ever had, I do have periodic migraines, but never a headache like this. I continued Celexa, reluctantly, and made it through the first week. Two months later, with an occasional headache and frequent yawning, I feel like a dark cloud has lifted. My emotional state is remarkably calm and even a bit upbeat. Yea, Celexa!"

• Rel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2022

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Best choice I have made. I have been going through an extremely stressful and difficult family situation leading to panic attacks and anxiety. Unable to eat (25 lb loss in 1 month), sleep, constant anxiety, uncontrolled crying. It was affecting work, personal life, focus, motivation. Spoke to my doctor and therapist about relief and said it had helped 20 years prior in a similar situation. Was prescribed 10 mg in Feb 2022. Started Feb 18. By Feb 24, the positive effects were very noticeable. Complete reduction of severity of anxiety. April 2022, anxiety is mostly eliminated, and what remains is minor and manageable using therapy techniques, so it lasts only a moment. I managed to attend a court matter related and stayed calm, focused, and functional with no anxiety, no racing heart, no sweating, no trembling. It changed everything for the better. Side effects: First 2 weeks only a mild headache at the back of the head, base of neck."

• 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."

• PJC...
• April 6, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I have had feelings of moodiness, irritability, snappiness, and slight depression since my children were born. I cast it aside for four years, thinking I was just nuts and hormonal. After talking to my OB/GYN about these issues on multiple visits, she suggested I try Celexa. I have been on 10 mg for one week. The first two days were the worst: headache, nausea, and diarrhea. I've also been slightly tired and have had a bit of insomnia. However, I've caught myself smiling all the time. My chest no longer feels tight. I'm enjoying and embracing motherhood, and feel moments of euphoria. I'm hoping my body adjusts accordingly to the medication within the next few months."

• Cha...
• February 1, 2016

Citalopram for Postpartum Depression "I have always struggled with depression, but after giving birth, my depression spiraled out of control. I was miserable every second of the day. My husband finally told me to make an appointment, or he would make it for me. I started off at 10 mg of Celexa and was moved up to 20 mg. It has completely turned my life around. I finally feel like I'm living again. I haven't had any side effects other than minor headaches."

• C G...
• September 5, 2009

Citalopram for Depression "I feel so much better since I started taking Celexa 2 weeks ago. I am 41 and was feeling very negative, tired all the time, and sad. I didn't want to interact with people. Now I feel like I did 15 years ago, it's great. I have more energy, I sleep less, and I am doing more things socially already. A few side effects were headache and eye pain, but they have almost completely gone away, and I am so glad I stuck with it."

• 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."

• Har...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2013

For Depression "The first few weeks were hell. Be warned, when you take this drug, you may (like me) feel worse. I was miserable, I was so sick I couldn't eat, and the headaches and insomnia were unbelievable. The depression seemed to be worse too. I pushed through it, and two months later I feel completely normal and strong again. Citalopram will make you the person you are supposed to be. I was always anti-antidepressants, and I am very fit and active, so don't judge yourself for taking them. I have not gained any weight. I think if you keep active and eat well, it shouldn't affect you that way. I have had a hard time lately through personal problems, but this drug is a lifesaver, and I am still happy and together despite everything I have had to deal with."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2012

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I took this medication for anxiety and stress for only 2 months. I really did not see any improvement, and the side effects were pretty bad: insomnia, nausea, headaches, felt like my nerve endings had little electrical surges, lethargic, night sweats, and zero sex drive."

• Bet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2015

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I just started taking 10 mg Celexa the evening of Jan 14, took another one at the same time the next night. The next morning, I was miserably sick. Nausea, more retching than vomiting, weak, headachey, all-over sick feeling... This was like (but this time much worse) the reaction I had when I started Prozac. The doctor agreed that my first bad reaction was to the Prozac, called yesterday, and said I won't take more Celexa. I am done with SSRIs. I am wondering if anyone else has had this same reaction..."

• Ped...
• April 2, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "16 years old. Therapist and I decided to turn to medication after 6 months in therapy had little effect. I was prescribed 10 mg citalopram, which we tapered up to from 5 mg. After only 2 days had passed on the 5 mg dose, it was already having positive effects; it stopped me from having a panic attack when I normally would have. It's been a week, and each passing day my anxiety is lessened, as well as some of the underlying depression. I have had side effects, though; slight headaches, nausea, some drowsiness (especially after taking a dose), and some of the worst heartburn ever. It's only been speedbumps in my normal day, though."

• New...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2019

For Depression "I’m on the second week of treatment, and I’ve had every side effect: increased nervousness, headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, strange thoughts. This is the third drug, as I am struggling to find the right drug that agrees with me. Will these side effects ever subside?"

• 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."

• 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."

• 29y...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "If you’re scared to start, read this. I suffer from crippling anxiety, to the point where I tried to take my life 6 days ago. I tried sertraline 50 mg 3 years ago, and the side effects were absolutely vile, it worsened my mental health at the time, so I stopped. Given this, I was TERRIFIED to try anything else, but given how I’ve been feeling, I went to my GP and was given citalopram 20 mg. I’m an advanced healthcare professional, so I decided to reduce to 10 mg as per the guidelines for panic disorder (as I knew my depression was due to my anxiety being so bad). I’m on day 4 now, and my perspective has changed. I was a little anxious on day 1, nauseous, headache, but that was it… It’s kind of unsettling because my brain has been wired for so many years, but it’s finally quiet. I can go for a walk alone in the dark and not be scared, I can go about my day without being crippled. I haven’t cried once since starting them, my appetite is slowly returning, and my sleep is good."

• Ell...
• October 11, 2015

For Depression "Citalopram changed my life. I was severely depressed, crying every day with a hugely negative outlook. After just a few days, I felt much more positive, less depressed, and barely cried. The only side effects for me were mild nausea and a headache after taking it the first few times, but eating something helps. Would definitely recommend citalopram!"

• Bex...
• June 10, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "The doctor gave me citalopram as I was having really bad anxiety attacks. The first 2-3 days were awful, I kept being sick, felt so tired, had a dry mouth, and had bad headaches. It is now just starting to work for me. I am on 10 mg. Got to give it time to work."

• Har...
• November 11, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "My life has been a disaster. Recently diagnosed with bipolar, spent most of my life aware of something wrong, but unaware of what it was and mostly unaware of how I affected others. Started citalopram a year ago and caught fleeting glances of my condition. Then figured out why my life has been such a bucket of poo, even though on paper I had accomplished a great deal. No matter what I did, where I went, the sick I was always there. Have tried other cures, but they didn't work as well as citalopram. Lithium helped some. Others left my mouth dry (very bad for the teeth), gave me headaches, and made my heart race. So here I am, having to cuddle with a dragon and a psychic one at that."

• cbu...
• January 11, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started this medication for depression, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder. I felt the benefits on day 2 of starting it, and now (10 days later) I think it has been a miracle for me! I feel genuinely happy, and things that used to cause me strong anxiety are rolling off my shoulder like they're nothing. I don't feel like it has changed who I am, but simply made me a better version of myself. I would give this Rx 10 stars, but I do experience some mild side effects occasionally: nausea, headache, pupil dilation, drowsiness, loss of appetite, teeth grinding. Also, I am on 20 mg but feel like it wears off in the afternoon. I am going to talk to the doctor about increasing the dosage."