Citalopram and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Anonymous
• December 13, 2010

Citalopram for Depression "This medicine is not for me. I only took it for three nights, and I started throwing up, seeing things that were not there. I have a huge headache, felt like I was hit by a truck. Have been getting cold sweats and just felt like I was going to die. My heart rate jumped up to 175, and I normally run at 86ish. I have not been able to eat, and I sleep but not like I used to. I am asleep but I hear everything. This medicine is not for me. I hope other people have better luck."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2021

For Depression "I started taking 20 mg citalopram yesterday for depression caused by long Covid, and all day today have felt severe pressure around and behind my eyes. It is causing a headache, which I never suffer from usually. My vision has also been affected. I'm too scared to take any more, I'll need to speak to my GP about trying something else."

• Vin...
• August 30, 2011

Citalopram for Depression "I've been on 10 mg Celexa for over 11 weeks. Started on 10 mg for a week, then 20 mg for a week. Side effects on 20 mg: headaches, confusion, constipation. Now on 10 mg for the balance of the Celexa experience. I weigh 162 (lost 5 lbs.) and am 71 yrs. I stopped alcohol (2-3 oz. per night, 7 days a week), which may have caused some side effects with the 20 mg and not the cause of Celexa. I still have some headaches, constipation, and that's it on side effects. My depression (clinically defined as down, sleep 10 hrs., not much interest in life, more) has lifted. I may continue to use Celexa and no alcohol for life, as I have been depressed numerous times. I was the primary health caretaker for my chronically ill wife for 11 yrs. She died 12-10-10."

• Nic...
• May 10, 2016

For Depression "I was very depressed after experiencing the loss of two family members within 2 weeks. Started citalopram 10 mg once a day for a week, then went to 20 mg once a day. The first week, there was no change in me. The second week was much better. I was always a quiet, non-talkative person, but now I speak a lot more and am more sociable (which I don't really care to be), but considering the alternative... This drug definitely helped with the depression. I've only been on it a little over 3 weeks now. I did experience side effects such as headaches, not being able to fall asleep, and I'm very jumpy... a small noise or whatever will startle me. But I'll gladly put up with those for the relief this drug has given me."

• Gir...
• January 15, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "Had to come off Citalopram. Psychologically, it helped and took away the feeling of being overwhelmed. However, the side effects were not getting any better. Sore, tingling back of head, jaw pain when chewing, rapid heartbeat, sweaty hands, headaches, no appetite.... It is a no from me."

• Djc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2018

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I never leave feedback, but this was the most horrible feeling I have ever felt in my life. I couldn't sleep from 1 dose. Was wide awake for 3 days straight. Had a ton of energy, but it made me feel crazy. Upset stomach, nausea, headache, jitters, jaw clenching the entire time and the list keeps going. Then when the medicine was coming out of my system, I couldn't stop crying. It's horrible... For me anyways. I'm kinda scared to try another antidepressant. Are they all like this?"

• Anonymous
• August 17, 2021

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I started taking this medication at 10 mg at the end of May. It’s now mid-August, and I will admit it took a while to work. The first couple of days, my side effects were enhanced anxiety, could not sleep, early awakening, fast heartbeat, and headache, but it all went away after the first week. Before taking citalopram, I would have breakdowns out of nowhere, intrusive thoughts, and panic attacks. I tried everything before trying medication because I was definitely hesitant, but I’m really glad I tried it. It’s now been over two months, and I feel a lot better. I don’t worry about having to leave a situation because of a breakdown anymore, and I get less panic and can brush off intrusive thoughts. Obviously, there’s no magic pill, so I still get anxiety, and I still have bad days (especially around the time of my period), but citalopram has helped a lot, and my family and friends have noticed. It’s really nice not to be crying all the time, lol."

• Ric...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2020

For Depression "Started taking citalopram 2 weeks ago, and I am having loads of side effects. Loss of appetite, even bigger than when I wasn't taking anything, insomnia, severe itching, headaches, and this last night, vivid dreams where I woke up crying and trying to fight something, like I was sleepwalking. Hope these side effects eventually subside."

• Not...
• September 27, 2017

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Worst experience of my life on this drug. Extreme insomnia, even taking an Ambien would not get me to sleep. If I did get a little sleep, it was not restful, felt awake. Could not remember what happened 5 minutes ago. Short-term memory gone. Could not eat, I would try, but could barely swallow, and food would fall out of my mouth, especially carbs like bread. Major muscle twitching, extreme sweating, especially in inappropriate places like my groin, so then I had even more anxiety feeling like I looked like I wet my pants. Headaches. This happened on a low dose taking it 3-4 weeks. Once stopping Celexa, it took me 3-4 months to feel normal again, however, I also feel this drug did some permanent damage to my brain."

• Anonymous
• June 9, 2012

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I started taking Celexa to help with anxiety and panic attacks. It helped with the panic attacks and made me feel numb as far as emotions. I had to change because I would have to take a nap every day that sometimes would last 2-3 hours. I also began sleeping very late in the day, which is unusual for me. The pill would cause me to have annoying headaches. Also, the first few weeks on it, my appetite was suppressed."

• HHi...
• August 18, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on citalopram for about 8 months. I was having severe migraines due to anxiety and had no prior diagnosis. It was all new to me, but it made sense. My doctor started me on citalopram by prescribing 20 mg, but cutting them and taking half for about a week. At first, my head felt fuzzy, but I can honestly say this medication has helped me return to my normal self. I'm usually skeptical of taking prescriptions, but my husband even said that I was my normal self again. The only side effect I've outright experienced that I'm aware of is if I forget to take it for a day or 2, I get terrible headaches. It makes me nervous that my body now relies on it and starts to go through withdrawal if I don't have it. However, it has truly helped!"

• Its...
• September 14, 2011

Citalopram for Depression "I just started taking Celexa 1 week ago. I've been a depressed, sad, sorry person for over 15 years. For some unexplained reason, I was always so low. I began hitting myself around the age of 7 and would give myself nosebleeds. I'm now 28, and my self-inflictions are numerous places on my body, and my flesh will hang off my muscle. In the 4 times I have been taken to the E.R., not one doctor or hospital therapist has said or done anything to help me understand why. Finally, 1 week ago in the E.R., the physician put me on 20 mg Celexa. I felt really weird the first day. I have a loss of appetite, minor headache. NO ANXIETY. Still feel low, but I'm set an appointment for therapy. WONDERFUL FEELING! The world is different and not so ugly. I am tired though."

• Sun...
• June 15, 2017

For Depression "In January, I could feel a depressive episode. I have been on 10 mg before. I decided to go back on it. Last time I took it, I had no side effects at all, so I thought it would be easy to get back on it. I was wrong! Started on 10 mg. After a few weeks, I was so ill I lost 7 lbs, vomited, had the runs for 8 weeks, headaches, no sleep, cried each day, could not get out of bed. Thought my life was over. The thing is, I've been through this before. I knew it must be the drug making me feel like this. Went to 20, then 30, but felt worse, so I tried coming off it. As I came down to 10 mg, it kicked in at week 11! I am so happy I persisted. I went through hell, but it has transformed my life once again. I feel alive! Persist for at least 3 months before you give up!"

• ukp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 30, 2017

For Depression "I have read quite a few reviews here and am pleased with the great advice and positive feedback on citalopram. But I wanted to document my own experience on 20 mg. I'm only on day 4. I've had quite a few side effects, but reading here, I'm reassured that's normal. I noticed side effects within about 4 hours of taking the first tablet: Constant: brain fog, tinnitus; Occasional: headache, nausea, sweating, and shooting anxiety; Rarely: brain zaps, minor twitching of muscles. Generally, anxiety is slightly up. If I hadn't read other people's experiences of staying with this drug for a few weeks, I may have gone back to the GP and asked for a different AD as the side effects took me by surprise. I just hope these will subside and I get some positive benefits."

• Hpp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "It's great if you want to be a fat slob who never leaves the house. I had some things that happened in my life which really screwed me up and sent me into a tailspin. The doctor recommended I start an antidepressant, and Celexa was suggested. Yes, it worked for my depression (it did make me sort of dopey-happy), but there were a ton of side effects that ruined it: yawning all the time, headaches, severe lack of libido, sleep problems, increased appetite. The worst part was the anxiety. Before, I'd be anxious some of the time, but going to work or the store or the bank was no problem. Now, I have to work up the courage just to leave the house. Not only that, but I have zero motivation to work out or do anything physical, to dress well and all of that, and it increases my appetite. I'm tapering off it and will quit taking it within a couple of weeks."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2022

For Hot Flashes "This is my first time taking an antidepressant and was prescribed citalopram for hot flashes. I have been taking 20 mg for a month now, and it has worked 95% reducing my hot flashes. Also, I had every side effect: nausea, headache, loss of appetite, and tremors, but after 2 weeks, the side effects disappeared, now I have no side effects. I highly recommend this medication, but it takes 4 to 8 weeks to really work effectively. Give it time!"

• Bri...
• January 10, 2015

For Postpartum Depression "After I had my child, I soon started to cry, be angry all the time, felt bored of life, nothing excited me. So I was suggested to take citalopram. It started to work within 3 weeks. I only got headaches and a little bit of diarrhea. Then I finally felt like there was light at the end of the tunnel, my anxiety and panic attacks also went away. Nearly a year I have decided I want another child, so I am slowly (with doctors' permission) coming off. So far, a little cloudy some days, but so far so good. Trying to stay positive. Depression can be fixed with the right treatment, speak up."

• Baj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 15, 2015

For Panic Disorder "Only been on it for a week, and I'm feeling awful. I know I need to give it time, but the panic attacks are worse. I'm having to take Ativan so I can calm down. This morning, I woke up and had that all-over feeling with sweats, rapid heartbeat. I know blood pressure was elevated. I'm feeling so defeated. Head still hurts. Having all the attacks again that put me in the ER four times. I love reading others' comments and hearing it gets worse before better. Thanks for the feedback."

• Dam...
• July 4, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Was okay while I was on citalopram, except for the headaches, grogginess, and feeling of pressure in my eyes. But then I started getting personality changes and could never really concentrate on my college work. They never actually helped my depression or anxiety (in fact, I think my anxiety was worse), but I really didn't know any better and was distracted with college to realize at the time. As soon as I came off them, though (in 3 months, which was recommended), everything went to hell. I now have progressive neuropathy, tinnitus, IBS, PGAD, and bladder problems. Not to mention how much WORSE I feel mentally and emotionally than I did originally. I'm now in such a dark place and go into catatonic states mostly because of how bad the pain gets. Withdrawing can be so dangerous, and surprisingly it is extremely common to cause permanent damage! I recommend looking into very slow tapering on websites like survivingantidepressants if you want to withdraw."

• Anonymous
• April 16, 2018

For Panic Disorder "I have been taking Celexa for three weeks. I did have side effects such as some nausea, decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, fuzzy-headedness, drowsiness, and a small headache. These side effects got better each day. After a week of being on a 10 mg dose, the side effects were very minimal. Then I increased to 20 mg, and the side effects started over again and got better after a week. I am not 100% yet, but I am far from where I came from. Looking forward to each passing week as I know it will keep getting better. I was afraid to take this medication. It sat in my cabinet for a few months until I couldn’t stand myself anymore. I took a Klonopin with my first dose, and it helped a lot. Then I took a Klonopin when I increased my dose to 20. Have not had any Klonopin other than those two days. The Celexa does a great job at abating the anxiety, and my only regret is not starting it sooner. Didn’t rate it a 10 because it makes me super tired. Each day that feeling lifts a little more."

• KCT...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2022

For Hot Flashes "I’m 48, peri-menopausal, and was waking up every half hour at night with hot flashes and having a number of intense ones throughout the day. My OB-GYN recommended Celexa. I started with 10 mg for about a week and then went to 20 mg. The nighttime hot flashes stopped almost immediately, and I started having great quality sleep, and then after about 4 weeks, the daytime hot flashes stopped completely! I had some headaches and a little bit of dizziness when I started, but nothing bad, and it didn’t last long at all. Great option for me, particularly since I can’t use hormone-based treatments because of family history."

• mil...
• September 19, 2009

Citalopram for Depression "Was put on Lexapro in May 2005 after having lost my husband in October 2004. Worked great for me, headaches at first then those tapered off after about 2 weeks. Found a job which took my mind off of my grief in December 05, so weaned off of Lexapro then stopped altogether. In June 08 lost my job, the depression came back eventually and finally went back to my doctor and was put back on Lexapro in April 09 with samples from my doctor. This worked after about 4 weeks, I was feeling more like myself and less crying. Then went to fill my prescription and my insurance company denied it. My doctor prescribed Celexa. Only took it for two nights, and have had shakiness both mornings. Hoping this will subside. Have had several bouts of crying spells."

• Anonymous
• November 11, 2009

For Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed citalopram (Celexa) about 2 years ago for panic/anxiety attacks. A panic attack is the worst feeling in the world, and I have no idea as to what brought it on. If I happen to miss a dose or two, I tend to get a headache. Other than that...no major side effects. It has helped tremendously."

• May...
• December 17, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on citalopram for 2-3 months now. My anxiety became so severe after a hard breakup I sometimes couldn't leave my house to go to work. My chest felt like I was under cement, and just the thought of leaving the house or even existing made me unable to breathe. I was prescribed citalopram, and within two weeks, I started to feel like a normal person. I was happy to go outside, to go to work, to talk to people. I could smile and had no anxiety at all. Zero. None. It was like magic. The only side effect I had was a barely noticeable headache for the first two weeks. Now, I only feel anxious when something that should cause me anxiety happens, like a fight with a friend. It has helped my anger as well. I feel relaxed at all times."

• Dor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I’ve been on 10 mg of citalopram for a few years, no real side effects apart from a tickle of a cough now and again. My depression and anxiety got quite bad recently, so my doctor increased me to 20 mg, which seemed to do great for a week. Then I guess the medication really started to kick in, as I’ve been coughing constantly, a dry tickle cough which gives me real bad headaches, and also I have been sweating real bad (never one to normally sweat this bad). Can’t sleep, although I’m tired, and my appetite seems to have vanished, which isn’t good for a type 1 diabetic. Will be going back to my GP Monday morning to change these, as I cannot live with feeling like this, just feel dreadful."