Citalopram and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 15, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed 20 mg of citalopram by my doctor for anxiety caused by intrusive thoughts. In all honesty, the first time I took it, I felt absolutely worse, and I felt like I didn’t have any hope of feeling alive again because I had been so consumed by my anxiety that I couldn’t see any light anymore. I started on 20 mg, then went down to 10 mg because of rapid heart rates, shivers, and poor sleep. By the 4th day, I noticed a change in my mood, and my crying spells reduced, I no longer cry anymore. My body got used to the drug. If you’re taking citalopram, please have some patience, you will be okay! This drug has given me so much hope, and I’m grateful!"

• eil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2014

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I started Celexa a little over a week ago for Generalized Anxiety, thought to be associated with my Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Doctors are still reluctant to associate moods and stress affecting your stomach and bowels, but I am a firm believer (after living my whole life with anxiety and IBS) that there is a definite correlation. I am a 26-year-old female. I weigh 110 lbs. I was put on 10 mg and only took a half pill the first 6 days. Then I upped it to a whole pill. The initial 2 days, I had a migraine headache and insomnia at night and a restless/anxious feeling during the day. I would wake up in a panic with racing thoughts. Now it has gotten a bit better, but I don't think I've been on it long enough yet to experience definite anxiety help. Trying to stick with it!"

• Tha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2020

For Panic Disorder "You will get better. Before Christmas, I had a couple of panic attacks, which were horrible and scared me. Went to docs, was put on sertraline, which was a horrible, awful drug. Made me feel like I was cracking up and was so anxious about everything and not sleeping at all. Worst feeling I’ve had in my life, and I’m a 40-year-old male. So after a month, changed it to citalopram. Felt loads better, took 20 mg for a few months. Managed to go on holiday, got back, went up to 30 mg citalopram - game changer. Now feel great, citalopram has helped me so much get out of a scary place. Like I say, on the up now, been on holiday, new career. Enjoying life again. Thank you."

• Blo...
• October 8, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking citalopram 20 mg for just over 3 months now. I have GAD, and like many others, tried to battle through it for years only to end up an anxious mess all over again. I panicked getting buses, interacting socially, and had terrible debilitating fight or flight. I bit the bullet and went to my doctor in tears, feeling completely exhausted from it. I read these reviews the first week I took the 20 mg, and it helped with the highly increased anxiety and insomnia. Well, now 3 months later, I can get the bus without even thinking about it, I can laugh and interact without debilitating anxiety, and I haven’t had a panic attack in months. Night and day. My anxiety can still creep in, but it’s a 2 at the most instead of a 10, with much better thought processes. I’m looking forward to when this feeling feels normal. Give it months, not days or weeks, to work, as it’s still leveling out."

• HAp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 3, 2015

Citalopram for Depression "I've only been on it a week. I have had no major side effects... slight insomnia. Appetite is fine and no weight gain as of yet. It pulled me out of this dark hole I was in. I felt numb and cold to the world. I'm happy now and can't help but smile and enjoy my life and everyone in it. I truly hope this continues to work. It's been a life-saver. I hope this helps someone else."

• Str...
• July 21, 2016

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I have been on this medication for a week, after switching from Zoloft. My doctor started me on 20mg. I made the mistake of immediately going online to read reviews. Instead, my advice is to let the medication start to take effect. You will make yourself feel worse if you read the negative reviews. I can say that one week on this medication has turned out better than my previous medication. Everyone is different, so I think I found the one that works. Initially, you may have some insomnia, but it will pass once you start to feel more relaxed. I did have some tingly feelings in the hands, but that passed after day 4. I felt a head rush of sorts the first 5-6 days, where I felt high, but it too passed for me."

• 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."

• njn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2024

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "For a very long time, I have dealt with anxiety and intrusive thoughts but never been brave enough to speak up. Last Christmas, I was completely overwhelmed, and I didn't want to be here anymore. So, I finally spoke out. I am so glad I started this medication. After my 3rd child in lockdown, I found myself on sertraline, but due to a reaction, I had to stop taking them. So, I was very skeptical about starting citalopram. Hear me out... Week 1 was horrendous. I couldn't sleep, eat, or function. My thoughts were racing more than ever. I found myself checking the side effects constantly. I spoke with my GP, who said, 'Please ride this week out.' I was drenched in sweat every night, I would have to change the sheets. By day 8, the side effects completely stopped, and I continued to take 10mg. Around week 3, it kicked in, and now I'm 6 months in. Feeling great! Highly recommend."

• Anonymous
• August 24, 2015

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Started having panic attacks last June when I had a medical issue with my eye. My doctor prescribed me Celexa. I held onto the prescription for over 6 months as I was terrified of relying on a pill to help me and was scared of side effects. Finally, I couldn't take the anxiety anymore and started on 10mg. First few weeks I COULD NOT SLEEP, and my anxiety was worse. Had to take sleeping pills. But eventually, it got better, and now I feel great! It's been 6 months, and I've never increased my dosage. I still get anxious once in a while, but that is fine with me because I don't want to 'not feel anything' like some pills do to you! I know it's not for everyone, but I am glad I finally tried it!!"

• How...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 5, 2020

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I found it helpful. After about 2 weeks, my anxiety lessened, and now into the 4th week, appetite is better, mood better. Still not where I want to be, but overall I’m better. Still have trouble sleeping some nights. Also, my mind will race at times."

• Cat...
• February 11, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I would recommend Citalopram to anyone struggling with anxiety and depression. After a recent low patch, I was in a terrible state... Non-stop crying and waking up with a feeling of doom and panic every day. My body was so full of adrenaline and tension, it was awful, impossible to live with. When you start taking Citalopram, there are some nasty side effects for the first 2-3 weeks... Difficulty sleeping, feeling a bit sick, and very tense. But I have to stress that this does stop after a few weeks... And then you start feeling better. So much better. It is amazing how positive you will feel. I have more get-up-and-go and feel my sparkle coming back. I'm going to the gym regularly, weeks ago, I struggled to walk out the door. Stick with it!"

• kto...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2014

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have PURE obsessive-compulsive disorder, and I switched from Prozac after 13 years to citalopram. I started with 10 mg for 5 days, then 20 mg. At the beginning, I was having side effects like unable to sleep, but after 2 weeks, it kicked in, and I feel back to normal. It saved my life and a few obsessions, but I can control it. I would recommend this medicine."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 18, 2023

Citalopram for Depression "I wanted to leave a review for those struggling in the beginning days on Celexa/Citalopram. I had an A-fib episode in early January and was put on a beta blocker. Before this, I had no anxiety or depression, life was great. Soon after starting the beta blocker, I went into a depression and had much anxiety for no reason. I soon learned that beta blockers can cause both depression and anxiety. I weaned off the beta blocker with my cardiologist's permission but was still having the depression and anxiety. My primary care physician suggested Citalopram. The first 2 weeks were very difficult, to say the least. Fortunately, I was able to take those 2 weeks off of work because I could hardly get out of bed or off the couch. Increased anxiety and worsened depression, along with complete loss of appetite and insomnia. But I read a lot of the reviews, and everyone kept saying to give it time. I am now on day 30, and I feel like me again! Hoping those wanting to give up will give it time. It works!"

• Mik...
• November 11, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "Having suffered from anxiety for a while, I finally plucked up the courage and went to the doctor. I was skeptical at first, but citalopram has been such a fantastic thing. 4 months on, my anxiety has completely gone, I'm back to how I used to be a few years ago. No side effects except for the first week, I didn't sleep as well as I used to, but now I sleep better than ever. Whoever is reading this and is indecisive about taking citalopram, all I say is give it a go for a few months. The first 1-2 weeks, you won't have much difference, but it does get so much better. I don't know what I would have done without this."

• Boo...
• December 20, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "Began citalopram 10 mg 3 months ago. After the first 4 weeks, increased to 20 mg. Best decision I made. I had been experiencing intrusive negative thoughts causing high levels of anxiety, I was waking every night and unable to get back to sleep. The symptoms got worse, and I became suicidal. Some days I would be emotionally unstable for a few hours and then feel better later on. After months, I decided to go on citalopram. The first week, I was sleeping all through the day, concentration was limited, and I had no appetite. I didn't notice any improvement but continued. The dose was increased to 20 mg, and within a week, I noticed small changes. Gradually I began to feel like my normal self again. I'm happy, confident, and able to think clearly. I have gained a little weight, but if the medication is working, I don't care. I have had many other antidepressants over the years (last medicated 8 years ago), and none have worked as fast and been as effective. This medication has literally saved my life."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 17, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "PLEASE GIVE IT TIME. I experienced severe stress that ultimately led to anxiety for about 10 weeks, but I was reluctant to take Citalopram as I thought I could fight the condition just by being positive, taking beta blockers, and having CBT counseling. But I got to the point where I stopped sleeping, and the anxiety started to cripple me, making it more difficult to get out of the house and socialize with people. Not to mention all the physical symptoms like shivering, sweating, awful cramps in my stomach, and heart pounding. Been on 10mg first week, then 20mg. I'm on my third week. The first 10 days, I had some side effects like trembling, chest pain, fever-like symptoms, and increased anxiety, but the worst was insomnia - I could barely sleep 3 hours a night. Now sleep improves every night, I feel less and less anxious and more and more like myself again. Still attend counseling, and this helps a lot. Please give it a time, and please GIVE YOURSELF A TIME too. Take it steady day by day, one step at a time."

• Cra...
• November 27, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was put on the meds for depression. I have tried several types and had major issues with them all. My doctor tried these as a last resort, and I never want to stop taking them! They are amazing. I have always been a serious worrier, and since being on these, it has all stopped. Like I literally don't care about anything. But not in a warped personality void type way. Just in a calm, what is the point of stressing type of way. I literally don't care, and it feels great. I started to feel well and considered coming off them, but last week the doctor messed up my prescription, and I didn't have any for 5 days, and I was awake all night worrying about anything and everything, and it was awful. I now have my new prescription and will never be without them again. I will certainly never come off them... ever. For anyone feeling worried about starting them after previous reactions or after reading the reviews, please don't worry and give them a go. I was the same, and I'm glad I took a chance."

• Can...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 14, 2018

For Depression "Before I started this medication, I was in a deep hole, looking up with nowhere to go. No sleep. No motivation. No emotion. Like a walking shell. When it got so bad, I went to the doctor to help me, almost begging her. She prescribed me citalopram 20 mg. The side effects were uncomfortable, to say the least. Increased anxiety and lack of sleep. I also suffered from a spaced-out feeling and lack of appetite. This went on for a good 2-4 weeks. However, I was determined to see it through until the pills took effect (6 weeks). I'm glad I did. 9 months ago, I didn't see a way of getting clear of mental problems, but now I'm the opposite. I never thought I'd have my life back, but I'm smiling and laughing. This pill really is a miracle drug. I urge anyone to continue taking it, even if the side effects are horrendous. It will pass, and you'll be a different person. I'm so glad I'm on these. 100% recommend."

• ldd...
• July 15, 2013

Citalopram for Depression "25-year-old female. I started taking 10mg of Celexa after experiencing severe depression. I was having harmful thoughts, insomnia, and anxiety in all aspects of life. I finally succumbed to the fact that I needed to take medication because therapy, exercise, positive thoughts, and other outlets were not working. The first few weeks sucked. I had severe insomnia, couldn't eat, and felt ramped up and clenched my teeth when I did sleep. I never had the zombie experience though. But a few weeks later, the world seemed more clear and happy. Celexa did nothing for my anxiety, I had to add Klonopin, but it worked for my mood swings and depression. I would go on it again if I had to. Just remember everyone has different brain chemistry."

• Aur...
• February 13, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I was put on 10 mg to begin with, and I did suffer mild side effects. I had nausea and drowsiness for the first two days, and these stopped when I started taking the pill at night. However, when I took it at night, I had insomnia, a tight chest, and felt my heart pounding a lot. I was worried at first, but this passed after another couple of days. By day 5, I felt like my old self, no side effects, and when in a stressful situation, no symptoms of anxiety, which was great. I went up to 20 mg on day 9 and still felt great, with no side effects when upping the dose. Hope this helps those of you about to start Citalopram. Just stick with it, ride the first wave, and you will be fine :) x"

• Anonymous
• August 4, 2011

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "The first day on this kept me awake all night and gave me a strange feeling. Two weeks in and I feel terrific. No anxiety episodes at all. Give this medicine a few days to kick in then you will really feel the benefits."

• hhj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 1, 2016

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I've only been on this medication for 2 weeks, and I feel relief already from my OCD symptoms (Pure O). The intrusive thoughts are significantly less already. The only side effect I am having is poor sleep. I wake up frequently or feel half asleep all night. Finally, I slept for a full night last night. Lexapro did not work for me, so they decided to try Celexa instead, starting at 10 mg. I am much less anxious."

• Air...
• May 22, 2017

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I have been on generic Celexa for about two weeks now. I was searching for something to help me with deteriorating anxiety. I had no idea it would also make me less irrational and nicer. I don't get upset over everything now. I feel confident and myself again. Lots of side effects though. Currently have a hollow feeling at all times, very spaced out, memory loss, cannot orgasm, insomnia, unable to tell when I am hungry, and since I have upped my dose to 20 mg, I also clench my jaw often. For me, the good outweighs the bad though. I am just happy to not be feeling so manic nonstop."

• Dza...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 28, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "So, I've had GAD, panic disorder, and depression for most of my 47 years. I've been on citalopram for about 2 years. Before I went on it, I had too many phobias to name, social anxiety, health anxiety, anxiety about anxiety, church was so hard, tremors, brain fog, couldn't walk down the street without having anxiety because of people, cars, traffic, it was awful. I had muscle aches, depression, I would bawl all the time for no reason. Then I went on citalopram, started at 10 mg, currently on 40 mg. I barely have tremors. I do have insomnia pretty bad still. My health anxiety is great as long as I stay away from looking things up. My depression and most everything are so much better. I still deal with muscle aches, but it's much better than before, and when I exercise. I can work now, working out, trying to not pass out. Give it a shot."

• Jul...
• February 8, 2016

Citalopram for Depression "I have been taking citalopram since I'm 19 years old, after an acute life event. I started with 20 mg a day PO, which helped me for over 1 year. After 1 year, I felt that my depression was coming back, so I talked to my physician, and we increased the daily dose to 40 mg PO. I am now taking this medication for over 6 years, and for me, it's the one and only medication that helps. Yes, I have had some side effects like losing weight (15 pounds), trouble sleeping (5-6 hours) a day max, and insomnia. But still, I can finally start living my normal life, which I could not do without this medication. I work as an RN in an ED and see a lot of patients with depression, PTSD (like me) or other problems who don't take any medications, which I would not recommend."