Citalopram and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’m 42, had GAD and mild depression since I was a teenager. Finally had enough of “just coping” and decided to get citalopram. It’s only been a week, but my anxiety went away as soon as I had the first tablet. I’m taking 10 mg at nighttime. Side effects I’ve had so far are the sweats, especially my feet, insomnia, and loss of appetite. But oh my God, I can’t believe how fantastic I feel mentally. It’s surreal, it’s like I’m on a vacation from all the craziness that was in my mind. I feel fantastic, I can enjoy my loved ones so much more now, less anger, less worry. I feel energetic and like I can get on with things. I recommend this drug highly, the side effects are a bit annoying, but it’s only early days, so hopefully, they’ll subside. I’d be happy to take this for the rest of my life, I really wish I’d done this sooner."

• MRS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2023

For Anxiety and Stress "I started taking Cit 20mg 5 weeks ago for debilitating anxiety, health anxiety, and awful panic attacks. I’ve been this way for 20 years. I would barely leave the house, certainly couldn’t do a weekly shop or go out without a panic attack. The first 2 weeks on meds were the worst: heightened anxiety, tremors, no appetite, bad stomach, difficulty sleeping. I would wake with this horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach, and it would start all over again. Week 3 - I had one good day that ended with a panic attack. Felt I had gone backwards. Would this nightmare end! YES is the answer. Week 5 - now I’m starting to see me again. I’m also doing CBT. These tablets do work. The side effects for me have been awful, and YOU will feel better. YOU have to give it TIME and be KIND to yourself. I have been pushing myself daily: gym, mindfulness, and chatting with friends and family. Best of luck x"

• Rac...
• June 10, 2015

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I'm on my third day of Celexa! I have experienced a few side effects such as trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, tightened jaw and grinding my teeth, as well as loss of appetite and feeling as though I might be on cheap MDMA. I do feel as though it is helping with my anxiety because I already feel less stressed, and I feel happier than I felt before. I do feel a bit paranoid though, because I read many reviews of people gaining weight, so I'm trying to eat as healthy as possible."

• Rac...
• June 10, 2015

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I'm on my third day of Celexa! I have experienced a few side effects such as trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, tightened jaw and grinding my teeth, as well as loss of appetite and feeling as though I might be on cheap MDMA. I do feel as though it is helping with my anxiety because I already feel less stressed, and I feel happier than I felt before. I do feel a bit paranoid though, because I read many reviews of people gaining weight, so I'm trying to eat as healthy as possible."

• But...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started having panic attacks in March of 2019. I started Celexa in April. The first couple of weeks consisted of insomnia, nausea, burning of my arms, anxiety, and I lost about 20 lbs. I was scared to leave my house. After about a month or so, I became better. I was able to leave the house, my appetite was better, and also my mood. I've been taking 20 mg. I increased to 30 mg and then I went back to 20 mg. I'm now breaking the pill in half and taking half in the morning and half at night along with Atarax 10 mg for anxiety. Overall, I'm 80% better. Give the medicine a shot. Everyone's body is different. It will definitely stop the panic attacks. Good luck and God bless!"

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2015

For Depression "While I have always had a tendency toward low moods, I had my first bout of real depression at the start of this summer. Until then, I didn't know what depression was and how utterly hopeless and cruel an illness it is. I honestly longed for death every day. I had been suffering with it to varying degrees for a few months when, after a week of not being able to get out of bed to go to work, I finally went to the doctor (with my mother's encouragement) 3 weeks ago and was put on citalopram. I can honestly say that it has been and is, at the moment, a real lifesaver for me. It doesn't make me 'happy' (nor do I care-anyone with depression will know you'll settle for not being depressed). What it does is take away the desperation and, as others have said, helps me to cope. It makes me want to do things to improve my mood and gives me the ability to get out of bed in the morning. It just makes me feel a bit more like my old self. Regarding side effects, I have put on weight on it, but I had lost so much while depressed I think I'm just putting my old weight back on, as I now have an appetite again. The worst side effect for me is sleeping-for the first week, I had dreadful insomnia, and I am still waking up around 4 every night. The side effects are small fry compared to the difference it's made. It's by no means perfect, but it's got me on the road to recovery and given me the ability to do CBT, meditation, and just look after myself and actually enjoy life again. I hope anyone reading this for depression gets help in some way or another for this awful illness. Remember-it won't rain forever. X"

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "I was very hesitant to start this medication after suffering from debilitating health anxiety. I am 56 years old and have suffered most of my life with some form of anxiety and stress. The first 3 weeks were very bad - the side effects were actually more anxiety, insomnia, sweating, and just feeling awful, but around 3 1/2 weeks in - all of a sudden I was sleeping better and feeling so much better overall, and the anxiety has really settled down. I have read most of the reviews, and I have to say what many others are saying - stick it out - after a certain amount of time it really does improve a lot! I am grateful for this medication so far - it's been 4 weeks tomorrow so far."

• mad...
• December 10, 2015

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "One day out of the blue, I started experiencing extreme anxiety and panic attacks. I would wake up in the middle of the night shaking and sweating. I couldn't eat, sleep, or socialize with my friends. I was scared at first but finally decided to try Celexa. Initially, the side effects sucked: insomnia, increased anxiety, and a weird fuzzy head feeling. I switched to taking it in the morning, and that helped with the insomnia. I also slowly titrated by 5 mg up to my recommended dose, which lessened the side effects. All in all, I'm very happy with the results. I rarely get anxious anymore. For those of you just getting on to it, give it time."

• Ple...
• January 28, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "Ok, please read this if starting out on citalopram and worried. I have bad OCD and anxiety. I started taking citalopram in October, started off on 10 mg. I won't lie and say side effects are easy, but it DOES get easier and they DO go away, but it does take time. Stick with it, queasiness, lucid dreams, no sleep, hands burning up, felt spaced out a bit. I was going to give up after a week, but they did subside after a couple of weeks, and your body gets used to them, so stick in there. Eat before taking them, bananas I found easy to eat when side effects took my hunger. If you have to up dose, I bought a pill cutter and went up 2.5 mg at a time, so now on 20 mg and getting there. Please keep at it and good luck to all x."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2018

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Celexa for almost two months now. I was wary about starting this medication because of the reviews. The initial side effects are rough. I couldn’t sleep, eat, or talk to anyone, really. I had very bad twitching and heightened anxiety. About two weeks after starting it, I finally noticed a difference. Two months later, (now) I am very happy and don’t have much anxiety. Keep in mind it has to get worse to get better (starting the medication)."

• Jin...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 25, 2021

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have harm OCD and only developed it recently. Citalopram helps to numb it, but gives me side effects such as insomnia and, weirdly, the inability to orgasm easily. But to be fair, both are slight when compared to worrying I'm going to be of harm to the people I care about. Worth a try."

• Jam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2019

For Depression "I haven't taken any antidepressants for the last 8 months. I have anxiety issues that came from my mom's side with going anywhere alone, worrying, and just little things that are affecting my personal relationship (being overdramatic and sensitive). Also, I haven't had motivation or energy to do anything. I've been in bed, been told to do exercise, and do things and help around the house. I just haven't been able to bring myself to it. Since citalopram, I've started with 10 mg, and I didn't think it was working for the first few days. As my body adjusted to the chemicals, I've been up and about more often. I haven't been sleeping as much as I have (10+ hours), and I've been excited to clean and organize things around the house. Not only that, getting outside of the house to do errands and going shopping by myself was like nothing! My sister takes the medication with 20 mg, and she loves it. It's hard getting over and working with anxiety and depression without the medication."

• Bec...
• March 9, 2020

For Panic Disorder "2020, and my anxiety and panic are back with a vengeance! Think this was down to being told that I had high blood pressure at a fitness assessment. My anxiety has always been triggered by ill health, anything I can control about my body or health. So anyway, back to the docs I go, he’s put me back on Citalopram 20 mg. I’ve been taking one every morning, and I’m on day 7. My anxiety and panic seem high, I’m not sleeping great, and when I do, I wake up covered in sweat! My hands and feet feel constantly clammy. I have had very loose bowel movements, a loss of appetite, and a terrible dry mouth. And I have an awful feeling in my chest, like fuzzy and tingling, followed by heart flutters. After reading all the reviews on here, I am going to soldier on with the meds and give them another few weeks to work, as I know that the last time I took them, they worked wonders for me. Fingers crossed this all comes right."

• Lro...
• February 23, 2020

For Panic Disorder "I had been taking beta blockers for three years, trying to push through panic attacks, OCD, and anxiety. The beta blockers stopped helping, and my anxiety reached a new horrible level. My doctor prescribed citalopram, and I was petrified. I was convinced I would have all the side effects. Weeks of not having the courage to take the tablets, my doctor prescribed a short course of diazepam to take alongside the tablets. I am on 10 mg. For the first week, I split the tablets in half to 5 mg. Once I had started to take the correct dose, I had no side effects apart from not being able to sleep for the first three weeks. I have only had a positive experience with this drug, sometimes I have anxious days, but mostly they are good. It’s been three months now, and I am so happy that I’ve stuck to the drug, and I wish I had started them sooner."

• Sam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 20, 2014

For Depression "I feel amazing. I was an absolute wreck, unreasonable. Paranoid, emotional, moody. My boyfriend was at his wit's end, so I went to the doctor's and was told I was depressed! I was so shocked, but it all made sense. I have been prescribed 20 mg of citalopram, and I feel the effects already. I feel a bit nauseous about 2 hours after taking the tablet, and my sleep is affected, but otherwise I no longer get overwhelmed, I don't feel paranoid, and I don't feel at rock bottom at every little thing. I am feeling so positive, and my boyfriend is so happy to have the old me back. Taking this medicine has made me realize just how bad I was."

• Anx...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "I've been on 10 mg for almost 2 weeks. I can tell a difference already! I have to take mine as soon as I get up in the morning to prevent slight insomnia, and it gives me a pep during the day. It has calmed down my anxiety and panic attacks. I was having particular nightmares when sleeping, and now I just wake with a calm state, so I know absolutely that citalopram has calmed down the panic. I'm happier and more outgoing. I know that I'll probably have to get to the standard dose of 20 mg to be the sweet spot, but it has worked wonders, and I'm so glad I overcame the fear of starting the medication! No other medication worked as well as this one!!!"

• 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."

• cry...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 28, 2015

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "This medication is truly a double-edged sword. This is only my personal experience with this drug. I liked it but won't be recommending it due to sexual and other side effects. The positive: It works like a dream...as far as mood, it will make you extremely mellow and easygoing. The negative: It will make you shake-tremors. You will still have somewhat of a sex drive but it's impossible to achieve an orgasm. Weight gain, stomach cramps, restless, and trouble sleeping."

• cha...
• January 2, 2016

Citalopram for Depression "I have had a lifelong struggle with depression. I had a precious baby 4 months ago and began to struggle with postpartum depression. I thought if I lost the baby weight, I'd feel better. I got put on phentermine, which sent me into a downward spiral and the worst depression of my life! I went to the doctor 6 days after starting phentermine, and he took me off of phen and put me on Celexa 10 mg. Within 2-3 days, I felt so much better! My husband and I were arguing every other day before treatment, and we haven't had a single disagreement since I started 3 weeks ago. We are both so happy with my results. My side effects have been not being able to sleep, and I'm always hungry. So far I haven't had weight gain, but I've really had to have self-control."

• tha...
• July 21, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "This medication has saved my life! I have always been a Type A person, a worrywart. However, as I approached my 40s, I started having major anxiety attacks that left me feeling like I was going crazy. I was scared to death that I would never find relief and was terrified about taking pills, so I chose to go the natural route with herbs, meditation, exercise, and diet. Those things helped, but my anxiety was still out of control, so I finally went to see a psych who prescribed Citalopram. The first 6 weeks were HELL with major increased anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite. My doc prescribed Ativan to help while the Citalopram started working, but I was afraid to take them (stupid!). After 6 weeks (30 mg), life was wonderful. I'll never go off."

• Emi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 2, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "At the beginning of August, I had a really bad panic attack to the point where I called the ambulance on myself. Every day after this panic attack, I started dealing with nonstop anxiety attacks and terrible insomnia. I couldn’t sleep more than 45 minutes without waking up and having an anxiety attack. I thought my life was over. All I thought about was my anxiety, and the next time I would have a panic attack. I was fully consumed by my anxious thoughts. I went to the hospital three more times in the span of two weeks because I couldn’t deal with my own thoughts anymore. My doctor prescribed me citalopram at the beginning of August. After about three weeks, it kicked in, and my life has been amazing ever since. No more panic attacks, no more anxiety, and no more insomnia. I can sleep through the night, and if I do wake up, I’m able to just go back to sleep. No more thoughts consuming me and no more worrying. Citalopram changed my life."

• 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!"

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2019

For Panic Disorder "After developing a pretty severe anxiety/panic disorder after a bad panic attack, my GP recommended I try citalopram + therapy to get back on track. I had tried buspirone, CBD, and regular CBT with mixed results. The first 2-3 weeks of citalopram were awful. Anxiety attacks were way worse, sweating from hands, insomnia, lost 15 lbs, had to stay home from work. Around the middle of week 3, I started to notice a slight improvement during certain times of the day. By week 4, I had gone from slightly agoraphobic to being able to get through an airport and onto a plane. I do feel a little bit zombie-like sometimes and still get bouts of dizziness, but overall, after 4 weeks, I feel like I went from a 0 to about an 8. Hopefully, it continues to improve-just stick with it for at least 3-5 weeks."