Citalopram and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Em9...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2016

Citalopram for Depression "I'm 18 and on my third day of Celexa. I've had depression for 3+ years now and have gone unmedicated. I finally agreed to try Celexa 30 mg and 0.25 mg of Xanax. Changing my life and cannot wait for even more improvement. Only issues so far are some insomnia and constant yawning, but it's a small price to pay!"

• Viv...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 9, 2018

For Panic Disorder "My panic attacks started in early 2017. Back in my country, a doctor gave me 10 medicines a day but no relief. Then I had to move to the UK. As I was not feeling well, I consulted a doctor here in GP, and she gave me two medicines (Propranolol and Citalopram) and stopped the others. The first 4 weeks were horrible, and I started looking into reviews on this website and got some confidence. My condition was very bad for the first 8 months, I thought of giving it up and stopping taking it, but I also read the side effects of going off the medicine. I consulted my doctor, and she increased citalopram from 20 mg to 30 mg, again, I had side effects for 2 weeks, insomnia, peaked anxiety, etc. The only thing that keeps me taking this medicine is the feedback here on the site, many people advised to 'be there and don't give up on this medicine,' and I promised that time if I ever recovered because of this medicine, I would come back and write an honest review. I hope you all get to where I am now, it is all worth it, and there is light at the end of the tunnel. Stay blessed, stay positive, and love all."

• Ano...
• July 25, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I am a 64-year-old woman. I had suffered depression and anxiety for many years, especially since an early hysterectomy. I dealt with it and functioned. A smiling depressive. I needed to have a firm talk to myself to force me to socialize with colleagues who never knew the struggle. I could become an emotional wreck when alone over a TV advert. I started citalopram. In the beginning, bizarre, unpleasant dreams were disturbing. But they settled. Things have definitely improved. I still suffer from anxiety, fatigue, and insomnia. However, that overwhelming feeling of hopelessness, of waiting for God, as it were, has left me. I can take pleasure out of things without wanting to cry. Life has certainly improved since commencing the drug."

• 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."

• Lam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 20, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "I was put on 10 mg citalopram. I felt not too bad the first week, but as the tablet built up, I felt much worse. I felt so agitated. After nine days, I reduced to 5 mg. I started with extreme panic attacks, severe agitation, insomnia, diarrhea, sickness, and anxiety-almost suicidal. My doctor told me to reduce immediately to 2.5 mg, and after about a week, come off it. He gave me the odd 2 mg of diazepam for two weeks in case I could not cope with the effects. He told me that citalopram can sometimes have an adverse effect. I had given the drug five weeks, and I was getting worse by the day. Has anyone else suffered like I did."

• Gam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2022

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I’m on 10 mg. It’s been 10 days, and my anxiety is already more controllable. I feel anxious but have not had a SINGLE panic attack since starting this. I have had horrible side effects though: insomnia, increased anxiety, upset stomach, and depersonalization. If you are wanting to get off this or scared to take it for side effects, push through. It’s barely been a week, and it’s already helping. I feel like this will save my life once it kicks in full force and the side effects are gone."

• mis...
• August 6, 2011

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed Celexa due to anxiety, stress, and depression. I initially went to the doctor for insomnia. Went through that for 7-10 weeks. Because I was not sleeping, I started getting panic attacks at night. The doctor prescribed Ativan for the anxiety and Ambien at night. The Ambien didn't work. So I found myself taking the Ativan only at night, which seemed to help a little bit. One night I experienced a horrific panic attack after taking the Ativan. I suddenly started crying and just started feeling miserable. I came to realize that I am deeply depressed and I need help. Long story short, went to the doctor, and after 10 days of being on Celexa, I truly feel better and I am averaging 6-7 hours of sleep whereas 11 days ago it was only 3-4 hours."

• Anonymous
• December 7, 2010

Citalopram for Panic Disorder "I was in a really bad spot with the constant anxiety and panic attacks. It was affecting every aspect of my life negatively. At first, I slept a lot, which wasn't necessarily bad since I hadn't been sleeping anyway. Sex was a little off, but at least I feel a lot better and don't feel like I could jump out of my skin 24 hours a day. I hate that I have to take something, but it's much better than the alternative!"

• Joh...
• November 22, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I'm 23 years old and completely normal. I suffer from anxiety, which started making me feel very down in the dumps (depressed). I started on 10 mg 2 months ago and now feel great, a lot more calm and back to my outgoing self. I suffered from some of the side effects for the first month, such as insomnia and dizziness, and my symptoms did worsen at first, but stick with it, it does calm down in the end."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2013

For Depression "(Female, 23) The side effects are awful, but go away. I experienced nausea and insomnia, weight gain, libido death, and difficulty achieving orgasm. The nausea and insomnia went away in 1.5-2 weeks, but the nausea almost made me stop taking the medication. Glad I didn't, though! All side effects were gone by week 8. Be patient! This medication has worked wonders. I feel motivated and excited about my future, and I don't run away from my problems. As a side note, I may have experienced weight gain because I was not eating regularly before I began taking it. The weight gain wasn't drastic, though, I just look healthy and I've lost my sallow complexion. Overall, the adjustment period can be brutal, but it is well worth it. Good luck!"

• Ren...
• July 16, 2019

For Depression "I was very depressed about 4 years ago due to family matters and decided to see my doctor, who prescribed citalopram. It has helped me immensely, I still take 20 mg a day. I have started taking it in the morning, as I was having trouble sleeping. Do not think I will be in a hurry to stop, may get down to 10 mg. Best decision I made. You have to be aware it can take up to 6 weeks before you really start feeling like you are once again in control."

• 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."

• Alo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I started Celexa mostly for generalized anxiety and panic attacks. I started on 10 mg and felt better immediately. The first couple of days, I experienced some euphoria and diarrhea, but that went away quickly. I also had insomnia for the first month or so. I've slowly increased my dose, and now, after about 4 months, I take 40 mg daily. This medication has changed my life. I no longer worry about silly things or get upset over nothing. My anger is better, my back pain has improved, and my focus and concentration have improved. However, since increasing to the 40 mg, I feel much more tired on my days off, with little energy. I'm hoping this eventually wears off."

• vha...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 8, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "With any psych med, always use the lowest effective dose. If your doctor starts you on 5 or 10 mg and you already feel better, just stay there. Less is more. SSRIs mess with your sleep architecture, and the long-term sleep deprivation will make you gradually more depressed and tired, and you might not realize it's the citalopram because it's making you too tired and stupid to figure it out. I gradually increased the dose until I was on 40 mg for 2 years, and my life fell apart. Most people do not do well on 40 mg, and I'm angry that my doctor portrayed it as a moderate dose. Anything above 20 mg made me too tired to function without loads of caffeine. Doctors, please be more conservative in your dosing."

• Ter...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2019

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Had a pretty bad panic attack, and the MD suggested I take Zoloft. Stayed on that 5 days at 25 mg and felt insane, out-of-body-like, and had awful thoughts, which I never had in my life. Then the doctor started me on 10 mg of Celexa, and it made me go manic. Doctor suggested I drop the dose to 5 mg, stayed on that for three weeks, had suicidal thoughts, manic episodes, restlessness, and the constant feeling of wanting to move, and really bad insomnia. Doctor said I had akinesia. I'm off all medications now, this is going into my second week, and I feel much better. My suggestion, if you have panic attacks, ask for benzos first, also ask your MD if possible for a gene test. Then ask them to rule out bipolar or bipolar spectrum disorders. Some people cannot handle SSRIs."

• GBM...
• December 12, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "Had a few wobbly weeks on this to start (spacey, insomnia, etc.). I think I may have been in trouble with depression/anxiety (for longer than I'd admit to), but the fact I gladly accepted the side effects (with a view to long-term benefit) probably showed where I was. Ironically, I'm a psychologist (who should know better), but working full-time with two babies, I don't think I appreciated the stress I was under. Finally, after citalopram, I found I could enjoy and get a kick out of my kids, rather than 'cope'. We've been sharing hugs (after week 4), rather than threats and consequences. I wish I had done this years ago. I'm so grateful to my primary care physician that she's saved me to get some perspective before they're too old."

• sil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 24, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This is my 10th day on citalopram, which I am taking for anxiety. The first 7 days, I was taking a 10 mg dose and am now taking 20 mg. My side effects seem to vary from night to morning. At night, I have trouble sleeping and have night sweats, then in the morning, I feel very drowsy and tired and nauseous. I also seem to be having hot flashes during the day and at night. Not sure if anyone else has these, or maybe it's just stress-related. I really hope this medication starts to work soon, as I have read other posts and everyone says to hang in there and it will get better. I sure hope it does."

• Sly...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 16, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "I started taking this medication for anxiety/panic disorder. After two weeks of my body getting used to the medication, it had me feeling wonderful. I feel like I have my life back. Panic attacks have been greatly reduced, and they are rare enough that I am able to work through them with my coping skills now. I am grateful that I tried this medication, as it has been very effective. I did try going off after about a year (was off for 3 months), but the panic and anxiety returned with a vengeance, so I started taking the medication again and continue to feel better. Note: the first two weeks were a bit difficult. I struggled with sleep and concentration and had brain fog. Additionally, getting off the medication has similar symptoms for about 2-3 weeks for me. In my opinion, it is worth those couple of weeks for my years of relief on this medication. If you’re just starting, stick with it for a couple of weeks, and symptoms should start to improve if the medication is the right fit."

• kri...
• November 3, 2013

Citalopram for Depression "Been taking it for 4 days, I feel less sad but so thirsty and can't eat or sleep... not giving up yet because I haven't cried much and before I cried every day. And then was bitchy... that's been okay.... we will see, I will update at a later time...."

• 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."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "I'm a 27-year-old male, and I take this for anxiety and depression. I went into a deep anxiety attack where my mind went into a dark state of mind, and I couldn't seem to get out of it for about a week until the medicine kicked in, but it was so worth it! I feel at ease now, and I'm not overly worried about every little thing anymore. The pros far outweigh the cons, but here are the side effects that I experienced during the first week: nausea, insomnia, hardly any appetite, and more anxiety. Thankfully, about the 5th day into taking it, I felt like me again! I had this sense of joy and happiness that made me feel great. Some males say they had a sexual side effect where they couldn't 'climax', but I didn't have that problem one bit. Saved my life."

• Umo...
• July 26, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking this med for two weeks now. I am starting to feel a bit better. I take 10 mg once a day. The first 4 days, I had insomnia, sweating, and feeling tired. Now I can't tell I have any side effects. Everyday it seems to be better. Feeling more motivated and regained a clear mind. My doctor told me I will be on this need at least 1 year. I am going through separation, and the med was given for stress and anxiety. I would recommend this med to everyone. It's helping me."

• Sco...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 5, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have anxiety, and I am on my 5th day of taking citalopram, and for the first time in about 3 years, I don't feel dizzy. My stomach cramps are gone, I feel a sense of calm, and the lump in throat sensation has decreased. I have had diarrhea and disrupted sleep, but feeling good at the moment. I expect I will have bad days too, but the big difference is the sharp stomach pains that I used to get."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I'm on day 3 of taking citalopram medication for my anxiety. The first two days, I felt calmer, had the odd side effects: nausea, runs, dry mouth, difficulty falling asleep. But day 3, I've felt anxious (all day). This is a side effect, the doctor did tell me to expect things to get worse before they get better. I'm hoping things look up and I can free the anxiety."