Citalopram and Nausea: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I’m on day 6. I’m experiencing a really uneasy feeling in my head, nausea, and worse anxiety. Hoping this goes away as I’m at my wits end! Has anyone else experienced this weird uncomfortable feeling in their head/eyes?"

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 17, 2021

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I’ve been taking 20mg Celexa (generic version) for 27 days now and in the last week have started feeling the positive effects. Thank goodness because oh lordy, did I ever have EVERY side effect for the first 2-2.5 weeks! Deep tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, brain fog/spacey-ness, those were the most prominent ones. I really wanted to quit but kept going, and I’m glad I did. Finally over the last couple days the bad side effects have subsided considerably and I can feel the positives: happiness, lightness, no more sinking feelings, renewed interest, patience, and a more relaxed mind. I am smiling at people. If you’re having all the side effects, hang in there! Stick it out, take Imodium and/or Zofran, eat crackers and ginger ale, etc with the hope that it may be totally worth it. Hang on for that breakthrough. I’m a newly minted Celexa believer!"

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 5, 2021

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Week 5 & I feel human again. I had all of the side effects: increased anxiety, panic attacks, no appetite, diarrhea, headache, nausea, & just not feeling connected to my brain (really spacey) but today is week 5 & I actually laughed & felt a lot better! I prayed that I would feel some light & it’s here. I’m glad I didn’t give up, I thought I’d feel awful forever but they’re definitely working & I feel like my old self again."

• Bub...
• October 12, 2020

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I started Celexa during COVID-19. I always had high anxiety, but COVID pushed me over the edge. My anxiety got to the point that I ended up in the hospital with a panic attack. My doctor started me on 20 mg of Celexa. The side effects were a little rough at first and included nausea, some random spasms, trouble sleeping, and a feeling of falling shortly after sleep. However, after about 2 weeks, they subsided. The positives far outweigh the negatives. My anxiety is under control now. I'm able to live my life without constant worry. Things that used to be major stressors are now tolerable. I sometimes have to be a little careful because I feel like I'm too comfortable and don't worry enough. The one major long-term side effect has been the lack of sex drive. Everything functions fine, but my drive has been greatly reduced. I also feel like my emotions are slightly muted, whereas before I felt emotions very deeply, now they are slightly less intense."

• nel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 18, 2020

Citalopram for Depression "I want to write this review to anyone struggling with OCD. I have been struggling with OCD for years, and was put on Celexa. Let me tell you, it helps immensely. It did not work right away, and there are some initial side effects (nausea, yuck!). I take it in the morning, 40 mg. My OCD doctor is wonderful (highly recommend seeing a specialist in OCD). And she stated that for OCD, this drug is safe to even go up to a higher dose if necessary. I want to write this to give people hope. I was in a very, very dark place with my OCD. I felt I would never escape the pain and discomfort of OCD. It did not work right away (which is normal), but once I got up to 30 mg after a month or so, I started to see improvement. This medication saved me! Truly thank you to whoever created this medication, it is life-saving for those of us who struggle with OCD and depression. Please, anyone out there who has OCD, starting this, be patient with yourself, find a good doctor, and know that there is hope!"

• amd...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 7, 2014

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I'm a 20-year-old female, been on Celexa for about 4 days now. I was pretty skeptical reading all the reviews, and some negative ones really scared me, but I decided to take it anyway. So far, I am liking the medicine. Little side effects such as a mild headache that seems to come about 5 minutes after I take the pill, drowsiness (which is why I take it at night), and a tiny bit of nausea. Nothing too major like I thought. Oh! And also no panic attacks, which is one of the main reasons I started taking this. Celexa has given me a sort of 'calm, relaxed' feel. But I also feel more uplifted. I'm not sure the right word. I'm not energetic but I feel energized, which is great. I would recommend trying this if you suffer from frequent panic and worry."

• INd...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 29, 2020

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "So, I was first on Celexa from 2001 until 2016. I felt it wasn't working, so my doctor prescribed Venlafaxine/Effexor XR. I ended up in the emergency room with a heart rate of 185 bpm. Anyway, I should have just stuck with Celexa. I am back on it after trying Prozac, which made me nauseous for a year and gave me more anxiety. Celexa works for me. It takes away my anxiety. It's safe for me, and I'll never go off of it or try another again. These past two years have been so bad. Getting off of Effexor brought me to my knees."

• Mag...
• June 10, 2017

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Please try! I was like you reading these reviews, scared to death to start taking this drug. I am so glad I did. The first 2 weeks I felt like I was pregnant: nauseous and sleepy. After that, I just gradually started feeling better. Anxiety has gone and life is on the up and up. I should have taken this 20 years ago. All the worries sort of just fade away. Good luck and please give it a shot!"

• Zig...
• April 13, 2017

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I went on Celexa after three years of getting more and more depressed, and my anxiety beginning to make it difficult to be at social events or function from day to day. I gave in to Celexa after hitting a low that I cannot explain. I couldn't get out of bed, and I determined my life was worthless. I started on 10mg. The first two weeks were bizarre. Headaches, nausea, and diarrhea. The anxiety seemed worse. But after 3-4 weeks, it's like an ugly cloud lifted, and I feel like I have my life back. I upped it to 20mg, and I'm staying at 20mg. I never worry about anything - which seems nuts. How can I not worry? I'm unemployed, single, no kids (I'm 48), yet I feel like everything is okay, and I can move forward on achieving my goals."

• Anonymous
• February 18, 2009

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking Celexa 20mg for about 3 months for social anxiety disorder and it's worked great so far. I am much more talkative and social around people. I don't get shaky and don't dread meeting new people anymore. Someone at my last party asked me if I was high at a party when I hadn't been drinking or anything. He said usually I am sitting in the corner being anti-social. I had a touch of nausea when I changed from 10-20 mg, but other than that I do sleep deeper and I think I have less nervous energy than I used to. I was also yawning uncontrollably for the first month, but I am much happier."

• Mat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 14, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I tapered off citalopram completely about four weeks ago after taking it for two years. I noticed my anxiety was getting worse, so I bit the bullet and started taking my 20 mg tablets again four days ago. It’s been a living nightmare since I started taking the med again. Extreme anxiety (worst I’ve ever had), panic attacks, night sweats, paranoia, nausea, etc., etc. I could use a little encouragement. Maybe somebody has had a similar experience to mine and would be willing to share. I’m going to stick it out, but this has been very hard."

• Jil...
• December 20, 2014

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Day 4 of Celexa & WOW my negative thoughts, constant worry & irritation have almost vanished! I'm taking 10mg a day and am amazed at how quickly I feel this medicine working. I have had some bad headaches, dizziness & a little nausea but that's about it & totally worth it for the difference I'm feeling. I feel like life is worth living again. Thank you Celexa!"

• Syn...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 31, 2014

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I'm a 40-year-old male that has taken Celexa for about 10 years now for anxiety. I take 40mg once a day. It works well to manage my anxiety. With the higher dose I take, it can cause nausea for me if taken on an empty stomach. I also get sleepy for an hour or two after taking it, so I take it at bedtime. The only issue I've had is forgetting to take or running out of this medication. The withdrawal is pretty bad after about 4 days of not taking, causing anxiety, dizziness, brain fog, 'brain zaps', insomnia, and flu-like symptoms. Celexa has worked very well for me, and I would recommend it for treating anxiety. Just don't suddenly stop taking it. You have to slowly wean off."

• yog...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 10, 2015

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Starting Celexa was one of the best decisions I've made in my entire life. I had lost myself in a world of anger, darkness, fear, anxiety, panic attacks, and hypochondria. I was not myself. In fact, I didn't even recognize myself anymore. The first month of Celexa (10mg) was hell, to be honest. Side effects included upset stomach, nausea, numbness, weakness, brain 'zaps', hot flashes, night sweats, panic attacks, anxiety, inability to sleep, the feeling of extreme heat within my body (difficult to explain), and strange awareness of limbs. After a month, I woke up one day and was myself again. It felt like a weight had been lifted. I was free, happy, courageous, calm, and peaceful. I am about to meet the 1-year mark - the serenity remains."

• gou...
• April 11, 2014

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I'm a 16-year-old female. I was diagnosed with depression, anxiety disorder, anorexia, and bulimia about 2 years ago. I attempted suicide 3 times, and I really thought there was no hope. Zoloft did nothing for me. It was awful. But then along came Celexa and it's awesome. I no longer wake up and feel like I'm drowning, and my lungs are going to explode. I can get up out of bed and not hate everything. I can go about my day without worrying about every little thing. I no longer get panic attacks. It's awesome. I have lost weight too. I totally recommend Celexa, best thing I've ever tried."

• Sam...
• October 11, 2015

For Panic Disorder "I am a 22-year-old female, and have been suffering from panic disorder and anticipatory anxiety for about 4 years. But due to a recent event that occurred about a month ago, my panic disorder and anxiety had become crippling. I could not get through my days without either worrying about a panic attack to the point where I cause one, or not even thinking about the panic attack and having it happen at any random time. It was getting to the point where I was living my days centered around trying to keep myself 'level,' but also petrified that I was going to have another attack. I had constant racing thoughts. My doctor recommended an SSRI for me - Celexa (Citalopram). He prescribed 20mg pills. I would take 10mg at night for the first four days, and then after that I would take 20mg at night from then on. I made the mistake of researching all of the possible side effects! I completely understand researching a drug before you take it - but it is important to remember that a lot of people who have positive experiences most often do not write about it. It is the people who have negative experiences who will. I was petrified to take the drug because of the horror stories, until one day I realized that the side effects of the pill were worth it if it meant that I could have peaceful days. I took the first 10mg at night and had (and continue to have) a fantastic sleep. I did not experience any nausea, no tightness of chest, no insomnia, no panic, no anxiety, nothing but a slight headache. It felt as though the pill gave me relief almost immediately. I have been on the pills for a little over two weeks. They have been a lifesaver for me! I feel at peace. The racing, flooding thoughts have stopped. The panic attacks have been nonexistent. (My doctor gave me a prescription for Xanax just in case I have one) I feel like myself and I am happy again. I highly recommend trying them if you are suffering from anxiety, panic disorder, or depression."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2014

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "This medicine is incredible. I had about four months of out of the blue, never had it before in my life terrible panic and anxiety. I was to the point I was throwing up every morning and constantly worrying and thinking about it. I finally went to the Dr. after crying and feeling miserable for days/months. She prescribed me Celexa 10mg to wean on (minimal side effects - nauseous and a little more tired than usual, but I take it at night), then a month later I went to 20mg and I'm happy there. Absolutely no more anxiety or panic, and I don't feel like an emotionless zombie, I feel just like myself. My sex drive is normal, just takes a bit longer to get there."

• lit...
• November 23, 2015

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I'm only one week in, and seriously feel better. I'm a mom of two and a lawyer--I've suffered a lot of loss and have been shouldering a lot of stresses. I've always been anxious, but just thought that was who I was. My doctor put me on 10 mg of Celexa. I did have some nausea the first few days and headaches, but other than that nothing. I had so much anxiety about taking the medication, I almost didn't. But one evening my daughter told me that all of the things I worry about turn out fine--and she was right. If you need help, sometimes you can't do it yourself. I exercise, meditate, eat well, sleep well, but I couldn't shake the anxiety. This has helped a ton. I laugh, I feel more relaxed, and I'm gratefully enjoying life again."

• all...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2014

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "After holding on to the medication for about 3 weeks, I couldn't believe the results after just one day and literally felt the effects hours after I took the medication. I did experience side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness, but I found out after taking it the second day that it was only because I hadn't eaten before Celexa. I really see the difference, I'm no longer stressed and depressed. I do feel the difference, and it's a really great medication. I was so iffy about taking depression anxiety medication, however, I'm so glad that I did."

• Sue...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 21, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking Citalopram for years, mostly 20mg. When I first took it, I felt so ill for about a month, mostly nausea, tiredness, and more panicked than usual. Then it was as though a cloud had lifted. I didn’t constantly overthink or worry and could start to enjoy life. A couple of times I’ve increased to 30mg to get through bad stuff in my life but I’m coping. I suffer from emetophobia, social phobias, and anxiety and depression. The best thing that’s ever happened to me. Don’t give up if you feel worse to start with."

• Anonymous
• May 9, 2009

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I like Celexa so much better than Zoloft. With Zoloft, I had trouble sleeping, nausea, and it did not help my anxiety and depression symptoms. I have had a great experience with Celexa. So much so that I am uncertain if I would ever want to be taken off of it."

• 1ha...
• July 5, 2015

Citalopram for Depression "Week 1 dizziness, nausea, no appetite, foggy feeling, stomach growling. Week 2 same as before plus sweating, bad GERD, and insomnia. Almost stopped but decided to stick it out. Week 3 everything slowly disappeared. Now on week 4, much calmer, lost weight about 8 lbs, blood pressure dropped to normal readings, I have more energy now. I am walking every day, still feel like myself, not numb like some reported. Reason started was I had 2 deaths in a month and was losing it. In the past, I have tried Prozac, Lexapro, Effexor, Zoloft, and many others, nothing has worked as well as Celexa. My advice: give it time, be patient. Like many things, it's worth waiting for. Good luck to all!"

• Blo...
• February 15, 2013

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I am just starting my 3rd week on Celexa. I was more upset when I found out this was for 'depression and anxiety' as I am NOT depressed. I am a very outgoing person that loves to be around people, but I do have anxiety, panic attacks, and anger issues, so I thought it would be worth trying. I find myself more 'Calm' in general since taking this. I am not obsessing about phobias I have, and I am back to being 90% happy because I am dealing with stress better. I have been incredibly nauseous though this past week in the early morning to about lunchtime. By mid-afternoon to evening, that goes away, but I do not like that feeling. No interruption in sleep. I do feel 'forgetful' more than normal. Overall doing well."

• Rel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2018

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I researched and read numerous forums on medicines and was quite leery to take Celexa after some of the issues people had experienced on the medicine. I am so glad I decided to try it for myself. A few months ago, out of the blue, I developed symptoms which turned into full-blown GAD, which was getting increasingly worse with constant nervousness, stomach upset, nonstop worry about feeling so darn out of control that I burst into tears. I was starting to have panic attacks while at work and couldn’t have that, so I contacted my doctor who put me on 5mg of Celexa daily, which was to increase to 10 mg. After a few days of awful nausea and sleepiness, the side effects subsided. 1 month in, still on 5mg, and I feel absolutely amazing. I am back to feeling myself again. I am so fortunate that this medicine worked for me."

• Ash...
• May 7, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Citalopram 10mg then 20mg after 7 days. The first 10 days were awful, but reading these reviews helped. I took 8 days off work (I never take sick days). I had extreme nausea, headaches, body aches, complete loss of appetite, poor sleep, increased constant anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, and dizziness. I did not leave my bed for 4 days. Clonazepam and Ativan helped with the sleep, panic attacks, and anxiety and got me through the first two weeks. Then each day got easier, the symptoms lessened, and I started going to therapy. After 3 weeks, I was feeling like I did before the medication, and by 4 weeks, I was feeling a bit better than when the panic attacks and anxiety started taking over my life. At 5 weeks, the anxiety that I have dealt with on and off for 5 years is manageable and almost gone. I feel like me. Citalopram also helped clear up my IBS, which I know is connected to my anxiety. If you are on this drug and just starting out and wanting to quit, I would try your best to stick to it."