Citalopram and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 2)
Brand names: Celexa
Reviews for Citalopram
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 30, 2016
Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Started 10 mg Citalopram 8 days ago, and although they said it would take 2 weeks to really work, I started to feel better on the first day! Minor nausea the first couple of times I took it, but it went away quickly. This stuff has changed my life, helped me quit smoking. It's so strange being able to walk around and interact in public without anxiety. Improved my sleep overall, however, you will probably want to make sure you are active during the day because it takes a little more time to fall asleep. Wonderful Medication, wish I had started it much sooner."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- April 26, 2016
Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "To deal with menopausal symptoms: stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia, I tried Paxil and Prozac. Not a good result - both very heavy-duty, you feel drugged. With Prozac, I was drooling and I didn't even know it, with Paxil, I felt dull-witted and thick, like a beached whale. But the third time was a charm: I tried Celexa, and it worked almost immediately. I felt calmer, not depressed, and I slept like a baby. For me, it's the best. The only side effect is that one-half hour after taking it, I feel nauseous for a few minutes. Small price to pay."
Frequently asked questions
- SSRIs vs SNRIs - What's the difference between them?
- What is the difference between Celexa and Lexapro?
- What are some common side effects of antidepressants?
- Caa...
- March 27, 2017
For Anxiety and Stress "I started Citalopram 5 weeks ago hoping it would help with my anxiety and depression. I also have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). At first, I was terrified of the idea of going on medication. I'm a nursing student and I would only take pills if it's absolutely necessary, mostly because of the side effects and the experience of other people. I tried everything to 'cure' myself, and I finally had the courage to talk to my doctor, and we made the decision. I can honestly say that Citalopram saved my life. I now feel relieved, more relaxed, and simply enjoying life. No side effects beside a little nausea the first week starting it (I didn't eat while taking it). I am on 10mg, and I love it. I know it is not easy, you're not alone. Take care ❤"
- Lay...
- January 26, 2014
For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "After having unsuccessfully tried Prozac, I was apprehensive about how effective Citalopram was going to be. It definitely takes a while (for me five weeks) before you notice the benefits, and I had the common side effect of severe nausea for the first few weeks. I don't want to wax lyrical, but I can honestly say that it changed my life. I felt that the issues that I experienced, which made everything seemingly impossible, were no longer such a problem. I started to be able to live a normal life again and felt a greater sense of control over the way I felt and acted. I would count it as one of the best decisions that I have ever made."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Jud...
- December 28, 2014
Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I started Celexa in July and within a few weeks those closest to me remarked on the difference, how much happier and less angry I seemed. I felt less overwhelmed by stress and felt happier. The change had been subtle from my viewpoint, and it wasn't until after my doctor suggested a change in medicine that I realized how much it helped me. Within days, I noticed my irritability had returned and within a couple of weeks, I felt as if I weren't taking anything at all. I asked my doctor to return me to Celexa. Side effects I've noticed: initial nausea, jittery (especially with the addition of caffeine), vivid dreams, weight loss (15 pounds since July)."
- Kay...
- April 25, 2015
Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "For many years I had been trying to live with anxiety until it reached a point when I realized I needed help. I often felt stressed and anxious with simple activities like going to the store, and couldn't hold a job or stick with things. Celexa made me happy again, helped me look at life as a glass half full, not empty. Started on 20, noticed some improvement but not complete relief...increased to 40, and then feeling great decided I no longer needed medication. Tapering off, withdrawal symptoms included: dizziness, shakiness, nausea, etc...also, anxiety returned full force. I'm back on it, I gave it an 8 because as effective as it is, therapy is an important component to include with treatment. I'll probably stay on this for many years!"
- JJa...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 26, 2019
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "After 10+ years of worsening anxiety and panic attacks, I finally was prescribed citalopram. Started on 10 mg, which made me feel tired and sluggish with some diarrhea the first couple of weeks. Then increased to 15 mg, now on 20 mg - it has been 3 months and I don’t get but a few panic attacks here and there when in high-pressure situations (Dr. says he will likely increase to 30 mg after my next follow-up). But the daily nausea, gagging, and stomach problems are gone, and I don’t constantly feel like I’m going to pass out or throw up. I can enjoy going out to public events without panicking. I finally feel normal, and that constant self-monitoring, analyzing, panicking voice that was always in the background is subdued."
- Its...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 4, 2018
Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Was on Zoloft for months for panic disorder. Thought nothing could ever help me. After months of going from 25 mg to 200 mg of Zoloft, my doctor finally switched my medication to the same one (Celexa) my mother takes for depression. The first about 8 days or so were awful. Withdrawing Zoloft and Celexa side effects. Hot flashes, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, extreme panic, and tiredness. Then suddenly I just felt better. Happier. Less anxious. Normal again. It saved my life!"
- Mam...
- March 21, 2016
Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Celexa for two days now and have had almost no side effects whatsoever. I was super hesitant about taking it as both the reviews I read and the doctor who gave it to me told me it would cause bad anxiety for the first week. I was pleasantly surprised when I took my first 20mg dose, as it helped my anxiety almost immediately. I have a bit of nausea and fatigue, along with a bit of dizziness but nothing serious. This is the first time I have gone a day without anxiety in three years, and I know it's not a placebo effect since I initially believed the medication would do the opposite. My sister suffers from depression and after seeing my reaction to the medication is considering seeing a doctor to try it out."
- Ano...
- September 6, 2016
Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I've been taking the off-brand for over 2 weeks, and I'm starting to feel the anxiety-reducing effects. No nausea or GI problems thus far. For the first 3 days, I felt a little out of it around an hour and a half after taking it, so I started taking it at night, and that has completely resolved the issue. I started on 10 mg for around 9 days to get accustomed to it and have been on the 20 mg for 2 days now. My anxiety wasn't severe (diagnosed with mild anxiety-stress related) & no panic attacks. I think the type of anxiety/severity will influence the way the drug acts on you, but it's been good for me so far :)"
- Doc...
- February 18, 2018
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Citalopram has absolutely changed my life. Two months ago, I was an absolute mess, I could barely function due to very high anxiety and constant low moods. I meditated daily, exercised 5x a week, and ate a very clean diet, but all to no avail. My GP suggested I try 20 mg of citalopram for 2 weeks. The first week was pretty hard, I slept constantly and felt nauseous and light-headed often, but I already felt like a new person mentally. After two weeks, the side effects ceased, and I began CBT. 2 months on, and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, and even with extremely upsetting and traumatic things occurring in the past couple of weeks, I’ve handled it amazingly, and I’m still smiling and getting through each day. This drug has shown me that it’s okay to need a crutch, if you had a broken leg, you wouldn’t think twice about additional support, and in my eyes, antidepressants are no different. You don’t have to suffer, and if you’re open to trying new ways to help, try citalopram!"
- kha...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- October 23, 2019
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "First starting taking citalopram 3 years ago at the suggestion of my therapist. I was nervous to go on medication, but it was getting to the point that I was having intrusive suicidal thoughts at work and had panic attacks on the regular. My psychiatrist said it would take a few weeks to kick in, but within days I was starting to feel better. It was the first time in years I got through the day without chest pains! I can go months without a single panic attack now. I originally started on 10 mg, but have been on a dose of 20 mg for the past two years. The only real side effect I noticed was a lack of sex drive for the first few months. Please listen to your doctor and your body, they know what is best for you. For me, it was an absolute life changer! One warning: do NOT quit cold turkey. Briefly, when I could not afford my medication, I stopped for a month. I experienced agitation, panic attacks, dizziness, blurry vision, and nausea."
- Hap...
- December 9, 2012
Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "My boyfriend has severe social anxiety and depression, which usually left him isolating for an entire week in a dark, depressed mood, which happened every 10-12 days or so. He started taking Celexa about a week ago and has been feeling wonderful! He is smiling again and is able to go out and have a great time! And as far as sex goes, he is BETTER than before. So no complaints here. Of course, I was concerned with side effects in the first week: nausea, diarrhea, headaches, and hallucinations, but that all disappeared after the first week. Now it's smooth sailing. Thank God for Celexa."
- Kee...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 24, 2019
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Been on citalopram approx. 3 months. Dr. started me on 20 mg dose. I had every side effect for the first 4 weeks: headaches, nausea, tired, stomach cramps, and increased anxiety. Dr. eventually increased me to 30 and then 40 mg due to continued anxiety. Was sooooo tired every day. Constantly yawning when people were speaking to me. Now have cut down slowly to 10 mg and feel fantastic. My anxiety is gone and my social anxiety is greatly reduced. My advice is to start slowly and expect things to get worse before they get better. I highly recommend this drug, but keep reading the positive reviews to get you through the start."
- Car...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- January 26, 2015
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I had severe generalized anxiety disorder when my doctor prescribed Celexa to me. I had awful symptoms including severe nausea and stomach turning, headaches, restlessness, drowsiness, tiredness during the day, oversleeping, lack of focus, and the list goes on! Celexa has really leveled me out. I can focus, and I'm not making myself sick over minor everyday stress. I'm happier and more balanced. I couldn't have asked for a better result. I'm currently on a 40 mg dose, and it has worked consistently for nearly a year."
- jmp...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 30, 2014
Citalopram for Depression "I have taken 4 doses of Celexa thus far. I noticed changes about 24 hours in. Prior to starting, I was very out of it, sad, withdrawn, had urges to hurt myself, had no appetite, experienced nausea/vomiting, and had anxiety. I saw my doctor for my worsening depression, and she added Celexa to my other meds (Wellbutrin, Lamictal, Geodon). I had been on that combination and the same dosages since May 2014. My boss noticed major negative changes since May. Today I am a little dizzy and nauseous, but otherwise feeling much better, which is weird. I am not used to this feeling. I was worried this was too drastic of a change because it had been only 24 hours, but after reading other reviews, I am optimistic."
- bil...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 2, 2014
Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I was given 10mg, and a week later, he went up to 20mg. So far, I have had constant yawning, sweating attacks, nausea, and now diarrhea. I also have problems sleeping at night, and this made me tired in the afternoon, but I now split the dose, one before bed and one when I get up... that has helped the symptoms, and they are less bothersome now. The sweating is the worst, I ordered Odaban, and it is wonderful! You can even apply it to your face and head, and that is where I sweat. I have not had any more feelings of doom and gloom and excessive worrying. I feel like I am getting back to normal, but it's been 2 weeks, and I'm not there yet. So I guess so far so good."
- Ale...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- December 21, 2024
For Panic Disorder "It’s been just over 3 years on citalopram now, and it’s still working as well as it always has. I cannot even put into words how horrific and deep the hole was that I was in when, out of desperation, I decided to try antidepressants (I had panic attacks about new meds and side effects). I remember having a bit of nausea and stomach issues for the first couple of weeks, but eating breakfast when taking it helped a lot. It gave me some really vivid dreams (which weren’t pleasant due to my mental state at the time), but taking it as early in the day as possible really helped with that. I started on 10 mg and went up to 20 mg after a few weeks and felt better each week for the first few months. Citalopram keeps my baseline mental state and mood a lot higher, so if I feel down at all now, I’m never trapped in it, and I NEVER sink as low as I was. Antidepressants have saved my life, I feel a well-being I haven’t felt since I was a child on citalopram!"
- Ric...
- March 7, 2017
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This med has been extremely effective at keeping my anxiety down for close to 20 yrs. 5-10 mg has been my ideal dosage, currently at 5 mg. I'm commenting here to share my thoughts on side effects. For me, going on or off this med, or changing dosage, results in feeling horrible for a period of time measured in days. If you feel similarly, make sure you tell your doc and perhaps lean on a med (e.g., a benzo) if need be while you're transitioning. But always try to remember (I know it's difficult!) that the bad feeling is temporary, and that you will feel better. Give it time to work for you."
- Mic...
- August 4, 2018
Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "So I am on day 2 of Celexa. I originally started four days ago at night thinking I would be drowsy, but instead, it kind of kept me up. So I switched to mornings. So yesterday was day 1, in the AM. And my day I did feel like I was sad and lonely, chemically buzzed, but I could still do things. I had anxiety about being alone with my two boys. But as the day progressed and I reached 5 pm, I decided that maybe I should work out. Maybe it would help the side effects. It was the best workout ever! I didn’t notice my heart pounding, I didn’t have fast, labored breathing, and my legs didn’t feel wobbly after being on the treadmill. I woke up non-drowsy and took my second pill. So here I am an hour in. I’ll post in a few days since I really can’t find a thread of the beginning days of this medication. I haven’t had a headache or nausea, but sometimes I have to force myself to eat. And I do get waves of brain lightheadedness that last a second."
- Cay...
- April 30, 2015
For Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed Citalopram for severe anxiety and depression. I had 2-4 days of very slight queasiness and no side effects thereafter. I started to feel calmer by the end of the first week, and quite simply, it went on to change my life for the better. I took it for 2 years, and when I felt ready, I slowly reduced my dosage with the knowledge of my doctor. I have not been on the medication for about 5 years now and have continued to feel perfectly well. There are some days when I am mildly anxious or down, but I can cope without medication, and these episodes pass quickly. I would urge anyone advised to take this medication to do as they are asked - it might just save your sanity!"
- 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"
- Kel...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- May 24, 2019
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Was on Citalopram for 9 years, and it truly saved my life. I went through years of terrible health anxiety, which turned into depression, and when I went on it, it was like my life turned around completely. I don't remember any side effects other than just needing to be patient for them to really kick in. I went off of them this past January. Weaning off wasn't that bad, other than brain zaps and a little bit of nausea. I went from 20 mg for about 7 years, 10 mg for the last 2, and then 5 mg for the last month. Then, unfortunately, life threw some traumas at me one right after the next, and I decided to go back on them. About 2 weeks in on 10 mg and no physical side effects. I do feel the anxiety sort of on a little bit of a roller coaster, but I plan to go back up to 20 in a week. I know these work, and I'm excited to get back to being stable and living my best life!"
- jac...
- June 7, 2011
Citalopram for Panic Disorder "One day, six years ago, I became consumed with anxiety. Panic attacks, head pressure, foggy head, pressure in my ear, nausea, dizziness, and tingling appendages appeared literally out of the blue and became my life at 26 years old. I went to numerous doctors who tested me for EVERYTHING. I managed with Xanax, which seemed to be the only thing that made me feel normal again for brief periods of time. I just wasn't myself, and I longed for my old life when I felt confident and in control. I didn't want to believe that it could all be in my mind and was convinced that I had some unknown disorder. Finally, I went to a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with Panic Disorder and GAD. I was prescribed Celexa 20."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.More about citalopram
- citalopram consumer information
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (2,232)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Support group
- Drug class: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- Breastfeeding
- En español
For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I'm one day into week seven and I caught myself smiling and singing on the way to work. I wasn't anxious or nervous. I truly feel like me today. I want to cry. Thank you! I feel like a million bucks. The only real side effect I had was nausea. I would have it every day if I knew I would be me again. So happy me today! Yeah"