Citalopram and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Mia...
• April 17, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started taking citalopram 4 weeks ago for anxiety. I felt rubbish, with symptoms of dizziness, fatigue, and nausea for 9 days, then I started to feel so much better. This is the best pick-me-up I have had in ages. My husband said, why didn't you start them sooner? I feel so much better. Give them a go....."

• Mou...
• September 21, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed citalopram after a particularly stressful period at work, followed by my daughter being involved in a serious accident. My anxiety and emotions were high, and my resilience and ability to cope were very low. Started on 1st week 10 mg, increased to 20 mg from week 2. Felt a bit nauseous at first, but wasn't feeling great before, so don't know whether it was the citalopram or just me. By about 4th week, I realized that I wasn't constantly feeling tearful or breaking down easily. Now on week 7, and I feel better than I have in ages, possibly for a few years if I look back. Was really apprehensive about starting these in the first place, but so glad I did because I was so emotionally weak, and now I feel so much calmer and in control."

• Bee...
• October 13, 2016

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I've never been on a daily medicine for anxiety and was previously managing via Eastern medicine (acupuncture/chinese herbs). My anxiety never completely went away, but those methods prevented full-blown panic attacks most of the time. My attacks started to evolve in the last 6 months, and I finally talked to my doctor about it. She prescribed Celexa 20 mg per day, once a day. It's changed my life. I hadn't realized how withdrawn I'd become from the fear of anxiety and panic. I had some mild nausea in the first 2 weeks, but nothing serious. She also prescribed Hydroxyzine for panic attacks, which is an old-school sedative in the antihistamine family. I haven't had an attack since I started the Celexa, but the Hydroxyzine is a great sleep aid."

• Bet...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 26, 2012

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I've suffered from a level of anxiety for most of my life, but last year my husband lost his job. While that was a bad turn for us, my reaction to it was quite out of proportion. I was a crying, anxiety-ridden mess - just struggled to make it through my workday and felt completely unglued and out of control. It was the final straw, and my doctor prescribed Celexa. I was nauseated the first two weeks, and then suddenly, one day I wasn't, and it's been smooth sailing from there on out. I do have less interest in sex - a downside, and I am sleepier than I'd like. But it is overall worth it - plus. God bless whoever made this medicine. It has been a lifesaver for me."

• Inv...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 12, 2019

For Hot Flashes "Have been on 10 mg citalopram for a year now. Was prescribed it by my doctor after I'd had 3 months of interrupted sleep due to nightly hot flushes accompanied by overwhelming anxiety at the same time. The first few days on it were weird, felt out of it, nauseous, but so glad I persevered because I rarely have a hot flush now and sleep like a baby!! The anxiety disappeared overnight as well."

• Ose...
• August 13, 2016

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I have had panic attacks and anxiety for many years. This year, I found out that I had colon cancer, got referred to a surgeon, and had surgery within 2 weeks. I found that the panic attacks and anxiety, sometimes sadness and crying bouts, started as I began to recover and process this experience. My doctor recommended Celexa over Cymbalta because she said that with women in particular, this was better for anxiety as opposed to depression. So far, I've found that the drug makes me sleepy and a little muddled in thinking right after I take it. I did have some nausea, but that went away quickly. I'm switching to taking it at night since I feel pretty good about 12 hours after taking it. It does relieve anxiety and panic attacks."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2019

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I just started Celexa 4 days ago. I started feeling something the first day I took it, a feeling of calmness, which I barely have ever. I took Zofran the first 3 days because I didn’t want to get nauseous. Well, 4th day I thought I could do without the Zofran, but it turns out that’s a no. Other than that, it seems to be working. I hope this is a winner in my book, God knows I need it."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 14, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "My doctor prescribed me citalopram after years and years of anxiety and paranoia. I’d tried various other medications, but nothing that suited me. She warned me not to read the side effects, so I didn’t, but I still felt terrible for 1 week. I had nausea, an upset stomach, and slept so much, but it stopped as quickly as it started, and now, 8 weeks on, I feel better than ever! All my anxiety has gone, I have no side effects apart from a little weight loss and a slight decreased libido. I take 20mg each morning. I found taking it with food eases the bad side effects at the start."

• 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!"

• Sti...
• February 25, 2015

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "First 10 days were brutal. STICK IT OUT! Lots of people seem to have an initial period of getting used to this drug. My first 10 days I was unable to eat, nausea, anxiety increased to a point I was barely able to leave the house, crying for no reason. Just stick it out. Day 10 through about 6 weeks I noticed not much improvement. At about 6 weeks I noticed improvement in my anxiety, able to function much better. My anxiety disorder has only improved more and more since I've been on this drug (also seeing a therapist for anxiety). Just know there may be an initial period of terrible side effects. I've gained like 2 lbs, but it's due to being happier and having a new boyfriend because I am finally able to function as a normal person."

• 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."

• Rat...
• August 11, 2015

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Coming up to the 1-year mark, been on 20 mg per day until this week, when I've increased to 30 mg. Until the last few weeks, my anxiety has been manageable, but now I feel it returning due to some personal issues at home. Compared to how I was this time last year, just before I started, I am ten times better, but I am by no means cured. I've increased my dosage with the doctor's guidance in order to continue managing my anxiety and depression. I find this medication great in most ways, but the side effects are not good. I had severe nausea for the first 3 weeks, night tremors, hot sweats, and no appetite. Within 4 weeks, these had all gone completely, but I've found that I suffer from terrible short-term memory, increased hair loss, and alcohol affects me much worse."

• Ano...
• May 25, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "Started taking citalopram after experiencing chronic anxiety for months. The first time I was on it for a year and the doctor tapered me off, and I had no side effects and no anxiety for about 7 years. In 2018, stress caused anxiety, so I decided to go to my doctor to be put back on. Doc prescribed me citalopram 20 mg, which kicked in a few weeks after my first dose. I felt normal again. After almost 2 years, I decided I was well and thought I could come off them again like I did the first time. Boy, was I wrong. This time around, symptoms started kicking in a few weeks after my last pill. I experienced horrible symptoms: nausea, crying, nervousness, panic, no appetite, gagging, dry heaving, fatigue, intrusive thoughts. After 3 weeks, I went back to my doctor to be put back on the meds. It’s been 6 weeks, and I feel better. I’m able to eat now, less gagging, less intrusive thoughts. I feel the medication is slowly starting to work. I definitely feel a lot better than I did a month ago."

• Cat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 1, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been on this drug for years. I am currently on 20 mg daily. From what I remember when I first started taking it, my only symptom was feeling tired, but I got used to it pretty quickly. I don't have any side effects from it now. It does help with my anxiety and irritability. The only downfall it has is that if I forget a pill (I take it in the morning), I get sick as a dog with nausea and vomiting. Other than that, I totally recommend it, I feel like it's one of the less intense mood meds out there."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 18, 2012

Citalopram for Depression "In 2003, I started on (brand name) Celexa 5 mg a day for anxiety and depression. Within a week, I started to feel almost a magical feeling of well-being and a nice calmness within myself. The world looking brighter and so much better. For once in my life, I felt that the hole in my soul was healing. No more anxiousness and crying most of the time, and no more waves of horrible emotional pain. I gradually worked up to 10 mg a day, and now I am on 20 mg a day. I did have a headache, nausea, and loss of appetite. They went away. I gained weight but was feeling so much better. I tried generic Celexa for almost 1 month, and I felt irritable-like a dark cloud descended upon me. It is not the same as the brand."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 5, 2018

For Panic Disorder "I have been on citalopram 10 mg for nearly 2 weeks for anxiety and panic, and the first week the side effects were pretty bad. Nausea, lack of appetite and weight loss, drowsiness, general lethargy, and lack of motivation to do anything, not wanting to go out were my main side effects. However, after exactly a week, these subsided, and I am feeling much better in myself, and my appetite has returned, and I am putting the weight back on, and anxiety has certainly decreased. The other day at work, I experienced a panic attack which was worse than I have ever had before: tingling in the hands and feet, severe sweating, feeling like I was going to pass out, and a heart rate of 140 bpm. However, after a few minutes and deep breaths, I returned to normal and haven't experienced this since. Does anyone have similar experiences to this with starting citalopram and the panic attack? Any advice would be greatly appreciated :)"

• Be ...
• July 25, 2015

Citalopram for Depression "I started this medication due to depression and uncontrollable panic attacks and anxiety. I started on 10 mg and had very bad nausea, very tired, and no appetite. The first two weeks were the same, but definitely by the 3rd week, I could feel my body calming down and was quite pleased. Unfortunately, I started having awful tingling and burning in my arms, mostly the left. Now I have titrated off and now on Effexor, but I am still having the burning and tingling in the arm but have had only 1 panic attack. The first two weeks are hard, but hang in there. It will be worth it!!!! I wanted to give up as well, but I had to think about my family, and that pushed me through. I'm not 100%, but I can drive and socialize now without getting as panicked."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2016

Citalopram for Depression "I have only been on Celexa for 4 days. I take 10 mg. I sleep very little, sweating, nausea, and have become very anxious about everything. I do drink a lot of water. I just want to feel like myself again."

• Mel...
• May 7, 2016

Citalopram for Depression "I take 20 mg of Celexa and 300 mg of Wellbutrin. When I don't take them, I'm much more irritable. I can still feel sadness and happiness, I just feel level somehow. If you stop cold turkey, it causes nausea, for me anyways, and I can tell I feel different off them. Still have some obsessive tendencies, but overall, I wouldn't want to not take them."

• Ton...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I take 10 mg every morning, and after 2 weeks of horrible side effects, sweating, nausea, and general lethargy, the good effects are starting to kick in. I feel really good, energy levels increasing, anxiety has reduced dramatically. Please, please do not allow the initial side effects to deter you. Pain does lead to gain."

• Ner...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2018

For Depression "This drug literally saved my life. I was barely functioning due to generalized anxiety disorder and depression. I was losing my marriage and my friends and also my job. I was off work due to this, and I've never been off for mental health before, but I really was not eating and self-harming, it was awful. I was not in control. I tried sertraline, but it personally made me feel so sick, so my GP put me on ten mg of citalopram. I gradually moved up and now take 20 mg a day. The past six weeks, I feel like I've got my life back. Yes, I have the odd moment, I think I've had two days where I've felt overwhelmed at work after I made a mistake and I had to hide away and cry, but normally I would not come back from that. I urge people to not be scared and to try this, obviously, everyone is different, but if you're nervous about taking it, I say give it a go, a good six weeks. It really changed my life and I cannot express how bad things were for me before."

• Tur...
• January 4, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "Thank goodness for this medication. I started having anxiety and panic attacks. I did not want to take any medication, but it got to the point where I had no choice. I was put on this medication, and it did NOT start working for me until 5 weeks or so. Longest 5 weeks of my life. Headaches, anxiety worsened, nausea, I had horrible sweats in the middle of the night, BUT I stuck with it like my doctor insisted! I'm so thankful I did. It's been 4 months, and I have my life back. Feels great. I still get mild headaches a bit too often, but I'll take that over anxiety any day. If you are JUST starting out, wait at least 5-8 weeks."

• 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!"

• Anonymous
• April 16, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I've been on citalopram for 4 years now, and it's been a lifesaver. When I started at 10 mg, I had terrible nausea, but it soon went away in a day or two. Now on 40 mg, my anxiety has been so incredibly decreased, and I'm able to deal with my emotions with positive coping skills."