Citalopram and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Eaz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2019

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Side effects are pure awfulness right from the jump. Blurred vision, floaters in vision, burning sensation of the skin, tightness of chest, migraines, nausea and vomiting, night terrors, suicidal thoughts, crying outbursts, panic state of mind, extreme anger, feeling out of control (almost out of body experience), and memory loss like anything. I couldn’t remember things I had said just minutes beforehand. Not to mention zero libido and complete loss of any sort of emotion. It all makes for a real fun time. Mind you, I’ve never had any of this before starting this medication. So it's a no-go in my book. Celexa made me feel the worst I’ve ever felt in my entire life. If you want real relief, just stick to Xanax."

• 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."

• 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!"

• nur...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 24, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I have bad anxiety and depression from a previous relationship. Started citalopram 7 years ago, still taking it, best drug. I cannot go a day without it. I worked in a high-stress ER, so my doctor advised me not to stop taking it. My side effects are sweating and nausea, but I can deal with those. Love it!"

• 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."

• Sim...
• November 30, 2009

Citalopram for Panic Disorder "I have had panic attacks and anxiety and stress for over 10 years now. They tried everything until one doctor put me on Xanax, and it was such a relief for a while. Now I am up to 2 mgs, 3 times a day, and my newest doctor put me on Celexa 6 months ago. There was some nausea at first, like he said, and sleepiness, but it quit after a week or two, and it so mellowed me out more. The attacks are less frequent and not near as bad. So for me, a godsend! I know everyone is different, but I have not had one bad thought and can actually go out and shop and do things without worrying about an attack! The nausea was worth working through. Thank you, Celexa! It sure helped me!"

• a14...
• March 18, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "It is pretty awesome. I was really worried I have never taken anything before for anxiety. The first week was a little up and down, I was super nauseous and vomited a couple of times. It has been almost a month, and it is now working wonders. I don't get nearly as flustered or overwhelmed. I would recommend first-timers to try this."

• Bet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2015

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I just started taking 10 mg Celexa the evening of Jan 14, took another one at the same time the next night. The next morning, I was miserably sick. Nausea, more retching than vomiting, weak, headachey, all-over sick feeling... This was like (but this time much worse) the reaction I had when I started Prozac. The doctor agreed that my first bad reaction was to the Prozac, called yesterday, and said I won't take more Celexa. I am done with SSRIs. I am wondering if anyone else has had this same reaction..."

• bea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2015

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed Celexa for anxiety. I had previously tried Prozac, which made things even worse. Celexa (10 mg) was great. I felt better, just a bit more evened out, and less anxious. It's definitely not a Xanax, but it helped me to feel more like myself. However, it also made me gain about 15 pounds in only 3 months. During this time, I was exercising, eating healthfully, and still gaining. I eventually weaned myself off it. Weaning myself off was terrible. Nausea, inability to concentrate, etc."

• Kou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 11, 2015

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I have started on Celexa 10 mg for severe anxiety I was having (to the point where I couldn't function and thought I was going to lose my job). I'm only a week in the 10 mg, and I already feel a lot better. The anxiety is still there but is manageable. I will be upping to 20 mg this weekend in case it makes me sick. Which brings me to my next advice: if you have a sensitive stomach or were not on any other medication, start at a low dose and start on a Friday or Saturday because you will have bad symptoms. I was extremely nauseous, I couldn't sleep, and it made me feel really weird for a while. I had to take Pepto-Bismol tablets to make sure I did not throw up the medication and be back to square one. But that has passed and I feel better now!"

• Ped...
• April 2, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "16 years old. Therapist and I decided to turn to medication after 6 months in therapy had little effect. I was prescribed 10 mg citalopram, which we tapered up to from 5 mg. After only 2 days had passed on the 5 mg dose, it was already having positive effects; it stopped me from having a panic attack when I normally would have. It's been a week, and each passing day my anxiety is lessened, as well as some of the underlying depression. I have had side effects, though; slight headaches, nausea, some drowsiness (especially after taking a dose), and some of the worst heartburn ever. It's only been speedbumps in my normal day, though."

• New...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2019

For Depression "I’m on the second week of treatment, and I’ve had every side effect: increased nervousness, headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, strange thoughts. This is the third drug, as I am struggling to find the right drug that agrees with me. Will these side effects ever subside?"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 24, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "I'm 18 and I started citalopram 10 mg back at the start of October this year, and let me tell you, I had loads of side effects: dissociation, nausea, always on edge. But I’ve been on it for 8 weeks as of writing this, and I feel a whole lot better. I'm not my full self, and I still have days where I’m off, but a couple of nights ago, I had the first blip where I felt like normal for around 10 seconds, and it was amazing. Just know you can get through this, and don’t always expect it to work really quick because it’s different for everyone."

• J19...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 28, 2016

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I was on 20 mg for about 9 months for severe panic disorder. I was having 2-3 panic attacks per day. Once I was on the med for two weeks, I was so much better. Unfortunately, about 9 months in, the panic attacks came back worse than before. Only side effects were mild nausea and sore leg muscles during the first few days."

• Elk...
• April 19, 2016

For Depression "I cannot believe that this medication has genuinely helped me to start turning my life around. I didn't recognize exactly how low I had become. I went to my GP following six months of extreme anxiety due to work stresses, and after a lengthy consultation and blood tests, was prescribed citalopram 10 mg. I experienced some nausea, mild headaches, and an increase in my anxiety after a week. So I revisited the GP and my dose was increased to 20 mg. I had minimal side effects for a couple of days, and then I felt myself becoming calmer, even of mood and generally enjoying the little things that I had stopped enjoying. I feel confident and happy - even in social situations I would normally avoid. I am smiling again."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 31, 2015

Citalopram for Depression "So, a little over a year ago (20-year-old female), I was diagnosed with depression. My doctor gave me Celexa 20 mg. The first week, I had dry mouth and nausea, but that was about it for side effects, they went away quickly. Celexa made me feel more in control of my emotions, happier, and less tearful. After 8 months, I switched to 40 mg, it didn't do very much, and 4 months later, I had gained 15 lbs. So I switched back to 20 mg. It has been over a year now, and I feel like the medication has stopped working. I'm feeling depressed again, sleeping a lot, more sadness. So I'm going to see my doctor and switch. Overall, for a first medication, it was good. Just definitely watch your weight and what you're eating!"

• Lee...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 7, 2017

Citalopram for Depression "Living with a depressed husband and my parents passing within 16 months of each other threw me into two years of depression. When I finally sought help, my doctor put me on generic Celexa. Within a month, I felt a lot better; however, I was nauseous and woke up at 3 a.m. for the first 3 months. I'm glad I stuck it out because after that, I was fine for about 2 years when it stopped working. Over the past 3 years, I have tried 3 other antidepressants, but nothing has worked or they increased my blood pressure, so my doctor suggested trying Celexa again. I'm hoping I won't have the side effects this time but feel they are worth it for two years of normal living."

• 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."

• Dan...
• November 25, 2016

Citalopram for Depression "I had been on Wellbutrin, which worked great for me, but my insurance would not cover the cost, and my insurance does cover Celexa, so my Dr. switched me to Celexa to see if it would work for me. The first 2 weeks I felt great! I had tons of energy and just felt really good. I did have some mild nausea, but not something that I couldn't handle. After 2 weeks I started feeling extremely tired and went from sleeping 6-7 hours per night (the most I have ever slept at night) to sleeping 10 hours a night. I also feel really tired and just blah all day. I got to the point that I just feel numb and stopped caring about anything. Dishes and laundry piled up, don't care. Family needs dinner, don't care. Needless to say, I will be switching meds!"

• 29y...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "If you’re scared to start, read this. I suffer from crippling anxiety, to the point where I tried to take my life 6 days ago. I tried sertraline 50 mg 3 years ago, and the side effects were absolutely vile, it worsened my mental health at the time, so I stopped. Given this, I was TERRIFIED to try anything else, but given how I’ve been feeling, I went to my GP and was given citalopram 20 mg. I’m an advanced healthcare professional, so I decided to reduce to 10 mg as per the guidelines for panic disorder (as I knew my depression was due to my anxiety being so bad). I’m on day 4 now, and my perspective has changed. I was a little anxious on day 1, nauseous, headache, but that was it… It’s kind of unsettling because my brain has been wired for so many years, but it’s finally quiet. I can go for a walk alone in the dark and not be scared, I can go about my day without being crippled. I haven’t cried once since starting them, my appetite is slowly returning, and my sleep is good."

• Ell...
• October 11, 2015

For Depression "Citalopram changed my life. I was severely depressed, crying every day with a hugely negative outlook. After just a few days, I felt much more positive, less depressed, and barely cried. The only side effects for me were mild nausea and a headache after taking it the first few times, but eating something helps. Would definitely recommend citalopram!"

• cbu...
• January 11, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started this medication for depression, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder. I felt the benefits on day 2 of starting it, and now (10 days later) I think it has been a miracle for me! I feel genuinely happy, and things that used to cause me strong anxiety are rolling off my shoulder like they're nothing. I don't feel like it has changed who I am, but simply made me a better version of myself. I would give this Rx 10 stars, but I do experience some mild side effects occasionally: nausea, headache, pupil dilation, drowsiness, loss of appetite, teeth grinding. Also, I am on 20 mg but feel like it wears off in the afternoon. I am going to talk to the doctor about increasing the dosage."

• 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."

• inf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I could barely sit in restaurants, I was constantly on edge, feeling unsafe everywhere, obsessed with checking my pulse. I was in and out of derealization, feeling constantly floaty in a horrible way. Week 1-6 of citalopram-anxiety got worse, hot flushes, or one part of my body was burning hot. Appetite was completely gone, and the nausea was quite bad. By the end of week 3, the physical symptoms started to pass, and anxiety lifted. From week 3-6, my mood was all over the place, I went from feeling normal to suicidal to desperately depressed, and depression wasn't what I was being treated for. So beware of extreme mood changes because that is scary. But now, week 8, and I feel 80% back to normal. I know it's desperate, but stick it out and it will be great!"