Citalopram and Panic Attacks: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• January 29, 2021

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I'd taken Celexa 10mg in my teens. I got off Celexa when I reached my 20s. At 26 years old, that's when panic attacks started. It was so bad, I couldn't leave the house as I was afraid I would get dizzy and faint if I went anywhere. I started back on Celexa, not sure if I was on 20mg or 10mg because the doctor prescribed 20mg, but I think I cut them in half to 10mg. Celexa worked great, the attacks had gone away. From what I remember, I had no side effects from taking Celexa before. I took it for 2 years and got off. I'm now 32 years old, and the panic attacks started again. Today is my 2nd day on Celexa 20mg. Side effects are horrible. I feel weird and am having panic attacks. My hands and feet sweat, trembling, heart racing, and numbness. I've been reading reviews of others going through the same, and they are saying to stick through it as it's a great outcome. I called the doctor and suggested I half the pill to 10mg and take it at night instead of the morning. I pray for all those facing this battle."

• 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."

• 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."

• Jho...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2019

For Panic Disorder "*update* I reviewed earlier on 2019-06-14 under the same name. I am now on my fourth week of citalopram. Every side effect has essentially faded and has passed. I still get tremors from time to time, but it's well worth it. I've not had a SINGLE panic attack after week one. I am now able to drive by myself because the world isn't so scary anymore! The Lord and this medicine has helped me TREMENDOUSLY the past month! Please do yourself the favor and take this medicine if you've been prescribed it. I am on 20mg and it's worked wonders for me. Don't be scared of the side effects either! The worst ones are less than 0.1% of those who took it! Praying for everyone who is suffering from panic attacks and anxiety."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Bri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 2, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "68 years old. Been on a dose of 10 mg citalopram for 6 months - gradually felt better after 6 weeks. Still had a few panic attacks and excessive yawning/stress headaches. After 6 months, I feel much improved so the doctor suggested I increase to 20 mg as he thinks it will help even more. So, I’ll let you know how I make out. I’m very optimistic."

• Lis...
• August 12, 2014

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "This is my 12th day on Citalopram and already I am noticing a difference. I was on Effexor for over a year and it was okay, but started getting really anxious and having panic attacks all over again, more frequent, and also really sad a lot, so I decided to talk to my doctor about switching. He said 'Citalopram is my go-to medicine, and it's a lot cleaner than most.' I love reading the positive reviews. It gives me high hopes. The first week I did feel a bit off, but I know you just have to wait it out and things will look up. So far so good! Good luck everyone!"

• Cam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 20, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been on Celexa (Citalopram) for a little over 3 years now. It is amazing how drastic it has changed my anxiety and depression. I have had severe anxiety and panic attacks right before I started on the medication. After receiving the medication, I didn't take it for about 6 months because I read the side effects about low sex drive LOL! During those six months, I would have to take a klonopin (Xanax) almost every day because I would have bad anxiety or a panic attack. After the six months, I couldn't take it any longer and I gave in. It usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks to really kick in but when I tell you, that medication helped dramatically. I NEVER have anxiety anymore even for the things that would usually give me anxiety."

• Hia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 27, 2019

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I was severely bad, had counseling, psychology. I had severe panic attacks and severe paranoia. After 2 weeks of taking these, I noticed good changes, and now 2 months into them, I feel pretty much cured."

• Tha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2020

For Panic Disorder "You will get better. Before Christmas, I had a couple of panic attacks, which were horrible and scared me. Went to docs, was put on sertraline, which was a horrible, awful drug. Made me feel like I was cracking up and was so anxious about everything and not sleeping at all. Worst feeling I’ve had in my life, and I’m a 40-year-old male. So after a month, changed it to citalopram. Felt loads better, took 20 mg for a few months. Managed to go on holiday, got back, went up to 30 mg citalopram - game changer. Now feel great, citalopram has helped me so much get out of a scary place. Like I say, on the up now, been on holiday, new career. Enjoying life again. Thank you."

• Drp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 2, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "I thought I would write a review as I remember in the depths of anxiety and intrusive thoughts, desperate for a review that would give me some hope. I had taken citalopram about 7 years ago when the pressure of everyday life got a bit too much, and my body went into panic mode. I stayed on it for about 3 years until I was ready to stop. Recently, the pressure of work and study got too much again, and I could recognize the signs and symptoms straight away: panic, muddled thinking, intrusive thoughts, so I immediately got a new prescription for citalopram 10 mg. It will take about a week to start feeling better, just carry on. The anxiety peaked around day 5, and slowly but surely you will get back to your old self until you forget how you are feeling now. You can't beat the anxiety or fight it, just simply accept it for now and trust in time these tablets will help your thoughts and body slow down until you are back to your old self. You have got this x"

• Jho...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 14, 2019

For Panic Disorder "First of all, this medicine, citalopram, has been a life changer for me. My dose is 20mg for panic and anxiety disorder. The first week or so was awful! I had sweats, tremors, diarrhea, increased anxiety, and panic attacks (the irony). After about day 6, I started noticing a slight change in my mood, and my panic attacks were vanishing. I am now on day 10, and I feel amazing! I’ve not had a panic attack since day 6, and I am sleeping much better than I did before! Please, please, please do not look up all the side effects of this medicine. I did, and it made me suffer an extra three months than I should have, as I was too scared to start. I promise you will have a changed life on this medicine. All 3 of my siblings take this, and we all have had great success with it. Give it a try!"

• 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!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "A month ago, I started having really bad anxiety, to the point I would lie in bed all day feeling suicidal. I couldn't eat (I lost 1 stone in 2 weeks), I couldn't sleep without having a panic attack that woke me up every hour, and I was terrified this was going to be my life from now on. I was signed off work sick but had bills to pay, which added to the stress and anxiety I had. I had thoughts of ending my own life because I felt that hopeless and down and was worried I would never snap out of it. The worst symptom was derealization. After 3 awful weeks of adjusting to 20 mg citalopram, I'm feeling so much better already. Please stick with this medication, I feel like I've got my life back."

• JJB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2018

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I was quite literally so depressed I was having suicidal thoughts, constant panic attacks. I was on Lexapro, and it just turned me into a mental mess. I didn't know what to do. My doctor gave me Celexa and Klonopin together, and now after 1 month, I feel like a different person. The Klonopin is great for the panic attacks. The Celexa has been great so far for my depression, and I have OCD as well, so this has stopped the hamster wheels in my head. It will work different for everyone, but this is my experience. Good luck to all, as peace of mind is absolutely everything!"

• wor...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 8, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I was on citalopram for 13 years and coped through some pretty bad times and health scares, and I was able to cope. Came off them two months ago and got vertigo, which scared the life out of me. I started having panic attacks, feelings of constant doom, and that my life was over. I felt odd in certain lights, like I wasn't balanced in the room, and it was horrific. Lost two stone in 3 weeks! Moral of the story is now I'm back on citalopram, I am starting to get better again, and I never want to stop taking them again... ever! I would likely have coped with the situation if I hadn't come off these. The feelings of dread are going and starting to feel like me again. This drug does wonders."

• 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."

• Vic...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 21, 2019

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed Celexa to help me cope with the anxiety and stress caused by severe symptoms of PTLDS (Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome). The medication has greatly helped me cope with the symptoms. I still have these PTLDS symptoms... but with the Celexa, I suffer none of the anxiety the symptoms cause! I started on a 20 mg dose but quickly found that 10 mg provided the same benefit. I have long been prescribed Metoprolol to quell panic attacks and heart palpitations (with the added benefit of lowering my blood pressure), and I think the Celexa has been of great benefit to continuing my feelings of well-being."

• Ecn...
• December 28, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I took citalopram for 2.5 years (10 mg dose) until I stopped this November. Before citalopram, my life was in shambles. I was shaky, felt like I was always going to faint, dizzy, fast heart rate, depressed, and avoided public gatherings at all costs. The last 2.5 years have been fairly good despite family/school stress. It wasn’t until this October/November that I felt like I didn’t need citalopram anymore, and I gradually stopped. Near the middle of November, I experienced my first real panic attack (slurred speech, unable to type, lost feeling in my arm, unable to recall the names of my own pets), it was traumatizing. Went to the hospital and received a clean MRI. I decided to start citalopram again since I have 1.5 years left of college, and these last 9 days have been rough. I have depersonalization, anxiety, fear of dying, loss of appetite, you name it. I knew it helped these last few years, so I’m sticking it out in hopes of feeling normal again. I’m taking 10 mg again."

• Day...
• June 21, 2021

For Panic Disorder "I started this because I was suffering from bad social anxiety with panic attacks. Whenever I was in a social situation, I would have a panic attack. I am a 32-year-old mom, and I'm always being put in social situations, and I knew I needed help. Going on this med was a huge challenge. For me, it was an emotional roller coaster of increased anxiety, panic attacks for 2 months. I just completed week 9, and I know it's working now because I was recently out, and a mom came up to me and started talking with me. Normally, I would have had a panic attack with all the symptoms, but guess what!? I didn't!!!! I talked to her for over an hour! I went to a crowded beach and had no anxiety. I walked around totally comfortable! It's working! To anyone suffering from social anxiety... you CAN do this! It will be hard the first 2 months, but persevere to have this medicine cut the cord in your brain of constant panic!"

• Oct...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I was dealing with anxiety for about a month and went to see my doctor when it started to really take over my day-to-day life. She prescribed me a very low dosage of 5 mg. When starting the medication, my anxiety skyrocketed, which on day 3 of the medication turned into panic attacks (had 5 in one day), which made me go to the emergency room. I thought this medication was not for me. When I called my doctor, she told me to bump to 10 mg and after 2 weeks get myself to 20 mg. I have now been on this medication for over a month, and it has been wonderful. If you are reading this, remember that it will get better. Please give this medication time. Get as much sleep as you can and talk to someone. Remember that if you feel worse, it is likely due to your body adjusting to the medication, and do not read the negative reviews. I did, and it does not help, especially in the anxious mindset."

• 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."

• NAT...
• July 27, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I am a 35-year-old mom of 2. I've always tried to manage my anxiety on my own by always keeping active. The more I stayed focused on a task, the less I worried about something else. Losing my father, going through a separation, 5 deaths in my family in less than 3 years. I wasn't happy with my career, and I had all of this on my mind being a single mom. I managed, I continued to smile, I didn't feel sad all the time. I just became a worry animal. I would lash out, get angry, scream, and panic. Still, through all of my anxiety, I tried to do it on my own. Until my doctor prescribed Celexa. One day I noticed a difference. It's been 1 year, and I am living a much fuller and happier life. The meds have helped me relax and breathe for once in my life."