Citalopram and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• June 25, 2009

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I have been on this medication for just shy of 2 months. I was prescribed it for anxiety and depression, but mostly anxiety. I have found it to be good, however not so much for anxiety. It has helped my sleep for the most part, but I still get significant anxiety in the daytime. I will say you have to give it a good month for it to show its benefits, and there are side effects in the beginning, but they are minimal and not significant, mostly just yawning and sexual side effects. Other than that, I have found it to be effective."

• Air...
• May 22, 2017

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I have been on generic Celexa for about two weeks now. I was searching for something to help me with deteriorating anxiety. I had no idea it would also make me less irrational and nicer. I don't get upset over everything now. I feel confident and myself again. Lots of side effects though. Currently have a hollow feeling at all times, very spaced out, memory loss, cannot orgasm, insomnia, unable to tell when I am hungry, and since I have upped my dose to 20 mg, I also clench my jaw often. For me, the good outweighs the bad though. I am just happy to not be feeling so manic nonstop."

• ove...
• July 17, 2009

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I have used citalopram 20mg for about 3 years now for hormone imbalance issues. It has been very effective for me, and the only real side effect that I have noticed is dry mouth. I have noticed many people complaining about decreased sexual desire or trouble having an orgasm, but I have not had those problems."

• Kil...
• September 29, 2011

Citalopram for Bipolar Disorder "Celexa worked really well for me, in terms of stabilizing my mood. I actually felt really happy and thought with clarity for once! But I had to stop taking it because the side effects were just extremely unpleasant. I wasn't able to achieve an erection, and if I did, I wasn't able to orgasm. I also had this sedated-like feeling. My body temperature would increase. But I also felt emotionless at the same time, if that makes any sense. I found it hard to respond to my partner's emotions. Everything was just on a cloud for me. Someone could have insulted me, and I would have been alright with it."

• No...
• June 21, 2016

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed 20 mg but found that I felt stupid and slow, and I had some sexual side effects. Not all bad either. I could go forever. I went down to 10 mg, and that seems to be the sweet spot for me. Has been a life changer, though. I felt as though my brain was ADHD, and this lets me form clearer trains of thought, reduces my social anxiety, and helps my depression. Sexual side effects seem to have gone away also. The one complaint is that each new script seems to be slightly different (good luck not getting generics), and it takes a few days to adjust. Ninety-day scripts with half a pill mean 180 days between bottles, so not a huge deal but certainly worth mentioning."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2014

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Did some yawning in the first week and then my libido started to diminish. After two weeks, my yawning went away and was replaced with clarity and a clear mind. The unfortunate downside at 20 mg after two weeks was absolute zero libido, I couldn't have an erection. It's too bad because it's a very effective medicine otherwise. I've switched to Wellbutrin, haven't started it, going through a one-week wash-off from Celexa."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2012

Citalopram for Postpartum Depression "I began to feel better almost immediately - within 4 days, I could really tell a difference in my stress level and more overall depression. I feel much better, and I am thankful that I decided to seek help. This has not solved all my problems, but it put me in a frame of mind to be able to deal with them rather than feel out of control and hopeless. Best decision I could have made, not only for myself, but my family. The only side effect that I have experienced is difficulty reaching orgasm. But honestly, it has helped me so much, I am more than willing to live with this than go back to the way I was before."

• 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."

• Can...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 30, 2015

Citalopram for Depression "I can't say enough good things about this medication. I've fought mild-to-moderate depression on and off for twenty years. I've done counseling and read tons of books. I also tried Paxil years ago but found it numbing. Celexa has been WONDERFUL. I'm on 20 mg a day. The crying spells, feelings of doubt and despair, and constant negative thoughts have all gone away. I still have up and down moods and feelings, but they feel normal and manageable... like what regular people must feel like. I feel much more confident, happy, and engaged with life. As for side effects... not to be crude, but the only side effect I've experienced is delayed orgasm and, as a man, this is more of a benefit than a problem ;-) I highly recommend this medication..."

• Law...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've been on this medication for only 5 days, and although most side effects normally aren't experienced until about 2 weeks after starting a new medication, with me, the effects are almost instant, as my body reacts to pills differently than most people. With that said, the only side effect I've had has been the inability to orgasm whatsoever. I don't have a need to fake anything with my wife, so she knows, but it's just very annoying! Other than that, anxiety has been pretty good the past few days. I generally avoid crowded areas but went to a couple and didn't have any problems, so it's been good for me so far this week."

• NJP...
• January 22, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "About 2 months on citalopram, started taking it for headaches and anxiety attacks caused by stress from work, college, and a lot of life changes at once. Wasted a month refusing to take it because I was 'too good for medication like this' and because of the horror stories I'd read. After a couple of weeks, it helped so much, I could have my life back without the constant worry of where and when I would have anxiety attacks. I can finally have relaxing evenings at home. No problems other than slight drowsiness the first few days and a lot of sexual dysfunction the first couple of weeks."

• Jin...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 25, 2021

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have harm OCD and only developed it recently. Citalopram helps to numb it, but gives me side effects such as insomnia and, weirdly, the inability to orgasm easily. But to be fair, both are slight when compared to worrying I'm going to be of harm to the people I care about. Worth a try."

• BPD...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2021

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I am a mid-40s male and have been diagnosed as being high spectrum Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). This is my second time on citalopram (20mg). For me, it kicks in straight away despite the doctors saying it takes weeks to work. It dramatically reduces my anxiety, and I am able to cope a lot better outside my home. My world seems to physically color up as well. The citalopram noticeably reduces my sex drive, which has led me into problems before with impulsivity/promiscuity. Also, to note, climaxing is more difficult. I am also able to concentrate at work and become less bored in my everyday life. This has led me in the past with difficulties in often wanting to live life on the edge with drugs etc. However, citalopram doesn't take away the burning pain of my emotional sensitivity and reactions when triggered/activated, it just seems to dial it down a notch and give one a little more room to think and take the edge off the aftermath."

• kim...
• June 11, 2015

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "This pill saved my life (citalopram). My life was on 'hold' before. The cumulative torture of my monthly cycle had resulted in a nervous breakdown, and I was thinking about suicide. I am fascinated to find out what it is like NOT to suffer (as this was normal for me). The only negative is no sex drive. If you suffer from PMDD, try it!"

• anx...
• July 21, 2011

Citalopram for Panic Disorder "I was on Lexapro for 6 years before it started to poop out. Besides panic disorder, I have some OCD, and I am scared of taking medicine. So, when the doctor wanted me to try Celexa, it took three months of therapy and hitting rock bottom before I took it. Well, 5 weeks later, things are great. Virtually no panic attacks, and it has reduced obsessive-compulsive disorder habits to a minimum. I did have loss of sex drive for the first three weeks, but I am back to normal now, and my husband is happy. I was also very scared of gaining more weight. I gained 45 lbs on Lexapro, but so far on Celexa, I have lost 8 lbs. I hope this medicine never poops out on me."

• Lam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 11, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "Celexa changed my life!! I went from being constantly worried/anxious to feeling calm and capable all the time! Even my coworkers noticed how much better I handled stress and how relaxed I seemed. At first, I did experience side effects such as stomach upset, difficulty achieving orgasm, and sleep troubles, but all of these ceased over the first month. The only side effect I still have is I am slightly more somnolent during the day, but it is well worth it for the positive effects. I didn't gain weight either! I wish I had gone on this med years ago."

• cry...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 28, 2015

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "This medication is truly a double-edged sword. This is only my personal experience with this drug. I liked it but won't be recommending it due to sexual and other side effects. The positive: It works like a dream...as far as mood, it will make you extremely mellow and easygoing. The negative: It will make you shake-tremors. You will still have somewhat of a sex drive but it's impossible to achieve an orgasm. Weight gain, stomach cramps, restless, and trouble sleeping."

• Gin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 2, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "Celexa is a lifesaver for me. I've been diagnosed with bipolar by many different doctors. I've tried mood stabilizers and felt zero difference on any. The main benefits of Celexa for me are a relief from anxiety, mood swings, and irritability. I feel like me on it. The only downsides for me are sexual side effects when first starting. After a few months, I adjusted and was able to get that back. The other issue is motivation during depression. I have to fight that really hard. But, the mood and anxiety issues were the main thing causing distress for me, so I'm so thankful I am not just angry, irritable, and moody all the time. The benefits for me greatly outweigh the side effects."

• nje...
• June 30, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "This is an update to my original comment in late January earlier this year. Still taking 20 mg daily. Still feeling great. Been on 6 months. It's really amazing. Sadness (depression) completely gone. General anxiety gone. When situational stress occurs, it feels lesser and tolerable. The truth is the medicine blocks emotional or psychological pain. It probably blocks super emotional highs also, but it's an easy trade. Side effects are appetite increase (because you are happy and not anxious), occasional night sweats sleeping, delayed orgasm, but good if you had premature orgasm issue. This med is wonderful, and no need to suffer emotional pain forever. Live happy today."

• Fia...
• January 16, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I struggled with depression and panic attacks for most of my life. Three years ago, I was so paranoid I had started hallucinating. I saw my doctor and was prescribed citalopram along with therapy. My severe depression has gone, no more paranoia and no more panic attacks. So it has helped enormously with day-to-day life and work. Unfortunately, I feel my 'mood' never changes, I don't have happy or sad days, just one long stretch of average days. I find it difficult to cry when I know it would be beneficial. I find I have no motivation to do anything...presumably due to nothing making me feel any different. My sex drive has gone, as has the ability to orgasm."

• Fia...
• January 16, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I struggled with depression and panic attacks for most of my life. Three years ago, I was so paranoid I had started hallucinating. I saw my doctor and was prescribed citalopram along with therapy. My severe depression has gone, no more paranoia and no more panic attacks. So it has helped enormously with day-to-day life and work. Unfortunately, I feel my 'mood' never changes, I don't have happy or sad days, just one long stretch of average days. I find it difficult to cry when I know it would be beneficial. I find I have no motivation to do anything...presumably due to nothing making me feel any different. My sex drive has gone, as has the ability to orgasm."

• Anonymous
• November 7, 2009

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I switched to Celexa from Paxil (which I had been on for 7 years for anxiety). It's been 6 weeks, and although the transition was smooth to 10 mg of Celexa, there's just one major problem for me: no sex drive. I'm a 25-year-old female and also am on birth control (have been for 6 years). Maybe it's the combination of both Celexa and birth control! I'm hoping this one side effect will go away because otherwise, it's a good drug."

• Swe...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 1, 2019

For Depression "My doctor initially prescribed 20 mg beginning 10 years ago when I was caring for my terminally ill husband. I was depressed, stressed, lacked clarity of mind, and would cry at the drop of a pin. I truly thought I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. This med was truly a lifesaver for me. Nine years after my husband passed, I found a new love but was having a lot of difficulty with extremely low libido. Discussed with the doctor and found out this is a very common side effect of this drug. I switched to several different meds but started getting depressed again. Decided to wean off all meds and see how I felt. After 2 months of nothing in my system, depression, lack of interest in most everything, and becoming overly emotional about most things returned. I have now decided to get back on citalopram so I can once again be the happy-go-lucky person I used to be. I would rather feel good and libido be not-so-good than to be depressed and have no interest in anything."

• ske...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2016

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "First time ever trying any medication for anxiety, which I have struggled with for years. I took Celexa for 6 days, 10 mg once a day. Throughout taking it, I noticed that my feelings started to dull. Everything was very level, and it was hard to be anxious - or excited, or happy, or really much of anything. I got sexual side effects starting on the 3rd day, which was the deal breaker for me. As much as I liked that it calmed my racing thoughts, the constant fog, feeling of not being myself, and the inability to orgasm made it no-go for me. Celexa was effective for my GAD/social anxiety, but the side effects were terrible."

• ske...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2016

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "First time ever trying any medication for anxiety, which I have struggled with for years. I took Celexa for 6 days, 10 mg once a day. Throughout taking it, I noticed that my feelings started to dull. Everything was very level, and it was hard to be anxious - or excited, or happy, or really much of anything. I got sexual side effects starting on the 3rd day, which was the deal breaker for me. As much as I liked that it calmed my racing thoughts, the constant fog, feeling of not being myself, and the inability to orgasm made it no-go for me. Celexa was effective for my GAD/social anxiety, but the side effects were terrible."