Citalopram and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 3)

• smi...
• April 1, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Helps a lot with anxiety and depression, but made me emotionally numb with a low sex drive (27 male here). I've been on them for about four months and am going off them. Don't use citalopram unless you really need to. I'm finding myself less motivated about life and apathetic toward a lot after being on them all this time."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• December 7, 2010

Citalopram for Panic Disorder "I was in a really bad spot with the constant anxiety and panic attacks. It was affecting every aspect of my life negatively. At first, I slept a lot, which wasn't necessarily bad since I hadn't been sleeping anyway. Sex was a little off, but at least I feel a lot better and don't feel like I could jump out of my skin 24 hours a day. I hate that I have to take something, but it's much better than the alternative!"

• 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!"

• ilo...
• May 17, 2014

Citalopram for Depression "I was diagnosed with major depression 6 years ago when I was 18 years old. I was started on 100 mg of Zoloft. You hear the commercials about the side effects of SSRIs about how they can 'increase suicidal thoughts in children and young adults.' Well, Zoloft did that to me and made my depression even worse until I eventually was suicidal and was hospitalized. Then they switched me to 60 mg Celexa, and I have never had any problems with it! I've been on it for 5 1/2 years, and the only side effect I have is low libido. The FDA lowered the max recommended dose to 40 mg, so my doctor lowered my dose too. I have been okay on 40 mg, but I wish I was still allowed to have the 60 mg. I wonder why the max dose got lowered?"

• Gem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed citalopram for panic attacks and anxiety after a divorce. I started on a dose of 10 mg for a week, then went on to 20 mg for another 6 weeks before stopping completely. It made me feel completely numb and confused, I felt nothing towards others. I was forgetting things, and my anxiety didn't go away. All I could think was what would happen if I wanted to come off them. I had no sex drive, and I did put on weight. I felt nothing and didn't recognize myself. Awful drug for me."

• 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."

• Iti...
• November 13, 2013

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I began Celexa after having a bad experience on Prozac. I did not see immediate results, but I did see some improvement. The side effects were terrible! I had extremely vivid dreams that caused me to be very tired and hard to wake. I had decreased sex drive and lots of problems with memory loss."

• Mad...
• June 25, 2019

For Depression "I was diagnosed with GAD, depression, and body dysmorphia over ten years ago. The doctor prescribed me citalopram, but I wouldn’t take it and thought therapy would suffice. It did... but the anxiety and bad feelings about how I look subsided but never went away. About three months ago, my depression came back, my anxiety worsened, and my BDD did too. I couldn’t eat or sleep and could cry over anything. So I started taking citalopram (10 mg). Within 3 days, I felt better. It’s now been a month that I’ve been on it, and I have hope for my future, I don’t dwell on the negatives, I can stop my spiraling thoughts, I see my life objectively, I smile. I don’t cry all the time. I can concentrate. I feel incredible. My sleep isn’t normal, I don’t have much of a sex drive (which I kind of like, lol), and I have ringing in my ears when it’s really quiet. But I have never felt this amazing in my life. I’m happy now. I’m so grateful for this drug."

• bew...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 7, 2019

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I took 20 mg of Celexa during college for anxiety and depression, and it helped tremendously. I quit taking it for a couple of years after college, but began it again after I got married. I noticed that this time around it affected my sex drive (lower) and made me more tired, but nothing super terrible. After my 2nd child was born, my doctor upped me to 40 mg because of anxiety, and the side effects were awful. Super tired - asleep by 6-7 pm every night - super low sex drive and inability to climax. It was very frustrating. I guess my body chemicals changed over the years and especially after pregnancies. On Wellbutrin now instead of Celexa, so we'll see how that goes."

• Nov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 11, 2018

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I started on the generic brand around Christmas time of 2017, as Christmas is a time of socialization and stress! I have a lot of social anxiety and depression. So bad that it put my relationship on the line. I figured it was time to visit my (fantastic) doctor! I was put on 10 mg a day for 6 weeks and did not see much of a difference. I was then bumped up to 20 mg a day, and I am a new person! My mood is improved, I can start a conversation with a stranger, and my anxiety is gone! The side effects I have are minimal compared to the pros of the medication. I have increased sweating, which mainly contains itself to my fingertips, so it's not bad! My brain is a little foggy all the time, and I have decreased sex drive. Not too bad for the cons of Citalopram! I highly recommend this life-changing medication!"

• Mag...
• December 13, 2019

For Depression "Citalopram really did great with my depression, but it took away my sex drive. And when I did indulge, I was dry as cotton, no matter what I tried, and that put me back in a state of depression within itself."

• Ewe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 5, 2012

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I took 10 mg Celexa (increased to 20 mg) for a year after experiencing panic attacks and generalized anxiety for 3 years. My anxiety affected my stomach the worst, I'd have trouble eating anything without getting a stomach ache or diarrhea. It's as if all the butterflies in my stomach ate my food for me. After taking Celexa, my anxiety disappeared completely and my stomach went back to normal. However, I stopped taking it due to the side effects. I had no more sex drive and had difficulty feeling any emotions, or at least to the extent I felt them before. I felt foggy and not myself. As soon as I went off it, I had panic attacks again but felt more clear."

• Dol...
• August 17, 2019

For Depression "I had many years of underlying anger and depression. Wife always asking me to try antidepressants. Finally asked doc about it, he suggested citalopram. 20 mg started working very quickly. Anger has left me where I used to scream at other drivers or not want to ever go to work. I still don't like work that much, but I don't dread driving to work every day like I used to. I laugh more at work also. Libido has gone bye-bye. I do consider myself a hermit now, on my three-day weekends, I basically do nothing and never see any family or friends, and I don't care, I actually enjoy that. I forgot to take my prescription one day, and I had a rage underneath boiling again and a headache. That's when I realized I forgot to take it the day before. My life has definitely changed for the better, I get along with people. I don't get annoyed at the slightest thing like at the grocery store when I wanted to ram my cart into everybody. It is a life changer for sure, my wife wishes I would have taken it 20 years ago. So do I."

• cur...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 22, 2012

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Took this for social anxiety. After about a month on the pill, my anxiety was gone. However, there were some side effects that I didn't like. My sexual functions (male) were completely gone, which scared me. But after a couple of months on the pill, I could get by... but it's never as good on the pill as it is off the pill. Also, I ground my teeth at night a LOT. I gained weight too... but that could be because I ate terribly, so we'll call that my fault. After a year on this pill, I stopped taking it. Having my social anxiety gone while on the pill built up my confidence a lot, and now I do fine in social situations with no pill needed. I recommend this pill for social anxiety."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 17, 2016

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Started on Prozac 20 mg but went off because of low libido. Doctor had me try Celexa 20 mg, and it was the worst month of my life. So many side effects! Not only did my libido get worse, but I had frequent urination, my depression worsened, my sleeping pattern messed up, fatigue, always sweating, and it made my period disappear for 3 months, and I wasn't pregnant! After a month, I went back to Prozac, I couldn't deal with Celexa's horrible side effects anymore!"

• UKa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 25, 2019

For Depression "Put on citalopram for a variety of reasons, including depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. A week after being on it, I had to call in sick for three days for having bad panic attacks, really dark thoughts, and a constant impending sense of doom. I've been sent home for falling asleep and being drowsy. My appetite and weight gain have only made me feel worse about myself. My nightmares are so vivid that I have to check my phone to see what really happened and what was a dream every night. My worst has been an extremely vivid nightmare about self-harm that I woke up from and had to check my body for immediately. Memory loss is really bad, and when I do drink, I have been blacking out a lot. Low libido. Lots of intrusive thoughts. Panic attacks have only increased. My doctor is a nightmare to get hold of, but once I can, I plan on stopping."

• Tee...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 28, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I started citalopram about 2 years ago. I was always on edge. Everything made me mad and stressed out. I started on 20 mg. I had a hard time with it at first. It made me clench my jaw and my hands. I felt like I was in a fog. It took about 6 weeks before all the bad symptoms went away. I am so happy that I stuck it out. I handle situations better, I have never been happier. I just started on 40 mg now, and I will say it makes me a little nauseous. The only downside is that it makes me have a low libido. I will never go without this drug. I just wish I would have had it many years before."

• Shm...
• October 7, 2016

Citalopram for Depression "I've been on Celexa for almost 3 years now, and I'm very happy with the results in regard to my depression. Most of the side effects went away after the first year, but it has definitely altered my sleep, and I have absolutely no sex drive. I would highly recommend it for effectiveness, but if you're not okay with living with some side effects, it may not be for you."

• Hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2015

For Depression "This medicine works so well, and I felt the change in just 2 weeks. My only drawback is the sexual side effects, but I am hoping they will improve. For anyone out there, get help because life is just so enjoyable without depression!"

• Ter...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 29, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Have been on citalopram for a few years to ease terrible anxiety and OCD... I'm on 40 mg per day now after being on 20 mg, and my life has hugely improved. There are still minor issues but well managed. I have no problems with citalopram but find I have tremors often, though not noticeable by others, and I seem to lose some emotional empathy... Sexual dysfunction is very slight. Overall, a huge improvement and would recommend over fluoxetine. Here in the UK, I pay $10 for a 2-month supply. Bravo NHS."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 16, 2015

For Depression "I have been taking this medication on and off for about 5 years now, I think. I take it at night because it helps to shut my brain off and makes me tired. My anxiety/depression manifests in knee, leg, and body pain. I don't necessarily feel anxious, or I don't think I am depressed, but obviously, there is something there. As soon as I start taking this medicine again, I can move. I can do stairs without cringing in pain. Little things in life don't bother me as much. I love it, so maybe this time I will just stay on it. I don't experience weight gain or sexual side effects."

• Nat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 2, 2018

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I've been taking the generic version, citalopram, for almost 10 years. I now take 10 mg. I was on 20 mg to start. The difference to not taking it is that people like me when I'm on it. I'm naturally introverted and skittish around people. I have to interact with the public on my job. I can hold myself together better and can even find joy talking to people-something that was foreign to me prior to taking citalopram. Side effects for me include insomnia, loss of sex drive, blocked thinking (just sort of blank inside), excessive smiling (as in, I can't stop even if something horrible happened that day and I don't want to smile. Feels like someone hijacked my face). Despite that, I wish I had found this drug much earlier in my life."

• Mel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2020

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I am 31 years old, and since I was about 27 years old, my PMDD symptoms became unbearable. For two weeks out of EVERY month, I would turn into a severely fatigued, rage-filled, irrational monster with sky-high anxiety, EXTREME tearfulness, and panic attacks. For these two weeks, my whole body aches, throbs, and swells, especially my joints and muscles. My arms, back, legs, ankles, wrists, and feet all hurt so much, and I even get muscle spasms in my back. I also was having postpartum depression severely. Within 4 days, citalopram completely stopped my panic attacks, intrusive/OCD thoughts, and my depression is slowly but surely being cured as well! I am in what is usually to be my worst week of my cycle, and mentally, I feel great. It has not done anything for my physical pain. Dry mouth and nausea subsided after a few days, however, the drowsiness and difficulty orgasming have not. GAVE ME MY LIFE BACK!"

• Tak...
• July 25, 2019

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I had tried about half a dozen other medications and given up for a couple of years. My doc had offered citalopram the year before, but I had been 'burned' by other meds and didn't believe it would help, so I didn't take it. My PMDD worsened this year (35 y/o), and it was going to end up costing me my job at the rate I was going. Could NOT control my mood at all. I was legit calling in once a month (2-3 days prior to my period) because my mood was so unstable. I agreed to try the citalopram with some as-needed Vistaril for the bad anxiety. Within the first few days, I was feeling better. In two weeks, it was visible to everyone around me. The side effects were mild: sweating, breast tenderness, dry mouth, a 'strange' feeling for a few days, and yawning. The only side effect that still gets to me is the sexual dysfunction. I've had exactly one orgasm in the two months I've been on it, and it was not really worth the effort, but I'll take weak orgasms over being dead any day."