Citalopram and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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!"

• Rob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2015

For Depression "I have suffered from depression for over 10 years. I got to the point of almost not existing anymore. Thankfully, I managed to claw my way through it and seek help. As soon as I did that, I received an overwhelming amount of support, completely disproving my previous idea of being worthless. My doctor gave me 20 mg of citalopram, and that helped immensely. I have been on it now for about 7 weeks. I noticed results instantly (to my surprise). I did experience a few side effects such as nausea, headaches, and slight difficulty sleeping for the first week, and I did notice a reduction in my sex drive. However, after a few weeks, I didn't experience them anymore. I feel like a changed man, medication mixed with therapy. Good stuff."

• lit...
• September 1, 2011

Citalopram for Depression "I have been dealing with clinical depression since I was in kindergarten (I'm 41 now). Have been on and off many different antidepressants over the years (mostly off because of the side effects and some making me feel worse). Therapy never helped. Have been on Celexa 20 mg for the last month - month 1/2, and it's working very well. I have actually lost 11 lbs being on it because of loss of appetite. The only side effects I don't like are increased headaches and decreased libido. I do still feel sad and alone at times, but not as bad as I used to. I am using Xanax a lot less too."

• ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2012

Citalopram for Depression "I'm 19 years old and had been struggling with depression since I was a kid. I was against antidepressants all my life until I went off on my freshman year of college out of state and found it impossible to control my emotions. I became suicidal and was thinking about trying illegal drugs. Finally, I told the school counselor that I needed help. She diagnosed me with mild depression and prescribed 20 mg every day. I've been on it for a bit over a month, and my life has changed. My emotions are reasonable and under control, I'm much more agreeable, energetic, and optimistic. Side effects from the first two weeks were: dry mouth, excessive yawning, insomnia, and a bit of anxiety/hyperactivity. Still have decreased sex drive though."

• San...
• January 31, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I took citalopram when I was 17-20 years old and am now back on it a few years later. I got off the medication because I “didn’t like having to take medication.” This was silly. I was fine for about 18 months, and then I experienced my anxiety in a new way: panic attacks. I had intrusive suicidal thoughts even though I love life and find joy and happiness all the time. I managed the strength to ask to be back on the medication. I felt basically no effects until week 3-4, so don’t give up. I’m now on week 4 of being on the medication for a second time, and the benefits are here. I’m so glad I’ve stuck it out because I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Some side effects I’ve noticed: slightly increased anxiety, headaches, dizziness, feeling a little spacey, decreased libido, diarrhea, vivid dreams, yawning. All of these side effects have improved drastically or are gone completely. I expect them all to fade by the time everything evens out. I take 20 mg."

• Lex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2016

Citalopram for Depression "25 yr old, female. I've been taking 20 mg for 2 weeks now. Only side effect was insomnia, so I started taking it in the morning. Maybe a loss in sex drive? No other side effects, though. It hasn't kicked in yet."

• Cai...
• February 20, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "My first time using citalopram I was on 10 mg a day. My first couple of days was difficult. Nausea, dizziness, terrible migraines. I had to excuse myself from work for a couple of days 'til I adjusted. My moods did improve, and I took the meds for 6 months. I stopped taking them because I hated relying on meds for my emotional control, and the sexual dysfunction that accompanied it made me more anxious and put rifts in my relationship. I was off meds for about 7 months, and since that time I've gone through some traumatic experiences that have made it hard to stay in control. So I'm now 4 days into my second try on the meds. I've started at 20 mg this time around. 2 days of side effects. We will see how this one goes."

• got...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on a lot of psychotropic drugs through the years. I hated them all. This was the first drug that relieved my anxiety, and my mind doesn't work as fast, so I can actually focus on something and read without all the inner dialogue in my head. When I am trying to read something, my mind takes off on tangents, and I am still reading, but I am not comprehending. It's nice to be able to focus on something and really take in the information. I don't feel like I'm in such a hurry all the time. I personally didn't have any problem with my libido or with my orgasms. For men, it's good; you can last longer when taking this medication. My boyfriend takes it also."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking Celexa for over a month and have noticed a big difference in anxiety and moods. I have also lost weight while taking it. I never feel hungry, and when I do eat, I don't eat near as much. (I've heard this affects everyone differently.) It did make me yawn continuously when first starting it, and I took it at bedtime due to being afraid it would make me sleepy. That side effect did go away. I still have great energy during the day, it doesn't make me want to sleep or feel draggy. It doesn't affect my sleep at night. The only bad thing I have to say is I noticed a huge difference quickly with sex drive. Other than that, great drug, and as I said before, every drug affects people differently, so that may not be an issue with someone else. :)"

• Anonymous
• February 4, 2012

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking 20 mg citalopram for almost 3 months now. It has changed my life! A few years ago, I started having panic attacks. I have been to the ER about 4 or 5 times. I have spent thousands of dollars on EKGs, stress tests, wearing the halter heart monitor... you name it! In the end, they all said the same thing... anxiety. I continued to take Xanax when I felt an attack coming on. Finally, my physician suggested this. For the first 6 weeks or so, I had fatigue, excessive yawning, no sex drive, or ability to climax. Although I noticed my anxiety attacks becoming more mild and fewer of them. After about 8 weeks, most of the side effects have gone away. I feel great! Happy and full of energy! Give it time... it is worth it!"

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

For Depression "I have been taking citalopram for 4 weeks today. Started 2 weeks on 10 mg then 2 weeks on 20 mg. I’ve actually stopped taking them today as the side effects were really getting me down, they worked and made me feel less angry, calmer, and less irritable, but I couldn’t cope with the increase in my appetite. I battle with my weight anyway and don’t want to gain more, which I have. So the main side effects were eating a lot more and never feeling full. Sex drive and orgasms are out the window! Tiredness and constantly yawning got me down, and the feeling of having no motivation or energy to even put the hoover around. They say these effects go away after a while, but I’ve stopped taking them."

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

For Depression "I have been taking citalopram for 4 weeks today. Started 2 weeks on 10 mg then 2 weeks on 20 mg. I’ve actually stopped taking them today as the side effects were really getting me down, they worked and made me feel less angry, calmer, and less irritable, but I couldn’t cope with the increase in my appetite. I battle with my weight anyway and don’t want to gain more, which I have. So the main side effects were eating a lot more and never feeling full. Sex drive and orgasms are out the window! Tiredness and constantly yawning got me down, and the feeling of having no motivation or energy to even put the hoover around. They say these effects go away after a while, but I’ve stopped taking them."

• Dou...
• February 18, 2013

For Depression "I began taking this medication in October 2011 for depression and anxiety as recommended by a general practitioner. (It is the only medicine for depression/anxiety that I have ever taken.) I ramped up weekly from 0.5 to 15 mg. My doc wanted me on 20 mg per day, but I decided 15 mg was for me. I felt an immediate boost upon first taking only 0.5. I felt a sense of happiness that had been missing for many, many years. At 15 mg, I felt much less stressed and much happier overall. I could deal with friends, family, and strangers much more easily. After a few months of doing well, I noticed that the 'fog had set in', I had a hard time focusing on anything for an extended period. This was accompanied by increased anger and no sex drive at all. I have now weaned myself off."

• kat...
• December 27, 2011

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I liked this medication at first, lost about ten pounds, no appetite, very calm, anxiety and snappiness gone! But the bad side effects which ultimately made me get off this medicine were tranced feelings, like in a coma, felt beige, people asked why I was so melancholy, no sex drive, and sleepiness."

• Vog...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 12, 2021

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Made a big difference for me. Suffered from debilitating OCD for years, in and out of therapy. Finally, in college, my psychiatrist prescribed citalopram because a close family member has had success with it. After a few weeks on the meds, I was back in business, baby! Only side effects I have are disturbing dreams, which aren't too hard to manage, and inability to orgasm, which is a worthwhile sacrifice (my partners are happy for sure)."

• mhe...
• May 13, 2008

Citalopram for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "It has really helped with panic attacks that are spawned by flashbacks. It took about two weeks for me to notice it was working. It has lowered my sex drive slightly, other than that, there have not really been any other side effects."

• Con...
• December 11, 2015

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I was prescribed this drug a few years ago for mild depression. The first time I had no real side effects except nausea for a few days. I was on it for 6 months. About a month ago, I went to the Dr. for my PMS symptoms, and he decided to try it again. This time I had no appetite for 2 weeks. I felt sick every time I ate. Very tired and not wanting to do anything. I also still have diarrhea every morning. I'm becoming dehydrated. Other than that, I feel great, except now I have zero sex drive. My husband is suffering because of this. Even if I try and get into it, I can't orgasm. It's hard to decide if the good outweighs the bad. I'm probably going to switch meds."

• Jo ...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 14, 2022

For Borderline Personality Disorder "Citalopram has made a significant difference in treating my borderline personality disorder. I felt so out of control, like I was on an emotional roller coaster I couldn't get off. Since being on this medication, I feel like I have my control back. I take 40 mg 1x daily. The side effects for me have been a decreased sex drive, sleepiness (solved by taking it before bed), and, at the beginning, diarrhea for the first three months or so. All side effects have been far outweighed by the benefits."

• tea...
• March 18, 2013

For Depression "I like it. Does have some persistent annoying side effects, but the pros far outweigh the cons. Started out with 10 mg for one month. Bumped up to 20 mg for the past 2 months. Much more sociable, in fact, I feel like I don't want to be alone now. Dressing better, super giggly, it feels great to laugh it off. And almost every other user reports loss of sex drive, which makes me wonder why I feel so, quite the opposite of that all the time. Cons: brain zaps, shortness of breath sometimes, dazy, shaky, sweaty, if I miss a dose, I feel cynical and don't like anyone because I think they are all rude. Paranoid? Weight gain. Still like it."

• ran...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 3, 2014

For Depression "Difficulty urinating and low sex drive side effects took about 2 months to subside, felt really tired for about 4 to 6 months just going to work to pay the bills and sleeping the rest of the time. But now it's a lot better, I deal with anxiety better, but the combination of psychologist and medicine work better. I'm not the full-on person I was, and I take things slowly now. Now I just stop and smell the daisies a bit, but I took this for me to learn that the happy things in life are sometimes the simplest."

• bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2017

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Coming onto this medication, at first, I didn't notice anything in particular. I was on the train, and I just noticed that my disoriented thoughts and feeling super nervous calmed quite a bit. I did notice I didn't talk as much as I did before I started the medication. It helps with my depersonalization. But at the same time, it adds fuel to my underlying depression that I had in the past. At the same time, I believe that's a good thing. Because it's helping me heal hidden broken parts of myself. It especially helps when talking to my therapist about my past. I hate how tired I am, as I am typing this, I think I yawned at least 8 times. Delayed orgasms suck as well...but sometimes I take a day off from taking one pill, so it's okay."

• Mis...
• March 3, 2012

Citalopram for Depression "I've been taking Celexa for a few weeks now. I've gained a lot of weight, so much in fact we thought I was pregnant! AND I'M NOT! I've been feeling nauseous and having cramps. I don't want to have sex anymore, and when we do, I can't have an orgasm. My period is down to just barely anything (I have an IUD that I've had for 3 years). Celexa does make me a happier person. I'm playing with my kids now, which before I wouldn't. I just wanted to be left alone and wanted to play my computer. Now I do things with my family, I feel happier."

• Mis...
• March 3, 2012

Citalopram for Depression "I've been taking Celexa for a few weeks now. I've gained a lot of weight, so much in fact we thought I was pregnant! AND I'M NOT! I've been feeling nauseous and having cramps. I don't want to have sex anymore, and when we do, I can't have an orgasm. My period is down to just barely anything (I have an IUD that I've had for 3 years). Celexa does make me a happier person. I'm playing with my kids now, which before I wouldn't. I just wanted to be left alone and wanted to play my computer. Now I do things with my family, I feel happier."

• BJ1...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 15, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I've been on and off citalopram for the past 5 years (mostly on). I deal with GAD, depression, and PTSD. The therapeutic dose of 20 mg was what I was on initially, bumped to 40 as stress increased. This drug really helped me deal with my mixed bag of symptoms effectively. However, it caused anorgasmia. It also caused a chronically stuffed nose as the dose increased."

• 30y...
• July 18, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I've only been on 10 mg of citalopram for a week, but I already feel more calm on it. I take it at night, I haven't noticed a lack of sex drive, shakiness, or anything like that. My doctor did say that the first week on it can be the worst for anxiety, but that it would get better. I honestly haven't noticed that my anxiety has been worse, if anything, it has definitely taken the edge off. I've had PTSD for the past 15 years. Playing sports and eating healthy has always made me feel better, but I recently suffered a torn PCL while playing ice hockey, and not being able to do any physical activities has left me quite frustrated and depressed. I'm hoping the prescription will only be temporary until I can have surgery and get back to physical activities."