Citalopram and Tiredness: What Users Say (Page 5)

• ANa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 18, 2015

For Panic Disorder "Been taking Celexa for 6 years now. I used to have such severe panic attacks I was afraid to live on my own, go grocery shopping, social gatherings, daily activities, etc. I would constantly be in emergency thinking I was having a heart attack. It took a few months for me to feel the effect. My panic attacks are so rare to none now. It also helped with my mild depression. Only bad side effect is I lack energy and am very tired. Celexa has changed my life, I'm so thankful for this medication."

• Lad...
• March 22, 2017

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I tried this medication for anxiety, held in there for 5 months at 20 mg/day. I went into a full depression, was a zombie with no motivation to do anything at all. The exhaustion was terrible, sleeping 12 hrs at night with needing naps during the day. I did notice I wasn't shaky when dealing with people, but my view on the world was so bleak, and I didn't want to do anything. I'd rather be shaky from my anxiety and have energy and want to be part of the world than what I went through on this medication. Just awful... within 5 days of weaning myself off of it, I had my energy back and felt positive again."

• Dra...
• July 25, 2011

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I was put on Celexa last Thursday due to the fact I had a major anxiety attack while working Wednesday. Felt like I was having a heart attack, but it was anxiety due to some bad news about layoffs at work, and I have a family to provide for. My PCP prescribed me a 10 mg dose of Celexa once daily. I take it before I go to bed at night so I do not feel the grogginess and give it time to work through my system during the night. I have been taking it for about 5 days, but I am feeling better already. I know it takes about a week for it to really work in your system, but I have a quick reflex system, so medicines absorb quicker in me. I have had a few side effects, as far as sex drive, still pretty good. Yawning is sometimes a pain."

• MCg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 30, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I took 10 mg for 10 days and then 20 mg per day. It was working well, only a few side effects in the first 10 days, like being tired and dizzy. I am able to sleep well and my heart is not giving me a hard time with palpitations or chest pain. I found that after I take the medication in the morning, it is better to sleep or to lay down. At night, it is easy to go to sleep. Sunlight is a good addition to the medication to help me get better (vitamin D). I found that drinking a lot of water and walking are helping me too. The medication started to help me from the first day. Good luck!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Bex...
• June 10, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "The doctor gave me citalopram as I was having really bad anxiety attacks. The first 2-3 days were awful, I kept being sick, felt so tired, had a dry mouth, and had bad headaches. It is now just starting to work for me. I am on 10 mg. Got to give it time to work."

• ADI...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 24, 2023

For Depression "I started taking Celexa about a month or so, and let me tell you, so far it has changed my life. I was going through anxiety and depression, and I didn't want to realize it, and I would refuse to take any medications. It got so bad to the point that I couldn't even go to work. I felt like crying all day for no reason. I would feel very lonely, like life wasn't worth it anymore. The only thing that kept me going was my kids. It got so hard for me that I couldn’t control myself anymore, so now that I am on this medication, it has changed my life. If you need it, take it, trust me! The only side effect it gave me was that I was always too sleepy and tired, but after time, it will go away."

• Anonymous
• May 17, 2012

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I've had panic attacks since 8th grade. I'm 28 now and notice my anxiety about having a panic attack was getting overwhelming. I started to notice I was avoiding situations. I'm a full-time student and work part-time. I need to do many speeches, and I would worry about speeches from the time they were assigned. I've been on citalopram 20 mg for 2.5 weeks. I have no panic attacks, and I have done two speeches with no issues! Side effects of nausea with yawning and sleepiness, but those go away (1.5 weeks), then I noticed the change! Wish I started sooner."

• Kat...
• March 13, 2015

Citalopram for Depression "Helps post-traumatic stress disorder that has turned into chronic depression and irritability. Side effects are nausea, appetite gain, and tiredness, in my case, but I also have hypothyroidism and clogged arteries. Helps enough to be worth it for good in my case."

• Umo...
• July 26, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking this med for two weeks now. I am starting to feel a bit better. I take 10 mg once a day. The first 4 days, I had insomnia, sweating, and feeling tired. Now I can't tell I have any side effects. Everyday it seems to be better. Feeling more motivated and regained a clear mind. My doctor told me I will be on this need at least 1 year. I am going through separation, and the med was given for stress and anxiety. I would recommend this med to everyone. It's helping me."

• Gre...
• September 4, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed these citalopram pills on August 31, 2020, for anxiety and stress. I was prescribed to take half a 20 mg dose for my anxiety. I did so at about 3-4 pm. I was okay, went along with my day, went to bed. I woke up at midnight with a nasty burning sensation in my head, and my left eye was going fuzzy from the burning feeling in my head. It literally felt like someone set my head on fire from the inside. That was only from 1 half of a 20 mg pill. We are now on September 4, 2020. I have not been able to drive, my anxiety has been worse, my head has had a burning sensation and numbness in my head and face, my eyes have been sore and heavy. I have been a couch potato. I have 3 children that are 6 years and under. I am a stay-at-home mother. I was not aware that this is a sedative (my first time ever taking an antidepressant). I went to the hospital, they said I was fine and to keep taking the pills. The doctor who prescribed them said the same. I was so scared to take them I never ended up taking another. Worst experience ever. I am still not 100% better today."

• Los...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Used citalopram a couple of years ago, and it worked wonders. Cannot honestly remember side effects but was in a bad way emotionally, so maybe didn't notice them. Just been put back on it, reaching the end of week 2, and side effects week 1 were horrendous. Tired, anxious, insomnia, nausea, shakes - you name it, I seemed to have it. Most of the side effects have now passed, still the occasional dry/funny taste in my mouth, and today I feel terrible. Anxious in the mornings, but feel it's a bit more manageable. Still got insomnia, waking every 2-3 hours, and increased urination, so hoping this wears off soon as time goes on."

• Anonymous
• December 20, 2011

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I started taking Celexa 3 months ago for social anxiety and depression. I've had depression since I was 7, and my parents were against me taking medication. My sophomore year of college, my anxiety started controlling my life to the point that I never left my home to be with people, and I wouldn't participate in anything where anyone would watch me or evaluate me. I finally got my mom to agree to take me to the doctor and get some medicine. It's been 3 months, and my life has completely changed. I go out to social events, I've learned how to make friends, and I'm doing great in school. This medication has changed my life significantly. The only problem I've experienced is that it makes me tired, but it's worth it."

• l11...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Been suffering from general anxiety/social anxiety and acute OCD. Never been on any medication before and decided it was time to see a doctor to treat the anxiety. In the first week, I had no side effects at all and felt fine. After this week, I had a week booked off work and stupidly decided to drink about 5 times throughout this week, quite heavily. The day after stopping drinking, I felt really anxious and shaky, which was fairly usual for me. Then the day after this, I had 3 days of nausea, tremors, sweating, tiredness. On the fourth day, I began to feel slightly better and began to get my appetite back. By week 3, I feel really good at the moment, no anxiety, although I do have racing thoughts. Would not drink heavily using this medication."

• Nik...
• December 17, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Citalopram is a rough start-up, and though informed of side effects, wasn’t ready. I am on 20’s and take them around 10:30 pm. Days 1 and 2, I was unable to do more than lay around, sweating, feeling heart palpitations, and the most tired I’ve ever been. Shaky from pressure changes, a little dizzy, and some gas. Slept around 12 hours. Very little to no hunger and a very dry mouth: soup, ramen, popsicles, and ice cream. Days 3 and 4 was the first time I felt a lift of side effects, though only shortly. Still a little dizzy, gassy, and the hands and feet were really tingling. Yawning almost constantly. Slept 14 sweaty hours each day. Very little to no hunger, same diet. Constipation set in. Day 5, 45 minutes after taking the pill, felt great for 5 hours and got hungry. Woke up after 8 hours and felt okay. 3 hours of feeling a little weird and a successful BM, my brain turned back on all the way and hunger came back again. Balance much better. Yawning still and cautiously using energy."

• Nik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "After suffering from generalized anxiety disorder, I took Celexa. I had horrible side effects: didn’t want to leave bed, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pains, feeling like I’m losing control, anxiety attacks daily, dizziness, no energy, no appetite (lost 15 lbs). The most concerning side effect was that this medication made me depressed. Mind you, I’ve never had depression in my whole life, and the purpose of me taking this drug was to combat my anxiety. I’ve been taking it for 2 months, and my psychiatrist said it’s reached its “full potential.” I gave this a 3/10 because at the 7-week mark, I had a couple average days. Average days really aren’t enough, though, to live a meaningful and happy life. A lot of doctors say that at the two-month mark, you’ll feel better, and that’s not always true. Things got worse for me on these meds. Wishing everyone who reads this all the love in the world and just know that things WILL get better, whether Celexa or another pill helps!"

• Lea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2019

Citalopram for Depression "I started this medication today, about 8 hours ago, and I thought it'd be cool to leave a Day 1 review. This is my first SSRI, and I am usually sensitive to medications. Maybe I'll come back and update it, however, 6 hours in, I had pressure in my head and felt really tired. I took a small nap for 20 mins, and now it's 2 am, and I can't sleep, and I feel like I could do 100 laps. The energy spike is definitely there. Someone also told a joke, and I could NOT stop laughing, even 30 mins after the joke had passed. That's really it, nothing extremely negative like I've read. ~Leah."

• jmc...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 7, 2017

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I went through a very difficult time being hurt at work. I could have easily been killed. The company making moves to fire me because I cost them money for my 'free medical.' The accident was another employee's negligence. Long story. Plus legal, etc., etc. With Celexa, my anxiety, stress, and depression levels became under control. I was able to return back to a resemblance of a human being. Was at 40 mg to start. Weaned down to 30 mg. Then when legal became intense, 40 mg. No good settlements in these cases, but my sanity is returning. And coping better. Highly recommend. Side effect was being tired until my body adjusted. At least got covered by Workers' Comp insurance. In CA, that's a miracle because for injured parties, you're fortunate that insurance pays."

• Cmc...
• May 24, 2016

Citalopram for Depression "I have tried almost all SSRIs that are commonly used, and Celexa works just like all the rest of them. It makes me feel out of it, like I'm not really here, and makes me extremely tired. I sleep about 4 hours a day. It does help with some of my anxiety, not all of it, and it does help with anger."

• CHH...
• March 23, 2022

For Panic Disorder "I'm on day 20 of 10 mg citalopram and would recommend this to anyone struggling with severe anxiety. The only side effect I've had is tiredness and the odd headache. My backstory is I've been crippled with anxiety for 3 months, unable to even leave my bed, every physical sensation from anxiety. I couldn't go out, was literally physically sick every morning, and didn't see a point to going on. This medication has been the light at the end of the tunnel for me. I never take medicine and had a bad experience with sertraline in January, which made me weary to take this. Now I can function again, I know it's only been 20 days, but I can do my housework, take the kids to school, make dinners, and actually relax. Please don't Google side effects, everyone is different, but if your doctor has given you this, then it's worth a go. It only took just over 2 weeks for this to start working, my anxiety is still present, but not on my mind 24/7. Good luck to everyone on their journey."

• Jlf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 7, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "Was scared to start meds, and debated for a month. Was crying every day from anxiety, which was leading to depression. The first month was awful: tired, panic attacks, and feeling like I wouldn’t get better. I am now 6 months in and feel almost back to my old self."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2020

For Panic Disorder "I suffered 30 years with intermittent panic attacks. In the last 4 years, I experienced night terrors several times a week. I was reluctant to take medication, as I was concerned about side effects. In March of this year, I had several hypertensive crises, where my blood pressure was above 190 due to panic, and I had to attend the emergency department and call an ambulance. I realized that I needed help as my life was spiraling out of control. Reluctantly, in April, I saw a psychiatrist who diagnosed panic disorder and prescribed 10 mg Celexa. It took me three days to fill the script and another 3 before I took the first dose (crying). The first few days, I experienced tiredness but a sense of calm. Slowly, the doctor increased the dose to 20 mg per day, and the nightmares and anxiety have completely disappeared after 3 weeks on 20 mg :)"

• Ano...
• November 3, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I started taking this medicine when I was 24 years old for social anxiety. I hated meeting new people, felt intimidated easily, threw up on my first day of every new school semester, and my mind was always racing. I was constantly thinking of scenarios in my head to prepare myself for whatever may come next. Started on 10 mg, then 20 mg. The first night I experienced numbing in my left hand. In the following days, I was having a hard time falling asleep, yawning whether I was tired or not, and for the longest time, my jaw was always clenched. I also had a loss of appetite. Lost weight at first. Sex drive was terrible, and say bye to orgasms for a while. Now, after a year, I feel human and no side effects at all! I have much more confidence!"

• nic...
• November 15, 2014

For Depression "It took a good month to start feeling like myself again. In the beginning, I was so tired and just wanted to sleep all day (of course, I wasn't sleeping well at night). I did notice right away how my anxiety decreased, and I wasn't snappy or having panic attacks anymore. I had a flat affect for about a month, and that felt strange to not feel anything. It's been almost two months, and overall I would say this medicine definitely helped make me feel more like myself again. I still have rough moments but am able to get through the day a lot better. I don't recommend drinking while taking this medicine."