Citalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder User Reviews

• Dont...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2021

"TRUST THE PROCESS!!!! I am here to tell you that things will 100% get better. Give citalopram TIME! Patience is key here, give it at least 3 weeks. You will be 100% yourself again, happiness is in your reach. The side effects fu*king suck so hard. Increase intrusive thoughts, anxiety, tiredness, insomnia, sweating and the rest. But it DOES WORK. I really want you to believe me. If you are reading through these reviews every second of every day at the start, scared that you are going mad is it are you, or the with the side effects from tablet? Will I ever just STOP thinking about every bad thing? Yes. You will. Here I am as your reassurance. Read this review every day."

• RIG
• September 17, 2019

"Firstly I would like to say that this drug has saved my career and relationship. Constant negative thoughts? Depression with passing suicidal thoughts? Panic attacks? Me too. All due to stress! This stuff citalopram works (for me). It takes time! Be patient! Only read good reviews as it prolongs its working with reading negative stuff. I'm on my 5th week and I'm managing to go to the supermarket for the first time in months. I can drop my boy off at nursery without having a panic attack. I can do my gigs now without thinking everybody hates me and packing up mid-gig. The benefits outweigh the side effects for me. I had big pupils, sweaty nights, crazy dreams, and heightened anxiety for a few weeks. Honestly, this stuff is a miracle. I tried to go the natural way for months before with no joy and sometimes meds are needed. You are not weak! You are taking the right steps by asking for medical help. The stigma around these drugs is nonsense as everyone is different and these meds save lives. Simple!"

• Tony
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 3, 2020

"I take 10 mg daily for about 18 months. It has helped enormously. It's the only medication I have. I exercise daily, which helps. Overall, I am pleased with the results but suggest you do not drink alcohol, reduce coffee intake, exercise, sleep over 7 hours, and ensure you are self-aware not to put oneself in stressful situations. Life is too short not to enjoy the journey. It can, and it does get better, but educate yourself on what you have and the triggers and your responses to life events."

• James
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2020

"Had what I believe is generalized anxiety disorder for 7 years. I struggled to even sit in a car for a 5-minute drive at times; it was so bad. Didn’t go on holiday for 6 years as couldn’t pull myself to get on a plane. Anxiety attacks were common and happened about 4-5 times a week. Finally, I thought enough was enough and went to the doctors. Was prescribed 20mg citalopram for 6 weeks. Nothing happened, so the doctor increased to 30mg. After 8 weeks, the anxiety stopped. I didn’t feel any different day to day; only the anxiety attacks would not start. Been on for 3 months now and still not had an anxiety attack. It has completely changed my life, and I was even able to fly to Germany to go abroad for the first time since the anxiety started. I feel so free; can’t believe I didn’t get sorted sooner."

• Boaby
• October 11, 2019

"Hang in there! It's tough adjusting to this stuff. I am now on week 7/8. I did 5 and a bit weeks at 20mg then 2 weeks now at 30mg. Trust me when I say this. Hang in there! I know it's a rollercoaster but I'm giving myself 6 months on this to see fully as I know it can take time for GAD especially. My anxiety was unbearable! It's still there and the intrusive thoughts come, but they go quicker, and I'm not scared of them. I now understand what I'm going through, so it doesn't bother me as much. I was having suicidal thoughts and really scared of them. They still come, but I'm not worried by them, I'm not worried as much by life, I understand that the anxious passing thoughts aren't mine, and they come and go. They're just thoughts. Stay strong people. I know it's been the hardest thing I've ever done. All the best"

• Cha
• September 3, 2015

"Been on citalopram for 6 months now. I tried to beat anxiety for years, constantly battling my thoughts, counselling, CBT, exercise, etc. In the end, I gave up and went on medication. The first week was HELL! Jaw clenching, extreme thirst, lethargic, excessive yawning, exhausted... I nearly came off them! Even after 4 weeks, I wasn't sure if they were doing anything. My advice is stick it out! After about 2 months, I noticed the full effects. I wasn't crying anymore, wasn't as angry or impatient, didn't worry over everything anymore! I fall asleep within 10 minutes when I used to be awake most of the night and unable to sleep! Situations that I'd usually get very stressed out over are now much easier, and I'm now much more laid back :)"

• DaniK
• September 28, 2015

"Been on this medication for a little over 8 years. It saved my life, and my marriage. I always struggled with very bad mood swings, anger, and anxiety over sometimes the littlest things. This medication turned my life around. It was a complete life saver."

• Sues
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 21, 2019

"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 emitophobia, 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."

• Homos...
• August 29, 2015

"My anxiety caused me to have to move back in with my parents after 20 years. My guts were always churning, everything I ate would go straight through me, and I would get panic attacks that made me sweat; I had to be signed off from work. The anxiety led to depression and I honestly didn't know how I was going to get through each day. Citalopram has fixed me completely. The first week or so was rough and the symptoms worsened, but I was warned about that and stuck with it. Now I lead a normal life, I work, travel the world, and function well in relationships. I am deeply grateful for the drug. Sometimes I feel bad about being dependent on it - I can't seem to come off without the symptoms returning, but I couldn't have carried on how I was."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2013

"I've been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. My Dr. put me on Celexa 5mg, for a week then 10mg and all the way up to 40 in the next weeks. This medicine has made me feel better already from starting it last week of 5mg. This medicine is a lifesaver for me. I switched from Zoloft. It wasn't working for me. I will be on Celexa for the rest of my life. Celexa is awesome for bad anxiety and obsessive thoughts, racing thoughts, worry, panic, PMDD, and etc."

• Anonymous
• July 27, 2008

Celexa (citalopram) "I have been taking Celexa for only three weeks, but I've already noticed a difference in my mood. I feel a bit more relaxed, and the panic attacks are null if any. I started with 10mg for 4 days, then up to 20mg, which proved to be way too much for me, so I backed down to 10mg and have felt great since. Side effects: some slight yawning here and there, but not a big deal. I recommend this medicine for those with mild anxiety/depression."

• Anon
• April 4, 2021

"Honestly, I remember coming on here and reading the reviews before trying it myself. This medication changed so much for me, in a great way. I struggle with GAD and I had major panic attacks that led me to be hospitalized. I was not a fan of wanting to take medication for my mental health challenges, but at that point, I had no other choice but to try. It was hard at first, side effects were a little bit annoying, but eventually, I started to feel human again. I hadn’t had a panic attack anymore since then, or at least as severe/strong, and I didn't feel like my anxiety was constantly weighing on me every second. I tried to lower my dosage once I was feeling better, but it turned out it was too early for me to reduce my dose. I am currently taking 20mg everyday and have been on it for about 6 months. I encourage you to try it, and if you’re worried about it, know that trying it is better than not knowing at all. Goodluck!"

• Tom
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2020

"I was on citalopram for many years. It wasn't until I stopped it my own decision by the way . Then I realised wow after 3 months without it I was on big trouble. I had hit the lowest time with anxiety. I'm back taking them again only 10mg to start I won't be stopping them again lesson learned. Thank you"

• British
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2024

"I never write reviews - but I have lived and breathed these lifeline pages for a month. I have suffered with anxiety & depression at stages through my adult life - trauma (sometimes unbelievable) and general life stressors. A year or so ago I simply stopped sleeping. I tried mirtazipine which knocked me out and was fantastic at combating that side of things as insomnia is literal torture. I felt flat and derealisation kicked in, I wanted nothing in life. I was definitely depressed, anxious, and not myself. I asked my GP for citalopram which I had ten years previously postpartum. The side effects for 12 days were excruciating - but I am so glad I persisted (3 times I went to give up!). Sweats, massively increased anxiety, no appetite, insomnia to 1 hour of night's sleep. But after 12 days I SLEPT! And each day is just improving more. I laugh, smile, and relax and am only 15 days in! I can't wait to see the full effect and please keep going if you are new to this."

• Meggix
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 18, 2021

"I've been on this drug since 2013. I will tell you upfront, side effects are not pleasant. I was diagnosed with GAD, and for the first week my anxiety was high all the time. No sleep, no resting, no eating. My body was high alert. Headaches and loss of appetite too. But, after those 7 days, I felt better, little by little. I noticed I slept, had a meal, laughed, hugged, invested my time, etc. Yes, side effects are unpleasant, but so is living with anxiety for years. This stuff helps you come out."

• Shanw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2019

"I posted twice now day 5 and week 6. I am now hitting onto 3 month and I have never felt better. No more suicidal thoughts. No more depression. No more overthinking or thinking worse scenarios. It’s always helped my OCD which was checking and re reading things. Amazing drug highly recommend do not read the negatives. Go off your own experience. I am now 22 my daughter is coming up 2 and life has never been better. Also after getting out of a relationship and having a miscarriage it didn’t affect my mental health. Amazing life changer!❤️"

• Be pa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 20, 2019

"I was prescribed Citalopram for severe anxiety and intrusive thoughts. I have been taking them for 5 weeks, 1 week on 10mg and now 20mg. I am now starting to feel like myself again. The first 3 weeks were the hardest with increased anxiety, insomnia and night sweats. These have improved and my anxiety is 80% improved. I did what most people do and read all the reviews hoping that the positives were true. It’s important to give it time it definitely wasn’t an overnight fix but for me it has worked."

• Anony...
• September 19, 2013

"I have been prescribed Citalopram for post-traumatic stress disorder. I actually don't mind the initial side effects, a slight jaw gurning, dilated pupils, tingles in the head and a general feeling of mild euphoria, which increases when I drink coffee, since the alternative was gut-wrenching fear and panic, pushing loved ones away and an inability to concentrate on anything as I sank into despair. It has stabilized my moods. I feel good, I feel like spending time with people, little things don't bother me, I don't over analyze, so it works really well for me."

• Ashley
• May 7, 2019

"Citalopram 10mg then 20mg after 7 days. The first 10 days were awful but reading these reviews helped. I took 8 days off work (I never take sick days). I had extreme nausea, headaches, body aches, complete loss of appetite, poor sleep, increased constant anxiety, feelings of hopelessness and dizziness. I did not leave my bed for 4 days. Clonazepam and ativan helped with the sleep, panic attacks and anxiety and got me through the first two weeks. Then each day got easier, the symptoms lessened and I started going to therapy. After 3 weeks I was feeling like I did before the medication, and 4 weeks I was feeling a bit better than when the panic attacks and anxiety started taking over my life. At 5 weeks the anxiety that I have dealt with on and off for 5 years is manageable and almost gone. I feel like me. Citalopram drug also helped clear up my IBS which I know is connected to my anxiety. If you are on this drug and just starting out and wanting to quit I would try your best to stick to it."

• blond...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2013

"I'm one day into week seven and I caught myself smiling and singing on way to work. I wasn't anxious, or nervous. I truly feel like me today, I want to cry Thank you! I feel like a million bucks. The only real side effect I had was nausea. I would have it everyday if I knew I would be me again. So Happy me today! Yea"

• Steph...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 28, 2015

"This medication changed my life for the better. I suffered severe anxiety and panic attacks 2 1/2 years prior to taking the medication. I feel like I am my old self now, and can fully enjoy my life, friends, family and develop to my full potential. Would definitely recommend to anyone facing similar issues. You don't have to suffer. There is definitely hope."

• Dozwold
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 14, 2016

"I have been on Citalopram for 5 years now. It works so well I am not planning to come off it ever. The Dr even suggested if I feel good on it, why come off ever, as he said no long term harm. So what if I'm addicted to it. Without it I was way worse. Yes, it doesn't fix your anxiety, but it certainly reduces 90% of it thus making life much better. Alprazolam or Valium is also taken too as needed every so often. NHS Drs don't like giving those though, but insist... I have managed to get married, buy a house, run a business, and deal with life. Before, I could hardly get out of bed. Yes, some days are not perfect, but overall, it's the best med out there for long term use without crazy side effects."

• Beager
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2016

"Please please anyone starting on citalopram keep with it, when I was taking them a few weeks I felt like giving up thinking nothing was going to help me, I was so bad I couldn't leave the house, even after couple of months wasn't sure if I was ever going get back to feeling my usual self , BUT, now after 5 months I feel great. I just feel like my old self, no more side affects no more staying at home worrying and no more anxiety, I still think sometimes, right am I ok, but then just brush it aside and I suppose that will go with time as well. So Definitely stick in there, don't give up...."

• Georgia
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2018

"I started taking citalopram when I was 19 and have been on and off it most of my life - I am 42 now . Just recently have been having severe anxiety and panic attacks daily so I decided to go back on to it. My main advice when you start out is stick with it - you will feel worse before you feel better. I know it works as has worked for me in the past . My main side effects are yawning, dry mouth, passing urine more frequently and feeling spaced out, but I know they will pass . Please if you need reassurance they do work just stick with them !!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 7, 2012

"Has been highly recommended as a true lifesaver, reading through these posts has confirmed this. I have been on 10mg for two weeks, and just upped to 20mg today, which is a more therapeutic dosage. People are quick to judge the medicine due to its side effects, which will completely subside after a few weeks. I had no side effects, and so far so good really, still a lot to go but my anxiety was crippling, and the depersonalization I had was so intense I didn't know who I was or what planet I was on for months. Wish there wasn't such a taboo with these types of medicines, and wish I had started earlier, basically I'll do whatever it takes to get my life back."