Celexa for Anxiety and Stress User Reviews

• Anonymous
• January 29, 2021

"I'd taken Celexa 10mg in my teens. I got off Celexa when I reached my 20s. At 26 years old, that's when panic attacks started. It was so bad, I couldn't leave the house as I was afraid I would get dizzy and faint if I went anywhere. I started back on Celexa, not sure if I was on 20mg or 10mg because the doctor prescribed 20mg, but I think I cut them in half to 10mg. Celexa worked great, the attacks had gone away. From what I remember, I had no side effects from taking Celexa before. I took it for 2 years and got off. I'm now 32 years old, and the panic attacks started again. Today is my 2nd day on Celexa 20mg. Side effects are horrible. I feel weird and am having panic attacks. My hands and feet sweat, trembling, heart racing, and numbness. I've been reading reviews of others going through the same, and they are saying to stick through it as it's a great outcome. I called the doctor and suggested I half the pill to 10mg and take it at night instead of the morning. I pray for all those facing this battle."

• Tha...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 29, 2017

"I have been taking this medication since I was 19 due to panic attacks, anxiety & dissociation that came from my brother being diagnosed with a terrible mental health disorder. Since taking it, It's worked like a charm, I'm now 25 and am still on the medication. This SSRI is so mild and gentle & I have 0 side effects. Please try this medication! My panic attacks are gone, my anxiety is minimal and my dissociation has disappeared. Please don't be ashamed to take something your brain may need. I'm now a Registered Nurse & I'm so calm and happy and have my life back from anxiety and panic. Please give this a try! Oh and I'm currently on 20mg. Also, remember there is always hope. Praying for everyone who reads this."

• Nba...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 4, 2020

"This medication brought me out of such a dark place. I have struggled with severe anxiety which had manifested into severe depression so I started 20mg of Celexa at night. At first, I took 10mg for one week and let me tell you, my side effects were AWFUL. I couldn’t sleep, my anxiety was horrific, I had brain fog all day, and my brain was going a mile a minute. However, after 2 or 3 weeks, the side effects went away almost completely, and now I have none. I am so much less anxious of a person, and just overall way more happy and outgoing! I used to be so anxious about everything but now I feel like I can handle whatever is thrown my way! So yes, while the first couple weeks can be horrific, for me, it was all worth it as this medication truly does work!"

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 8, 2021

"Hey Everyone, Thank you for sharing your testimonies. I am 45 years old. I had my first experience with anxiety and panic at 37. I was hospitalized because I didn't know what was going on with me. I kept running to the emergency room but my physical being would check out okay. That's when I was admitted to Psych and discovered I had Anxiety and Depression. Hardest thing I ever went through in life. Well recently I just went through it again. Racing thoughts, sleepless nights, hopelessness, feelings of doom. I started back on Celexa 20mgs and was worried it wasn't working. I came here, read comments, and found hope to stick it out. As the weeks passed, I felt better and better. At 3 weeks, I felt better. At 4 weeks, little or no racing thoughts or worry. At 5 weeks, completely in a better mood. At 6 weeks, I felt normal again. I still have some worry but not nearly as bad. Hang in there."

• Edo...
• February 2, 2020

"Just wanna know, I’ve taken Celexa 2 years ago for 3 to 4 months and after, I felt like I was fixed! Fast forward to now, and my anxiety has never been as bad as it is now... so I’m back on Celexa day 5 and I get this crazy heartbeat feeling in my chest and crazy hot flashes, feels like my skin is burning. I just wanna know if it gets any better because I didn’t have this the first time. Can anyone relate to the side effects I’m having?"

• Lee...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 24, 2020

"I started this medication in 2009 and started with 20mg. Last summer I went down to 10 mg. I started off okay and was still having some anxiety. Fast forward to March 28, 2020, and I had a full-blown panic attack and thought I was dying. This happened at 3:00 am. I had my husband call 911. I thought I was having a heart attack. I started the next day on 20 mg. It’s now been over 7 weeks and I’m not 100%, but I’m doing so much better. You have to bear with some symptoms, headache, a little off. Hold on, it will get better, I promise. This anxiety and panic attacks, I wouldn’t wish on anyone! Take care of yourself. Also, use an app to help you stay calm."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 17, 2021

"I’ve been taking 20mg Celexa (generic version) for 27 days now and in the last week have started feeling the positive effects. Thank goodness because oh lordy, did I ever have EVERY side effect for the first 2-2.5 weeks! Deep tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, brain fog/spacey-ness, those were the most prominent ones. I really wanted to quit but kept going, and I’m glad I did. Finally over the last couple days the bad side effects have subsided considerably and I can feel the positives: happiness, lightness, no more sinking feelings, renewed interest, patience, and a more relaxed mind. I am smiling at people. If you’re having all the side effects, hang in there! Stick it out, take Imodium and/or Zofran, eat crackers and ginger ale, etc with the hope that it may be totally worth it. Hang on for that breakthrough. I’m a newly minted Celexa believer!"

• Anonymous
• November 26, 2019

"I have been using Celexa for a few weeks, and I have seen a dramatic change in my anxiety and stress levels. Before taking this, I would wake up every single morning in a state of panic and anxiety, and since taking Celexa, I feel calm and alive again. I can function, I feel like I finally have my life back, I feel like myself again. I feel so wonderful!"

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 5, 2021

"Week 5 & I feel human again. I had all of the side effects: increased anxiety, panic attacks, no appetite, diarrhea, headache, nausea, & just not feeling connected to my brain (really spacey) but today is week 5 & I actually laughed & felt a lot better! I prayed that I would feel some light & it’s here. I’m glad I didn’t give up, I thought I’d feel awful forever but they’re definitely working & I feel like my old self again."

• bil...
• September 23, 2014

"I have been on Celexa since January of this year, and the medicine has been awesome. Stress, anxiety, and panic attack free. Celexa gave me my life back. I was scared to take it at first because of all the stuff I read on the Internet. My advice to anyone starting any SSRI is not to read all the horror stories on the internet. It will just make it worse, believe me. All I can say is I never want to go back to the way it was. That being said, if I have to take Celexa the rest of my life, so be it."

• Anonymous
• August 31, 2009

"I work for a large Fire Department. I was having a tough time with some bad calls. No sleep, always feeling like I'm in trouble, like I'm drowning and no one can help me. My doctor put me on Celexa and life came back. I worry about the things I need to be worried about and don't stress about the things that shouldn't stress me. I feel 'normal' again. I believe it saved my career."

• Man...
• January 3, 2021

"I had a few bad anxiety attacks and my doctor put me on Zoloft, which was the worst experience with a medication I’ve ever had. I had a ton of side effects and despised the drug. The doctor urged me to try Celexa, and I’m so glad I did. I’ve had zero side effects while on this anxiety medicine and never felt better. I’ve had one episode since I’ve been on this, I felt that I was getting stressed, but that was short-lived. I have completely stopped worrying about little things I shouldn’t be worrying about, and my anxiety levels are almost zero. It’s amazing, things that I used to stress about don’t even bother me anymore. So glad I tried this medication."

• Bub...
• October 12, 2020

"I started Celexa during COVID-19. I always had high anxiety, but COVID pushed me over the edge. My anxiety got to the point that I ended up in the hospital with a panic attack. My doctor started me on 20 mg of Celexa. The side effects were a little rough at first and included nausea, some random spasms, trouble sleeping, and a feeling of falling shortly after sleep. However, after about 2 weeks, they subsided. The positives far outweigh the negatives. My anxiety is under control now. I'm able to live my life without constant worry. Things that used to be major stressors are now tolerable. I sometimes have to be a little careful because I feel like I'm too comfortable and don't worry enough. The one major long-term side effect has been the lack of sex drive. Everything functions fine, but my drive has been greatly reduced. I also feel like my emotions are slightly muted, whereas before I felt emotions very deeply, now they are slightly less intense."

• Kei...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 12, 2019

"I started taking Citalopram about 3 weeks ago for high blood pressure, increasing panic attacks, and generalized inability to keep my adrenaline down to healthy levels. I've been fighting my doctor about taking mood-altering medication because I've been on the slew of Prozac, Paxil, Effexor, etc. a couple of decades ago. They didn't help, and withdrawal was horrific. I am so glad that he talked me into trying Citalopram. The first day was really rough - gastrointestinal issues that rivaled my IBS, but ALL day. However, by the second and third day, that went away, and a feeling of general well-being started to replace the panic. It's only been a few weeks, and I know many of the guides say you won't notice a difference right away, but I was lucky. I did start to notice a change after 1 week. So far, it's just this side of miraculous for me. I think I'd forgotten what hope and happiness felt like."

• Jes...
• February 26, 2020

"To update from my last review: I've been taking it for a month now. I did only take half (the 5 mg) for a week and now I'm on the 10 mg. I'm finding my moods to be so much better already, and I can describe my feeling as being 'lighter'... like a grey cloud that was over me for whatever reason is just lighter and I'm more excited to do social things again. A relationship made my anxiety worse, then I would be moody, that would cause issues, and it was a cycle. So this has really helped my home life and work life too as things don't bother me. I will say... I do feel less motivated at work - I guess just a side effect. My highs are still high though, my lows just aren't as low. I'm friendlier and more positive at work (I just don't feel like doing that much of the boring monotony). Lastly, I can't tell a difference in my sex drive, which is good. If you're anxious or moody, or just feel some heavy unexplained cloud, I definitely recommend trying this!"

• Jea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 31, 2013

"It is awesome. I totally recommend Celexa. Do not be afraid of taking this: It really works. You will bathe in tranquility without feeling anything different. The best way to describe it is to be at a spa relaxing yet fully awake and functioning normally. I am definitely converted and I am converting everyone I know. It works. I guarantee it."

• Ell...
• September 28, 2014

"Have been taking this for 2 weeks, and the positive effects were immediate for me. I did have some initial side effects such as dry mouth (lasted a few days) and a change in bowel movement (getting better), yawning a lot the first 3-5 days, but it's better now. The impact it has had on me has been nothing but GREAT. I had a lot of areas of stress in my life from family to work, and the anxiety made me feel like my heart was going to jump out of my chest! Now, those little things don't worry me, and I've been able to let go of personal struggles that were holding me down, including a broken heart! This has let me be myself again, and most of all, to enjoy life again!!"

• New...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 27, 2014

"This medication has changed my life. I am bipolar so I take it with my Trileptal (mood stabilizer). I've been searching for the right medicine combination for 10 years and I've never felt better. I started Celexa 6 weeks ago and it took about a month to feel it working. I had headaches and stomach problems but all that has subsided. I am free from the debilitating anxiety I've dealt with my entire life. I feel a sense of hope and happiness I never thought possible for me. I recommend this to anyone who struggles with anxiety, obsessive thoughts, low energy, stress sensitivity, or depression. It's truly been a Godsend."

• Unb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 17, 2013

"Celexa has changed my life. I have severe panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and worry about everything. I started the medication and within 24 hours saw results. I don't want to say I had an 'I don't care attitude' but I did. I started with breaking the medication in half - 5 mg, then after two days, went on 10 mg. I am the happiest I have ever been. Smiling, not worried, singing, and back to the normal me. My job is the biggest issue, and I can come to work, focus, perform my job, and not worry about all the side conversations. This medication has saved me. I hope it lasts a long time. I was afraid of taking anything that would alter me, but this Celexa works. Happy days are ahead!"

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2020

"Okay so this is my first day taking it, and it’s crazy, I already feel a difference. In my group today, I was talking like crazy, wasn’t nervous at all, and I feel like I have so much energy, but I’m also tired because I haven’t been sleeping due to the stress I’ve been under. I'll update next Wednesday to see how it is! I’m so excited to not feel so nervous all the time and depressed. I’m so happy!"

• Kbh...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 13, 2014

"Was put on 10mg for intense panic attacks, and later moved up to 20mg. This stuff has worked wonderfully! I feel like I'm finally the way I should be - you know how you see other people who are completely relaxed and at peace, and you wonder, 'why can't I be like that? Why do I have all this anxiety for no reason?' Well, all of that is gone! It's amazing! I would recommend Celexa to anyone. The only downside is I experienced A LOT of side effects the first month I was on it - increased anxiety, jaw-clenching, headaches, insomnia. But, if you bear down and get yourself through the first month, it's worth it. I finally have my life back!"

• INd...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 29, 2020

"So, I was first on Celexa from 2001 until 2016. I felt it wasn't working, so my doctor prescribed Venlafaxine/Effexor XR. I ended up in the emergency room with a heart rate of 185 bpm. Anyway, I should have just stuck with Celexa. I am back on it after trying Prozac, which made me nauseous for a year and gave me more anxiety. Celexa works for me. It takes away my anxiety. It's safe for me, and I'll never go off of it or try another again. These past two years have been so bad. Getting off of Effexor brought me to my knees."

• amd...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 7, 2014

"I'm a 20-year-old female, been on Celexa for about 4 days now. I was pretty skeptical reading all the reviews, and some negative ones really scared me, but I decided to take it anyway. So far, I am liking the medicine. Little side effects such as a mild headache that seems to come about 5 minutes after I take the pill, drowsiness (which is why I take it at night), and a tiny bit of nausea. Nothing too major like I thought. Oh! And also no panic attacks, which is one of the main reasons I started taking this. Celexa has given me a sort of 'calm, relaxed' feel. But I also feel more uplifted. I'm not sure the right word. I'm not energetic but I feel energized, which is great. I would recommend trying this if you suffer from frequent panic and worry."

• Mag...
• June 10, 2017

"Please try! I was like you reading these reviews, scared to death to start taking this drug. I am so glad I did. The first 2 weeks I felt like I was pregnant: nauseous and sleepy. After that, I just gradually started feeling better. Anxiety has gone and life is on the up and up. I should have taken this 20 years ago. All the worries sort of just fade away. Good luck and please give it a shot!"

• Bil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 23, 2014

"Started Celexa 10mg beginning of January for stress and anxiety. Went to 20mg in February. This medicine is truly great. I never really had all the side effects. I can truly say I feel 100 percent normal now. No more anxiety or panic attacks. I feel like a normal person again. Probably be on them forever but if I feel great then who cares."