Celexa and Anxiety: What Users Say

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

For Anxiety and Stress "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!"

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

For Anxiety and Stress "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."

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

For Anxiety and Stress "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

For Anxiety and Stress "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."

• Kel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "Celexa has given me my life back! I suffered from severe anxiety and depression to the point where I would just lay in bed for days. I didn't want to go anywhere, and cancelled plans with friends all the time just to stay home and sleep. It took about a month to work and now I feel great! I am back to my old self - I love going out, seeing friends, exercising, reading, everything I used to do and I'm happier than ever! My only side effects were the first 2 weeks - anxiety was worse, insomnia, no appetite. That's gone now and I have no complaints. If I take it in the morning, I sleep well. If I take it at night, I can't sleep. You just have to learn what's best for you!"

• Syn...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 31, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "I'm a 40-year-old male that has taken Celexa for about 10 years now for anxiety. I take 40mg once a day. It works well to manage my anxiety. With the higher dose I take, it can cause nausea for me if taken on an empty stomach. I also get sleepy for an hour or two after taking it, so I take it at bedtime. The only issue I've had is forgetting to take or running out of this medication. The withdrawal is pretty bad after about 4 days of not taking, causing anxiety, dizziness, brain fog, 'brain zaps', insomnia, and flu-like symptoms. Celexa has worked very well for me, and I would recommend it for treating anxiety. Just don't suddenly stop taking it. You have to slowly wean off."

• yog...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 10, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "Starting Celexa was one of the best decisions I've made in my entire life. I had lost myself in a world of anger, darkness, fear, anxiety, panic attacks, and hypochondria. I was not myself. In fact, I didn't even recognize myself anymore. The first month of Celexa (10mg) was hell, to be honest. Side effects included upset stomach, nausea, numbness, weakness, brain 'zaps', hot flashes, night sweats, panic attacks, anxiety, inability to sleep, the feeling of extreme heat within my body (difficult to explain), and strange awareness of limbs. After a month, I woke up one day and was myself again. It felt like a weight had been lifted. I was free, happy, courageous, calm, and peaceful. I am about to meet the 1-year mark - the serenity remains."

• gnm...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 7, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on 20mg of Celexa since 2012. Celexa works great for anxiety & stress. I have NOT lost my temper from being stressed out for 6 years. I like most people think I am feeling better and have tried to wean myself off Celexa 3 times in the past 6 years, but I never make it past 2 weeks before I start having meltdowns. I realized each time I tried to quit taking it afterwards, I could not handle all the kids being kids. So I have decided I will have to be on Celexa for the rest of my life. I have not had a moment where I lost my cool with my children in 6 years. I am not saying I harmed my children previously, I was just horrible with my mouth towards my children. So if you are reading this and you have similar meltdowns from too much coming at you at once, trust me, you need Celexa. I am proof it works!"

• gnm...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 7, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on 20mg of Celexa since 2012. Celexa works great for anxiety & stress. I have NOT lost my temper from being stressed out for 6 years. I like most people think I am feeling better and have tried to wean myself off Celexa 3 times in the past 6 years, but I never make it past 2 weeks before I start having meltdowns. I realized each time I tried to quit taking it afterwards, I could not handle all the kids being kids. So I have decided I will have to be on Celexa for the rest of my life. I have not had a moment where I lost my cool with my children in 6 years. I am not saying I harmed my children previously, I was just horrible with my mouth towards my children. So if you are reading this and you have similar meltdowns from too much coming at you at once, trust me, you need Celexa. I am proof it works!"

• cak...
• February 2, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I've only been on Celexa for 5 days. I understand that this will not be an entirely accurate review of the medicine because it takes about 4 weeks to get the full effect, but my experience is worth sharing for those just starting. Reasons for being prescribed: -anxiety associated with emotional stress -depression (seasonal) -inability to sleep due to anxiety -panic attacks (only about 5 in a 2-month period). Days 1-2: 10 mg - felt awful. I felt anxious, foggy-headed, weird. Day 3: I was quiet but full of energy. Some trouble sleeping (woke up in the middle of the night). Day 4: Tired because I didn't sleep well that night. Midday exhaustion. Somewhat antisocial. Still 'myself' though. Day 5: General good mood, positive. Productive."

• Lis...
• August 12, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "This is my 12th day on Citalopram and already I am noticing a difference. I was on Effexor for over a year and it was okay, but started getting really anxious and having panic attacks all over again, more frequent, and also really sad a lot, so I decided to talk to my doctor about switching. He said 'Citalopram is my go-to medicine, and it's a lot cleaner than most.' I love reading the positive reviews. It gives me high hopes. The first week I did feel a bit off, but I know you just have to wait it out and things will look up. So far so good! Good luck everyone!"

• fro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "I started having anxiety and the fear from that (worrying if I was having a heart attack) led to straight-up panic attacks. My Dr. gave me Celexa (20 mg), and after a few days, I felt so much better. I didn't have to take my Xanax anymore, maybe one a week. It was great, and after 2 months, I came off. But about 7 months later, my anxiety came back. So I gave Celexa another try, and at 20 mg for 11 days, I felt in a fog, really tired, and still had the anxiety. So after reading tons of posts, I lowered to 10 mg, and I felt great!"

• Cje...
• September 15, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "Took 8 weeks for 20mg to finally work. I had every side effect there was and was about to give up. Heightened anxiety, insomnia, nervous, and anxious. Dry mouth, tremors in my hands. I was so ready to just check myself into a mental ward. But I hung in there and right at week 8, boom, all of it gone. Feeling great."

• amg...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 2, 2013

For Depression "I have suffered from anxiety/depression since I was a teenager. I have tried various medications, but I have never stayed on anything too long because they always made me feel like a zombie or the side effects were worse than the symptoms. Celexa really gave me my life back. My racing thoughts and manic mood swings are long forgotten. I have never had any side effects while taking Celexa, but when I stop taking it (i.e. waiting for refill prescription), I crash pretty hard. I can't sleep, have HORRIBLE restless leg syndrome (which I use to swear was made up), and anxiety 10 fold. Other than that, it's amazing, and it completely gives me back my normal self."

• eil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "I started Celexa a little over a week ago for Generalized Anxiety, thought to be associated with my Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Doctors are still reluctant to associate moods and stress affecting your stomach and bowels, but I am a firm believer (after living my whole life with anxiety and IBS) that there is a definite correlation. I am a 26-year-old female. I weigh 110 lbs. I was put on 10 mg and only took a half pill the first 6 days. Then I upped it to a whole pill. The initial 2 days, I had a migraine headache and insomnia at night and a restless/anxious feeling during the day. I would wake up in a panic with racing thoughts. Now it has gotten a bit better, but I don't think I've been on it long enough yet to experience definite anxiety help. Trying to stick with it!"

• Jud...
• December 28, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "I started Celexa in July and within a few weeks those closest to me remarked on the difference, how much happier and less angry I seemed. I felt less overwhelmed by stress and felt happier. The change had been subtle from my viewpoint, and it wasn't until after my doctor suggested a change in medicine that I realized how much it helped me. Within days, I noticed my irritability had returned and within a couple of weeks, I felt as if I weren't taking anything at all. I asked my doctor to return me to Celexa. Side effects I've noticed: initial nausea, jittery (especially with the addition of caffeine), vivid dreams, weight loss (15 pounds since July)."

• ron...
• January 26, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I had to start taking Celexa after my mom died 4 years ago, and I must say it worked for me. Well, my dad died last July, and my stress shot through the roof. My doctor added buspirone, and I took it until I felt better. Then I quit all my anxiety medicines altogether back in December thinking I got this. But I had a week-long anxiety attack that landed me in the ER. Don't stop taking your medicines just because you feel good. Now I have to start all over again, but I will be better now."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I (VERY reluctantly) began 10 mg of Celexa (for anxiety) for a week, then 20 mg for the next week, and now I've been on 30 mg for a few weeks now. I had anxiety about taking the anti-anxiety meds! Honestly, the first week was AWFUL. My anxiety was heightened, I couldn't sleep, had bad headaches, and felt like something was tickling my brain. By the second week, those side effects were gone. My anxiety was resulting in constant physical dizziness, floor 'bouncing' (feeling like you're on a boat/elevator when you're just walking around), racing thoughts, sleeping just to avoid it all, etc. My dizziness has mostly disappeared, and usually the floor feels like it should. PLEASE DON'T BE SCARED! It can be a lifesaver."

• Kay...
• April 25, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "For many years I had been trying to live with anxiety until it reached a point when I realized I needed help. I often felt stressed and anxious with simple activities like going to the store, and couldn't hold a job or stick with things. Celexa made me happy again, helped me look at life as a glass half full, not empty. Started on 20, noticed some improvement but not complete relief...increased to 40, and then feeling great decided I no longer needed medication. Tapering off, withdrawal symptoms included: dizziness, shakiness, nausea, etc...also, anxiety returned full force. I'm back on it, I gave it an 8 because as effective as it is, therapy is an important component to include with treatment. I'll probably stay on this for many years!"

• Anonymous
• August 24, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "Started having panic attacks last June when I had a medical issue with my eye. My doctor prescribed me Celexa. I held onto the prescription for over 6 months as I was terrified of relying on a pill to help me and was scared of side effects. Finally, I couldn't take the anxiety anymore and started on 10mg. First few weeks I COULD NOT SLEEP, and my anxiety was worse. Had to take sleeping pills. But eventually, it got better, and now I feel great! It's been 6 months, and I've never increased my dosage. I still get anxious once in a while, but that is fine with me because I don't want to 'not feel anything' like some pills do to you! I know it's not for everyone, but I am glad I finally tried it!!"

• Joe...
• August 11, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I suffered from extreme panic attacks, lack of concentration, constant worry, and restlessness, which led to a stint of sleep deprivation. I am currently two and a half weeks in and have gone through the gamut of side effects: increased anxiety, night sweats, tiredness, and loss of sexual desire. But I can gladly say that these side effects are already seemingly disappearing and I can focus again! It's amazing, my sense of humor isn't back yet as I am generally sarcastic, which I am struggling hard with right now, but ultimately I can feel the drug working. My girlfriend doesn't think I'm completely insane (which is nice), and I feel like I am on the better side of the Celexa now."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 18, 2023

For Depression "I wanted to leave a review for those struggling in the beginning days on Celexa/Citalopram. I had an A-fib episode in early January and was put on a beta blocker. Before this, I had no anxiety or depression, life was great. Soon after starting the beta blocker, I went into a depression and had much anxiety for no reason. I soon learned that beta blockers can cause both depression and anxiety. I weaned off the beta blocker with my cardiologist's permission but was still having the depression and anxiety. My primary care physician suggested Citalopram. The first 2 weeks were very difficult, to say the least. Fortunately, I was able to take those 2 weeks off of work because I could hardly get out of bed or off the couch. Increased anxiety and worsened depression, along with complete loss of appetite and insomnia. But I read a lot of the reviews, and everyone kept saying to give it time. I am now on day 30, and I feel like me again! Hoping those wanting to give up will give it time. It works!"

• pri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "I started taking citalopram for 12 days. At first, they started me with 10 mg, but that didn't affect me at all, so I went back to the doctor, and they gave me 20 mg. I started to notice that my anxiety was getting worse, which was the main reason why I started taking the pill. I also had some stress, but I also noticed that the hours between 2 to 10 pm my anxiety goes away for some reason. Yesterday was the first night in 2 weeks where I slept the whole night without a nervous feeling, and today, which is day 12, my anxiety throughout the day hasn't really affected me. I actually woke up in the morning without the feeling of going to the hospital...hopefully every day gets better."

• Vic...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 21, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed Celexa to help me cope with the anxiety and stress caused by severe symptoms of PTLDS (Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome). The medication has greatly helped me cope with the symptoms. I still have these PTLDS symptoms... but with the Celexa, I suffer none of the anxiety the symptoms cause! I started on a 20 mg dose but quickly found that 10 mg provided the same benefit. I have long been prescribed Metoprolol to quell panic attacks and heart palpitations (with the added benefit of lowering my blood pressure), and I think the Celexa has been of great benefit to continuing my feelings of well-being."

• Mic...
• August 4, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "So I am on day 2 of Celexa. I originally started four days ago at night thinking I would be drowsy, but instead, it kind of kept me up. So I switched to mornings. So yesterday was day 1, in the AM. And my day I did feel like I was sad and lonely, chemically buzzed, but I could still do things. I had anxiety about being alone with my two boys. But as the day progressed and I reached 5 PM, I decided that maybe I should work out. Maybe it would help the side effects. It was the best workout ever! I didn’t notice my heart pounding, I didn’t have fast, labored breathing, and my legs didn’t feel wobbly after being on the treadmill. I woke up non-drowsy and took my second pill. So here I am an hour in. I’ll post in a few days since I really can’t find a thread of the beginning days of this medication. I haven’t had a headache or nausea, but sometimes I have to force myself to eat. And I do get waves of brain lightheadedness that last a second."