Celexa and Depression: What Users Say

• 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!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 15, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking Celexa for 13 years for anxiety/irritability, which it works great for. Sexual side effects are terribly disappointing - lack of desire and difficult to climax. Anytime I try to go off, the anxiety and irritability are present within the 2nd day. Really wish I could find something that worked as well without the side effects. No other medicine has even touched anxiety/irritability the way Celexa has."

• Cri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "I began taking Celexa during detox for addiction to prescription medication. I honestly thought I would never smile or laugh again, but after about 4 weeks, the fog I was living in lifted and I felt better than ever! This was the second time I went through detox, and after the first time, I used Celexa - and once I began feeling good. Unfortunately, I stopped and relapsed. Stopping Celexa without tapering was the equivalent of hitting a wall of great sadness. I have been clean and sober for over 90 days, and I believe Celexa plays a huge role in my decision-making process."

• Yin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 14, 2021

For Depression "I have depression that sometimes makes it impossible for me to leave the house. I took Celexa several years ago, and if memory serves, I was euphorically happy. Over the course of the last 2 years, I have tried everything under the sun, but nothing has helped. Three days ago, I started taking Celexa again. I’ve been sleeping almost continuously for three days. I’m so sad, I can’t clean my house or do much of anything, really. I’m praying that this lack of motivation goes away. I will update as soon as I feel any change."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 9, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "For the last 7 months, I have taken 30mg/day. It eased 90% of my anxieties and obsessive thoughts. My family and friends quickly noticed my new, laid-back state. I laughed more and cried (a whole lot) less. I have never been so emotionally stable. However, these benefits come at a price. First, I'm extremely tired. Next, my libido is gone. Also, my memory is awful. I constantly forget simple conversations or tasks. Similarly, I now struggle to articulate my thoughts. I often stumble over words and lose my train of thought mid-conversation. Lastly, at times, I feel like an emotionless zombie. For these reasons, I plan to taper off the medication. I instead hope to learn new coping techniques."

• Moo...
• March 5, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "Started on 5 mg Celexa about 7 months ago. Works great to take away most of my anxiety and irritability, still comes around sometime but on more normal means instead of every single day like I was miserable before I started on Celexa. Took a couple weeks to adjust to it and my orgasms are few and hard to achieve, but still possible, unlike other meds I've been on in the past. I love everything about Celexa, and would have given it a 10/10... however, I've gained 15 pounds since I started taking it. My diet and activity level has not changed so I'm assuming Celexa is to blame. This is now causing depression from the weight gain and the inability to keep it off... If you start Celexa, start exercising regularly to help maintain, wish I had..."

• 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!"

• pac...
• February 14, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I love Celexa. I have anxiety, and it was really starting to affect my performance in college. I started Celexa (10 mg), and the first 2 weeks were miserable! I was seriously depressed, but after that two-week adjustment phase, it worked wonderfully! I could feel a tangible difference overnight! I love it, but I would warn that the adjustment phase is brutal."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 4, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "I started this about a week ago, and a few days afterwards, I slightly felt like a new person. I could enjoy the weekend with my friends without worrying constantly about school or them judging me. Just yesterday, the side effects began to kick in, and now I feel back to my old self. I'm even moodier and depressed. I don't stress as much, though. I fall asleep very early at night (8-9 compared to never being able to sleep), but now I have been waking up around 4 or 5 and not being able to sleep. I have very vivid dreams. I also have been extremely thirsty. My doctor said the side effects will even out. I'm excited for them to do so that I can start living normally again."

• Kil...
• September 29, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "Celexa worked really well for me, in terms of stabilizing my mood. I actually felt really happy and thought with clarity for once! But I had to stop taking it because the side effects were just extremely unpleasant. I wasn't able to achieve an erection, and if I did, I wasn't able to orgasm. I also had this sedated-like feeling. My body temperature would increase. But I also felt emotionless at the same time, if that makes any sense. I found it hard to respond to my partner's emotions. Everything was just on a cloud for me. Someone could have insulted me, and I would have been alright with it."

• Anonymous
• December 21, 2008

For Depression "I took Celexa in January 2002 for about 6 months. I was dealing with too many losses, I was crying day and night for a couple of months. I went to the doctor, and he put me on Celexa. It was amazing. I was so happy all the time. I figured I could handle everything, so I stopped it. You really need to come off this slowly. Now I am depressed again and plan on getting back on it until I can get past losing my job and the months of being out of work."

• mon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "First 2 days were euphoric and nothing could upset me. Then got more irritable and anxious. Stomach in knots. Then came depression and thoughts of suicide, along with anxiety. Yawning all the time. This is day 7 and I left a message with my doctor this morning letting her know I couldn't feel like this for another week in hopes that it would possibly even out."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 11, 2021

For Depression "I have been off Celexa for about 6 months after taking it for 18 months. When I first started, 20 mg a day for a week, then 40 mg. I was a zombie for a month! Foggy-headed, that ended after a month. I started caring less and less about anything. The lack of motivation got worse. Then I would cry because my house was in such a mess! Nothing else bothered me. I have only seen the Dr. a few times after I started the medication, that was over a video appointment. I was gradually gaining weight, my heart pounded, blood pressure was high. No motivation! I'm now on another med and feel great!"

• Bad...
• May 19, 2011

For Anxiety and Stress "I was having stress issues dealing with family and work issues. I was prescribed Celexa 20 mg, and about an hour after the 3rd dose, I began to have severe anxiety attacks. My heart was pounding, and I had to run outside, feeling claustrophobic and severely depressed. I was told to stop the drug immediately, but it still took 72 hours for the side effects to go away. I had anxiety attacks several times a day, loss of appetite, and depression during that time. I realize this was a rare reaction, but my message is to be prepared when you take something like this."

• fee...
• May 9, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking Celexa 20 mg for 6 1/2 months. I am currently tapering off this medication from 20 mg to 10 mg for 3 weeks, then 5 mg for 3 weeks. I am currently on my second week of 5 mg, one week left. The withdrawal symptoms are horrible and can intensify the feeling of depression and anxiety. I informed my doctor, and he stated the withdrawal symptoms will diminish on their own after a few weeks. I decided to increase my exercise, increase my water intake, eat healthy, and sleep. I continue with progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, meditation, and talking with my therapist. I RECOMMEND IT to anyone dealing with anxiety/depression. When you first start taking this medication, it takes about six weeks, and the side effects are horrible, when you are tapering off, the withdrawal symptoms are horrible. This is my 3rd review of this medication. The 1st was 12/26/2017 under anxiety/stress. The 2nd was 3/22/2018 under depression. Look for relief. I hope this review helps someone."

• Lil...
• December 11, 2019

For Depression "I was prescribed Celexa for severe anxiety and depression back in 2015 and took it until January of 2019. Prior to taking Celexa, I was VERY functional--but an emotional wreck. I would cry for hours, lash out at my loved ones, and was so miserable that my parents finally intervened. My first few months on Celexa were great, I cared about nothing and was freed from my anxiety--but I stopped doing my homework almost entirely. I would sleep for hours during the day despite getting a full night's sleep, lost all motivation, and felt numb. Celexa made me constantly thirsty, sweat excessively, and have low blood pressure. I remained on it because I didn't know any better, even when my anxiety came back. I have now been off of it for 10+ months due to the blood pressure issue and am still experiencing the side effects. I fear the brain fog, lack of motivation, and sleep paralysis will never leave me, I worry that I will never be 'myself' again."

• Que...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 1, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "It worked for my mother and my aunt well, but unfortunately, this medication was not for me. While it did stop my panic attacks, that is only because it made me so numb, feeling off, and detached the entire time I was on it. I had to stop, I gave it plenty of time to work too. I was taking it for 9 months, and no change. I could not live with the way it made me feel, I would rather have panic attacks than feel like the outside world didn't really exist! After coming off of it, though, 3 weeks later, all that detached, numb fog has lifted, so I can pretty confidently say it was the medication."

• Anonymous
• October 19, 2011

For Depression "Took a while for it to start treating my depression, about 3 months to start feeling even remotely better and 6 months to a year to feel the full effects. At first, the medicine made me yawn a lot and almost made me feel more depressed (probably because it didn't start working as immediately as I had hoped). Gradually went up from 20 mg to 30 mg after 6 months and then went up to 40 mg after about a year. I have now been on Celexa for 2 years and on the 40 mg dose for about 1 year. This medication has honestly saved my life! I probably wouldn't be here without it. Before Celexa, most of my days were bad days, and now I am finally enjoying my life again. I highly recommend Celexa. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't start working right away."

• MLB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2016

For Depression "I was prescribed 20 mg citalopram for anxiety and depression. It helped out immensely for keeping me calm, never stressed, and it helped me sleep well at night. However, it killed my libido and has made me emotionless. It didn't help my social anxiety very much. I can go out and not be a nervous wreck, but I can't enjoy myself. I feel like a walking zombie for most of the day, but my appetite is normal. What bothered me the most is, I can't hold a conversation with the people I love the most. I didn't have the enthusiasm to talk to my husband like I used to. I've been on this drug for 2 weeks. It killed my libido on my second day of taking it. I'm going to taper down to 10 mg and see how I feel."

• Anonymous
• January 19, 2010

For Anxiety and Stress "Celexa, for me, helped with stress and anxiety, but I had to stop taking it due to the bad side effects such as insomnia in the early morning, feeling depressed, dry mouth, memory loss, vision issues, and loss of appetite. Zoloft was worse, though. I am going to use natural supplements and not these strong antidepressants."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 17, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "Started on Prozac 20 mg but went off because of low libido. Doctor had me try Celexa 20 mg, and it was the worst month of my life. So many side effects! Not only did my libido get worse, but I had frequent urination, my depression worsened, my sleeping pattern messed up, fatigue, always sweating, and it made my period disappear for 3 months, and I wasn't pregnant! After a month, I went back to Prozac, I couldn't deal with Celexa's horrible side effects anymore!"

• ERr...
• April 6, 2012

For Anxiety and Stress "Currently on week 2 of my experience with Celexa to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression. The first couple of days were absolutely terrible due to side effects (nausea, insomnia, headache, flu-like symptoms, and a huge increase in my depression). Don't know why I had such a severe reaction to the medication right off the bat since I've heard this is one of the more tolerant SSRIs in terms of side effects. But after a few days, my system normalized, and I'm already starting to feel like myself again. The doctor said it could take up to 4-6 weeks for it to fully be in effect, but I find myself sleeping through the night and waking up with a much more positive attitude and not on edge with anxiety like I had been in the past. So far, so good!"

• kha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 31, 2015

For Depression "I was on Celexa 20 mg for depression. It helped great with my anxiety symptoms, but not well for depression. My doctor recommended I take it because I am on the anxious side of depression, and it really helped with those symptoms - overthinking, freaking out over every little thing. My boyfriend told me I became a lot less intense and irritable. It did not help my loss of energy and fatigue and low motivation, and I still had suicidal thoughts. The first week I started on 10 mg and experienced no change or side effects. I moved to 20 mg, and it made me worse for about a week, then my anxiety symptoms got better. I am switching to bupropion because I need help with depression symptoms."

• kGm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2021

For Depression "I felt compelled to write a review on my experience. I'm into the second week of this drug, and it's been a miracle. I started at 10 mg for a week and increased to 20 mg in the second week. The first two days were rough, felt like the flu and increased depression and anxiety. After a week, I woke up with energy and no negative thoughts. Prior to this, I woke up not wanting to live and dragging myself out of bed. I was plagued with negative thoughts, I was in a deep fog and struggled cognitively. Now, in my week two on Celexa, I feel great. I'm also taking 5 mg of Trazodone for sleep, which also causes me to feel nauseous for the first few weeks. Everything is balanced out, and I'm back to being me again! I wish anyone reading this lots of love and hope."

• Old...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 6, 2015

For Depression "I had severe depression when we moved from a house I loved in the country to a smaller house I hated by the river in a little suburb that I'd always detested. Celexa works. Most definitely, but it works too well. After being on it for 11 years, I became emotionless. I had no feelings either way. It also helped me to put on 50 pounds. At 61, I decided to stop it. I weaned myself off by cutting the pills in half, then in quarters, then none. The side effects are the worst of any medication I've ever experienced... dizziness, SEVERE depression, SEVERE happiness, experiences in my head that I can only describe as 'zits' that were instantaneous moments of dizziness or a feeling of a bug 'zipping' by your head, fatigue, jitters."