Celexa and Headaches: What Users Say

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

For Anxiety and Stress "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."

• 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."

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

For Anxiety and Stress "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."

• 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!"

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

For Anxiety and Stress "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."

• Zig...
• April 13, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I went on Celexa after three years of getting more and more depressed, and my anxiety beginning to make it difficult to be at social events or function from day to day. I gave in to Celexa after hitting a low that I cannot explain. I couldn't get out of bed, and I determined my life was worthless. I started on 10mg. The first two weeks were bizarre. Headaches, nausea, and diarrhea. The anxiety seemed worse. But after 3-4 weeks, it's like an ugly cloud lifted, and I feel like I have my life back. I upped it to 20mg, and I'm staying at 20mg. I never worry about anything - which seems nuts. How can I not worry? I'm unemployed, single, no kids (I'm 48), yet I feel like everything is okay, and I can move forward on achieving my goals."

• bak...
• March 7, 2008

For Depression "I was fortunate to have found an effective method of treatment for my depression after trying only a few different medications. I began with Lexapro, which gave me dry mouth, provided little relief, and resulted in an uncomfortable feeling if a dosage was missed. Cymbalta gave me a constant headache. I started on 20 mg of Celexa, and after a few weeks, I felt more like myself. I have been taking 40 mg for three years and have had great results with few side effects. Mild decrease in sex drive."

• Jil...
• December 20, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "Day 4 of Celexa & WOW my negative thoughts, constant worry & irritation have almost vanished! I'm taking 10mg a day and am amazed at how quickly I feel this medicine working. I have had some bad headaches, dizziness & a little nausea but that's about it & totally worth it for the difference I'm feeling. I feel like life is worth living again. Thank you Celexa!"

• all...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "After holding on to the medication for about 3 weeks, I couldn't believe the results after just one day and literally felt the effects hours after I took the medication. I did experience side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness, but I found out after taking it the second day that it was only because I hadn't eaten before Celexa. I really see the difference, I'm no longer stressed and depressed. I do feel the difference, and it's a really great medication. I was so iffy about taking depression anxiety medication, however, I'm so glad that I did."

• ms...
• September 19, 2009

For Anxiety and Stress "Celexa has calmed me down a lot. I used to stress about everything. I always feared the worst. Celexa has helped me overcome this feeling. However, at times I seem too laid back and I get very annoyed with people who complain about everyday situations. At first, I thought this drug is not working, but a month later, I don't know how I survived without it. I do have headaches more frequently, and sometimes I get lazy, but sometimes I get this burst of energy too. Also, every so often, I get really somber, but within an hour I calm down and feel awesome. This drug works wonders for me."

• lit...
• November 23, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I'm only one week in, and seriously feel better. I'm a mom of two and a lawyer--I've suffered a lot of loss and have been shouldering a lot of stresses. I've always been anxious, but just thought that was who I was. My doctor put me on 10 mg of Celexa. I did have some nausea the first few days and headaches, but other than that nothing. I had so much anxiety about taking the medication, I almost didn't. But one evening my daughter told me that all of the things I worry about turn out fine--and she was right. If you need help, sometimes you can't do it yourself. I exercise, meditate, eat well, sleep well, but I couldn't shake the anxiety. This has helped a ton. I laugh, I feel more relaxed, and I'm gratefully enjoying life again."

• Suz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "Celexa didn’t work for me and my anxiety and depression. I bore with the side effects for four weeks (splitting headaches, inability to sleep or stay asleep, night sweats, cold symptoms, a feeling of dis-reality I hadn’t previously had, loss of all libido, skin numbness, and feeling drained of all energy) but they did not begin to alleviate. I thought nothing could be worse than the depression and anxiety but I was wrong. The treatment in this case was worse than the condition. Now tapering off and trying something different."

• Kat...
• March 21, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "I didn't realize how bad my anxiety was until I started taking citalopram (and found relief). I had never taken any antidepressant and I started off with a TINY amount... 5 mg in the morning for the first three days. I got a bad headache, which went away after a couple of days. I then increased to 10 mg... then 20. I ended up at 40 mg daily and have been on that for a little over a year. I am currently in the process of decreasing my dose. I dropped down to 30 mg for two weeks and I am noticing my irritation and anxiety increasing. My goal had been to get to 20 mg but I am not sure I'll be able to do that, due to the increased feelings of anxiety. All in all, I have found this medicine to be a HUGE help with very few side effects."

• NH3...
• October 4, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I want to give people a real review of this drug because the side effects are no joke. Note that my doctor started me on only 5mg to 'mitigate side effects'. Also, I have been on Zoloft before so I am not a newbie to these types of meds. I started Celexa one week ago and am just today starting to feel back to where I was when I started this drug. Basically, I have had every side effect of this drug. People are not lying. It makes you feel 500% worse before it starts to work. I started with severe panicky feelings and insomnia for about 3 days after day 2 on the meds. My blood pressure would shoot up, sweats, skin crawling, etc. My doctor prescribed me Xanax just so I could sleep. I had to take 3 days off of work, it was so bad. Then it switched to massive headaches and muscle aches which has been the last couple days. It feels just like having the flu. Cold all the time, then sweating."

• Emm...
• April 16, 2015

For Depression "I was hesitant for years to ever be put on medicine for anxiety/depression, but once it had significantly gotten worse into my 'adult' years (mid-20s), I decided it was time. I cannot say enough amazing things about Celexa. I have been on it for a little over two weeks (10 mg starting out and now 20 mg) and wow. My only regret is that I didn't get put on this way sooner! My emotional state is so much better, I am rarely irritated, and I can deal with everything so much better without going absolutely crazy. It's truly amazing. I did have side effects at first - headache, lightheadedness, going to the bathroom a lot, stomach upset, lump in my throat, clenching my jaw, but it was worth all that once I got past it!"

• Gal...
• August 18, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking Celexa for 18 days for anxiety and stress. I had been battling along without any medicine for so long before I threw in the towel after 7 months of social anxiety that progressed to panic attacks, agoraphobia, and depression. Whenever I interacted with people, my face, neck, and chest would become broken out in stress hives. I tried reading self-help books on CBT and meditation first. I was still a wreck, so my doctor gave me a prescription for Celexa (20 mg), and I have to say it has almost turned my life back around, and I am feeling myself again. I took 10 mg for the first four days, then increased to 20 mg on day 5. The first day of Celexa was kind of rough: I had a pounding headache, my body felt sore, diarrhea, an ironic taste in my mouth, and mild sweating. Day 2 side effects are still there but less intense. After about a week, I felt a decrease in anxiety and was much more controllable."

• 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."

• Kas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2023

For Depression "The side effects were horrible. Fatigue, GI problems, headaches, hot flashes, sleep issues and nightmares, general malaise, increased anxiety, and a zombie feeling. The clinician said I will get used to it after a while. To me, this is poisoning your body and having your body get 'used' to the poison over time. Definitely not for me."

• LIZ...
• May 27, 2015

For Depression "I have depression and high anxiety. I have had these most of my life but refused treatment. Now, having a son of my own, I have realized I need to be better for him. I have only been on it for a week and have noticed a lot of improvements! I no longer feel upset about my life. I can talk to my child like he should be talked to, not because I'm stressed and anxious all the time. I have had a few side effects so far: weird dreams, headaches, muscle spasms, dry mouth, and tiredness, but to feel 'normal' is worth it. I finally feel like I'm going to be okay."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 9, 2013

For Postpartum Depression "I am not sure if I had postpartum depression or not. My youngest child is 2, and it seems ever since having her I've not been the best mom out there, or wife. I was very moody all the time, and just recently it has gotten worse. I felt like I was always on a rage at home, yelling at everyone, everything getting on my nerves, snapping at family members, it was terrible. Celexa saved my life! I felt improvement within days. I feel more calm and no longer have the urges to yell and get angry with anyone. I have experienced headaches, fatigue, and yawning but nothing compared to how I was feeling before so I can handle the side effects. I am on week 3 now, hoping they diminish with time."

• 19p...
• April 24, 2015

For Depression "This medicine has been very helpful to me. I have always been very reluctant to try medications. This medication has stopped the crying every day, the constant anger, and helped significantly with anxiety. I have been on Celexa for almost 3 months and I feel a little better every day, it just takes time. I've had night sweats, light headaches, and not slept as well as I used to since starting this medication. However, for me, the benefits are outweighing the side effects at the moment and I will continue to use Celexa until that is no longer the case."

• Hap...
• December 9, 2012

For Anxiety and Stress "My boyfriend has severe social anxiety and depression, which usually left him isolating for an entire week in a dark, depressed mood, which happened every 10-12 days or so. He started taking Celexa about a week ago and has been feeling wonderful! He is smiling again and is able to go out and have a great time! And as far as sex goes, he is BETTER than before. So no complaints here. Of course, I was concerned with side effects in the first week: nausea, diarrhea, headaches, and hallucinations, but that all disappeared after the first week. Now it's smooth sailing. Thank God for Celexa."

• 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."

• lov...
• September 30, 2009

For Depression "I've been on Celexa for a little over a year now for extreme depression and anxiety, and I have found it to be very helpful (as well as affordable if you are one of the many Americans without health insurance). Side effects were minimal and limited to some headaches and excessive yawning, both of which completely disappeared with time."

• cez...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2012

For Anxiety and Stress "I was having some marital problems and was unable to eat, sleep, or function. I went to the doctor after a few days, and she prescribed Celexa. I've been taking it for 23 days. I suffered from debilitating fatigue and sweats on days 3, 4, and 5. On day six, I was able to get up on time and be functional. I had a headache for the first 10 days, but now it is not noticeable. I am able to drink coffee and not feel jittery. I still have a low appetite and am losing weight, and my feelings of sexual arousal are numbed. I feel that the edge has been taken off and that I am very level. I feel more patient and objective. I have terrible premenstrual dysphoria, and this past cycle, all my worst symptoms did not appear."