Celexa and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• August 31, 2009

For Anxiety and Stress "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."

• Bub...
• October 12, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• May 9, 2009

For Anxiety and Stress "I like Celexa so much better than Zoloft. With Zoloft, I had trouble sleeping, nausea, and it did not help my anxiety and depression symptoms. I have had a great experience with Celexa. So much so that I am uncertain if I would ever want to be taken off of it."

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I've been on this for a week. The first night I took it I felt really, really high but pretty anxious too so I cut the tablet in half for 6 days, and on the 8th, took a full (10 MG). When I cut in half for 5 MG, had no sleep issues, when I take 10mg I do have sleep issues and I do have an anxious chest - not jittery but my stomach and chest feel anxious like I've had too much coffee except the rest of me is still tired. After the first night though, I could already tell in my mood swings and I'm sticking with it. It's not unbearable by any means, but I'll check back in after another week to update you! I would say... if your side effects are so strong, cut it in half and wait another week. Almost every negative review is about the first week or two - make it through that, eat healthy and force yourself to exercise (even if you're tired from not sleeping thoroughly the night before). I believe the long-term effects will be totally worth a week of feeling antsy."

• 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."

• 1ha...
• July 5, 2015

For Depression "Week 1 dizziness, nausea, no appetite, foggy feeling, stomach growling. Week 2 same as before plus sweating, bad GERD, and insomnia. Almost stopped but decided to stick it out. Week 3 everything slowly disappeared. Now on week 4, much calmer, lost weight about 8 lbs, blood pressure dropped to normal readings, I have more energy now. I am walking every day, still feel like myself, not numb like some reported. Reason started was I had 2 deaths in a month and was losing it. In the past, I have tried Prozac, Lexapro, Effexor, Zoloft, and many others, nothing has worked as well as Celexa. My advice: give it time, be patient. Like many things, it's worth waiting for. Good luck to all!"

• Hea...
• July 26, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "I'm 29 years old... (Mother of 2 boys). I lost my grandma (who raised me) on June 10th (My birthday). She was my everything. This is the first time I've experienced losing someone this close to me. I've had a very difficult time dealing with this, crying every day...and it has affected me at work with having less patience for things...anxiety, etc. Which I already had anxiety at night before she ever passed away. I've been on Celexa for 5 days and I haven't cried since then. It has made me feel more calm...more understanding of things. My anxiety has subsided a great deal...the only downside is I'm having a little bit of insomnia, which I know is a side effect. I'm optimistic about the future now."

• Gem...
• November 1, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I’m 23 years old and began to have severe GAD due to a stressful situation. I felt worthless, depressed, anxious, and pessimistic. I decided to go to my doctor and was prescribed Celexa. I experienced a low appetite, insomnia, and mild diarrhea the first couple of weeks. I also had increased mood swings. The adjustment period was rough! However, after about 6-8 weeks, I started to level out and had less anxiety. Now I can say that my anxiety is about 90% cured! I have been taking this medicine for about 2-3 months. I still experience some anxiety during normal moments that I should experience some anxiety, but it’s NOTHING compared to where I used to be. I can still feel my emotions, the lows are just not as low anymore. I’m going through a breakup right now and I can honestly say that although I’ve had sad moments, I am still fully functioning and I am still managing to be happy with my life. Thank you Celexa!"

• Fee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2013

For Depression "The depression, feelings of worthlessness, suicidal thoughts, and chronic anger have all eased somewhat since I started taking Celexa (10mg). I've been on it for about two months and have noticed a marked difference. Sleeping okay after insomnia at first. No decrease in sex drive (male) but definite decrease in ability. Hoping that doesn't last. Although some days I feel like my old self, mostly I feel better. Life has become more clear to me, my relationship with my wife appears to be improving, and this has allowed me to begin forgiving myself. Long road ahead. I wish you all the best."

• Anonymous
• November 3, 2009

For Depression "Citalopram is the best thing that ever happened to me. It was like a cloud was lifted, and I could see everything in my life clearly. It is amazing, and I have very minimal side effects. Just more intense dreams, and at first, it messed up my sleep schedule. I would be tired a lot and then not be able to fall asleep. But that passed after a few weeks. I've been on it for about 9 months now, and it is still working great!"

• BG1...
• March 18, 2016

For Depression "THANK God for this drug. I can honestly say they have completely turned my life around. Striking up a conversation with an old friend or a stranger used to be incredibly awkward, and I would overanalyze my words. Now, I’m completely comfortable talking to anyone, and I really don’t seem to be bothered by a whole lot. I really do believe this drug has not only changed my life, but it has saved my relationship and done wonders for my social life. I have switched to Cipralex due to some side effects, I feel it has the same benefits as Celexa but is much cleaner. For anyone in the beginning stages of this drug (especially experiencing no libido, digestive issues, insomnia), please just stick it out, I PROMISE it gets much better!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2014

For Depression "Celexa has changed my life in 5 days! Thanks to a doctor who finally understood what was wrong with me after suffering excruciating physical pain for at least 10 or more years. I feel like a new person. Have had more energy in the last 5 days than I have for 5 years! Suffering from some insomnia but I am sure that will go away. - 51-year-old female"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• HAp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 3, 2015

For Depression "I've only been on it a week. I have had no major side effects... slight insomnia. Appetite is fine and no weight gain as of yet. It pulled me out of this dark hole I was in. I felt numb and cold to the world. I'm happy now and can't help but smile and enjoy my life and everyone in it. I truly hope this continues to work. It's been a life-saver. I hope this helps someone else."

• Str...
• July 21, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on this medication for a week, after switching from Zoloft. My doctor started me on 20mg. I made the mistake of immediately going online to read reviews. Instead, my advice is to let the medication start to take effect. You will make yourself feel worse if you read the negative reviews. I can say that one week on this medication has turned out better than my previous medication. Everyone is different, so I think I found the one that works. Initially, you may have some insomnia, but it will pass once you start to feel more relaxed. I did have some tingly feelings in the hands, but that passed after day 4. I felt a head rush of sorts the first 5-6 days, where I felt high, but it too passed for me."

• 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."

• 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!!"

• How...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 5, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I found it helpful. After about 2 weeks, my anxiety lessened, and now into the 4th week, appetite is better, mood better. Still not where I want to be, but overall I’m better. Still have trouble sleeping some nights. Also, my mind will race at times."

• 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!"