Citalopram for Depression User Reviews (Page 5)

• Anonymous
• July 23, 2009

Citalopram "I have been on Celexa for about 15 years and it's great. The only symptoms at first were dry mouth and yawning, which eventually went away. I tried about 2 years ago to wean myself off with my doctor's help, and I had a horrible relapse, so I am going to stay on Celexa as long as my doctor allows me. I actually feel normal all the time and very balanced."

• sec...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 9, 2013

Citalopram "I had terrible side effects from taking Tamoxifen. I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, could not sleep due to hot flashes, cried all the time, and often just felt like I had the flu. My oncologist suggested I try citalopram. My world is wonderful! I feel better than I ever have. Not only did it help tremendously with the side effects of Tamoxifen, but it has also taken care of the anxiety and depression that I had been living with, but never did anything about it. I have no side effects from citalopram, except for weight gain. I am working on that, though. All my family and friends are amazed at the difference in me. I have been taking 20mg for over a year."

• New...
• February 11, 2014

"Initially, I started taking citalopram because I began feeling depressed, first 10 mg and then 20 mg. As the months passed and the side effects diminished, I noticed improvement with self-esteem, and I began to realize how severely obsessive-compulsive about things I was. What was so strange, I could even feel tension leaving my neck and shoulders that I hadn't noticed before. My emotions no longer control me, and I am not paranoid. I never realized how tense and anxious I was about almost everything. My only regret is waiting so long to get help. I didn't even realize that depression was only one area that I needed help in. I've given the boot to negativity, and I am feeling confident that I am on the right track now."

• MLP...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2019

"I have been taking citalopram (10 mg) for a few months now after being diagnosed with depression and anxiety by my doctor. It never occurred to me that I was depressed as I have a wonderful life, but after extensive research on depression, I have learned so much! Depression is so much more than being sad. I have struggled with anxiety ever since I was a child. I just always masked it and learned to deal with it. Citalopram has changed my life. I’m no longer feeling fatigued, my PMS/periods are much more manageable, less anxious, and I just generally feel good. It’s a strange feeling coming from someone who has apparently struggled with depression for years. I feel normal. Give it a try. I hope it helps you like it has helped me."

• She...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 5, 2015

Citalopram "I have suffered from depression my entire life, it seems like. I've been on many, MANY anti-depressants. But this one works like a charm. The only bad thing about it is - if you go cold turkey for a few days because you run out, or forget to take it, you can tell a definite difference. It makes you extremely sick. Never go cold turkey, but I recommend this medication to any and everyone with depression who have tried many medications."

• Hap...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 27, 2013

Citalopram "I would say I have seen a complete turnaround in my depression. I use 40 mg of Celexa and Xanax prescribed three times a day if needed. I usually take two Xanax before bed to fall asleep. I've been on it a year and can say it's been a blessing. Didn't start that way! I chose to stick through some of the side effects and gradually increased my dosage. From 10, 20, 30 now 40 mg, which I take every morning. Now I feel the balance. When in need, I spoke with my doctor to increase if I was not feeling to my full potential of the medicines. Still working on my anxiety around people! Doing better from where I started. GOOD LUCK ALL!"

• Anonymous
• December 4, 2012

Citalopram "This medicine is wonderful. I never believed in taking anti-depressants because I didn't want to become dependent on them. I've taken Zoloft... I had really bad constipation, and it worsened my depression. Celexa has done it for me. I had postpartum depression and went through a terrible breakup with my fiancé and have been able to cope very well with everything that has gone on in my life. I would recommend this medicine to anyone."

• Lis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2014

Citalopram "Started Celexa a month ago. At first, tremors, dry mouth, shaking, and dead libido. After a week, my jaw was petrified, my teeth hurt, was always biting my tongue. My energy was gone. Was sleeping 9 hours at night and 3-4 hours napping in the afternoon. I was a zombie. I just switched to Wellbutrin, and I pray for better results."

• try...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 11, 2014

"I'm a 40-year-old single, full-time working mother, and for the last 9 years, I have been on 3 different antidepressants after the death of one of my children and a few of life's other nasty things that just make life unbearable. Firstly, I was on Lovan, which eventually stopped being effective, then switched to Lexapro, which worked very well for a number of years, and then in June this year, I was having major depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, so I was put onto 50 mg of Pristiq. For 3 months, I lived in hell. It was by far the WORST medication for me, so my doctor has this week switched me to Citalopram (20 mg). Today, I feel about 1000% better than I have for most of this year. I know it's only early days, but I am feeling very hopeful that my doctor and I may have found THE ONE!! (Fingers crossed!)"

• Cee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2016

"I have now been on citalopram for over 6 weeks. I was started on 10 mg for 5 days and then upped to 20 mg for depression and generalized anxiety disorder caused by intense work stress for the past eighteen months. I found that in the first week, I had minimal side effects except dry mouth and slight sleepiness. Now I have no symptoms at all and have had no issues with citalopram. At the 3-4 week mark, my common feelings of dread and waves of anxiety and sadness seemed to reduce without me noticing it was happening. Now, at the 6 week mark, I feel... normal. I don't feel overly happy, just normal. It's an odd feeling as it is now hard to remember how bad I felt and why I sought help in the first place. I would recommend citalopram to anyone!"

• nje...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2017

"I had been experiencing severe depression and anxiety for 3 months due to a relationship break-up and unemployment. Crying at least every other day. Deep sadness. Despair. Really hurting. Also had bad free-floating anxiety. Could feel it come over my body. Horrible feeling. Had no appetite (lost about 9 lbs over 3 months). Sleep maintenance trouble. Would fall asleep but couldn't stay asleep. Libido was gone. Went to the doctor. Was prescribed citalopram, 20 mg daily. Within 1 week, crying stopped and sadness was gone. I mean, gone! By the end of the second week anxiety was gone. By the 3rd week my appetite was back. Over the 4th week my sleep has improved. Side effects mild. If you can relate to these symptoms, try this med. I thank God I did."

• rad...
• February 8, 2020

"I was very impatient, ill-tempered, anxious, agoraphobic.... After a trip, I realized I needed to save my mind to move on with life. So I saw a doctor who gave me citalopram. The first 5 days were rough, I had the zombies (I felt dead, no emotions) but powered through. I have been on this medication for almost a year, starting at a 10 mg dose then going up to 20 mg. Anytime I miss a dose, I go back to being a horrible person, so it's working great. I have no side effects at all."

• Dog...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 16, 2019

"I’m a long-time user of citalopram for depression - started on 20 mg, raised to 40 mg for a long time, then back to 20 mg and now on 10 mg (by my own choice). At my worst, I had a sense of detachment from everyone and everything - even myself, like I was only a pair of eyes, that my own body wasn’t mine. I was withdrawn from family, friends, and workmates. Enveloped in a black darkness. Alone. Angry. Impatient... but the worst part was a terrible feeling of “déjà vu.” What I can tell you with 100% certainty is this = it gets better!!! I promise you, you will enjoy life again. You may not notice it until one day you’re sitting down and you will think - “this time a year ago, I was a mess! Look how far I’ve come.” From time to time, I need to take an extra 10 mg when something bothers me - but that’s ok. That’s what it’s there for. Life may not be perfect - no one's is!"

• Tom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2014

"I have been taking citalopram for about 2 months now. I was in a horrible state of anxiety, depression, and depersonalization. It had completely taken over my life. This medicine has been a lifesaver, however, it only started to work for me after the first month of taking it. I want to encourage people to persist with it like I did, and hopefully, you will experience the same benefits. Good luck to all."

• Alb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 9, 2019

"I have been taking Citalopram for the past 2 years and it has been a miracle for me. I was severely depressed, to the point of being suicidal and constantly punishing myself. The first months were tough to get used to the numbness and the tiredness, but the changes in my brain were amazing and I was myself again. This medication allowed me to bond with my newborn, to get out of bed, to have a job again. I know that medication doesn't suit everyone, but I'll recommend giving it a try. After 2 years I'm off it, after slowly leaving the medication (from 20 to 10 to 0). I hope that everyone is helped by medication and has a good life."

• Anonymous
• February 28, 2010

Citalopram "I've been taking Celexa for almost a year now and it's been wonderfully helpful. I've had depression/anxiety on and off for years (as well as hypothyroidism). However, I was always hesitant to take any medication that I didn't feel was 'absolutely necessary', so I never took antidepressants before trying Celexa. Initially, I started with 20 mg, and that worked well for a couple of months, but then I needed to go up to 40 mg, and that has been the dosage that works consistently for me. Other than the first few weeks of treatment, I've had NO bad side effects whatsoever. It has really increased my sex drive (which has been non-existent for years)."

• vag...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2016

Citalopram "I've been on Celexa for almost 5 months now. On my 5th month, my doc bumped me up to 60 mg. I initially started taking Celexa for depression. At first, it seemed like I had a ton of energy, and I felt better than ever. After the first month, I was not feeling better anymore. Although my dosage has increased, I still don't feel a sense of relief. I do, however, have no anxiety. I don't dwell on mistakes I make like I used to. I actually feel very relaxed, so relaxed to where I'm very lazy. I think I've gained at least 7 lbs on Celexa, probably mainly due to my sedentary lifestyle. I really don't have much energy to do anything. I can function and go to work and all, I just feel blah."

• Can...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 30, 2015

Citalopram "I can't say enough good things about this medication. I've fought mild-to-moderate depression on and off for twenty years. I've done counseling and read tons of books. I also tried Paxil years ago but found it numbing. Celexa has been WONDERFUL. I'm on 20 mg a day. The crying spells, feelings of doubt and despair, and constant negative thoughts have all gone away. I still have up and down moods and feelings, but they feel normal and manageable... like what regular people must feel like. I feel much more confident, happy, and engaged with life. As for side effects... not to be crude, but the only side effect I've experienced is delayed orgasm and, as a man, this is more of a benefit than a problem ;-) I highly recommend this medication..."

• ano...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 29, 2013

Citalopram "After trying Prozac (didn't like) and Wellbutrin (better than Prozac but still not terrific), was given Celexa by a new doc. I have dysthymia that increases in winter months (probably due to less light where I live, during the shorter days from Oct-March). Celexa gave me an almost instant 'happy' boost and I haven't been off it for more than 6 months for a long time. Pros: more energy, no crying spells when daylight lessens during winter months. Cons: did not work for my GAD (I take alprazolam for that), libido is almost non-existent, and my emotions are somewhat blunted (meaning, I don't really cry often, when before I used to be emotional over a lot of things... but I can take that!) Impact on libido is the most annoying side effect."

• Anonymous
• December 21, 2008

Citalopram "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."

• SAD...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 17, 2020

"I have been on 20 mgs Citalopram for a few years, mainly to treat SAD, and it was very successful with no seasonal fluctuations. However, 3 weeks ago, I had a blip and increased by 10 mgs. Since then, I have actually felt worse. Does anyone have any experience of this on increasing dose?"

• 746...
• August 30, 2013

Citalopram "I am 14 years old, and I started taking Celexa a few weeks ago for depression, and I took it a couple of years back for anxiety. It has worked well. I have been feeling depressed since the third grade and have been having uncontrolled, regretful thoughts for a while. This works, and I am feeling better. It gave me such a weird feeling, which I think is happiness, but anyway, it's new thanks to this medication."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2018

"Whew, what a ride it’s been! I was having suicidal thoughts to the point where it was affecting my everyday life. I never wanted to act on them, though, it was just the idea, I guess. My doctor prescribed me 10MG, and after about 6 weeks, I didn’t really notice anything, so I went back, and he put me on 20MG. I’m not even 2 weeks in, and the difference is like night and day! I can finally say I’m starting to get back to my old self, laughing and talking with people at work. I don’t mind getting out of bed in the morning and coming to work. Before, my wife would have to make me get up, and I would get sick, I dreaded it so much. My suggestion is to stick with it. Everybody is different, some people it may help in a week, for others it may take 2 months, but I would try it for at least 8 weeks before giving up on it. I feel so much better! Negative thoughts come here and there, but they are so vague, and I just laugh it off now."

• Che...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 5, 2016

Citalopram "I've been on and off for 9 years, and I'm 25. I have been on 10 mg before and am currently on 5 mg. I went off it for a while, and I find that I am able to laugh harder but also feel deeper sadness without them. They stabilize me. I get to a very dark place without just that 5 mg to keep me level. I would rather be a bit unable to express emotion than over-emotional. I struggle with anxiety, paranoia, and low-stress tolerance. It helps me live somewhat normally. Higher doses make me feel robotic, unable to process my own emotion. I am sensitive to meds, and so 5 mg (half of the minimum dose) helps me! The therapeutic dose is 20 mg, and for me that would lessen the quality of my life as I would be unable to feel emotion. I love Celexa. Try it."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2015

"While I have always had a tendency toward low moods, I had my first bout of real depression at the start of this summer. Until then, I didn't know what depression was and how utterly hopeless and cruel an illness it is. I honestly longed for death every day. I had been suffering with it to varying degrees for a few months when, after a week of not being able to get out of bed to go to work, I finally went to the doctor (with my mother's encouragement) 3 weeks ago and was put on citalopram. I can honestly say that it has been and is, at the moment, a real lifesaver for me. It doesn't make me 'happy' (nor do I care-anyone with depression will know you'll settle for not being depressed). What it does is take away the desperation and, as others have said, helps me to cope. It makes me want to do things to improve my mood and gives me the ability to get out of bed in the morning. It just makes me feel a bit more like my old self. Regarding side effects, I have put on weight on it, but I had lost so much while depressed I think I'm just putting my old weight back on, as I now have an appetite again. The worst side effect for me is sleeping-for the first week, I had dreadful insomnia, and I am still waking up around 4 every night. The side effects are small fry compared to the difference it's made. It's by no means perfect, but it's got me on the road to recovery and given me the ability to do CBT, meditation, and just look after myself and actually enjoy life again. I hope anyone reading this for depression gets help in some way or another for this awful illness. Remember-it won't rain forever. X"