Citalopram for Panic Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• CHH...
• March 23, 2022

"I'm on day 20 of 10 mg citalopram and would recommend this to anyone struggling with severe anxiety. The only side effect I've had is tiredness and the odd headache. My backstory is I've been crippled with anxiety for 3 months, unable to even leave my bed, every physical sensation from anxiety. I couldn't go out, was literally physically sick every morning, and didn't see a point to going on. This medication has been the light at the end of the tunnel for me. I never take medicine and had a bad experience with sertraline in January, which made me weary to take this. Now I can function again, I know it's only been 20 days, but I can do my housework, take the kids to school, make dinners, and actually relax. Please don't Google side effects, everyone is different, but if your doctor has given you this, then it's worth a go. It only took just over 2 weeks for this to start working, my anxiety is still present, but not on my mind 24/7. Good luck to everyone on their journey."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2020

"I suffered 30 years with intermittent panic attacks. In the last 4 years, I experienced night terrors several times a week. I was reluctant to take medication, as I was concerned about side effects. In March of this year, I had several hypertensive crises, where my blood pressure was above 190 due to panic, and I had to attend the emergency department and call an ambulance. I realized that I needed help as my life was spiraling out of control. Reluctantly, in April, I saw a psychiatrist who diagnosed panic disorder and prescribed 10 mg Celexa. It took me three days to fill the script and another 3 before I took the first dose (crying). The first few days, I experienced tiredness but a sense of calm. Slowly, the doctor increased the dose to 20 mg per day, and the nightmares and anxiety have completely disappeared after 3 weeks on 20 mg :)"

• Tig...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 1, 2019

"I had this drug 20 years ago when my life was engulfed with severe panic and anxiety 24 hrs a day. It saved my life. It broke the cycle of thought creating the attacks, and gradually they started to get less."

• Izy...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 16, 2020

"I was hesitant for several years to try medication for my severe panic disorder. I had heard so many horror stories about antidepressants and their side effects. After six months of taking 20 mg of Celexa daily, I can definitively say that this medication has drastically changed my life for the better! I am lucky in that I have had absolutely zero side effects. I tell people all the time it feels as if the volume dial of the panic inside of me has been turned way down. Of course, I still experience anxiety from time to time, but it’s nothing in comparison to before starting Celexa. I find it so much easier to think through my panic rationally and to just enjoy my life without feeling the weight of constant dread and terror."

• can...
• August 25, 2011

Citalopram "20 mg citalopram caused me to have severe anxiety attacks, feel like I cannot relax ever, cannot sleep, I feel dizzy all the time and nauseous, and it's given me horrible digestive problems. I have taken Zoloft and Paxil with good results for years, but started having sexual dysfunction and was switched to citalopram. It stopped my crying spells, but I feel like my depression is still there. I just cannot let out my feelings due to this medicine. The only positive is that I can just barely manage to function sexually. I am really surprised to see all these good reviews on here as to how it made others less anxious and more positive and social and even drowsy, as it has had the total opposite effect on me."

• Bab...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 17, 2016

"Out of the blue, in my mid 30s, started having severe panic attacks. This was after two kids, so I felt that it could have been a hormone imbalance. When they got worse, I was prescribed Celexa, which worked fabulously for me. After a year, I decided I did not want to be on it and weaned myself off of it, going from 10 mg to 5 mg to none. It is when you stop taking it that you experience some very funky effects. I felt like I had 'aftershocks' going on in my head for years - it is so hard to explain the sensation, but it was not pleasant. For those taking this medication for a long period of time, please be careful if you go off it. Periodically, the sensations come back after 20 years of being off of it."

• Mar...
• June 5, 2009

Citalopram "It is by far the best drug I have been given to take care of my issues. The side effects did not last too long, maybe two weeks, then everything just kept getting better. The only reason I did not give it a 10 rating is this is only the second medicine I have been on for my condition. Overall, the best I have felt in the past 8 years. My doctor started me on 40 mg. I take Xanax approximately 75% less than as often as I used to, so that makes me happy."

• mot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2015

"I started Celexa a week ago for anxiety/panic attacks. I was prescribed a very low dose of 0.5 mg a day and Xanax 0.25 as needed. So far, I have experienced body shakes/tremors and a fast and rapid heartbeat as soon as I wake up. Has anyone experienced the same side effects? It is very annoying, sometimes I am even scared to fall asleep."

• anx...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2022

"Three months on citalopram for panic attacks and anxiety. The first six weeks were very challenging, with increased anxiety, heart rate, sleeplessness, and borderline panic attack feelings every other day. The adjustment in my system was very complicated, with all the side effects in full force. The most prominent effect was laying down to sleep, my heart would palpitate as I lay there, like I could feel it beating out of my chest. This was intimidating for sure, but reading through all the reviews here and keeping an open mind, I persevered and got through to about the eight-week mark, where it began to subside. It felt like a lifetime and required me to grind through it. I feel like a majority of others would have quit, hence your 1, 2, 3, and 4 star reviews. If you're new to antidepressants and luck out to not feel any side effects, then bravo to you! Most will feel this adjustment phase in some form or fashion, though. It has calmed down my panic. Now to figure out how to stay as motivated as before! Good luck."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2021

"I have got my life back! I have anxiety, panic disorder with agoraphobia, and OCD, and this has literally helped with all of it! I have been living in fear of my panic attacks and anxiety for too long, and I'm so happy I started taking this. I'm going into week 5. I felt at first it wasn't working, but week 2 I felt a difference. I feel so much better I can't even express it enough. I do therapy also, but this medication has been a lifesaver. The benefits outweigh your overthinking. Just give it a try. God bless."

• Son...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 5, 2021

"It does work! I suffer from panic disorder with agoraphobia, and my panic attacks are so bad. This medication has helped. I started at 10 mg for the first week, then went to 20 mg. So far, so good. I was pretty tired and yawning a lot, but I also take propranolol, which might have contributed. Don't read the side effects, it will only stress you out more. Think positive. I'm only in week 2, but so far, so good. We got this."

• Cc7...
• October 16, 2015

"This is my 2nd day of taking the meds, and yesterday was the first day I was able to come home from work and not have a panic attack! The only side effect I feel is dry mouth. I slept so good last night."

• Ela...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2019

"I started taking citalopram for the panic attacks I was experiencing. This has helped me immensely. I did have some side effects in the beginning, though. I felt very tired and I had a feeling as if my brain was tingling. It was very strange, but it was easy to deal with in comparison to the panic attacks I was having. I started off with 10 mg tabs and was increased to 20 mg tabs. I would suggest giving this medicine a try, but you really have to give it time to work. It really helped to regulate my moods and my anxiety."

• mcf...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 9, 2017

"I developed an awful choking phobia, and the citalopram really helped me deal with my anxiety/phobia and even improve things. I haven't fully recovered yet, but I am so happy with my recovery regardless. I am sure part of this was the drug, which seemed to suppress my anxiety subconsciously. The first 2 weeks of starting on citalopram were pretty rough. Constant nausea and heightened anxiety. I had a few panic attacks, which is a side effect initially (the irony), and also teeth clenching was pretty noticeable at first, which calmed down. I still get night sweats regularly, which is definitely this medication. It's annoying, but a common side effect noted amongst users. Definitely a worthy trade-off for its effects though. Overall, very happy with it."

• Dil...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 19, 2024

"I started citalopram when I was 14 on 10 mg for anxiety and low mood. I never had side effects. I woke up the next day automatically feeling better. I’m now 19. Since then, I developed panic disorder, emetophobia, agoraphobia. Four weeks ago, I tried sertraline and came off citalopram (worst decision I ever made). I was on them for three days and stopped. I started back on 10 mg of citalopram, the side effects were awful: no appetite whatsoever. I started drinking replacement shakes, depression (I wouldn’t even move out of bed). I kept on going for three weeks, nothing changed. I ended up getting a sick note for work, and doctors upped me to 20 mg. I started at 15 mg and then eventually went up to 20 mg. Things have definitely changed. I can eat again, but only a certain amount before I fall back into a panic attack. Mornings are terrible, and my main symptom of panic is feeling nauseous, which is my phobia, of course, but every day gets easier. Fingers crossed."

• BT9...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 17, 2020

"Finally remembered to write a review. This medication, citalopram, along with talking therapies, turned my life around! A definite help and worth trying 100%. 'Try not to worry' about side effects, as they are not half as bad as you expect and can change your life around as well!"

• Sun...
• January 11, 2021

"After suffering such severe anxiety that I couldn't even leave my room and stopped showering, eating, speaking to anyone, etc., Citalopram saved me. I'm only on 10 mg, as I'm quite underweight and only 20 years old, but it reduced my anxiety so much that I'm now able to make myself leave the house for short periods of time with minimal anxiety. I used to have such severe panic attacks that lasted hours, I'd burn up, I couldn't breathe, I was so dizzy and nauseous, and couldn't even bring myself to do anything but lie in bed and cry. This went on for 6 months until I started Citalopram. The side effects were absolutely horrible, it somehow made my anxiety even worse at first, and I was so nauseous and dizzy, blurred vision, dry mouth, constantly spacey. After two weeks, the side effects reduced, and after three weeks, they were gone completely. My only issue with it now is that I'm still feeling a little spacey after being on them for around 6 months."

• Ran...
• October 2, 2008

Citalopram "I just started taking Celexa instead of Paxil, and so far it's been helping me with my panic problem. I've only been taking it for about a week now. I stopped using Ativan abruptly, and my panic attacks came right back, even worse. Celexa isn't a bad drug so far."

• Baj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 15, 2015

"Only been on it for a week, and I'm feeling awful. I know I need to give it time, but the panic attacks are worse. I'm having to take Ativan so I can calm down. This morning, I woke up and had that all-over feeling with sweats, rapid heartbeat. I know blood pressure was elevated. I'm feeling so defeated. Head still hurts. Having all the attacks again that put me in the ER four times. I love reading others' comments and hearing it gets worse before better. Thanks for the feedback."

• Anonymous
• June 2, 2010

Citalopram "I have always struggled with generalized anxiety, but a year and a half ago, I had an awful panic attack out of nowhere and have been controlled with panic attacks ever since. I switched to Celexa because Zoloft did not seem to be working anymore. I have been on Celexa for 2 weeks and still feel anxious. I am also suffering from insomnia and body jerks when I am trying to fall asleep. I just found out I am pregnant, so I had to stop taking Klonopin, and I am weaning off Celexa. I am so excited about the pregnancy, but so nervous about my panic and anxiety. I am planning on intense cognitive therapy to help me through the next 9 months. I pray for a healthy and panic-free pregnancy! Celexa did not seem to do the trick for me."

• K J...
• January 15, 2020

"I've taken citalopram for 2 years, 4 months (10 mg for 3 months, then 20 mg). Be prepared for initial side effects. Some people have none. I had them all. Overall, I like citalopram. Lasting side effects are dopiness and tiredness. It’s worth it as they gave me a chance to start loving myself again. Pros: - They lifted depression I didn't know I had. - Thoughts are slower, and I catch myself being overly self-critical. - Not as irritable and don't care as much about little things. - Once the side effects stopped, panic was easier to cope with. Cons: - My initial side effects were tough. I pushed through as my panic disorder was just as bad in a different way. It was worth the effort for me, but everyone reacts differently. - Side effects during the first 6 weeks included: very sweaty feet (weird I know), heightened anxiety, emotional numbness, weird dreams, feeling like I was losing my mind (DR/DP - depersonalization-derealization disorder). - Sex-related problems (vaginal dryness/tightness). - If I miss a pill, I feel odd for days."

• Jes...
• March 3, 2022

"I suffered from severe, and I mean severe, panic attacks due to thoughts about the fact that I have to die at some point in the future. Additionally, I suffered from never-ending thought loops about my mortality that intensified over the years until I simply could not do anything anymore and simply lay on the couch, trembling with fear. I have to say that, in my case, after 13 days, I experienced a slight, very slight improvement, a slight decrease of the mental torture. After four weeks, I could go on a walk again without immediately getting a panic attack. For citalopram to take full effect, it did take three months. Unfortunately, in the beginning, my sleep got worse. After three months, I could sleep much better. Weirdly enough, after six months, I got the opposite of sleeplessness, namely fatigue as a side effect. Therefore, I changed to a different SSRI. However, I don't regret taking cit. It took me from a place of utter, complete horror to a point where life felt tolerable."

• Sue...
• February 15, 2016

"I am on day 7 of citalopram, and so far, so good. I take it at night to avoid any nasty side effects, which I haven't experienced as of yet. I have suffered severe panic attacks for years and experience bouts of depression from time to time. I am currently taking 3 meds: propranolol, lamotrigine, and citalopram, which are working well. My propranolol is my saving grace, which I couldn't live without, but unfortunately, it doesn't work well for my anxiety and stress. I am currently awaiting an appointment with the mental health services to change the lamotrigine to something more calming for when a panic attack begins. I would honestly say that I am not having any nasty side effects or down periods so far with citalopram."

• Sti...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2021

"I wanted to share my experience and hope it helps you. I was absolutely terrified of medication, always had anxiety, but panic attacks became so bad I couldn't function, I was stuck in a cycle of fearing an attack, and having an attack. Anyway, I was so scared I went onto 2.5 mg, yes just 2.5 mg of citalopram for 1 week, then up to 5 mg, then 7.5 mg, and now I am on 10 mg. 5 weeks on the 10 mg, and I really do see a huge improvement. No panic attacks, very little racing thoughts. Side effects while tapering up were hot flashes, a day or two of crying, disturbed sleep, feeling spacey, dry throat, sweating. All got better over the first 7 to 10 days. When I increased to 10 mg, I had increased anxiety for the 1st week, then that settled. I suffer from PMDD, and this is the 1st month I actually didn't even realize when my period was coming because there was no increase in anxiety at all. Please stick with it. It does get better. Xxx"

• Hop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 5, 2021

"For 17 long months, I was psychologically in chronic shape. I feared life itself. I had continuous panic, anxiety attacks, along with severe depression. 8 months ago, my doctor put me on Cymbalta 30 mg, 2 times a day. I took them for 6 1/2 months, and very little relief. I requested a switch 3 weeks ago to Celexa, 20 mg. I ended the Cymbalta a week ago, and I feel almost like my old self. My panic attacks have subsided tremendously. I barely have anxiety. I feel calm, and my attacks are slowly disappearing. I'm not consumed with depression and racing thoughts. I'm finding me again, and that is a comforting way to live, because before Celexa, it was not a way of life. I can only share my experience and pray that other people can relate, that y'all find solitude also. There is nothing worse than a broken spirit, 24/7. Best wishes to all!"