Citalopram and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Nba...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 4, 2020

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "This medication brought me out of such a dark place. I have struggled with severe anxiety which had manifested into severe depression so I started 20mg of Celexa at night. At first, I took 10mg for one week and let me tell you, my side effects were AWFUL. I couldn’t sleep, my anxiety was horrific, I had brain fog all day, and my brain was going a mile a minute. However, after 2 or 3 weeks, the side effects went away almost completely, and now I have none. I am so much less anxious of a person, and just overall way more happy and outgoing! I used to be so anxious about everything but now I feel like I can handle whatever is thrown my way! So yes, while the first couple weeks can be horrific, for me, it was all worth it as this medication truly does work!"

• Don...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "TRUST THE PROCESS!!!! I am here to tell you that things will 100% get better. Give citalopram TIME! Patience is key here, give it at least 3 weeks. You will be 100% yourself again, happiness is in your reach. The side effects fu*king suck so hard. Increase intrusive thoughts, anxiety, tiredness, insomnia, sweating and the rest. But it DOES WORK. I really want you to believe me. If you are reading through these reviews every second of every day at the start, scared that you are going mad is it are you, or the with the side effects from tablet? Will I ever just STOP thinking about every bad thing? Yes. You will. Here I am as your reassurance. Read this review every day."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I’m on day 6. I’m experiencing a really uneasy feeling in my head, nausea, and worse anxiety. Hoping this goes away as I’m at my wits end! Has anyone else experienced this weird uncomfortable feeling in their head/eyes?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I’m on day 6. I’m experiencing a really uneasy feeling in my head, nausea, and worse anxiety. Hoping this goes away as I’m at my wits end! Has anyone else experienced this weird uncomfortable feeling in their head/eyes?"

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 5, 2021

Citalopram 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."

• RIG...
• September 17, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Firstly I would like to say that this drug has saved my career and relationship. Constant negative thoughts? Depression with passing suicidal thoughts? Panic attacks? Me too. All due to stress! This stuff citalopram works (for me). It takes time! Be patient! Only read good reviews as it prolongs its working with reading negative stuff. I'm on my 5th week and I'm managing to go to the supermarket for the first time in months. I can drop my boy off at nursery without having a panic attack. I can do my gigs now without thinking everybody hates me and packing up mid-gig. The benefits outweigh the side effects for me. I had big pupils, sweaty nights, crazy dreams, and heightened anxiety for a few weeks. Honestly, this stuff is a miracle. I tried to go the natural way for months before with no joy and sometimes meds are needed. You are not weak! You are taking the right steps by asking for medical help. The stigma around these drugs is nonsense as everyone is different and these meds save lives. Simple!"

• Kbh...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 13, 2014

Citalopram 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!"

• INd...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 29, 2020

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "So, I was first on Celexa from 2001 until 2016. I felt it wasn't working, so my doctor prescribed Venlafaxine/Effexor XR. I ended up in the emergency room with a heart rate of 185 bpm. Anyway, I should have just stuck with Celexa. I am back on it after trying Prozac, which made me nauseous for a year and gave me more anxiety. Celexa works for me. It takes away my anxiety. It's safe for me, and I'll never go off of it or try another again. These past two years have been so bad. Getting off of Effexor brought me to my knees."

• Mat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 14, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I tapered off citalopram completely about four weeks ago after taking it for two years. I noticed my anxiety was getting worse, so I bit the bullet and started taking my 20 mg tablets again four days ago. It’s been a living nightmare since I started taking the med again. Extreme anxiety (worst I’ve ever had), panic attacks, night sweats, paranoia, nausea, etc., etc. I could use a little encouragement. Maybe somebody has had a similar experience to mine and would be willing to share. I’m going to stick it out, but this has been very hard."

• Kel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2013

Citalopram 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

Citalopram 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

Citalopram 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."

• Sam...
• October 11, 2015

For Panic Disorder "I am a 22-year-old female, and have been suffering from panic disorder and anticipatory anxiety for about 4 years. But due to a recent event that occurred about a month ago, my panic disorder and anxiety had become crippling. I could not get through my days without either worrying about a panic attack to the point where I cause one, or not even thinking about the panic attack and having it happen at any random time. It was getting to the point where I was living my days centered around trying to keep myself 'level,' but also petrified that I was going to have another attack. I had constant racing thoughts. My doctor recommended an SSRI for me - Celexa (Citalopram). He prescribed 20mg pills. I would take 10mg at night for the first four days, and then after that I would take 20mg at night from then on. I made the mistake of researching all of the possible side effects! I completely understand researching a drug before you take it - but it is important to remember that a lot of people who have positive experiences most often do not write about it. It is the people who have negative experiences who will. I was petrified to take the drug because of the horror stories, until one day I realized that the side effects of the pill were worth it if it meant that I could have peaceful days. I took the first 10mg at night and had (and continue to have) a fantastic sleep. I did not experience any nausea, no tightness of chest, no insomnia, no panic, no anxiety, nothing but a slight headache. It felt as though the pill gave me relief almost immediately. I have been on the pills for a little over two weeks. They have been a lifesaver for me! I feel at peace. The racing, flooding thoughts have stopped. The panic attacks have been nonexistent. (My doctor gave me a prescription for Xanax just in case I have one) I feel like myself and I am happy again. I highly recommend trying them if you are suffering from anxiety, panic disorder, or depression."

• gnm...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 7, 2018

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I have been on 20mg of Celexa since 2012. Celexa works great for anxiety & stress. I have NOT lost my temper from being stressed out for 6 years. I like most people think I am feeling better and have tried to wean myself off Celexa 3 times in the past 6 years, but I never make it past 2 weeks before I start having meltdowns. I realized each time I tried to quit taking it afterwards, I could not handle all the kids being kids. So I have decided I will have to be on Celexa for the rest of my life. I have not had a moment where I lost my cool with my children in 6 years. I am not saying I harmed my children previously, I was just horrible with my mouth towards my children. So if you are reading this and you have similar meltdowns from too much coming at you at once, trust me, you need Celexa. I am proof it works!"

• gnm...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 7, 2018

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I have been on 20mg of Celexa since 2012. Celexa works great for anxiety & stress. I have NOT lost my temper from being stressed out for 6 years. I like most people think I am feeling better and have tried to wean myself off Celexa 3 times in the past 6 years, but I never make it past 2 weeks before I start having meltdowns. I realized each time I tried to quit taking it afterwards, I could not handle all the kids being kids. So I have decided I will have to be on Celexa for the rest of my life. I have not had a moment where I lost my cool with my children in 6 years. I am not saying I harmed my children previously, I was just horrible with my mouth towards my children. So if you are reading this and you have similar meltdowns from too much coming at you at once, trust me, you need Celexa. I am proof it works!"

• Rut...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 5, 2025

For Anxiety and Stress "I am on 20 mg of citalopram daily. I suffered from anxiety and depression all my life due to childhood experiences. Never wanted medication but eventually, at age 70, needed it. No choice. I was at a very bad place. I took it for a year and thought I could do without it. Mistake. So a few months later, I had to go back on it. But I am okay again and will never come off it again. My reason for writing is to tell anyone who feels a failure, don't, it has changed my life. I am more rational, can sleep properly, no rushing thoughts in my head, no panic attacks, etc., heaven. The bad news... The first few weeks, for me, were awful. Hot flushes, anxiety, felt I had lost control. Out of this world. Very scary. I would feel it come over me, then open the window to get cold air on me or run cold water over my wrists! Do whatever helps, but don't stop. The good news... if you hang on in there, get through that bit, your life will change too. Good luck x"

• Ray...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 21, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking this citalopram medication since last year, summer 2019. Each time I have taken it, it has really helped me calm down for my anxiety. This year, I have been taking it since February as I started feeling anxious and weird again. Like, I feel like I don't know where I am and what room I'm in and overthink any little unwell feeling I get. Particularly with my nose, throat, and chest. It has been so much better these last 6 months, however, these last few days, I feel anxious again, and I do not know why. Does this mean I need to increase my dose or just carry on with the 20mg I have been taking these past few months?"

• cak...
• February 2, 2015

Citalopram 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."

• Cal...
• August 12, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Amazing. I had severe anxiety and developed depression due to coping with a chronic illness. I have been so low, upset and couldn't see how to pick myself up regardless of what I tried. I couldn't just keep coping day to day, I was a misery. I started on citalopram 5mg then after 6 days went to 10mg and then finally to 20mg. It has been 4 months now. My message to you is: Hang in there! The side effects are grim, yes, yawning, headaches, increased anxiety, and a bit of an upset stomach but they honestly pass and settle. I have no side effects now. Compared to how I felt, they were manageable and I didn't need time off work. The difference is night and day. It's like a lead weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It's cleared my daily migraines. I no longer have panic attacks, it hasn't affected my mental state or made me emotionless. I genuinely feel happier and calmer in myself, just my lows aren't as low. I have been getting out more, exercising, taking pride in things again. The difference is amazing."

• Lis...
• August 12, 2014

Citalopram 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!"

• Be ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 20, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was prescribed Citalopram for severe anxiety and intrusive thoughts. I have been taking them for 5 weeks, 1 week on 10mg and now 20mg. I am now starting to feel like myself again. The first 3 weeks were the hardest with increased anxiety, insomnia, and night sweats. These have improved and my anxiety is 80% improved. I did what most people do and read all the reviews, hoping that the positives were true. It’s important to give it time, it definitely wasn’t an overnight fix, but for me, it has worked."

• Ash...
• May 7, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Citalopram 10mg then 20mg after 7 days. The first 10 days were awful, but reading these reviews helped. I took 8 days off work (I never take sick days). I had extreme nausea, headaches, body aches, complete loss of appetite, poor sleep, increased constant anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, and dizziness. I did not leave my bed for 4 days. Clonazepam and Ativan helped with the sleep, panic attacks, and anxiety and got me through the first two weeks. Then each day got easier, the symptoms lessened, and I started going to therapy. After 3 weeks, I was feeling like I did before the medication, and by 4 weeks, I was feeling a bit better than when the panic attacks and anxiety started taking over my life. At 5 weeks, the anxiety that I have dealt with on and off for 5 years is manageable and almost gone. I feel like me. Citalopram also helped clear up my IBS, which I know is connected to my anxiety. If you are on this drug and just starting out and wanting to quit, I would try your best to stick to it."

• Cam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 20, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been on Celexa (Citalopram) for a little over 3 years now. It is amazing how drastic it has changed my anxiety and depression. I have had severe anxiety and panic attacks right before I started on the medication. After receiving the medication, I didn't take it for about 6 months because I read the side effects about low sex drive LOL! During those six months, I would have to take a klonopin (Xanax) almost every day because I would have bad anxiety or a panic attack. After the six months, I couldn't take it any longer and I gave in. It usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks to really kick in but when I tell you, that medication helped dramatically. I NEVER have anxiety anymore even for the things that would usually give me anxiety."

• fro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2013

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I started having anxiety and the fear from that (worrying if I was having a heart attack) led to straight-up panic attacks. My Dr. gave me Celexa (20 mg), and after a few days, I felt so much better. I didn't have to take my Xanax anymore, maybe one a week. It was great, and after 2 months, I came off. But about 7 months later, my anxiety came back. So I gave Celexa another try, and at 20 mg for 11 days, I felt in a fog, really tired, and still had the anxiety. So after reading tons of posts, I lowered to 10 mg, and I felt great!"

• Cje...
• September 15, 2017

Citalopram 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."