Citalopram and Headaches: What Users Say

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

Citalopram 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

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."

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

Citalopram 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

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!"

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

Citalopram 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

Citalopram 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

Citalopram 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

Citalopram 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!"

• 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."

• ott...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Anyone thinking of trying this drug for anxiety, I would urge you to give it a go. I was very apprehensive about taking antidepressants, but after struggling with peri-menopausal night sweats and horrendous intrusive anxious thoughts, I had to do something. I'm so glad I did. My anxious thoughts have completely stopped, and the night sweats have become very occasional and far less intense after about 10 weeks. At first, I experienced most side effects, but I'd urge anyone to stick with it and start on a low dose (I'm on 10mg). I had horrible insomnia for a few nights, a 'woolly' headache for a week, and a very dry mouth. However, all these side effects have disappeared, and the benefits massively outweigh the few days I had no sleep! My concentration levels are so improved, I'm no longer irritable, no sweats, and most importantly, no horrible anxious thoughts which were affecting my work, my marriage, and my ability just to enjoy life. P.S. no problems with sexual climax either!"

• lit...
• November 23, 2015

Citalopram 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."

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

Citalopram 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

Citalopram 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."

• 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."

• Meg...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 18, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've been on this drug since 2013. I will tell you upfront, side effects are not pleasant. I was diagnosed with GAD, and for the first week, my anxiety was high all the time. No sleep, no resting, no eating. My body was on high alert. Headaches and loss of appetite too. But, after those 7 days, I felt better, little by little. I noticed I slept, had a meal, laughed, hugged, invested my time, etc. Yes, side effects are unpleasant, but so is living with anxiety for years. This stuff helps you come out."

• 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."

• Kat...
• March 21, 2013

Citalopram 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."

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

Citalopram 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."

• Emm...
• April 16, 2015

Citalopram 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!"

• NH3...
• October 4, 2019

Citalopram 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."

• Dav...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2020

For Panic Disorder "I am currently in limbo about starting citalopram for panic disorder. I was prescribed propranolol (40 mg) to take one tablet up to three times if need be. I only started taking one and had to stop because they were making me ill. Couldn't sleep, headaches which made me lie down all the time. So I stopped taking them. But instead of just having anxiety, I felt totally worthless, emotional, and feeling like I didn't want to be here anymore. Lucky for me, I had my wife and family by my side every step of the way. So I went back to my GP in which he prescribed me citalopram (10 mg) to be taken every morning. But I only opened the box and read the leaflet. So for four days now, I've been bricking it to take them because I've got it in my head I'll get all the side effects. But after reading about ten comments on here, I am going to start them tomorrow. I will post again in a few weeks and hopefully get some positive feedback. Stay safe."

• Gal...
• August 18, 2019

Citalopram 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."

• bel...
• February 23, 2012

For Panic Disorder "I have been on Citalopram 20 mg for close to 2 months now. I did not experience any side effects other than being a bit tired for the first 3 days on 10 mg and a few minor headaches. Normally, I got every possible side effect possible when I tried a new medicine. I'm not sure why this one was different. Before I started this medication, I was experiencing severe panic episodes daily and sometimes even panic attacks. It was to the point where I was avoiding almost everything just to reduce my chances of being anxious/panicked. I started it and I do NOT regret it. It took me about 1 month to feel ANY effect at all (So don't lose hope). But now, at 2 months, it just keeps getting better every day. I can say that I'm almost anxiety FREE! TRY THIS MEDICINE."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 16, 2013

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "In November 2012, After 4 years of unbearable symptoms (dizziness, headaches, facial neuralgia, sweats, spikes in blood pressure, ataxia, feeling like I was about to have a seizure) from about 5 times a week to 4 times a day and with medical investigations exhausted I decided it was time to try an SSRI. I had always insisted my symptoms caused my anxiety; not the other way round. Because of this, I put off taking the medication for about 2 years. I started on November 30th on 10mg. Felt slightly odd the next day but immediately noticed the anxiety was lessened. After 7 days I went onto 20mg/day. Things just got better and better. I'm still on the same dose now (Sept 2013). For me it has been fantastic. I'm pretty much 100% my old self."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Taking Citalopram 10 mg for 6 weeks. The main side effects have been excessive yawning, which in my case leads to tension headaches. Feel a bit calmer most of the time but still suffer from anticipatory anxiety, especially when driving and in other social settings. I'm hopeful it just needs more time to be more effective. I put off taking meds my whole life. I'm 68 and my son swears by this drug, which is why I tried it. I'm hopeful all my anxieties disappear in the coming weeks. Not sure how long it takes to fully work or what to expect for final results. Debating on taking 20 mg. Any thoughts?"