Citalopram and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 4)

• kam...
• December 9, 2015

Citalopram for Depression "Two years ago, my oldest daughter was murdered, and then this year, I went through a divorce. My youngest daughter lost her job and moved in. I'm on disability, and mounting stress was huge. I also am in chronic pain due to degenerative disc disease. Finally, I went to my doctor and said I give in. She put me on 10 mg of this medication, and the first two weeks I slept all the time, but now I'm noticing a change and feel a little more level. Anxiety is still here, but not as bad. I do suffer headaches, sleep long and hard, and have a huge increased appetite, ugh. But overall, I'm feeling better and more positive. Glad I gave it a chance."

• Lea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2019

Citalopram for Depression "I started this medication today, about 8 hours ago, and I thought it'd be cool to leave a Day 1 review. This is my first SSRI, and I am usually sensitive to medications. Maybe I'll come back and update it, however, 6 hours in, I had pressure in my head and felt really tired. I took a small nap for 20 mins, and now it's 2 AM, and I can't sleep, and I feel like I could do 100 laps. The energy spike is definitely there. Someone also told a joke, and I could NOT stop laughing, even 30 mins after the joke had passed. That's really it, nothing extremely negative like I've read. ~Leah."

• mak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2019

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "This drug is awful. I took three doses for anxiety and went into some kind of mania for a week. Literally the most painful experience of my life. It felt like someone was constantly stabbing my head. I never experienced anything like it before. It's been two months, and I'm still nowhere near normal. I have constant splitting headaches and an inability to do my work. Still have anxiety. Be very, very careful. This drug can and will seriously mess you up."

• Oli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2021

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I'm on day 7 of my citalopram medication. I've just completed the first week, I understand everyone's symptoms are different, but reading very scary reviews about increasing anxiety and not being able to eat made me want to do this review to give others my experience in the first week, which is supposedly the hardest. I have never taken an SSRI before, only ever paracetamol and Zapain, so I had no idea how I'd react. I've started with 20 mg for OCD and paranoia. Day 1 and 2 I felt an instant decrease in my anxiety, but I felt very sick, my head hurt, and I had pains in the belly and back. Day 3 and 4 I was shattered, I must have yawned at least 6 times an hour. I have one particular compulsion that takes me over an hour to complete, and I HAVE to do it every single day or I have obsessive paranoia that something will go wrong. You can imagine my surprise when I went a whole 48 hours without doing it, after 5 days of these meds. I truly believe these will change my life for the better."

• Dol...
• August 17, 2019

For Depression "I had many years of underlying anger and depression. Wife always asking me to try antidepressants. Finally asked doc about it, he suggested citalopram. 20 mg started working very quickly. Anger has left me where I used to scream at other drivers or not want to ever go to work. I still don't like work that much, but I don't dread driving to work every day like I used to. I laugh more at work also. Libido has gone bye-bye. I do consider myself a hermit now, on my three-day weekends, I basically do nothing and never see any family or friends, and I don't care, I actually enjoy that. I forgot to take my prescription one day, and I had a rage underneath boiling again and a headache. That's when I realized I forgot to take it the day before. My life has definitely changed for the better, I get along with people. I don't get annoyed at the slightest thing like at the grocery store when I wanted to ram my cart into everybody. It is a life changer for sure, my wife wishes I would have taken it 20 years ago. So do I."

• ERr...
• April 6, 2012

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Currently on week 2 of my experience with Celexa to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression. The first couple of days were absolutely terrible due to side effects (nausea, insomnia, headache, flu-like symptoms, and a huge increase in my depression). Don't know why I had such a severe reaction to the medication right off the bat since I've heard this is one of the more tolerant SSRIs in terms of side effects. But after a few days, my system normalized, and I'm already starting to feel like myself again. The doctor said it could take up to 4-6 weeks for it to fully be in effect, but I find myself sleeping through the night and waking up with a much more positive attitude and not on edge with anxiety like I had been in the past. So far, so good!"

• CHH...
• March 23, 2022

For Panic Disorder "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."

• Luc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I’m 19 and started taking this medication 10 weeks ago now. I started off on 10 mg, and the first few days were horrible. I felt heavy-headed and dizzy, everything seemed slow. I would wake up through the night a few times and find it hard to fall back asleep. I had horrible, weird, reoccurring dreams. I had a high heart rate, and my hands were constantly shaking. My mouth was dry, and I had no energy through the day. In just over a week, I felt these side effects calm down a bit, and then after another week, I felt like nothing was happening, and then I got put on 20 mg. Some of those side effects came back. I also started urinating really frequently and woke up one day with over 20 bruises on my legs, which really scared me. It’s been 10 weeks now and no side effects. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been-no panic attacks, which previously took over my life, no negative thoughts, no worries. My life is finally amazing. Please be patient."

• Sco...
• July 5, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "Only five days in. So still feeling the initial side effects. Dizzy, headache, nauseous. But changed from morning to nighttime last night and must say feel somewhat better for it. I've read all of these reviews and find most of them positive. So I'm hopeful after a few weeks I'll start to feel a bit like my old self again. Been suffering for 7 years and decided that enough was enough."

• Nem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 1, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I have recently been in and out of the hospital 4 times, not knowing what was wrong with me. All physical tests normal, I've been suffering panic attacks and anxiety. Brought on by a combination of events: my dad and dog passing away and COVID. I left the hospital Monday and was started on 10 mg citalopram and 8 mg x 3 a day betahistine for dizziness. I'm on day 4, and it's been really hard. Anxiety is still through the roof, cannot function, sweating, headaches, nausea, eyes not focusing. I've been told to stick at it as it gets easier. At the moment, it's the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. Just hoping there is some improvement soon."

• Rar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2019

For Depression "Citalopram has literally been a lifesaver for me! Just over 2 weeks ago, I was suffering from severe depression and suicidal thoughts. After months of 'drowning,' my GP prescribed citalopram. Within days, I was starting to feel better! The side effects to begin with were minor: yawning, fatigue, headaches, but worth it to have my life back!"

• Wor...
• July 13, 2016

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I have dosed at 20 mg and 10 mg, and I've found that 10 mg works best for me. I started taking citalopram after getting divorced to deal with anxiety (I have PTSD, and my ex exacerbated this with stalking). If I take it on an empty stomach, it can give me nausea, but a banana or something simple fixes this. It will give me a mild headache about an hour after taking, but that doesn't last long. I do not take any other meds or herbs. I am a white female over 50. On 20 mg, I felt so 'relaxed' I tended to spend money I shouldn't. I dosed down to keep that in check. It helps me manage single parenting stress and reduces angry reactions in stressful situations. Other than the light headaches and mild temporary nausea, no other side effects."

• Anonymous
• November 28, 2011

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I just finished my first week on Celexa. I have experienced mild headaches, strange dreams, yawning, loss of appetite, very sleepy all day. Nothing extreme, and I expect as my body gets used to this medication, I will not have so many side effects. I'm taking Celexa for anxiety and panic attacks."

• Anonymous
• March 16, 2009

Citalopram for Depression "Took Celexa first after I lost my job in early 2008. It worked great until I was laid off in the wake of the financial crisis in November 2008. After the first of the year, I noticed that the effects were less and less. My problems are depression (mild), stress, lack of motivation (depression, I guess), and erratic mood swings. I already had the dosage increased when I was laid off in November to 40 mg. Went to the doctor the other day because of it not working anymore. He changed and put me on Cymbalta. So, I have to say that in that first year, Celexa worked wonderfully. The only side effect I had was the dip in sexual drive. Other than that, there were no side effects at all. But missing a dose caused headaches and dizziness."

• Anonymous
• October 1, 2012

Citalopram for Depression "Gave this a try after the culmination of several things. Another round of double depression hit me in the spring, and I decided to go with Dr.'s advice and try this. This is month 7, and I have stopped it because of the following: severe headaches, claustrophobia, dizziness, stomach upset, heart pounding, severe insomnia, feeling like I wanted to scream but can't get it out. It has essentially numbed my emotions, and it's not a good thing. I go back in a few days to get something different."

• Old...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "A couple of months before summer started last year, I started experiencing anxiety attacks. I would feel like my throat was closing, or my heart would start pounding at an irrational thought. I cried and I cried at the thought of starting not only another medication but an antidepressant. I waited months until I had an unprovoked anxiety attack in my therapist's office, then I knew that I had to do something. My doctor started me on half a 10 mg pill, the lowest dose. I was so afraid of the side effects starting, but I really only had a headache and some dizziness the first couple of days. I honestly can’t complain about this pill. I have not had one panic attack since. Maybe it might not work for you, and the search for the right pill will continue, but maybe it will work. Best of luck to anyone trying to get better for their mental health."

• Soc...
• November 10, 2017

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Don't let my rating scare you away from trying Celexa. It worked WONDERS for my anxiety! I could sleep again and go places and do things I couldn't have done without anxiety or panic attacks in over 2 years. Very little side effects and felt the effects immediately. However, 6 months in, and I developed horrible stomach pains, swelling, acidity, etc. I've also developed horrible headaches. I stopped it a week and a half ago, and all symptoms have vanished. The doctor said it was the Celexa and not a stomach bug that we had thought, so we're switching it up. I hate that this happened since it really was a blessing and a relief to my life! Good luck!"

• Rob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2015

For Depression "I have suffered from depression for over 10 years. I got to the point of almost not existing anymore. Thankfully, I managed to claw my way through it and seek help. As soon as I did that, I received an overwhelming amount of support, completely disproving my previous idea of being worthless. My doctor gave me 20 mg of citalopram, and that helped immensely. I have been on it now for about 7 weeks. I noticed results instantly (to my surprise). I did experience a few side effects such as nausea, headaches, and slight difficulty sleeping for the first week, and I did notice a reduction in my sex drive. However, after a few weeks, I didn't experience them anymore. I feel like a changed man, medication mixed with therapy. Good stuff."

• Beu...
• August 6, 2014

Citalopram for Depression "I began taking Citalopram while having severe headaches, the haze caused by the aches gave me severe anxiety, so I began taking this while finding a solution. I'd always had a bit of anxiety and bouts of moderate depression, and I noticed after about three weeks of taking Citalopram that I consistently felt glad to be alive for the first time ever. Living, the tasks associated with it often feel like a chore, leading to a general cynicism for me. I began at 10 mg, and the newfound joy of life was accompanied by a constant need to sleep. 12 hours a day and lethargy in between. The drowsiness was so bad I couldn't study, so I had to switch to 5 mg. I'm less tired, less happy, and more anxious. Compromise. I also take 25 mg Nortriptyline."

• Anonymous
• June 6, 2011

Citalopram for Depression "Since I was 14, I have battled with severe depression. I never believed that I actually was depressed until one point I felt driven to the edge of taking my life. I decided that this was the only option I had not tried. After only a week, I began to respond, with the only side effect being an awful headache following the first dose. I have my life back again, and man, does it feel good."

• Hpp...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 21, 2019

For Depression "This is my final review. I titrated it down to 10 mg and stopped. The withdrawal effects are negligible, mostly headaches and waking up at 2 a.m., so insomnia, I guess. My problem was not depression, it was low testosterone. Now I have found a doctor who has prescribed a testosterone booster, and I feel a LOT better. If you are a man and you are having issues with your mood or drive, get a manly doctor who understands male issues, otherwise, they will just shrug and put you on an SSRI."

• lit...
• September 1, 2011

Citalopram for Depression "I have been dealing with clinical depression since I was in kindergarten (I'm 41 now). Have been on and off many different antidepressants over the years (mostly off because of the side effects and some making me feel worse). Therapy never helped. Have been on Celexa 20 mg for the last month - month 1/2, and it's working very well. I have actually lost 11 lbs being on it because of loss of appetite. The only side effects I don't like are increased headaches and decreased libido. I do still feel sad and alone at times, but not as bad as I used to. I am using Xanax a lot less too."

• Lov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I am on Day 3 of 20 mg citalopram after a period of extreme anxiety and stress. This is the worst day so far. Exhausted. Headache. Diarrhea. Nauseous. No appetite. Shaking body. No concentration. Just feel awful. I read from other reviewers that this will pass and to stick with this drug, but I am having difficulty believing that it will. My doctor did say it would get worse before it got any better."

• San...
• January 31, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I took citalopram when I was 17-20 years old and am now back on it a few years later. I got off the medication because I “didn’t like having to take medication.” This was silly. I was fine for about 18 months, and then I experienced my anxiety in a new way: panic attacks. I had intrusive suicidal thoughts even though I love life and find joy and happiness all the time. I managed the strength to ask to be back on the medication. I felt basically no effects until week 3-4, so don’t give up. I’m now on week 4 of being on the medication for a second time, and the benefits are here. I’m so glad I’ve stuck it out because I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Some side effects I’ve noticed: slightly increased anxiety, headaches, dizziness, feeling a little spacey, decreased libido, diarrhea, vivid dreams, yawning. All of these side effects have improved drastically or are gone completely. I expect them all to fade by the time everything evens out. I take 20 mg."

• Mol...
• September 11, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Citalopram has caused me to have extremely distressing problems, which have affected my life and my relationships. I now suffer with twitching, tingling, muscle spasms, itching, unusual feelings within my body, headaches, burning feet. All this gets worse at night, and I now have to take gabapentin to ease the pain and discomfort. I'm exhausted! It isn't going away - I stopped taking citalopram 2 months ago, and this condition is still driving me mad."