Citalopram and Insomnia: What Users Say

• 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
• August 31, 2009

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I work for a large Fire Department. I was having a tough time with some bad calls. No sleep, always feeling like I'm in trouble, like I'm drowning and no one can help me. My doctor put me on Celexa and life came back. I worry about the things I need to be worried about and don't stress about the things that shouldn't stress me. I feel 'normal' again. I believe it saved my career."

• Bub...
• October 12, 2020

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I started Celexa during COVID-19. I always had high anxiety, but COVID pushed me over the edge. My anxiety got to the point that I ended up in the hospital with a panic attack. My doctor started me on 20 mg of Celexa. The side effects were a little rough at first and included nausea, some random spasms, trouble sleeping, and a feeling of falling shortly after sleep. However, after about 2 weeks, they subsided. The positives far outweigh the negatives. My anxiety is under control now. I'm able to live my life without constant worry. Things that used to be major stressors are now tolerable. I sometimes have to be a little careful because I feel like I'm too comfortable and don't worry enough. The one major long-term side effect has been the lack of sex drive. Everything functions fine, but my drive has been greatly reduced. I also feel like my emotions are slightly muted, whereas before I felt emotions very deeply, now they are slightly less intense."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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!"

• Anonymous
• May 9, 2009

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I like Celexa so much better than Zoloft. With Zoloft, I had trouble sleeping, nausea, and it did not help my anxiety and depression symptoms. I have had a great experience with Celexa. So much so that I am uncertain if I would ever want to be taken off of it."

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2020

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I've been on this for a week. The first night I took it I felt really, really high but pretty anxious too so I cut the tablet in half for 6 days, and on the 8th, took a full (10 MG). When I cut in half for 5 MG, had no sleep issues, when I take 10mg I do have sleep issues and I do have an anxious chest - not jittery but my stomach and chest feel anxious like I've had too much coffee except the rest of me is still tired. After the first night though, I could already tell in my mood swings and I'm sticking with it. It's not unbearable by any means, but I'll check back in after another week to update you! I would say... if your side effects are so strong, cut it in half and wait another week. Almost every negative review is about the first week or two - make it through that, eat healthy and force yourself to exercise (even if you're tired from not sleeping thoroughly the night before). I believe the long-term effects will be totally worth a week of feeling antsy."

• 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."

• 1ha...
• July 5, 2015

Citalopram for Depression "Week 1 dizziness, nausea, no appetite, foggy feeling, stomach growling. Week 2 same as before plus sweating, bad GERD, and insomnia. Almost stopped but decided to stick it out. Week 3 everything slowly disappeared. Now on week 4, much calmer, lost weight about 8 lbs, blood pressure dropped to normal readings, I have more energy now. I am walking every day, still feel like myself, not numb like some reported. Reason started was I had 2 deaths in a month and was losing it. In the past, I have tried Prozac, Lexapro, Effexor, Zoloft, and many others, nothing has worked as well as Celexa. My advice: give it time, be patient. Like many things, it's worth waiting for. Good luck to all!"

• Hea...
• July 26, 2014

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I'm 29 years old... (Mother of 2 boys). I lost my grandma (who raised me) on June 10th (My birthday). She was my everything. This is the first time I've experienced losing someone this close to me. I've had a very difficult time dealing with this, crying every day...and it has affected me at work with having less patience for things...anxiety, etc. Which I already had anxiety at night before she ever passed away. I've been on Celexa for 5 days and I haven't cried since then. It has made me feel more calm...more understanding of things. My anxiety has subsided a great deal...the only downside is I'm having a little bit of insomnia, which I know is a side effect. I'm optimistic about the future now."

• Gem...
• November 1, 2019

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I’m 23 years old and began to have severe GAD due to a stressful situation. I felt worthless, depressed, anxious, and pessimistic. I decided to go to my doctor and was prescribed Celexa. I experienced a low appetite, insomnia, and mild diarrhea the first couple of weeks. I also had increased mood swings. The adjustment period was rough! However, after about 6-8 weeks, I started to level out and had less anxiety. Now I can say that my anxiety is about 90% cured! I have been taking this medicine for about 2-3 months. I still experience some anxiety during normal moments that I should experience some anxiety, but it’s NOTHING compared to where I used to be. I can still feel my emotions, the lows are just not as low anymore. I’m going through a breakup right now and I can honestly say that although I’ve had sad moments, I am still fully functioning and I am still managing to be happy with my life. Thank you Celexa!"

• 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."

• Fee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2013

Citalopram for Depression "The depression, feelings of worthlessness, suicidal thoughts, and chronic anger have all eased somewhat since I started taking Celexa (10mg). I've been on it for about two months and have noticed a marked difference. Sleeping okay after insomnia at first. No decrease in sex drive (male) but definite decrease in ability. Hoping that doesn't last. Although some days I feel like my old self, mostly I feel better. Life has become more clear to me, my relationship with my wife appears to be improving, and this has allowed me to begin forgiving myself. Long road ahead. I wish you all the best."

• Anonymous
• November 3, 2009

Citalopram for Depression "Citalopram is the best thing that ever happened to me. It was like a cloud was lifted, and I could see everything in my life clearly. It is amazing, and I have very minimal side effects. Just more intense dreams, and at first, it messed up my sleep schedule. I would be tired a lot and then not be able to fall asleep. But that passed after a few weeks. I've been on it for about 9 months now, and it is still working great!"

• BG1...
• March 18, 2016

Citalopram for Depression "THANK God for this drug. I can honestly say they have completely turned my life around. Striking up a conversation with an old friend or a stranger used to be incredibly awkward, and I would overanalyze my words. Now, I’m completely comfortable talking to anyone, and I really don’t seem to be bothered by a whole lot. I really do believe this drug has not only changed my life, but it has saved my relationship and done wonders for my social life. I have switched to Cipralex due to some side effects, I feel it has the same benefits as Celexa but is much cleaner. For anyone in the beginning stages of this drug (especially experiencing no libido, digestive issues, insomnia), please just stick it out, I PROMISE it gets much better!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2014

Citalopram for Depression "Celexa has changed my life in 5 days! Thanks to a doctor who finally understood what was wrong with me after suffering excruciating physical pain for at least 10 or more years. I feel like a new person. Have had more energy in the last 5 days than I have for 5 years! Suffering from some insomnia but I am sure that will go away. - 51-year-old female"

• 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."

• zac...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 3, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I struggled with very bad episodes of anxiety and depression. I was never in a good mood and always extremely impatient and irritable. I began citalopram, and I noticed an incredible difference within days. The doctor said there was no way this was possible, and I could possibly just be experiencing a placebo effect, but it was such a significant difference that I am sure it was already working. The only downside of this drug was that the side effects began the very first day I started it. I never had much trouble sleeping before taking it, but the first night I took the drug, I did not sleep for a single minute. It took a couple of days to get any significant sleep at all. I also had no appetite for about a week and lost about 5 pounds that week. After that first week, the side effects were non-existent, and everything was well. I have been on citalopram for about 2 years and have had nothing to complain about after the first week. Hope this is helpful."

• 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."

• 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."