Citalopram and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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!"

• Ali...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 1, 2014

Citalopram for Depression "I think I waited too long to start taking this medication. I, too, along with many others, was against 'happy pills' as I used to call them. I started having anxiety attacks at work, and my emotions were starting to bleed into every aspect of my life. I had to do something. Depression is sneaky... you don't realize what it's doing to you until you can step out of it and take a breath, a real clear-minded breath. That's what Celexa has been for me. It made me so tired at the beginning, and I didn't eat much, but after about a week, I noticed I was not crying all day like before. I can't say I feel super happy all the time, but I notice that I am not as sad and I have energy to do more than lay on the couch on the weekends!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Sam...
• July 11, 2011

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I have suffered with anxiety since my early 20s. I'm now 27. After the loss of my father, it threw me into a depression that I couldn't seem to get out of. I started Celexa 20 mg about 2 weeks ago. The first two days, I could tell I was on medicine. I was a little slow, however, on the 3rd day, I felt like a brand new person. I have no depression, anxiety, or mood swings. I feel as if everything that I thought consumed my life was over. I had a new approach to dealing with everyday life. I think Celexa saved me. I did lose my appetite, but I wanted to lose a few pounds anyways. So another good thing about it, and I have occasional dry mouth. HOWEVER, I feel great. So I'll take it. I recommend this medicine to anyone."

• njn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2024

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "For a very long time, I have dealt with anxiety and intrusive thoughts but never been brave enough to speak up. Last Christmas, I was completely overwhelmed, and I didn't want to be here anymore. So, I finally spoke out. I am so glad I started this medication. After my 3rd child in lockdown, I found myself on sertraline, but due to a reaction, I had to stop taking them. So, I was very skeptical about starting citalopram. Hear me out... Week 1 was horrendous. I couldn't sleep, eat, or function. My thoughts were racing more than ever. I found myself checking the side effects constantly. I spoke with my GP, who said, 'Please ride this week out.' I was drenched in sweat every night, I would have to change the sheets. By day 8, the side effects completely stopped, and I continued to take 10mg. Around week 3, it kicked in, and now I'm 6 months in. Feeling great! Highly recommend."

• cdm...
• September 1, 2014

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I'm a 25-year-old female, and my doctor prescribed Celexa to help me manage my anxiety. I've been on it just shy of 3 months. I started with 10 mg and increased to 20 mg after about 2 weeks. My initial side effects were dry mouth, decreased appetite, sleepiness, and low libido. The first few nights I was on Celexa, I also found myself suddenly waking up in the middle of the night in a panic. This also happened after my dose was increased. After almost 3 months on Celexa, all the side effects have disappeared, except my sex drive is completely non-existent. Overall, I feel very relaxed, and my anxiety symptoms have significantly decreased."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 4, 2013

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking Celexa for 5 years and it is the best thing ever. I lost my business and marriage to anxiety and anger issues. For 2 years after, I blamed everyone but myself. Then I started Celexa and have been a much better and much more successful person. I have noticed two side effects: my appetite changes, causing my weight to vary in the 5 to 10 pound range, and sex has never been better. I do not crave it as much, but when I do, it's much better. It lasts longer and has a bigger effect."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 18, 2023

Citalopram for Depression "I wanted to leave a review for those struggling in the beginning days on Celexa/Citalopram. I had an A-fib episode in early January and was put on a beta blocker. Before this, I had no anxiety or depression, life was great. Soon after starting the beta blocker, I went into a depression and had much anxiety for no reason. I soon learned that beta blockers can cause both depression and anxiety. I weaned off the beta blocker with my cardiologist's permission but was still having the depression and anxiety. My primary care physician suggested Citalopram. The first 2 weeks were very difficult, to say the least. Fortunately, I was able to take those 2 weeks off of work because I could hardly get out of bed or off the couch. Increased anxiety and worsened depression, along with complete loss of appetite and insomnia. But I read a lot of the reviews, and everyone kept saying to give it time. I am now on day 30, and I feel like me again! Hoping those wanting to give up will give it time. It works!"

• Nao...
• July 17, 2020

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I have BPD, which makes me feel emotions to an extreme extent. I got bad to the point where everyday I was crying, couldn’t get out of bed, or go out of the house, had anxiety over anything and everything, was having panic episodes and intrusive thoughts, hearing voices. All I just didn't want to go on, really couldn’t see a way out, decided to take citalopram (have been on it before and it worked wonders). I am on day 3, this medicine always works straight away for me, despite the doctor saying to give it a month until it works properly. Since taking it, I feel calm and happy, none of the bad emotions have come up. A little anxiety came up, but I only felt it mildly, then it left. The first time I went on this medication, it took my appetite and weight loss, hot flushes, and I was sleeping nearly all the time for the first month. This time I haven’t had any side effects at all, it’s only day 3, but I feel amazing, am getting out of bed early and getting on with my day, happy to go outside and be in the world. My dose is 20mg."

• Boo...
• December 20, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "Began citalopram 10 mg 3 months ago. After the first 4 weeks, increased to 20 mg. Best decision I made. I had been experiencing intrusive negative thoughts causing high levels of anxiety, I was waking every night and unable to get back to sleep. The symptoms got worse, and I became suicidal. Some days I would be emotionally unstable for a few hours and then feel better later on. After months, I decided to go on citalopram. The first week, I was sleeping all through the day, concentration was limited, and I had no appetite. I didn't notice any improvement but continued. The dose was increased to 20 mg, and within a week, I noticed small changes. Gradually I began to feel like my normal self again. I'm happy, confident, and able to think clearly. I have gained a little weight, but if the medication is working, I don't care. I have had many other antidepressants over the years (last medicated 8 years ago), and none have worked as fast and been as effective. This medication has literally saved my life."

• Can...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 14, 2018

For Depression "Before I started this medication, I was in a deep hole, looking up with nowhere to go. No sleep. No motivation. No emotion. Like a walking shell. When it got so bad, I went to the doctor to help me, almost begging her. She prescribed me citalopram 20 mg. The side effects were uncomfortable, to say the least. Increased anxiety and lack of sleep. I also suffered from a spaced-out feeling and lack of appetite. This went on for a good 2-4 weeks. However, I was determined to see it through until the pills took effect (6 weeks). I'm glad I did. 9 months ago, I didn't see a way of getting clear of mental problems, but now I'm the opposite. I never thought I'd have my life back, but I'm smiling and laughing. This pill really is a miracle drug. I urge anyone to continue taking it, even if the side effects are horrendous. It will pass, and you'll be a different person. I'm so glad I'm on these. 100% recommend."

• Ecn...
• December 28, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I took citalopram for 2.5 years (10 mg dose) until I stopped this November. Before citalopram, my life was in shambles. I was shaky, felt like I was always going to faint, dizzy, fast heart rate, depressed, and avoided public gatherings at all costs. The last 2.5 years have been fairly good despite family/school stress. It wasn’t until this October/November that I felt like I didn’t need citalopram anymore, and I gradually stopped. Near the middle of November, I experienced my first real panic attack (slurred speech, unable to type, lost feeling in my arm, unable to recall the names of my own pets), it was traumatizing. Went to the hospital and received a clean MRI. I decided to start citalopram again since I have 1.5 years left of college, and these last 9 days have been rough. I have depersonalization, anxiety, fear of dying, loss of appetite, you name it. I knew it helped these last few years, so I’m sticking it out in hopes of feeling normal again. I’m taking 10 mg again."

• ldd...
• July 15, 2013

Citalopram for Depression "25-year-old female. I started taking 10mg of Celexa after experiencing severe depression. I was having harmful thoughts, insomnia, and anxiety in all aspects of life. I finally succumbed to the fact that I needed to take medication because therapy, exercise, positive thoughts, and other outlets were not working. The first few weeks sucked. I had severe insomnia, couldn't eat, and felt ramped up and clenched my teeth when I did sleep. I never had the zombie experience though. But a few weeks later, the world seemed more clear and happy. Celexa did nothing for my anxiety, I had to add Klonopin, but it worked for my mood swings and depression. I would go on it again if I had to. Just remember everyone has different brain chemistry."

• FUN...
• May 31, 2009

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I've been taking Celexa for 8 weeks. I lost my appetite (of course that's always a good thing). I have become forgetful but it's helped me so much not to have anxiety or stress, and helps my Crohn's Disease. So I will stay on it until I feel like I'm forgetting everything."

• cez...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2012

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I was having some marital problems and was unable to eat, sleep, or function. I went to the doctor after a few days, and she prescribed Celexa. I've been taking it for 23 days. I suffered from debilitating fatigue and sweats on days 3, 4, and 5. On day six, I was able to get up on time and be functional. I had a headache for the first 10 days, but now it is not noticeable. I am able to drink coffee and not feel jittery. I still have a low appetite and am losing weight, and my feelings of sexual arousal are numbed. I feel that the edge has been taken off and that I am very level. I feel more patient and objective. I have terrible premenstrual dysphoria, and this past cycle, all my worst symptoms did not appear."

• Sal...
• November 1, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "Was suffering from PTSD following the sudden end of my marriage ... I could not seem to 'hold it together' and reluctantly took 10g citalopram for the sake of my children and job ... I had no side effects apart from no appetite for a few weeks ... Within 4 weeks I was feeling so much better ... It 'took the edge' off my distress, but I did not feel in any way out of control or not totally myself. I took it for 3 years (tried to stop once but was not ready) ... I have now been off it for 8 months after withdrawing over a 3-month period very gradually. My biggest fears were: feeling zombified, gaining weight, being apathetic towards life, being addicted ... none of these fears happened. I am grateful for citalopram for getting me through tough times."

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’m 42, had GAD and mild depression since I was a teenager. Finally had enough of “just coping” and decided to get citalopram. It’s only been a week, but my anxiety went away as soon as I had the first tablet. I’m taking 10 mg at nighttime. Side effects I’ve had so far are the sweats, especially my feet, insomnia, and loss of appetite. But oh my God, I can’t believe how fantastic I feel mentally. It’s surreal, it’s like I’m on a vacation from all the craziness that was in my mind. I feel fantastic, I can enjoy my loved ones so much more now, less anger, less worry. I feel energetic and like I can get on with things. I recommend this drug highly, the side effects are a bit annoying, but it’s only early days, so hopefully, they’ll subside. I’d be happy to take this for the rest of my life, I really wish I’d done this sooner."

• MRS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2023

For Anxiety and Stress "I started taking Cit 20mg 5 weeks ago for debilitating anxiety, health anxiety, and awful panic attacks. I’ve been this way for 20 years. I would barely leave the house, certainly couldn’t do a weekly shop or go out without a panic attack. The first 2 weeks on meds were the worst: heightened anxiety, tremors, no appetite, bad stomach, difficulty sleeping. I would wake with this horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach, and it would start all over again. Week 3 - I had one good day that ended with a panic attack. Felt I had gone backwards. Would this nightmare end! YES is the answer. Week 5 - now I’m starting to see me again. I’m also doing CBT. These tablets do work. The side effects for me have been awful, and YOU will feel better. YOU have to give it TIME and be KIND to yourself. I have been pushing myself daily: gym, mindfulness, and chatting with friends and family. Best of luck x"

• fee...
• December 26, 2017

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I am on 20 mg of Celexa for work stress and anxiety. The first 4 weeks were hard, but after that it got easier. I am on week 6. I still have a loss of appetite, but I sleep well. I recommend Celexa to anyone dealing with anxiety and stress. Make sure that you exercise, drink plenty of water, and eat a well-balanced meal every day."

• But...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started having panic attacks in March of 2019. I started Celexa in April. The first couple of weeks consisted of insomnia, nausea, burning of my arms, anxiety, and I lost about 20 lbs. I was scared to leave my house. After about a month or so, I became better. I was able to leave the house, my appetite was better, and also my mood. I've been taking 20 mg. I increased to 30 mg and then I went back to 20 mg. I'm now breaking the pill in half and taking half in the morning and half at night along with Atarax 10 mg for anxiety. Overall, I'm 80% better. Give the medicine a shot. Everyone's body is different. It will definitely stop the panic attacks. Good luck and God bless!"