Citalopram and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say

• 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."

• 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."

• Qui...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 26, 2016

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I rarely post online reviews, but I recognize that most people only post reviews when they don't like something, so I wanted to sort of offset that here. I'm in my mid-twenties and female. I've suffered with severe anxiety and depression for several years due to trauma. Enter Celexa. To be fair, I went to therapy for several months before deciding to go on medication (and was feeling a bit better), but I still experienced severe anxiety that the therapy wasn't helping. I started feeling better after the first week on Celexa, and things have only improved from there. I've been taking it for around three months and my anxiety/depression is almost completely gone. I've had no sexual side effects whatsoever, no weight gain, no issues."

• imh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2014

Citalopram for Depression "I've been diagnosed with moderate depression in December. I've been in therapy with a psychologist since October. I lost my job, didn't go to school, broke up with my boyfriend. I was pretty much a mess. I had no motivation whatsoever. I basically secluded myself. I started Celexa 3 weeks ago and WOW oh WOW. I feel so happy. People noticed that I've changed and seriously, the first week on Celexa was hard but it's so worth it. Stick with it, give it a chance. The only problem I have with Celexa is that it takes me forever to achieve orgasm, but whatever, I still have a sex drive which is very good. I got my boyfriend back, yay. Now I'm back to school, found a new job. I mean I got my life back on track and I am so happy with the results."

• Anonymous
• July 27, 2009

Citalopram for Depression "I was on 100mg of Zoloft a day for 6 years and suddenly my depression symptoms were coming back quickly. When I spoke to my doctor, she suggested Cymbalta or Abilify as a supplement to the Zoloft, but as I am uninsured, they were way too expensive. She suggested we try Celexa, and I weaned off of the Zoloft while slowly increasing the dosage of the Celexa to 20mg. So far, so good. I actually wish I had been taking it all along because I have more energy, have actually lost some of the weight I gained on Zoloft, and the sexual side effects are not nearly as bad as the Zoloft. Everyone is different, but I highly recommend it."

• Eva...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 4, 2016

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I started on 10mg after quitting drinking and starting AA, and I had to increase my dose to 20. So I've been on 20 for a week, and I was on 10 for about 3 weeks before. I feel great. My anxiety level is so low and manageable, and so is my negative thinking and my anger towards everyone. I have the right perspectives, just couldn't apply them before, and now I find it easy to. I don't freak out, get mad, irritated, and frustrated like I used to. Life is easier to handle, but you still need tools. So far, my sex drive is still there, though it might take a little more effort to orgasm, but not because I don't feel it as much, but because it's hard to reach a certain level fast enough. My cravings for alcohol and sweet foods are very low. I'm motivated."

• Ano...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 15, 2013

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking Celexa for 13 years for anxiety/irritability, which it works great for. Sexual side effects are terribly disappointing - lack of desire and difficult to climax. Anytime I try to go off, the anxiety and irritability are present within the 2nd day. Really wish I could find something that worked as well without the side effects. No other medicine has even touched anxiety/irritability the way Celexa has."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• jus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2013

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Celexa is very effective in my opinion. I have tried Lexapro and Paxil, which made me horribly sick. I have had a few side effects since I am just starting it, but they are not that bad. I can tell they are there, but I'm not stopped by them. The only effect I don't like is the sexual problems. They aren't kidding about it. Started affecting me on day 1. Getting better is worth it though. Please give it a try, even if you're nervous!"

• Sof...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was depressed with extreme generalized anxiety disorder. I was a total mess to the point where I couldn't function properly in my daily life. I was put on Valium (Diazepam) but it's a very temporary fix, plus it's extremely addictive. So my doctor changed my medication and put me on 20 mg of Citalopram (Celexa) a day. What a lifesaver it has been. Depression has disappeared 100% and my anxiety is reduced by 80%. The only side effects I'm noticing are a decrease in my sex drive, it's almost gone. Also, I feel slightly tired sometimes. But it's totally worth it. I guess you can't have your cake and eat it too."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 9, 2013

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "For the last 7 months, I have taken 30mg/day. It eased 90% of my anxieties and obsessive thoughts. My family and friends quickly noticed my new, laid-back state. I laughed more and cried (a whole lot) less. I have never been so emotionally stable. However, these benefits come at a price. First, I'm extremely tired. Next, my libido is gone. Also, my memory is awful. I constantly forget simple conversations or tasks. Similarly, I now struggle to articulate my thoughts. I often stumble over words and lose my train of thought mid-conversation. Lastly, at times, I feel like an emotionless zombie. For these reasons, I plan to taper off the medication. I instead hope to learn new coping techniques."

• Cha...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 21, 2014

Citalopram for Depression "I took Celexa (citalopram) for about 8 years. I started at 20mg dose and worked up to 40mg over the years. I found I was happier in the summer, and with my doctor's help, would decrease my dose for a bit, but in winter I'd bump it back up again. Mood-wise, Celexa did wonders for me. I was able to live happily for years. Missing a day or two was hell, between the brain zaps and bouts of crying, I was a mess. The downsides: my libido disappeared. COMPLETELY. Gone. I used to have a very healthy sexual appetite. I also gained about 60 lbs while taking this pill. I can't blame it all on the pill, but it didn't help. Overall it was a great mood enhancer, but take it with warning."

• Anonymous
• July 14, 2008

Citalopram for Depression "This drug helped me feel much better, calm and peaceful. After taking the drug for 4-5 years, the only drawback I noted was a slightly diminished sex drive. After life improvements, I felt I was ready to quit, so I asked my doctor about quitting. He said I could simply quit. Mistake! At first, I did not know what was going on and did not know it was related to the withdrawal. Then, I researched it on the net, and found that to be the problem."

• Bee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2019

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I've been on 10 mg of Celexa for about 6 months now. I remember automatically feeling 'happier' after a few days being on it (placebo effect maybe :)). I started to notice I also wouldn't dwell on things that upset me. I went through a horrid breakup. I remember not thinking as much about my ex and being able to feel more positive and not ruminate on negative thoughts that would typically trigger my anxiety and moodiness. Everyone has different experiences on SSRIs, so it's hard to find the right one. The only issues with this medication were the complete loss of libido and occasional digestive issues. I also suffer from IBS, so if you have a sensitive stomach, this may give you occasional digestive issues? And lots of yawning, lol! Other than that, this SSRI was the best I have ever been on (Zoloft makes me sick and tired..)"

• Joe...
• August 11, 2017

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I suffered from extreme panic attacks, lack of concentration, constant worry, and restlessness, which led to a stint of sleep deprivation. I am currently two and a half weeks in and have gone through the gamut of side effects: increased anxiety, night sweats, tiredness, and loss of sexual desire. But I can gladly say that these side effects are already seemingly disappearing and I can focus again! It's amazing, my sense of humor isn't back yet as I am generally sarcastic, which I am struggling hard with right now, but ultimately I can feel the drug working. My girlfriend doesn't think I'm completely insane (which is nice), and I feel like I am on the better side of the Celexa now."

• kha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 23, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "First starting taking citalopram 3 years ago at the suggestion of my therapist. I was nervous to go on medication, but it was getting to the point that I was having intrusive suicidal thoughts at work and had panic attacks on the regular. My psychiatrist said it would take a few weeks to kick in, but within days I was starting to feel better. It was the first time in years I got through the day without chest pains! I can go months without a single panic attack now. I originally started on 10 mg, but have been on a dose of 20 mg for the past two years. The only real side effect I noticed was a lack of sex drive for the first few months. Please listen to your doctor and your body, they know what is best for you. For me, it was an absolute life changer! One warning: do NOT quit cold turkey. Briefly, when I could not afford my medication, I stopped for a month. I experienced agitation, panic attacks, dizziness, blurry vision, and nausea."

• tec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 12, 2024

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been on citalopram for 7 weeks and finally am feeling 'normal.' I have suffered from anxiety, ruminating thoughts, and panic attacks. I used to wake up with a feeling of dread that would wash over me as a mild panic attack. I started at 10 mg and then increased to 20 mg after a week. It took 6 weeks to fully feel the benefits, but it was so worth the wait. Side effects: I do see a decrease in libido and an increase in appetite (craving carbs). I had tried bupropion and Buspar in the past - with limited success."

• Eri...
• September 5, 2016

Citalopram for Depression "I never write reviews but have read a thousand reviews about anxiety and depression. This drug, Celexa, saved me, changed my life, and I have been on everything under the sun. This has been the only thing to stop my racing thoughts, my anxiety, and depression. Try this! My only issue is difficulty reaching orgasm, I find it just difficult, but I can deal with that! I take 30 mg a day."

• 100...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2012

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I was having quite a bit of stress that was job-related. I was put on 10mg a day, and this dose works great for me. I experienced yawning, more frequent urination, and dry mouth in the beginning. I cannot say enough about this medicine. It has helped me immensely with very few side effects. I have had some difficulty reaching orgasm but do not have any issues with libido. I feel anyone dealing with depression/anxiety should give this medicine a shot. I myself read the reviews and was so optimistic that it would do wonders for me like it did for many others after I had done my homework. I consider this to be a miracle."

• Anonymous
• March 5, 2011

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I started Celexa 20mg about 2 months ago for generalized anxiety disorder and depression. I was on Effexor a few years ago, but it made me nauseous and I had ZERO sex drive. Since I started the Celexa, my anxiety has been greatly reduced. Although I still do struggle with it sometimes, it has made a big difference. I came off it for just a few days earlier this month because I ran out, and I saw how much it had been doing because my full anxiety came rushing back, but I started it right back up. I am going to start the 30mg and hope that really helps control the anxiety fully. The only side effect I had was decreased sex drive and difficulty having an orgasm, but that only lasted one week, and then my sex drive became completely normal again."

• Anonymous
• March 5, 2011

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I started Celexa 20mg about 2 months ago for generalized anxiety disorder and depression. I was on Effexor a few years ago, but it made me nauseous and I had ZERO sex drive. Since I started the Celexa, my anxiety has been greatly reduced. Although I still do struggle with it sometimes, it has made a big difference. I came off it for just a few days earlier this month because I ran out, and I saw how much it had been doing because my full anxiety came rushing back, but I started it right back up. I am going to start the 30mg and hope that really helps control the anxiety fully. The only side effect I had was decreased sex drive and difficulty having an orgasm, but that only lasted one week, and then my sex drive became completely normal again."

• I...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2017

Citalopram for Depression "I love Celexa. I was getting depressed after long hours of med school and studying and feeling like I had no time for enjoyment. Celexa took about 3 weeks to work, but it worked and continues to work. I no longer feel depressed every day. Sometimes I sink into depression, but I am able to snap out of it much quicker. I feel less moody, and my boyfriend has noticed an improvement in my mood. The only side effect I experience is decreased sex drive/harder time climaxing, but I would prefer that over going off the deep end. I will continue to take this and consider weaning myself from it once life is less stressful. Great medicine that can save your life."

• Anonymous
• March 9, 2012

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "The only reason this medication didn't receive a 10 is because of the occasional profuse sweating and difficulty achieving orgasm. Other than that, it has proven to be just the kick start I have needed for the past 2 years (failed trials with Remeron and self-medication). It does not cloud my thoughts or judgment. Having said that, it doesn't add any euphoria. It merely balances out my thought process. I find it easier to be optimistic and more motivated towards daily tasks. Things that I had once lost passion for now restore my interest. Waking up in the morning is no longer a burden; a lust for life keeps me moving, enjoying every step of the way!"