Citalopram and Tiredness: 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
• March 25, 2008

Citalopram for Depression "I responded after one week. The side effects (lethargy, some bowel problems) are the only reason I didn't rate this medicine a 10. After 44 years of excessive anxiety and depression, I finally feel like I can be 'myself' instead of enslaved to unreasonable thoughts and frustrations. Ironically, I avoided these types of meds for years, instead 'self-medicating' with alcohol and cynicism. Had I switched to this years ago, maybe I would still be married to a wonderful woman. Sad, but true."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2020

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "Okay so this is my first day taking it, and it’s crazy, I already feel a difference. In my group today, I was talking like crazy, wasn’t nervous at all, and I feel like I have so much energy, but I’m also tired because I haven’t been sleeping due to the stress I’ve been under. I'll update next Wednesday to see how it is! I’m so excited to not feel so nervous all the time and depressed. I’m so happy!"

• Anonymous
• February 18, 2009

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking Celexa 20mg for about 3 months for social anxiety disorder and it's worked great so far. I am much more talkative and social around people. I don't get shaky and don't dread meeting new people anymore. Someone at my last party asked me if I was high at a party when I hadn't been drinking or anything. He said usually I am sitting in the corner being anti-social. I had a touch of nausea when I changed from 10-20 mg, but other than that I do sleep deeper and I think I have less nervous energy than I used to. I was also yawning uncontrollably for the first month, but I am much happier."

• Cha...
• September 3, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Been on citalopram for 6 months now. I tried to beat anxiety for years, constantly battling my thoughts, counselling, CBT, exercise, etc. In the end, I gave up and went on medication. The first week was HELL! Jaw clenching, extreme thirst, lethargic, excessive yawning, exhausted... I nearly came off them! Even after 4 weeks, I wasn't sure if they were doing anything. My advice is stick it out! After about 2 months, I noticed the full effects. I wasn't crying anymore, wasn't as angry or impatient, didn't worry over everything anymore! I fall asleep within 10 minutes when I used to be awake most of the night and unable to sleep! Situations that I'd usually get very stressed out over are now much easier, and I'm now much more laid back :)"

• Cha...
• September 3, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Been on citalopram for 6 months now. I tried to beat anxiety for years, constantly battling my thoughts, counselling, CBT, exercise, etc. In the end, I gave up and went on medication. The first week was HELL! Jaw clenching, extreme thirst, lethargic, excessive yawning, exhausted... I nearly came off them! Even after 4 weeks, I wasn't sure if they were doing anything. My advice is stick it out! After about 2 months, I noticed the full effects. I wasn't crying anymore, wasn't as angry or impatient, didn't worry over everything anymore! I fall asleep within 10 minutes when I used to be awake most of the night and unable to sleep! Situations that I'd usually get very stressed out over are now much easier, and I'm now much more laid back :)"

• Mat...
• March 9, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I spent 6 months deciding whether or not to start taking medication. I had a range of concerns (especially as the forum tells a wide range of experiences). I am happy that I have started taking Citalopram, and although it has only been 3-4 weeks, I have noticed an ongoing change. At first, I had bouts of feeling VERY tired (lasted an hour plus) and then felt confused and hazy. Still able to function, but a little removed. I did find that my anxiety was raised from time to time, but things have leveled off, and I find that I feel the same without the same amount of stress/anxiety. I feel more like my younger self. I still care about things, but can be more relaxed. I used to be a little compulsive/anxious and now have a more balanced perspective. I don't feel as stressed or upset about things that would (and shouldn't) stress/upset me. I would recommend Citalopram and would suggest that if you start taking it, you need to prepare for sticking with it for at least 4 weeks."

• mel...
• May 20, 2014

Citalopram for Depression "I am a 28-year-old female. I was prescribed 10 mg. I read a lot of reviews on Celexa where people said they felt a difference the first week and was starting to get really disappointed when I felt no different in that time frame. I have been on it for exactly 7 weeks now and am just now starting to notice a difference. My interests have returned, I have more energy, and I am able to focus. Overall I am definitely happier and don't feel down in the dumps anymore. The only side effect I had was it made me very tired in the beginning but that has gone away completely. For me, Celexa is working!"

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2014

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "This medicine is incredible. I had about four months of out of the blue, never had it before in my life terrible panic and anxiety. I was to the point I was throwing up every morning and constantly worrying and thinking about it. I finally went to the Dr. after crying and feeling miserable for days/months. She prescribed me Celexa 10mg to wean on (minimal side effects - nauseous and a little more tired than usual, but I take it at night), then a month later I went to 20mg and I'm happy there. Absolutely no more anxiety or panic, and I don't feel like an emotionless zombie, I feel just like myself. My sex drive is normal, just takes a bit longer to get there."

• JHa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 27, 2019

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I suffered from moderate OCD since childhood (62 now). I can control it, but sometimes it gets the best of me and I need medication. In past years, I was prescribed Xanax as needed. I began having increased anxiety again in May. My doctor suggested citalopram once a day for long-term therapy. After one week of 10mg, I literally forgot why I was anxious. OCD creates irrational thoughts that I can't stop thinking of, which spawns anxiety. It's a horrible, helpless feeling. The citalopram broke my irrational thought cycles. My side effects were mild. I began taking it in the morning, but after an hour, I felt somewhat woozy and tired. I tried taking it at night before bed, and I began having very weird dreams. No nightmares, but odd dreams that made me a bit uncomfortable that such things are lurking about in my psyche. I now take it around 6pm and really have no side effects. I felt I should communicate my experience so people won't get the impression that nobody gets positive results."

• Mom...
• September 13, 2009

Citalopram for Depression "I have suffered from depression off and on for years and have taken Zoloft in the past. This time it didn't seem to be working. I also was hit with overwhelming anxiety because of my husband's job difficulties. The doctor prescribed Celexa a couple of months ago. After 3 weeks, I was ready to give up on this because it took longer to kick in than Zoloft. I also had terrible dry mouth and food just didn't taste good. But the doctor bumped me up to 60 mg and that really did the trick. I only have dry mouth when I first wake up in the morning and food tastes good again. My hubby said that on Zoloft I was more 'flat emotioned,' but on the Celexa, I have the normal ups and downs that everyone else has. The only negative is that I am on the tired side, but not terribly bad. It is a lot better than wanting to jump in front of a bus. I urge everyone to give this a try and stick with it. Good luck!"

• Sue...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 21, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking Citalopram for years, mostly 20mg. When I first took it, I felt so ill for about a month, mostly nausea, tiredness, and more panicked than usual. Then it was as though a cloud had lifted. I didn’t constantly overthink or worry and could start to enjoy life. A couple of times I’ve increased to 30mg to get through bad stuff in my life but I’m coping. I suffer from emetophobia, social phobias, and anxiety and depression. The best thing that’s ever happened to me. Don’t give up if you feel worse to start with."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• July 27, 2008

Citalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking Celexa for only three weeks, but I've already noticed a difference in my mood. I feel a bit more relaxed, and the panic attacks are null if any. I started with 10mg for 4 days, then up to 20mg, which proved to be way too much for me, so I backed down to 10mg and have felt great since. Side effects: some slight yawning here and there, but not a big deal. I recommend this medicine for those with mild anxiety/depression."

• 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."

• anx...
• March 26, 2019

For Panic Disorder "I am here to be your hope. I am 27 years old. I've had severe anxiety and panic attacks on and off for 15 years. This time it got the worst it ever has. CONSTANTLY worrying about every single irrational thing, heart always racing, dizzy, could never catch my breath, panic attacks daily, wouldn't leave the house. Literally 5 days ago I was so hopeless and my anxiety had made me extremely depressed. I've only been on citalopram 10 mg for 5 days and today I feel happier and calmer. I feel like life isn't as scary and that it's definitely going to be worth living, and that it will be awesome! My doctor said it can take 2 weeks until I feel the effects but on day 5 I already feel a big difference. I was terrified to start them - and I did feel very tired, spacey and yawned a lot the first few days. But I just rested and waited. You can do it, and you will feel better!! I'm praying for you all - I know how horrendous anxiety is. I hope this drug works for you. :)"

• 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!"

• Geo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started taking citalopram when I was 19 and have been on and off it most of my life - I am 42 now. Just recently, I have been having severe anxiety and panic attacks daily, so I decided to go back on it. My main advice when you start out is to stick with it - you will feel worse before you feel better. I know it works as it has worked for me in the past. My main side effects are yawning, dry mouth, passing urine more frequently, and feeling spaced out, but I know they will pass. Please, if you need reassurance, they do work, just stick with them!"

• 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!"

• Mat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2014

For Panic Disorder "I must say, I went to this very site and read such great reviews about this medication that I was sincerely relieved when my doctor told me that he recommended I try this medication out. I cannot stress enough how HAPPY I have become over the past few weeks. Panic attack free, full night sleep, good and positive energy (most of the time). Celexa (citalopram) really has done a complete 180 for me. My panic attacks typically consisted of shakes/tremors, tightness in my chest/throat, sweating, fast heartbeat, and a sleepless night. Since day 1 of starting this medication, I've been panic attack free. Only side effects were occasional dry mouth and yawning for me. Definitely recommend this medication!"

• Str...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2013

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I started taking Celexa about 2 months ago. I told the doctor that I was always overwhelmed and having anxiety attacks while driving and waking up in the middle of the night sweating. I immediately felt the effects within the first few days, but the dry mouth and yawning was unbearable. I switched to taking it before bedtime since it knocks me out anyway. About 2 weeks in I noticed myself acting a little goofy and happy again. I've noticed a dramatic difference in myself since I had my second child and my husband was working 60-70 hours a week, but now with the Celexa I feel much more normal like when I was younger. My doctor told me it would take about 3 months to fully kick in, but so far so good."

• fro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2013

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I started having anxiety and the fear from that (worrying if I was having a heart attack) led to straight-up panic attacks. My Dr. gave me Celexa (20 mg), and after a few days, I felt so much better. I didn't have to take my Xanax anymore, maybe one a week. It was great, and after 2 months, I came off. But about 7 months later, my anxiety came back. So I gave Celexa another try, and at 20 mg for 11 days, I felt in a fog, really tired, and still had the anxiety. So after reading tons of posts, I lowered to 10 mg, and I felt great!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 10, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "Amazing... I have been on citalopram 20 mg for about 6 months. I was very skeptical, to be honest. I don't like to take drugs of any sort. I get what some people call medicine head. But I tried it. I started at 10 mg for 2 weeks, then went to 20 mg. The side effects were rough at first as my body got used to it. Just hang in there, the burning feeling (like hot flashes) and tiredness will get better. For a few months before I sought treatment, I was not able to leave the house and had bad panic attacks for no reason. Believe me, it gets better, and soon you'll get your life back. I did and owe it to citalopram!!"

• 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."