Celexa, citalopram – a personal experience
Celexa, is the brand name of a drug called Citalopram Hydrobromide which is one of the most widely prescribed Selective Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) on the market. It is widely used to treat major depression, panic disorder, anxiety, and agoraphobia. You should remember that drugs are never a solution, just a crutch, and there are other non-drug approaches which can help in getting over anxiety.
I used this drug for some time, taking the standard dosage of 20mg a day. Occasionally larger doses are prescribed if 20mg are found to be insufficient, and often the elderly or inform are started on a lower dose of 10mg which is increased when tolerance has been established.
Side effects are what most people think about first when anti depressants are mentioned, there has been much made in the media about addiction and suicide. Celexa does have a good side effects profile, to you and me that means that the side effects are usually mild and short lived. And in terms of addiction the relative long half life of the drug (the amount of time it spends in your system) means that it is much easier to come off than drugs like Seroxat (Paroxetine Paxil, Seroxat, Deroxat). Side effects that I encountered included very short lived bouts of dizziness, lasting less than a few seconds, and a week long drop in libido. Within a week all side effects had effectively passed and I never had anything that made me want to stop taking the drug. I never really experienced nausea or a dry mouth, and my sleeping improved quickly. I would say that on the very first day of taking the drug I felt as weird as I have ever felt in my whole life. I felt a spacey depression that was most unusual and odd. I would describe it as absolute helplessness. It passed later that day when I applied some techniques that I had recently learnt. (more on that tomorrow)
Would I recommend Celexa?
Well, from a side effect standpoint I would have no qualms (although of course everyone one is different and some people can not tolerate Celexa).
The question is, does it work?
Well, I think that it stops the really dire lows and keeps you stable, but it is not a pep pill and it does not put you on cloud nine. Neither does it change your outlook on life or your major cognitions, so while it does make desensitization easier if for example you were agoraphobic, it won’t make problems disappear, or didn’t for me anyway. For that you do need to use therapy as well as drug treatment. Drugs are just symptomatic relief.
Please read the disclaimer.
Categorised as: citalopram, drugs, medication, ssri, treatment
Hi there, I am an 18 year old female, and I have been taking Celexa for about 6-7 months now. I used to be a heavy marijuana user, and once I started taking celexa, I had panic attacks every time I got high. So, I quit using marijuana (still sober) and after that continued having panic attacks. So I don’t really want to blame the anxiety on the marijuana. I have heard that a side effect of celexa is anxiety/ panic attacks. I am no longer depressed, of course I have experienced lows before, The only problem I find with celexa is that I come close to or do have a panic attack every single day. I am thinking of getting on an anti-anxiety medication, but I’m also thinking about switching anti-depressants. The panic attacks are almost worse than having depression.
Does anyone have any experiences similar to mine, or have any suggestions? It would be much appreciated,
thank you.
My husband has anxiety and what we think are panic attacks for almost a year. It has become so bad that he can’t control it on his own; that it’s controlling him. Sometimes he can’t even take a trip into the next town about 20 miles away without feeling like he can’t do it. It’s hard for him to be out at night. He doesn’t seem to be able to do anything anymore including going to the county fair with the family; something that he always like to do, the ride was to much for him and we had to turn around and go home after a hour of him out of the car on the side of the road pulling himself together. He even feels anxious just sitting home watching tv. He always feels like his upper chest is tight and his shoulders and neck feel heavy and hurt and there is a brick just sitting in his chest. He feels like he can’t max out a deep breath; he goes around all day try to yawn to get one. He gets spasms sometimes in his upper chest. His face get hot and flushed sometimes out of the blue. He says he feels like there is a lump in his throat and his tongue feels swollen and tingly, mouth always feels dry, and He has problems getting to sleep at night because he gets worrying thoughts in his head. He also has stomach problems and has been on prevacid for a couple of years He has been to a councilor, tried breathing techniques, walking and talking to the lord, and just trying not to think about it and its just there from the minute he wakes up until he falls asleep at night. His doctor has prescribed celexa 10 mgs. but he just worrys about taking it because he is afraid that its going to cause more anxiety and he feels like he can’t handle anymore of it; he also worrys about suicidal thoughts from the meds. Has anyone ever experienced anything like this. Any help would be great to get my husband and his life back – Thank you!!!
Hi JD425 -
I am a 62 year old male, and I went through very similar experiences to those you describe for your husband. At my worst, I could not travel to work in the next town. Over the past few years I have been on citalopram (another name for celexa) and can honestly say it changed my life. My work involves occasional international travel and speaking at conferences, and I am able to do this now – which as you will appreciate is a big step forward from not being able to travel 40 miles!
Regarding the drug itself, some people do find it makes things worse for a while before it kicks in. This was not my experience – though I did experience some side effects for a while (tingling all over, yawning all the time). I certainly never experienced any suicidal thoughts. It does not work for everybody, but from what I have heard most people adapt to it pretty well. It’s side effects profile is much better than most other medications of its type. Based on my experience I would certainly urge your husband to give it a try. It can make a huge difference and give you back the life you used to have, and deserve.
Hope this helps.
Hi, my names Carl and iv been suffering with really bad anxiety and panic attacks since febuary 2010. I first experienced it when I was on holiday with friends and didn’t realize what was happening to me until I looked my symptoms up on the Internet. At first I thought I was having a heart attack because of my tight chest and pains in my arms and chest. It was really frightening! I contacted my doctor when I got home and he told me that it was common for people my age to suffer with this and would fade out soon, but 8 months on I’m still suffering terrible with it and alot worse than I was before, I was given 2mg diazepam by my doctor but I’m quite frightened of taking them as I don’t want to become dependent on them, but they do work and calm my body down alot, iv seen the doctor again recently and he has suggested that I start taking citalopram for a year on a small dose, iv just turned 25 and have no worries in my life what so ever! I have a brilliant social life, alot of friends I’m single and self employed! I just want to know if anyone around my age group suffer with this problem and have tried citalopram and if it has worked for them! This anxiety and panic attacks are starting to get in between my life and is stopping memfrom doing certain
Hi
It is common for people to get some anxiety in their teens and twenties and beyond but the question is why did it start in February? What changed? My advice would be to go back to the doctor and try and get referred to a Cognitive Behaviour Therapist. I would also recommend looking at your lifestyle. Are you getting the right nutrients? Do you you drink too much or eat too much sugar? The book Killing Anxiety From The Roots is all about that. Keep investigating the cause as well as tackling the symptoms. But overall, remember that anxiety is nasty but harmless.
Let us know how you get on!
Hi I’v been on Co-Citalopram (20 mg)for panic attacks/anxiety, since August.I’v noticed since starting that I have very vivid dreams and little sex drive.Is anyone else having the same problem? and is there anything to do about it? I was also told I would probably have to take these pills for the rest of my life.Is this true? or should I try for another opinion?One other thing I’v noticed but I’m a little worried to mention is that I’ve been hearing strange sounds and seeing things out of the corner of my eyes since I’v started taking this medicine.Is this normal? I’d really like to stop taking the pills, however I still get anxiety and I’m still having a hard time leaving the house, but at least the panic attacks seem to be gone. Help Please…..
Thank you so much everyone for your comments. I am a 31 year old(ugh did I just admit that?)woman and I have had debilitatingly bad anxiety for the past 5 months (though no panic attacks, thank God!)My doctor prescribed me 10mg of Celexa everyday for the first week and 20mg starting the 2nd week. Today is the end of week one, and no noticible difference yet. I feel very encouraged by reading your comments. My doctor has also prescribed .5mg of Lorazepam to help me either wind down before I go to bed to or help me through the “rough patches.” I am a person who doesn’t even like to take tylenol, and I have tried all the “natural” remedies, but found those to be a waste of money. I swallowed my pride,however, and figured that these medications are there to help people, and I will do anything to get better for my husband and my 2 small children. Thank you all for your thoughts on this, and I will let you know how I am doing because maybe I will in turn help someone. God Bless and good luck to you all!
Hola..Iam a 21 year old female, I was deployed 2 Iraq in 2008-2009. I Came back, everything changed, gained 30 pounds, Was scared to go anywhere, started drinking alot to the point i would black out…Every day became a challenge started smoking pot, it really helped with my anxiety attacks, helped me to talk to other people without freaking out… I would get anxiety attacks just by having to talk 2 people so i eventually isolated myself from every one, I went to c a doc and I explained my symptoms but was reluctant to take any meds even, though i knew i need it. I was terrified of the symptoms that came with taking anti-depressants….SPECIALLY the suicide part. I figured if I take this drug, I am probably going to be that person that has the bad reaction and I am gonna wack myself. So i left, the docs office empty handed because of my fear, This was on dec 23, 2010. I stopped using marijuana about a week ago, and I notice how bad my symptoms are, very irritable, Pissy, can’t seem to relax. Can’t even watch tv. Wanted scream at the top my lungs for help… I didn’t understand y I was so traumatized when nothing traumatic happened to me. So I just got fed up already I”ve been living like this for 2 years…It was affecting my hubby.I really really want my life back i want to be normal again so I did it for myself and my family i went to the docs today got the prescription I needed which is celexa…20mg.Today is my first day… i felt scared at first, I started feeling sick like i wanted to throw up my hubby calmed down… and he reassured me that.. everything was gonna be okay it takes time, then i just started to relax and now i feel great… Its only the first day and I can feel the difference.Obviously, its not going to cure me in one day but, at least now i know there’s a chance that everything is going to be okay…. I know its scary, trust me i know, I never thought i’d be the type to be anti-depressants…matter of fact, i viewed people on anti-depressant meds as weak, but now Iam here and Iam taking meds and i feel 1000x better. Its only been a day and I haven’t felt this good in years. I wished somebody would have push me to go sooner, instead of torturing myself for this long. I HOPE ur HUBBY gets the help… take the first step it worth it. Honestly, I feel like i”ve been a lifeless walking body for the last to years and I today, I feel alive again.
Hi,
I have just been prescribed citalopram because I suffer from depression and I have real trouble leaving the house. I get panic attacks and it takes me forever to actually get out the house. I feel like people are staring at me and judging me. It’s terrible.
I was just wondering if someone could tell me what the effects are of this drug and how well it works. I really hope it works because I feel like I have completely lost myself and I am just surviving and not really living my life at all (I’m 24) but I feel alot older. I used to go out with my friends alot but now I don’t because I worry that people will judge me. I take forever to go out the house. I spend ages putting make-up on and doing my hair and I still feel ugly. I just want this to go away. I’m sick of living my life like this. Any comments would be much appreciated. Thanks, S x
Hi,
Thanks everyone for their stories, helpful to read others takes on this stuff. I’m a 35 year old male. I was prescribed it for anxiety and depression, after particularly difficult period and bad news made these conditions worse. Always had anxiety to a degree, panic attacks when 20 but they went away and generally cope well. Depression too had never been sever but given recent bad news in our life everything seemed overwhelming and unbearable. I was never interested in anti-depressents but life had become too much. I’d been given oxazepam after the last shock we had, now take that ocassionally, and have just started on 10mg of celapram. I’m on my fourth day and still feeling very wierd, seems progressively stranger after day 1. Mild nausea, dizziness, strange tingling all over my body and a warm, almost flu-like feeling. I hear it gets better after the first week but so far its pretty unpleasant. I have however had moments of near euphoric optimism, something I’d not felt in a while, and a detachment from stress and concerns. If anyone can please elaborate on how they got over initial symptoms I’d be most interested. Thanks.
I started taking Citalopram two and a half years ago after suffering regular panic attacks and had lost my confidence completely. Two and half years down the line and feeling like my old self again, I decided to come off the tablets. However, after a week I was feeling really low and tearful. After 2 weeks I was feeling even worse and started to feel the panic creeping in again and went back to the doctor. I am now back on Citalopram and wondering if I will ever be able to cope without them again. Has anyone else experienced this?
its been almost a week since ive been on citalopram and my anxiety is worse then ever. how am i suppose to go to work like this.. i know ive heard it suppose to take a couple weeks to work etc etc..but that am i suppose to do in the meantime..get fired? I cant seem to work without geting a panic attack. i will take one for those muscle relaxers but it doesnt seem to work anymore. im al more then iwlling to give this drug the time to work but what about missing my work becuase of the side effects??
I commented earlier about the difficulty of the side effects – well I’m three weeks in and up to 20mg a day and side effects have almost totally disappeared and the medication is certainly helping. I found the first week horrible, but then one day I barely noticed them. I also then felt quite depressed one day, but now my dose is upped its easier to manage. Be aware that with the increase in doseage comes an increase in side effects, but these have been much easier to manage. I find coffee makes them come on much worse – anyone else experience this?
I’d say hang in there, at least to two weeks. If you can have something like oxazepam for the breaking in, as I was prescribed, it helps.
i have been on citalapram 20mg for six weeks now the doctor put it up to 30mg which i have been on two weeks how long will it take to start working i feel so anxious all day cant eat cant handal the feelings can anyone help
Hi
I suffer from general anxiety disorder and I am on Citalopram for it. It is working fantasticly or me. no side effects and I feel better that I ever have done in the past. I have taken this drug in the past for one year and then came off them without any problems, I was off them for a year but had to go back on them at the end of last year. I think it is a seasonal thing for me SAD. It doesn’t cure anxiety but it does stop all those horrible physical and mental feelings. I would recommend anyone that has been prescribed them to take them and give them a try. Life is too short to feel crap!!
I started taking 10mg Celexa yesterday. I am honestly too freaked out to continue with my dosage today. I am taking it for strong depression and anxiety symptoms. I stressed to the doctor that I didn’t want to take a drug with heavy side effects because it will trigger my anxiety. I don’t think the drug has heavy side effects but for someone with sensitive anxiety- this drug is not for you. I spent a good 6 hours yesterday sitting on my couch, with my eyes bugged out of my head, clenching my jaw, rocking back and fourth and praying that the drug would soon wear off. I have never felt so completely tense in my life. The muscles in my whole body hurt, and I had a headache. I felt completely jittery, worried, and on edge. My mouth was like sandpaper and I did get mild bouts of nausia. Today I can still feel the effects of yesterdays dose. I am honestly scared that if I take it, I am going to have a nervous breakdown. I am so completely pissed the doctor even gave this to me. Come to find out, it has not been approved for the use of anxiety or panic attacks and I’m reading lots of forums online where people have reported this same situation happening to them. I don’t care if it “gets better once it kicks in”. I’m not going to live a 24/7 panic attack for the next week on some slim hope that it will get better. My experience with anti-depressants? There aren’t miracle drugs. They can help for MILD issues, but when it comes to a real problem you should just suck it up or seek counseling. Never again!
I have beeb prescribed Citalopram 20mg with klonipin .25mg. Its been 2 weeks have felt some difference with the klonipin if I double or triple up. I’ve been anxious for so long, I didn’t know what normal was. I have personal problems that I know contributed to my anxiety. When I anticipate someone will stress me out, I get nervous and quickly take the klonipin. It helps me just cope. I still feel the underlying anxiety/hopelesness just a little dimmed out.
I was on floexetine for 2 years, was doin great then i split with my fella then after a mad weekend bender my anxiety and depression came flooding back so severe. My doctor changed me to citalopram. i felt good after a few weeks, but now im having one good week followed by one bad week then one good one bad an so on. I have noticed my bad week seems to be 4 days after follwing a night out. Does this me at the age of 30 as a single woman i can never drinkalcohol with the girls ever again???? Thats a depressing thought on its own, im a nurse and love to let my hair down occasionally
hello, i just took my 1st 20mg pill yesterday at 5:00pm I didnt sleep a wink my head wouldnt stop thinking and all negitvethoughts awful things I was sweating and jittery My heart was pounding I could not find the sweet spot on my bed , I had to go to work at 8:30am I felt like I was driving drunk I am just now feeling normal at 12;00pm just exhausted, Is this gonna happen again? Every night I take it?
Been on the 10mg for 5 days. just started on the 20mg. i take it in the evenings.
and Kim… its the same for me every day. Head just doesnt stop. In my case i had a massive shock from a loved one. She didnt do anything wrong – but it hit me massively badly. Been obsessing past 10 days and still cant get closure on the matter since she gets defensive over her actions. I just need closure.
Meanwhile… the meds are messing me up. I know what low feels like. This stuff takes you BEYOND what you thought was low and worse. Constant bad thoughts. Constant heart thumping. My bloodpressure is much higher than normal. I want off it badly but going to hang in there for 2 more weeks. After that if it doesnt do anything I am weening self off of it.
I think these meds make you much worse than better. THe better comes after it “dulls” you. I need to feel.
I started to take Citalopram because I am going through some stressful changes in my life. I’ve been on it for three days now. I haven’t noticed a measurable difference yet, but my doctor says it takes a few days. I was nervous about taking this, but have decided that I need a little extra help. I have had bouts of nausea, but my doctor recommended me taking it at night since it can cause that as well as drowsiness. I am nervous about in a few months going off of it, because I am afraid I will have withdrawal symptoms from it. Has anyone had this experience yet? It is just nice to know that the anxiety will become more manageable soon. Good luck everyone.
Hi kim iv just seen ur post! I have been on citalopram for just under 3 weeks started on 10 mg for 2 weeks and now I’m on my 4th day on 20, when I first staryted taking it it relly was unberable!! All the things you have mentioned and more! Felt like I was losing my mind!! It settled down after about 5 days so stick with it! But now I am on 20 I feel my anxiety is back relly bad but not as bad as the 1st time!, does anyone have any encouraging experience and some hope for me?? X
hy guys when i took celexa for my depression and anxiety i felt very anxious and terrible but after one week my symptoms were gone and know i have been feeling pretty relax.it does make your anxiety worse for a while but it starts working in between 3rd or 4th week, so plz keep taking it.take care guys
Hello everyone ! I’am so glad I found this website. I have been taking celexa 40mg for about 2 months now for anxiety and depression. I too have vivid dreams. It has helped as far as me getting out of bed and doing my daily routine. But I feel like I’m still in the middle. I cant say that I feel like I’m a 10 yet. I don’t know that I want to be. But I just want to feel completely normal again. Is this happening to anyone else ? Do you think I should give the celexa more time to work or should I change meds.
i hav been on citalopram 10mg for 4 an a haf weeks now and im worse that ever going bak to docs in haf an hour still very anxious an mind racing an heart palpitations cant handle this anymore any1 hav similar symptoms with citalopram
hi im 26 iwas fine and i had my little girl up to 6months ago iwas fine and then felt every time i went out i felt sick cant travle in a car doctors didnt no wat it wAS THEY PUT ME ON CIPRAMIL 10MG IVE BEEN TAKING FOR A WEEK NOW I FEEL SICK ALL THE TIME AND FIND IT HARD TO GO OUT CUZ OF IT I DNT NO WEATHER TO STOP TAKING OR WILL IT EASE OFF IJUST WANNA FEEL BETER TAKE MY LITTLE GIRL OUT AND THT CAN ANYONE HELP.
4 years ago I was prescibed Lexapro for my GAD which helped wonderful with no sideeffects at all. This time my insurance won’t cover the cost of it so my doc put me on Celexa, similiar the same to Lexapro. Well, I started taking it about a week ago and although I know it is probably too early to make any statements about its effectiveness it sure makes me feel worse and weired! Maybe it is because I have been dealing on top of my depression also with panic attacks now, so I am very sensetive to changes or anything that might make me feel uncomfortable. I have faith reading all the good reviews of this drug that it’s just gonna take time to reprogram a racing mind…..
I saw my doctor on Monday April 10, 2011. I was totally messed up! My nerves were a mess, jitters, anxiety, twitching sleeplessness, palpitation that wouldnt let me sleep. I had refused treat to a shrink to get whatever drugs that I needed. Any my reg doctor put me on 20mg daily of celexa (generic “Citalogpram”). The first day I felt a little lightheaded, but it soon past. Today makes 6 days of taking it. I am sleeping better, no more palpitations that keep me awake, no nearly as anxious feeling. I havent bitten my reitired husbands head off not even once since I have been on this drug. Its been good for me. BTW, I am a 62 year old female. Thanks for letting me share and hope all of you end up with as good results that I had had in just one week. Suppose to take time to get in your system. Mine worked fast…I hope its not just a coincidence! Dale~
I have been hooked on Citalopram for almost 10 years. It is a curse from hell that had me addicted and when I tried to quit I couldnt and felt so irritated and I could not be around anyone and noone wanted to be around me. I thought that thats who i was without the pills, but in reality I was going through withdrawl. I felt very depressed and down while on the meds and was always tired and constantly sleeping and in a woozy state. My reactions were depayed and I couldnt even stand up for myself. It was with prayer that I got the strength to quit no matter what the outcome. I went through hell the first week, but then I started to feel more energetic and now I feel like myself again.
Sometimes we mistake the effects of troubles in out life for depression and think that those pills will relieve something when in fact they just make stuff worse. Please, dont use ani-depressants. Seek councelling instead.
The dose was never enough, I kept increasing to try to feel metter and I felt even worse. They are dangerous drugs that need to be illegal.
I got “sick” August 2010. Never had a problem in all my 32 years of life until this. For 9 months I lived with BAD anxiety, panic attcks, depression, twitches, just everything was wrong with me & I had no idea why until April 2011 when I finally took citalopram. Within 24 hours I felt a change. Day 3 I actually had a normal 4 hours or so one evening with my family…it was GREAT!! I had 2 weeks of side effects BUT it’s been 4 weeks today & I feel like my old self almost 100% back to normal. I am SO HAPPY I finally gave in to trying it. It saved my life! This is coming from a person that has never ever been on any kind of meds before so if you are feeling “sick” & your DR. says take it just try it because if I can do it so can you!!
Hello. I’m a 32 yr old female and was just prescribed Citalopram today for my severe anxiety. Reading about the side effects is making my anxiety worse! I hate the feeling I get when I am having an anxiety attack. My heart races, my mind won’t stop thinking, my head pounds, my chest feels like it’s about to explode. I am also very irritable around the kids and I know it’s not their fault and I just wish I could feel “normal” again. I started having anxiety attacks very mildly a few yrs ago but was never prescribed anything and my doc just told me to relax. If it was just that easy!! About 2 weeks ago the attacks came back stronger than ever as stresses in the family triggered them. I know that stressors can trigger anxiety attacks but what am I suppose to do? Abandon my family and go live on an island? I don’t know how to control the attacks; I try to take deep breaths but it’s hard to breath. I just want to scream at the top of my lungs when the attack starts. I am hoping that the Citalopram helps me because I can’t take it anymore. I hope everyone on here gets better too!
i have been taking celexa/ citalopram for a while. the first few days made me a a little questy lost my appetite but the difference in my anxietey and even the emotions the anxiety causes was great. after a while i doubted it and went off because i wasnt sure if it was the med or me but for one just dont quit taking it , it might make you sick.b after a few weeks of not taking it i was back to not wanting to leave the house and worrying all the time. i sill have some anxiety but nothing like when i quit taking it i treally helped for me. and now i am going to try wellubrotin with it so i dope it works. i always thought people that took meds were weak until i experienced this and it was so scary not too know what was wrong.
I’ve been taking citalopram (20mg) for about 2 months now. First month was 10mg, second month was 20mg. I originally went because i felt a bit disconnected from my coworkers. I was having difficulty with public speech and just general conversation during meetings. I don’t normally have any panic attacks or anything, but i tend to dwell on my own thoughts during conversation, and over analyze my actions etc, so i figured why not? A side note: I have been an on/off marijuana user for the last 6 or 7 years, sometimes fairly heavily (like 2 bowls a day or something avg) but now its more like 1 small hit a day (just a little boost, usually by myself.)
What i’ve noticed: My mood is more stable, and i’m much more observational of the situation im in and my surroundings, rather than of myself. I think it’s easier to brush off the bad things that happen to you as well. Say if you get flipped off in traffic… normally i’d get all agitated and dwell on that for several minutes afterwards. Now i just kinda brush it off and go about my business as usual. I also think this helps me during conversation. If i say something stupid, i don’t dwell on how stupid i just sounded, instead, i’m able to focus on the dialogue ahead. Sometimes though, i will have little lapses here and there (and i’ll find myself questioning if the drugs are doing anything at all), but for the most part, i think i can say it’s been a positive overall experience… even though sometimes i contemplate if it’s all in my head.
Another side note about my “other” medicinal treatments… I actually get “high” again. As in, i get the giggles, and it reminds me of the first times i ever got stoned. Possibly because seretonin levels are already boosted, and the weed goes farther than it used to. I still like getting a little bit high, as marijuana has never really slowed me down in the first place, except socially. So i smoke alone mostly. As far as drinking is concerned, i can drink like a fucking FISH. I used to have a hard time with more than one shot, but now it’s like everything goes down easy (this is not a good thing). I am able to maintain my buzz allllll day long. However, i would say that i get a bit more mellowed out and maybe even some slight depression during the first couple drinks.
I was prescribed it on friday, I suffer badly with my nerves, have zero self confidence and panic over everything.
My initial supply is 28 days 20 mg and I’m expected to be on it at least 6 months.
First day, I noticed I was calmer or is that just wishful thinking?
hmmmm that wld be very very fast to feel an effect of the celexa….could be, or cld be that ypu feel better because you know help is coming…
I’ve been taking Citalopram 10mg for about 5-6 weeks now.
I don’t struggle with anxiety or depression (at least I didn’t think I did) but I needed something to help with feeling constantly on the edge of overwhelmed. (3 kids + work + husband…) It did just the trick. I feel consistently calm and not overreactive. I find that I’m telling often telling others to “calm down”. Overall, I feel just like myself just slightly more laid back.
I didn’t notice much in the way of side effects (with the exception of lighter cycles). A slight lump in my throat and yawning a lot for the first week or so but no trouble with sleep (it’s been better than ever) and no low sex drive (all’s good there too). I lost 5 pounds which I chalk up to not eating anxiously throughout the day and consider that a feature more so than a side effect
I hope this helps for anyone that is nervous about taking the medication. I too will barely pop a tylenol for headaches but this has made me feel a lot better.
I have been taking this medicine for exactly 2 weeks. 10 mg. and I just increased the dosage per my Dr. to 20 mg. I feel so happy. Excited. Good. My depression and anxiety have disappeared. I have suffered from depression my whole entire life and was always against taking any kind of medication. I’m 40 years old I finally caved in and I regret not getting this medicine sooner. I feel GREAT!
I’ve just started taking 20 mg of Celexa for anxiety and slight depression. The morning anxiety is the worse. I can barely get out of bed. I also take .25 mg twice daily of Klonopin, which works well. I was taking Xanax over the last several years, off and on, which worked great, but the doctor switched me to the Klonopin since the xanax seemed to be growing in dosage. Prior to this, I took 50 mg of Zoloft for 7 months. It may have worked slightly, at least it helped cure the morning anxiety, but gave me very vivid dreams. Sometimes the dreams were more like nightmares. Very disturbing at times. That’s one of the reasons I got off it. So far, the Celexa might be doing a little something. Some days are ok, others are bad. I think the Klonopin has really taken away the majority of the anxiety, but I know that is just a bandaid. I pray for all who suffer with these awful disorders. I hope the Rapture comes soon.
Hello everyone…if you are reading this I’m am sure that you are in a tough place. I would encourage you to do some research on Anxiety if you are suffering like I was. I had horrible panic attacks and general anxiety. The panic was so bad that I was starting to be afraid of leaving the house and then became depressed because I started to feel hopeless. It’s not a fun place to be however at 29 I have been dealing with this on and off since I was a teenager. It’s my responsibility to educate myself and to seek out resources. The book Hope and Help for Your Nerves by Dr. Claire Weaks was a life saver. Once I read the book I stopped being afraid of the panic. The more afraid you are the worse you make it and the longer your body will continue to produce chemicals to continue the physical responses. You aren’t going to die and they can’t hurt you. I was having nightmares, gastritis to the point of losing over 10 lbs because I couldn’t eat. I took a comprehensive approach and have started therapy, went to my PCP for a physical, did weekly massages and made sure I spent time with friends. It’s normal to have good and bad days and slip back to a few bad days even. I hate medication but have realized that although I’m feeling much better, my nervous system still needs a break and I’m starting celexa on Thursday. Many people don’t have side effects and quality of life is so important so why delay feeling better. You might have to experiment with different drugs to get the right one for you. I took zoloft and I hated the way I felt. Side affects wear off after two weeks usually. The most important thing you can do is take care of yourself and give yourself a break. Read up on anxiety and I promise it will alleviate your fears. Keeps the lines of communication open with your doctors and therapist because they are there to help you get better if you are willing to do the work. Dont be hopeless because you will feel better although it seems like you never will. Many people have walked in your shoes and made it through with flying colors. Keep your head up.
If you’re not already on it, DO NOT start on Citalopram, because when you stop you could find yourself in the hell that I’m in now – and this is after a gradual taper from 20mg to nothing almost TEN WEEKS ago. And it didn’t even work – I had two widely separated OK days on it and that was all. Please, please don’t touch it – or any antidepressant for that matter. PM me if you want to – I’ll get this stuff banned if it’s the last thing I do.
I’ve only been anxious for about a month after my mother suddenly passed away from cancer. I became incredibly anxious about everything, mostly my own health though I know I’m quite healthy and young. I believe I had an environmental trigger along with an emotional one – when she was diagnosed I was still in school, and when I got home, I was the one who was taking care of her while my dad was at work and my sisters were at school. It was just the two of us. Then, it was just me, all alone in my house. It was eerie and depressing. I started having heart palpitations which started my whole health anxiety which just consumed me. I knew it was anxiety, but it just moved all over my body and I was convincing myself that I had the worst diseases possible. Basically, the thought of “anything can happen to anyone” was glued to my mind.
I just started taking Celexa two days ago, yesterday being the day after I took my first 10mg at night. I have to say, yesterday was incredibly tough to get through. I had slept enough, but I had never felt so tired before. And, I made myself anxious for the entire day thinking that I wouldn’t be able to fall asleep at night, which made it worse. I felt like a zombie, like I wasn’t actually present in my body. I’ve never been so anxious over not sleeping, only because I knew a side effect of the Celexa was insomnia and for whatever reason, that freaked me out.
Today, I feel a hundred times better. The only symptom I have so far is lack of appetite. I feel like I’m one with my body again, and for once I wasn’t worrying about anything. I still feel slightly anxious about the whole sleeping thing, but I know I need to sleep at some point even if I weren’t to sleep well.
I almost wish I could do just counseling, but for now, I have this. Counseling does help a lot though. I saw some during my time at school and will be seeing one soon for the anxiety.
Stay positive! It is hard, but trying to stay positive is better then giving in to negativity.
I just starting taking citalopram today. I am 26 yr old male, and I have been coping with mild to severe depression add to it anxiety and panic attacks and my doc says he feels I am bi polar. Coping for 8 years only helped me bc I educated myself about my conditions. It got to this point where knowing wasn’t working. I feel a little jittery and excited, but not quite hypomania, and I can certainly identify my manic stage. I have been having cycling thoughts, mostly negative for months, they have destroyed my job, ruined my relationship, and kept me from functioning as a person. I have feared the use of medication for a while. I used to self medicate with marijuana, until it became the panic attack agent. So, at 10mg the first day, my anxiety feels erased. I feel a tiny buzz effect, but not nausea. I have received unexpected support from my dr, mother, and ex to get started. I hope that this feeling continues, and maybe I can fix so many of the things that this monster has ruined. I’ll keep you updated as I go! Good luck to all!
hi, i have been on citalopram for about 11/12 weeks firstly taking 10mg and then 20mg i have came off abruptly and wish to ask if these side effects are normal. Extreme tiredness, vivid dreaming, flushing, goosebumps in head and all over body, head feeling funny, very lethargic. I have been off them 17 days, how long does it take. thankyou
wow.. to the first person who posted… the same thing happened to me!! Had a panic attack after smoking and it never went away. I am still taking the Celexa because it is the only anti depressant that works for me. all the other ones make me feel even more crazy. I have been wondering if my anxiety is actually caused by the celexa.. however.. i have stopped taking it before for about a year and a half and the anxiety was still there..
Also.. just wanted to add that i have been on this medication on and off for years. and everytime i start back on it i feel the effects that same day… within a few hours. so that is definitely possible! This is the best ever.. but yes it sucks coming off of it.. however nothing is worse than effexor. i was hospitalized because the withdrawal symptoms were so bad!!!!!!!
hey everyone !
i’m 21 years old and was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder in the 8th grade.
since then i have been on Zoloft twice ( for three months at a time ) and also the generic brand of Zoloft.
i haven’t had any anxiety attacks for about two years until now. i recently moved three hours away from home, and all of my surroundings are different. i think this is what triggered my anxiety. i finally got into see a doctor and he perscribed me Celexa (20mg).
the first day i felt great, and today is my second day of taking it. i had the worst anxiety attack i think i’ve ever had. i had to leave during the new Harry Potter movie because i got a hot flash, rapid heart beat, and racing thoughts. my chest was warm and uncomfortable for a good hour or two, and i couldn’t stop thinking ‘ why won’t this medicine work ?’ i know it’s only mt second day, so i have to give it some more time. . but today’s been horrible. i’m going to keep hanging in there though, and pray that it starts working soon. thanks for listening, and hope this helped !
I have been on Celexa for about 8 or 9 years. I am a 25yr old female. When I first started Celexa my head felt a little fuzzy and my tongue would go numb (the best way I could describe what I was feeling). My sexual drive has also suffered due to the medication. The fuzzy feeling went away pretty quickly and the medication definitely made me feel happier. Every once and a while my tongue will feel numb but no big deal. It is easier for me to process thoughts and without much worry. I can say that I am probably a better public speaker due to the medication.
I decided that I should try to go off of the medication since I was never prescribed the medication by a psychiatrist. My parents thought I needed to be on the medication and started me and then brought me to the doctor to get a prescription for myself. I was prescribed the drugs by our family doctor and here I am today. I cannot say I am going off the medication due to the side effects. I am more going off of them because I am not really sure why I am on them or if I should have ever been on them. I started to go off the medication gradually. I am down to half the dose. Half of 10mg. I can say that going off this medication is not a bunch of fun. I am currently searching for someone that can help me go off of the medication. I am told that the medication is not addictive but what I am feeling feels a lot like some type of withdrawal. Most likely it is just my body trying to level out but it has been about a month now that I have been on the half dose. I can say that I am dying to just take the other half of my pill so I feel normal again. I am trying to stay strong though and work my way through this.
All of these drugs are addictive. This is something that you do not find in the small print warning leaflet
that they come with. Cipramil will also completely destroy your libido.
I was forced to go on Cipramil after I became ‘ill’ after years of bullying and abuse
in British Academia, in order to be allowed to take time off by them before
being allowed to try and finish my degree. I was on it for over seven years.
They dull your senses, responses and intellectual faculties so it is ironic that my forced
addiction should have come as a result of my naive attempt to enhance all of these
for the sake of truth and knowledge with my own funding as an adult.
Another horror story. I would also advise avoiding higher level academia everywhere in the Anglo-American
nexus unless you like being ripped off by ruthlessly ambitious sociopaths and professional liars.
I have been off them for over 2 years now. The first thing that happened
was that I gained over 20 pounds overnight. I am still carrying much of this
weight no matter how little I eat. It is only in the past few weeks that I
am beginning to be able to read, have useable periods of energy,
have any libido at all or sleep for longer than a few hours at a time.
Luckily I have a deeply committed and very understanding partner so we have lived
through this half life together.
My doctor did not warn me of its addictive qualities so
I am warning those reading this that no matter what you may
read here do not go on any anti-depressants voluntarily, ever.
So much of our anxieties and depression are due to the actions of
others upon us, whether it be the selfish actions of those in positions of authority that result in
destroying lives and landscape, all that is vulnerable for personal vainglory and greed,
or their replica little bullies in the workplace or school or home.
All of them protected by the numbing effects of these convenient legal drugs.
Let’s allow ourselves the right to be righteously angry at the right folks.
This would be a very healthy laying of blame upon
those who really deserve it; they all have names and faces.
LET US NAME AND FACE THEM
I just started my prescription of celexa today. I have sever panic disorder after having issues with my gallbladder. I have had my prescription for a month and didn’t want to take it because of the side effects, but I am tired of not being able to leave my house because of panic attacks, so I am taking it and I pray to god it works. I am on 10 mg but I cut it in half for today and tomorrow just to get a feel for the medication. So far I just feel a little happier. @JD425 just remind your husband he isn’t alone I know how he feels, but praying to god only helps if you meet him half way so take the medication hun, you will be fine god will make sure of that.
Ive been taking citalopram for mild depression, yesterday was my first day, and i felt an immediate effect, much happier chilled out and euphoric. Ive never taken any medication before, and it was not what i was expecting! I experimented with some drugs in my younger years and it reminded me of the same feeling you would get from extacy only (milder). Had feelings of nausea and a dry mouth/throat, but i also felt very spaced out and spent most of the day asleep. Feeling more positive and happy already, although it is early days! Take it with food and it cures the nausea, i havent experienced any other side affects yet!