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Citalopram User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

Brand names: Celexa

Citalopram has an average rating of 7.4 out of 10 from a total of 2,193 reviews on Drugs.com. 67% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 15% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Citalopram

  • Ella...
  • September 28, 2014

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "Have been taking this for 2 weeks, and the positive effects were immediate for me. I did have some initial side effects such as dry mouth (lasted a few days) and a change in bowel movement (getting better), yawning a lot the first 3-5 days, but it's better now. The impact it has had on me has been nothing but GREAT. I had a lot of areas of stress in my life from family to work, and the anxiety made me feel like my heart was going to jump out of my chest! Now, those little things don't worry me, and I've been able to let go of personal struggles that were holding me down, including a broken heart! This has let me be myself again, and most of all, to enjoy life again!!"

9 / 10
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  • Jano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 13, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I started citalopram at the lowest point in my life mentally. Since starting, my anxiety is completely gone. I don’t overthink every intricate detail of my life for hours. As a consequence, I have got my life back together - stopping steroids, getting a new job, being able to study better at uni, getting back into amateur boxing, and meeting my current girlfriend. None of this would have been achievable without Citalopram. It has helped me in many ways, and this is just the start. Other positive side effects were feeling calmer and having a constant stable mood. Essentially, it has allowed me to live my life without wanting to end it every time I wake up."

8 / 10
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  • Tony
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • May 3, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I take 10 mg daily for about 18 months. It has helped enormously. It's the only medication I have. I exercise daily, which helps. Overall, I am pleased with the results but suggest you do not drink alcohol, reduce coffee intake, exercise, sleep over 7 hours, and ensure you are self-aware not to put oneself in stressful situations. Life is too short not to enjoy the journey. It can, and it does get better, but educate yourself on what you have and the triggers and your responses to life events."

9 / 10
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200 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • nellie
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 18, 2020

Celexa (citalopram) for Depression "I want to write this review to anyone struggling with OCD. I have been struggling with OCD for years, and was put on Celexa. Let me tell you, it helps immensely. It did not work right away, and there are some initial side effects (nausea, yuck!). I take it in the morning, 40 mg. My OCD doctor is wonderful (highly recommend seeing a specialist in OCD). And she stated that for OCD, this drug is safe to even go up to a higher dose if necessary. I want to write this to give people hope. I was in a very, very dark place with my OCD. I felt I would never escape the pain and discomfort of OCD. It did not work right away (which is normal), but once I got up to 30 mg after a month or so, I started to see improvement. This medication saved me! Truly thank you to whoever created this medication, it is life-saving for those of us who struggle with OCD and depression. Please, anyone out there who has OCD, starting this, be patient with yourself, find a good doctor, and know that there is hope!"

10 / 10
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  • New...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 27, 2014

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "This medication has changed my life. I am bipolar so I take it with my Trileptal (mood stabilizer). I've been searching for the right medicine combination for 10 years and I've never felt better. I started Celexa 6 weeks ago and it took about a month to feel it working. I had headaches and stomach problems but all that has subsided. I am free from the debilitating anxiety I've dealt with my entire life. I feel a sense of hope and happiness I never thought possible for me. I recommend this to anyone who struggles with anxiety, obsessive thoughts, low energy, stress sensitivity, or depression. It's truly been a Godsend."

10 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • James
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 9, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Had what I believe is generalized anxiety disorder for 7 years. I struggled to even sit in a car for a 5-minute drive at times; it was so bad. Didn’t go on holiday for 6 years as couldn’t pull myself to get on a plane. Anxiety attacks were common and happened about 4-5 times a week. Finally, I thought enough was enough and went to the doctors. Was prescribed 20mg citalopram for 6 weeks. Nothing happened, so the doctor increased to 30mg. After 8 weeks, the anxiety stopped. I didn’t feel any different day to day; only the anxiety attacks would not start. Been on for 3 months now and still not had an anxiety attack. It has completely changed my life, and I was even able to fly to Germany to go abroad for the first time since the anxiety started. I feel so free; can’t believe I didn’t get sorted sooner."

10 / 10
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  • Ruk
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 21, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "Started on citalopram after my IBS symptoms would not settle. Tried 10mg as a last resort. My IBS is completely gone but I also feel so much less stressed. Things that would have upset me are now like water on a duck's back. My job is stressful and last year I found it very hard. This year with citalopram I feel like I can cope with pretty much anything. I feel great mentally and physically and I haven't noticed any side effects. I tell everyone that I'm on a miracle drug!"

10 / 10
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  • ash
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 9, 2013

Celexa (citalopram) for Depression "I have been on Celexa for 2 months. I was very reluctant and had tried several in the past (couldn't get past the side effects). I didn't feel great the first couple of weeks, but it wasn't awful. After 3 weeks, I felt better, more relaxed, and happier. I didn't feel much different, just started enjoying things more (as they should be). I smile more and laugh more - I get excited about things (I haven't felt excitement in a LONG time). I'm so happy I stuck with this one and it has truly worked for me. Also, I've had trouble accepting an antidepressant as a treatment option because I have no reason to be depressed - great life, kids, job, husband. But, I was. I guess it's my brain chemistry, but it is what it is. This works!"

10 / 10
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  • Shaunna
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 19, 2020

Celexa (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!"

8 / 10
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192 Report
  • Unbel...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 17, 2013

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "Celexa has changed my life. I have severe panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and worry about everything. I started the medication and within 24 hours saw results. I don't want to say I had an 'I don't care attitude' but I did. I started with breaking the medication in half - 5 mg, then after two days, went on 10 mg. I am the happiest I have ever been. Smiling, not worried, singing, and back to the normal me. My job is the biggest issue, and I can come to work, focus, perform my job, and not worry about all the side conversations. This medication has saved me. I hope it lasts a long time. I was afraid of taking anything that would alter me, but this Celexa works. Happy days are ahead!"

9 / 10
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  • Kbh
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 13, 2014

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "Was put on 10mg for intense panic attacks, and later moved up to 20mg. This stuff has worked wonderfully! I feel like I'm finally the way I should be - you know how you see other people who are completely relaxed and at peace, and you wonder, 'why can't I be like that? Why do I have all this anxiety for no reason?' Well, all of that is gone! It's amazing! I would recommend Celexa to anyone. The only downside is I experienced A LOT of side effects the first month I was on it - increased anxiety, jaw-clenching, headaches, insomnia. But, if you bear down and get yourself through the first month, it's worth it. I finally have my life back!"

9 / 10
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  • INdigo
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • February 29, 2020

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "So, I was first on Celexa from 2001 until 2016. I felt it wasn't working, so my doctor prescribed Venlafaxine/Effexor XR. I ended up in the emergency room with a heart rate of 185 bpm. Anyway, I should have just stuck with Celexa. I am back on it after trying Prozac, which made me nauseous for a year and gave me more anxiety. Celexa works for me. It takes away my anxiety. It's safe for me, and I'll never go off of it or try another again. These past two years have been so bad. Getting off of Effexor brought me to my knees."

10 / 10
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  • amdam
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 7, 2014

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "I'm a 20-year-old female, been on Celexa for about 4 days now. I was pretty skeptical reading all the reviews, and some negative ones really scared me, but I decided to take it anyway. So far, I am liking the medicine. Little side effects such as a mild headache that seems to come about 5 minutes after I take the pill, drowsiness (which is why I take it at night), and a tiny bit of nausea. Nothing too major like I thought. Oh! And also no panic attacks, which is one of the main reasons I started taking this. Celexa has given me a sort of 'calm, relaxed' feel. But I also feel more uplifted. I'm not sure the right word. I'm not energetic but I feel energized, which is great. I would recommend trying this if you suffer from frequent panic and worry."

9 / 10
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  • Mag...
  • June 10, 2017

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "Please try! I was like you reading these reviews, scared to death to start taking this drug. I am so glad I did. The first 2 weeks I felt like I was pregnant: nauseous and sleepy. After that, I just gradually started feeling better. Anxiety has gone and life is on the up and up. I should have taken this 20 years ago. All the worries sort of just fade away. Good luck and please give it a shot!"

10 / 10
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232 Report
  • Bill
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 23, 2014

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "Started Celexa 10mg beginning of January for stress and anxiety. Went to 20mg in February. This medicine is truly great. I never really had all the side effects. I can truly say I feel 100 percent normal now. No more anxiety or panic attacks. I feel like a normal person again. Probably be on them forever but if I feel great then who cares."

10 / 10
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  • MattXY
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • May 14, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I tapered off citalopram completely about four weeks ago after taking it for two years. I noticed my anxiety was getting worse, so I bit the bullet and started taking my 20 mg tablets again four days ago. It’s been a living nightmare since I started taking the med again. Extreme anxiety (worst I’ve ever had), panic attacks, night sweats, paranoia, nausea, etc., etc. I could use a little encouragement. Maybe somebody has had a similar experience to mine and would be willing to share. I’m going to stick it out, but this has been very hard."

6 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • October 27, 2009

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "Eight months ago, I had a severe anxiety attack after cutting myself badly while cooking. One second I was fine, the next my heart was racing, dizzy, felt like running, felt I was losing control. After an hour I somewhat calmed down, but after thinking about the anxiety, I got nervous and another came on, and from that point on, for the next week, from the moment I woke up, until the moment I fell asleep (never more than 3 hours a night), I was having total anxiety attacks. Finally I called a psych, who told me to go to a clinic, and they gave me Xanax, which helped to bring down the anxiety, but it recurred after a few hours. Finally they put me on Celexa, and after 2 weeks, symptoms disappeared. It has kept me normal, no side effects. Good medicine."

9 / 10
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  • Gaye
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 22, 2020

Celexa (citalopram) for Depression "Before starting Celexa, I was always tired, depressed, and angry. Now that I have started Celexa, my mood is better, I have more energy, and I don’t fly off the handle about small things. I feel alive again. I am very happy I started taking Celexa."

10 / 10
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  • njnj
  • 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."

10 / 10
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  • Icoul...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 23, 2013

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "Celexa has been a life-saver for me. Ever since I was a child, I've had bad anxiety and depression, and I would have attacks where I would completely break down emotionally over something so silly, like a lost TV remote. I would talk to my mother about my anxiety, and she said it was something I just needed to get over. Finally at age 23, I've confronted this problem medically, and Celexa has changed my life entirely. I don't experience the depression I used to, my anxiety has decreased incredibly, and my attacks have almost disappeared. I don't feel a hovering weight on my shoulders anymore like I'm constantly letting people down, I'm just living my life like I'm supposed to."

9 / 10
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305 Report
  • Zigzag
  • April 13, 2017

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "I went on Celexa after three years of getting more and more depressed, and my anxiety beginning to make it difficult to be at social events or function from day to day. I gave in to Celexa after hitting a low that I cannot explain. I couldn't get out of bed, and I determined my life was worthless. I started on 10mg. The first two weeks were bizarre. Headaches, nausea, and diarrhea. The anxiety seemed worse. But after 3-4 weeks, it's like an ugly cloud lifted, and I feel like I have my life back. I upped it to 20mg, and I'm staying at 20mg. I never worry about anything - which seems nuts. How can I not worry? I'm unemployed, single, no kids (I'm 48), yet I feel like everything is okay, and I can move forward on achieving my goals."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • February 18, 2009

Celexa (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."

8 / 10
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382 Report
  • Jenna...
  • April 9, 2014

Celexa (citalopram) for Anxiety and Stress "This is seriously a miracle medicine! Ever since I went on this, it kicked in within a couple of weeks, and after 3 weeks or so, my anxiety has been completely GONE, no more problems at all! I was having problems swallowing food and just swallowing my own saliva in general because of generalized anxiety disorder, every single day, it was hell, but this medicine seriously pulled me out of a dark hole, and I've been on it since. Thank you, Celexa! I'm so much happier on it."

10 / 10
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  • Rosepp
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 24, 2019

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was completely over living before taking this drug. My anxiety, depression and OCD were so overpowering I just wanted it to end. I tried loads of different antidepressants before this that did nothing. I remember obsessively reading these reviews praying that this would work for me and it did. I started on 10mg and felt slightly better, then up to 20mg but as soon as I went up to 30mg I was pretty much cured. This took about 12 weeks to fully kick in and when it did I felt like my old self, no panic attacks, no anxiety, no depression and my OCD is about 90% better. This drug literally saved my life. Unfortunately I developed RLS but I would take that any day over the hell that was once my life. I’m so, so, so grateful for this medication. Please just take your meds and if this one doesn’t work for you I promise there is one that will, please don’t give up."

10 / 10
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  • Boaby
  • October 11, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Hang in there! It's tough adjusting to this stuff. I am now on week 7/8. I did 5 and a bit weeks at 20mg then 2 weeks now at 30mg. Trust me when I say this. Hang in there! I know it's a rollercoaster but I'm giving myself 6 months on this to see fully as I know it can take time for GAD especially. My anxiety was unbearable! It's still there and the intrusive thoughts come, but they go quicker, and I'm not scared of them. I now understand what I'm going through, so it doesn't bother me as much. I was having suicidal thoughts and really scared of them. They still come, but I'm not worried by them, I'm not worried as much by life, I understand that the anxious passing thoughts aren't mine, and they come and go. They're just thoughts. Stay strong people. I know it's been the hardest thing I've ever done. All the best"

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.