Any experience with Citalopram/Celexa?

[AshleyW]

I started Celexa about a week ago, and from what I understand, it takes a couple weeks to kick in. I have been sooo tired the past few days, though. All I feel like doing is yawning and sleeping, and I just feel worn out. My doctor said these were normal side effects, but it kinda stinks. I'm hoping it goes away after I get used to the drug or something.

Anyway, just wondered if anyone else had any experience with it, good or bad. I'd appreciate any feedback!

 

[dizneemads sis]

My daughter is on this med and she says that after two to three weeks the side effects ease and the benefits begin, hang in there. Hope you feel better soon.

 

[mamajo]

I've been taking this med for a few years now and I like it for the fact that it doesn't make me dopey. It did take a break in period but if you still feel loopy after a couple of weeks, ask to lower the dosage. This has worked best for me by far.

 

[136368]

Did naff all for me. No benefits and no side effects. Although I do understand that it is very well tolerated usually.

From my website:

Generally regarded as a "safe" medication (meaning that it is less likely than average to cause unwanted side effects), citalopram is primarily indicated for the treatment of depressive affective disorders but is also used to treat anxiety related disorders (including panic disorders) and body dysmorphic disorder. The medication is also thought to be beneficial in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, post-stroke pathological crying and premature ejaculation.

Off label uses include the treatment of Autism, Panic Disorder, General Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, ADD, ADHD, Chronic Fatigue, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Lupus, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and various eating disorders.

Main side effects associated with this drug include drowsiness, fatigue, tremor, headaches, dizziness, Arrhythmia, nausea, weight gain (pretty bad compared to other SSRIs), changes in blood pressure, hyperhidrosis, sleep disturbances, loss of libido, diarrhoea or constipation, Xerostomia and/or ejaculatory problems. Rarer side effects include confusion, convulsions, anxiety, significant mood changes and/or allergic reactions, tremor, acne and disruption to the menstrual cycle. In extremely rare cases, it can cause unending hiccups and rectal haemorrhage.

Note that Celexa is the trade name for Citalopram.

 

[wnissen]

Wait till you go off the drug. You will be light headed and get the "zaps," which are about as pleasant as they sound. I had fairly significant side effects, but it helped me get through a very difficult time after my son was born. Overall it was worth it, because after a little more than a year I was off it and have been doing extremely well. Drugs are very helpful, but especially for mild depression therapy is just as, if not more effective. I'd recommend doing some reading.

Doctors don't have time to explain it all, but Celexa/Citalopram helps many people but not all. A lot of the people who it doesn't help will be helped by something else. Your doctor can't predict in advance whether it will work. At least it is generic and inexpensive to try, and I hope it works for you with reasonable side effects.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I've been taking Celexa for anxiety for about 10 years. I'm on a low dose right now (10mg/day). My doctor explained that it can be taken for anxiety or depression since it balances the seratonin levels in the brain. I remember feeling a little weird when I first started taking it, but was fine after about 2 weeks. When I miss a dose, I start getting dizzy by the next evening. Otherwise, I don't seem to have any major side effects.

 

[elizke]

DS 15 takes it. When he first started, and when we increase the dose as he grows, he does have the side-effect of tiredness. But it goes away. Also, we switched it to taking it at night, which helps too.

Hope it helps you.

 

[Liberty Belle]

I took it and had a lot of side effects from it. I don't remember feeling sleepy, but I yawned like crazy. I also clenched my teeth a lot, had stomach aches (which went away after a week or so) and had very, very vivid dreams (and my dreams are normally vivid, so these were really bizarre). It did help my anxiety, but I went off it when I got pregnant.

 

[AshleyW]

Thanks, everyone, for the responses. I've read a ton about it online, but it's nice to hear real experiences.

 

[Jaime4004]

Some people have better luck taking it at night, if you are not already...

 

[murcor]

Some people have better luck taking it at night, if you are not already...

I agree

 

[daannzzz]

I started taking this for anxiety. Moved up the dosage over 3 months to 60. It was hard at first as I was sleepy during the day, restless at night and felt weird and off along with some other side effects. They almost all went away after a month or so on the drug. The Celexa worked very well on my anxiety and, as a side effect, my benign positional vertigo stopped as well. Coming of the Celexa was very nasty. I did not get zaps but it felt like the day after I quite smoking along with the flu, disorientation and sleepiness.. These symptoms lasted a few weeks.