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Global Patient Feedback for Citalopram ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
Is it safe to take citalopram if you have Steven Johnsons Syndrome?
52 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-04-26 21:18:47
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Taking citalopram would only be a concern if you had the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome due to citalopram or an antidepressant like citalopram. Please follow up with your doctor to find out exactly which medicine contributed to your Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and which medicines you should avoid in the future.
Posted: 2010-05-16 15:05:26
Question/Comment:
I started taking this for anxiety attacks related to school and work. The psychiatrist put me on it because she thought it would work well with the wellbutrin and adderall I'm currently taking for depression and ADD. I had bad headaches the first three days I took it, and the fifth day that I took it I was incredibly depressed and suicidal, so I stopped taking it. Ironically enough, my anxiety did get better. This medication may work better for someone over the age of 25 (I'm only 20).
21 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-04-17 14:32:58
Question/Comment:
Just starting this drug because I have been experiencing serious panix attack with a new job in a call center wher you get screamed at 8 hours a day, along with zannax I hope to over come because I need my job real bad..
53 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-04-15 14:58:45
Member Answer/Reply:
I also work as a Help Desk Manager in the I.T. field. Since taking Celexa for over 2 years, I've noticed the very noticable side effect was the rise in panic attacks. I was taking xanax before for having been diagnosed with attacks for over 7 years before I started taking Celexa due to PTSD. It has made going back to work very difficult and I've definately taken a step back due to the severity of it. In the next month I'm looking to go back full-time. I'll update my progress.
Heather
38 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-05-09 22:07:08
Member Answer/Reply:
Oh, I also take a higher dose than most. 40mg twice a day, instead of 20-40 mgs once a day. I started on just taking 40 once a day but after a year and a half we (my Dr. and I) doubled the dose.
38 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-05-09 22:10:11
Question/Comment:
Has there been a reported side effect of stomach pain??Ive been taking this now for 3 months and the past 3 days ,Im having stomach pain under the middle of my ribs .It usually worsens after eating?
37 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-04-14 19:30:49
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Stomach pain has been reported by patients taking citalopram. Usually, the side effects citalopram causes would decrease as you continue taking it, not start three months into therapy. However, it is important to let your doctor know, as sometimes these symptoms can be more serious, or related to a stomach issue and not a side effect of a medication.
Posted: 2010-05-01 14:34:36
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking this for over a year 40mg and for the last couple months I too get stomach pain under the middle of my ribs and it usually worsen after eating
64 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-05-16 12:27:34
Question/Comment:
My doctor is switching me from 50 mg of Pristiq to Celexa 20 mg. Is it ok to just switch these meds?
41 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-03-25 21:59:02
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Typically what occurs is the Pristiq would be stopped, and then you would start taking Celexa. Sometimes the the drug that is being discontinued is tapered down, and the second drug is started at a lower dose and increased over a few days to a few weeks. In some cases, a physician may just discontinue one medication and start another one.
Posted: 2010-03-28 21:49:17
Question/Comment:
My question is: My doctor prescribed 10 mg. Citalopram due to the fact I have no sex drive....I had an total hysterectomy in 2003...She feels that this medication can help me with my Libido..I've looked up many things and comments about this drug and cant back up why she wants me to take it....I'm very careful about the drugs I take..What is your opinion about my situation and I'm also taking estradiol...or is it a missed diagnosis?
42 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-03-19 07:50:26
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Citalopram can be used for menopausal symptoms - in fact 4% of iGuard users report using citalopram for menopausal symptoms. Citalopram is also used to treat depression - depression can sometime decrease sex drive.
Yes, one of the commonly reported side effects for citalopram is decreased sex drive. However, your doctor may have seen positive results without side effects when giving citalopram to other patients similar to you. You may want to follow up with your doctor to make sure you understand exactly why she prescribed citalopram and what you should expect from it. Also, be aware that estradiol can cause either an increase or decrease in sex drive, so your doctor may need to adjust your dose either up or down before you are at the correct dosage for your symptoms.
Posted: 2010-03-21 21:46:31
Question/Comment:
I am a 67 year old mail and have been on Citalopram for 4 weeks now at 10mg and I am having daily headache along with muscle pain and nausea. I am tired all the time along with light headed and tingling all over. I phoned the Dr and he wants me to go to 20mg and with the way I feel I am putting this off for now. I am wondering if this will ever get better or will improve with a stronger dose.
66 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-03-08 19:55:20
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Citalopram for 1 1/2 years, and I really like how I feel on it. It wasn't easy at first. I'm sensitive to all meds, and I had to work my way up to that! With all those side effects, I'd make sure that that drug is the one for you. It doesn't sound right. Does this psychiatrist, a good psych. is the one you should be seeing for this, have your best interests at heart. Mine can't do enough to try and research and do his best to get me the very best. Good luck.
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-03-09 08:21:24
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Typically your side effects will minimize as your body adjusts to the medication. You should discuss your concerns with your doctor regarding increasing your dose. If the symptoms worsen you should folloup with your prescribing doctor.
Posted: 2010-03-11 22:59:03
Question/Comment:
I have been on this medication for approximately 3 years and with the amount of medications that my doctor has had me on, I wish they had tried this one first. I have felt great and better mentally than I have felt in 30 years of my depression. Thanks!!!
45 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-03-07 17:50:27
Question/Comment:
I NO LONGER TAKE THEY SWITCHED TO VENLAFAXINE 37.5MG TWICE A DAY AND THEY WORK BETTER AND HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS.
52 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-03-07 11:35:07
Question/Comment:
What does the HBR stand for after the word CITALOPRAM?
Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-03-03 21:56:27
iGuard Answer/Reply:
It stands for hydrobromide, which is part of the chemical compound that makes up citalopram.
Posted: 2010-03-05 12:16:41
Question/Comment:
I am not a heavy drinker, but do drink mostly on weekends. I still take my Citalopram even when I do drink. I know they say not to drink when taking this med. Is this because it intensifies the drug, or am I damaging my liver?
45 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-02-23 11:40:09
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Drinking alcohol while taking citalopram or other medications of this type can increase the side effects of drowsiness and sedation. In addition, alcohol is a depressant, and citalopram is indicated to treat depression. You may not achieve the desired result from the medication if you are drinking alcohol while taking it, even a small amount.
Posted: 2010-02-24 11:36:31
Question/Comment:
I am a 67 year old Male and have been on Citalopram 10mg for 4 days now and have experienced continued light headiness, nausea, extreme stomach upset, intestinal cramping, tightness in my chest and overall fatigue. I also take alprazolam as needed for any panic attack. I feel flushing and extreme lightheaded within 5 minuets of taking the pill which subsides in another 5 minuets and continues the rest of the day with the above symptoms coming and going. When I take the alprazolam I experience a flushing, light head, followed with a needle like pain all over my body, which is more severe in my lower arms and ankle area than everything calms down after a few minuets and I feel exhausted, tired. I sometimes get the needle pains right after taking my Citalopram but not always. I will stick with it for now but if things don’t improve I may have to quit this treatment for SAD.
66 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-02-18 15:07:53
Question/Comment:
I take Celexa(generic) for chronic depreessin and obsessive worrying. I also take 500mg of Serzone(generic) a day, same reasons.
I have suffered with chronic depression for over 30 years. 2 yeas ago, I have a Vagus nerve Stimulator implanted. After a year 96% of my depression is gone and most of my anxiety problems. Unfortunately, I still have to take th meds.
52 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-02-03 15:44:13
Question/Comment:
i feel celexea has been a life saver for me... i have been on it for just under a year and am now being weaned off... so far so good.
first i was put on paxil...that was a nithtmare.,then wellbutrin which also did not work.
so thanks to celexea i have my life back..
58 year old female
58 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-01-29 02:01:53
Question/Comment:
I have been on 20mg Talomil daily for 5 years. It definitely helped me stabilise and reduce my exaggerated emotional reactions to situations. 9 months ago, I reduced my daily dosage to 10mg and after a while stabilised at this dosage. On a few occasions over the years I went through withdrawal periods of 1-2 weeks when I forgot to buy more Talomil. I do great, except for INTENSE dizziness / vertigo which impedes my ability to funtion and is the only thing that forces me back on to Talomil. Why?
21 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-01-03 09:42:24
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Dizziness is a side effect experienced by 1-4% of people who take citalopram, the active ingredient in Talomil. It is important to not stop taking citalopram suddenly. It is a medication that needs to be decreased slowly so that the body can readjust to not having the medication. Dizziness is also one of the side effects of stopping the medication abruptly. The dizziness should go away with time, or the medication can be restarted at the previous dose to stop the dizziness. The dose should then be decreased more gradually. The bottom line is to avoid stop citalopram abruptly to avoid unwanted side effects.
Posted: 2010-01-04 23:21:22
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Citalopram (generic for Celexa) 20mg/twice daily for a month and a half. After trying Venlafaxine and Wellbutrin and having bad side effects from it, I truly feel that this med is actually helping me. I have far less anxiety now. I have way less "angry" episodes and am feeling much better. I do feel like I am coming out from under the "black cloud" that has been with me for a very long time. The only side effects from this med. is heartburn, and a bad taste in my mouth when i wake up in the mornings. So far so good.
36 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-12-31 19:37:40
Question/Comment:
I am a 45 year old and Celexa has been a life savor for me I was taken off of it to be put on something else but had to go back to the celexa come to find out it is the only one to help with the bladder spasms I have.
46 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-11-20 03:34:05
Question/Comment:
Is there a difference between the generic or brand name that anyone has noticed? I know sometimes there is a difference.
26 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-11-14 14:28:18
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Generics are approved by the FDA and must demonstrate that they contain the same amount of active ingredients as the brand name product. However, generic products sometimes have different inactive ingredients. The inactive ingredients do not affect how well the active ingredients work and most patients do not notice a difference between the brand and different generic products. Some patients have reported noticing differences in how they respond to certain generic products. Discuss your concerns with your pharmacist when you pick up your prescription if you have any further concerns. They can advise you on the specific brand of generic that they use. You can also follow up with your doctor if you are concerned about how well your medicine is working for you.
Posted: 2009-11-17 01:41:33
Member Answer/Reply:
My wife is pregnant and also on Celexa...she takes the generic Citalopram and was notified by the doctor that it could cause severe lung problems for the fetus. Other than that everything is pretty much the same.
25 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-12-08 20:05:40
Member Answer/Reply:
I know they say the generics are the "same", however, I was on Celexa for several years when I had to go to the generic brand. It took about 6 weeks for the generic to really work for me like the non-generic did. For those six weeks on the generic I felt like I had just stopped taking it - very dizzy, constant upset stomach, light headed and several panic attacks. After that time I felt it was working as the non-generic did.
45 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-08-23 08:48:34
Question/Comment:
Does anyone have a problem with feeling tired or lazy? I just feel like I don't have a lot of motivation but otherwise it's good.
26 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-11-14 14:27:00
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Approximately 1 out of 10 iGuard patients reported fatigue as a side effect of taking citalopram (Celexa). In addition approximately 1 out of 20 iGuard patients taking citalopram reported drowsiness as a side effect. If your symptoms continue or worsen you should followup with your doctor.
Posted: 2009-11-17 22:18:55
Member Answer/Reply:
I get tired so I take it when I go to bed.
44 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-06-07 20:55:16
Question/Comment:
I've been on citalopram (the generic for Celexa) for several months & recently have developed some edema in my feet & ankles. A friend told me she had a friend who had this happen & it turned-out to be a reaction to an antidepressant she was on. I'm going to see my doc about this, since it could well be caused by something else, but just wanted to see if anyone else has had a similar experience. Thanks!
51 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-10-20 09:32:30
Question/Comment:
has anyone out there on celexa had excessive urination. I can't seem to stop peeing. I am on 20mg for 2 1/2 weeks. Didn't know if something else was going on.
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-10-15 10:29:40
Member Answer/Reply:
I've noticed this with various antidepressants I've been on, including the Celexa I'm currently taking. It's annoying; just depends on how bad it is for an individual as to whether it's bad enough to warrant discontinuing (weaning off of course, w/ your doc's knowledge) the med.
51 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-10-20 09:27:05
iGuard Answer/Reply:
There are no reports of excessive urination by iGuard members who take Celexa and this side effect currently is not listed in the prescribing information for Celexa. Please follow up with your doctor for an evaluation of what might be causing this symptom.
Posted: 2009-10-20 11:12:53
Member Answer/Reply:
Yes, I use the bathroom quite often especially during the night. Have not told the doctor, been using it for about 4 months.
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-11-21 08:52:04
Member Answer/Reply:
I've had similar problems, but find that it decreases a lot with strict limitation or elimination of caffeine. Check to see if you are drinking a lot of (more than 3 cups per day) coffee, tea, sodas, or even chocolate has caffeine in it. The more you limit your caffeine intake, the more relief you should see. It has helped me quite a bit.
41 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-11-24 07:01:23
Member Answer/Reply:
Yes, I have to get up to pee several times a night. I don't have the urge nearly as much during the day. If I skip even one day of citalopram, I notice the difference -- I go longer during the night without having to get up to pee.
I restarted citalopram about two weeks ago. I first started it back in 2005 and took it for less than two years. I never had the constant night time peeing the first time on this drug.
36 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-01-07 00:26:06
Question/Comment:
For me celexa has been a lifesaver. I was having panic attacks daily and thought I was going to die for no reason. My thoughts and life revolved around the idea of death. I am two weeks into taking 20 mg of Celexa and I already feel a million times better. Weight loss and lack of appetite are my most obvious side effects. Some difficulty reaching orgasm but if you stay confident that improves. I promise.Zoloft and sinequan were no good but this works!
23 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-10-14 01:58:22
Question/Comment:
It's unfortunate to hear of people having side effects from taking Celexa. Most reader reviews that I have read have been very positive but I suppose it's all according to who takes it. After all, we are all made up differently and what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another. Actually, it was the reader reviews that I had read that made me want to try this antidepressant. I began taking 20mg for the first month and then my Dr. upped my dosage to 40mg-(40 mg which i am/have been taking) for approx. 3 1/2 weeks now. Luckily I did not have any side effects while beginning this med and presently, as well. The only drawback that I have encountered while on the Citaprolam-(generic for Celexa), would be the fatigue-(since he has upped me to 40mg., anyway). Other than that, I have noticed the difference within myself with regards to my depression, worrying about things that would warrant worrying about as opposed to every little thing, racing thoughts, anxiety, etc. This med has certainly helped me on a positive note. I can only hope that others can benefit as well. Best of luck to all-
52 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-30 17:32:12
Question/Comment:
My husband was prescribed celexa 2 years ago for ocular migranes. Since that time he has changed into a different person. Always responsible, he has gambled away tens of thousands of dollars. No more retirement money - car repossessed and we will probably loose our home of 30 years. No amount of tears, pleading or reasoning can reach him. Our marriage will probably end after 39 years and he cannot see he has changed. I KNOW it is the celexa. Has anyone else seen this, or am I crazy?
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-30 10:35:14
Member Answer/Reply:
Haven't heard of this w/ Celexa, but with any med, especially a psychoactive one, a few people will have odd reactions to it. So no, I don't think you're crazy! Is he willing to talk to his doc about this, or do you need to notify the doc? Do it yourself if you have to; this is obviously seriously affecting your life. Hope things get straightened out soon for you both!
51 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-10-20 09:30:16
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Approximately 5% of iGuard patients taking celexa reported mood and behavior changes as a side effect. In your husband's case the mood and behavior changes you described seem very extreme and need additional followup from a doctor to definitively determine the root cause. If possible, try to go to an appointment with him so you can express the concerns you have.
Posted: 2009-10-29 21:04:58
Question/Comment:
constantly nauseous and voming since stopping citropalm, so much so i've been on anti sickness meds since, any ideas please?
yes i can off very slowly gradually decreasing
47 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-19 16:58:13
iGuard Answer/Reply:
It is not likely that that these are withdrawal symptoms of citalopram, especially since you tapered off your dose. Perhaps there is something else going on. If the symptoms last more than a few days, call your doctor.
Posted: 2009-09-27 11:11:48
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