Celexa (citalopram) [SSRI]

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Celexa is most often used to treat depression; however, it is also used for a variety of heath issues, including Social Anxiety Disorder. It is part of the group of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are generally psychiatrists’ first choice prescription drugs for Social Anxiety Disorder. SSRIs function in the body by regulating mood fluctuations by affecting serotonin levels in the brain.

Many Celexa users report positive results and relief from their social anxiety symptoms, while others find this medication to be of little help. Side effects are quite common with SSRIs in general, with the medications affecting sexual function and appetite in many patients. Headaches and nausea are also reported, though these normally subside after a short time.

More info:

• Drugs.com
• eMedExpert.com
• Wikipedia

User ratings/reviews:

• AskAPatient.com
• Drugs.com
• DailyStrength.org
• WebMD
• RXList.com
• Revolution Health

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Posted by xboxfreak

Social Anxiety Background
I blush a lot and my heart starts pounding terribly when I get in social places. I have also been diagnosed with Hyperhidrosis (also known as Excessive Sweating). I believe I also have a very mild case of Depression which I have treated in the past with Fish Oil and St. John's Wort. I have been suffering from anxiety and Hyperhidrosis since I was in 8th grade (now I am in college).

Other Treatments
Xanax - you can see my review on it. Xanax works great for things such as going out on a weekend or a speech. Celexa is more long-term help.

Kava Kava - Pure Kava root is safe and provides some anxiety relief although the powder tastes abosolutely awful. Too bad powerdered root is the safest and most effective form of Kava.

Treatment Experience
I was put on 20mg of Celexa (I am on the generic = Citalopram) around a month and a half ago. Celexa is an SSRI (an antidepressant). I really did not want it and told my doctor that. I did not think it would help and had read numerous bad stories about SSRI's. But I finally gave in and let him put me on it.

After a month I am glad to say it has helped a lot. I just recently went back and told him it had helped me a lot but still wasn't quite where I wanted to be. He said lets up the dosage to 40mg and see how that works. I have now been on 40mg a day for two weeks or so and the new dose is finally starting to help even more.

My sweating has been reduced greatly but will still act up if I am in a really tense situation.

I have had no bad side effects besides prolonged ejaculation and more vivid dreaming neither of which I mind.

So overall Celexa has really helped from what I can tell. I did not want to try an SSRI at all and just wanted the doctor to prescribe a Benzo. But I am very glad I did try Celexa. It has been helping my overcome my fears and realize I am my own worst enemy. I am definitely less anxious using 40mg of Celexa.

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Posted by Black_Widow

Social Anxiety Background
I've suffered social anxiety from around the age of 11, as a result of going through a number of difficult bullying experiences at high school and also some bad family times previously which had a negative impact on my self esteem.

Other Treatments
Have also tried general counselling, CBT and beta blocker medication. Unfortunately general counselling didn't help me at all. CBT helped to a small extent, but because I only did a few sessions back in 2007 (without realising I needed longer term help right away) I feel that I'm only likely to benefit from it more when I can next get access to further treatment. Beta Blockers helped take the edge of my physical anxiety symptoms during the short time I tried them - but didn't help anywhere near as much as I hoped they would. I found they also made me constantly extra tired, and that I put on extra weight while on them, so in the end stopped taking them.

Treatment Experience
Back around mid May this year, my GP suggested putting me on Citalopram seeing as trying Beta Blockers in the past hadn't worked out for me and he seemed to be very confident that this would really help with my problems.

However, unfortunately my experience with this drug hasn't been good at all. I've tried taking this twice now. First time round, when trying this drug at 10mg and upping my dose from 1 tablet a day to 2 tablets after the first week I found I experienced severe sudden chest pains, so had to come off this for a while. During the second time (when trying this drug again at 10 mg but sticking with just one tablet a day rather than two) I didn't get the chest pains again but into my third week started experiencing sudden nose bleeds and just after started breaking out into a rash. I'm now deciding to discontinue this for good this time - as am pretty sure that this has been an allergic reaction.

Unfortunately, I can't comment as to how well the drug works on Social Anxiety as wasn't taking this for long enough for the effects to start taking hold.

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Posted by crossfadex

Social Anxiety Background
My social anxiety isn't as bad as some of the people on here, but I still have a nonexistent social life. Social problems seems to run in my family

Treatment Experience
I went up to 40 mg on celexa and had no benefit. Keep in mind, though, that SSRIs effect everybody differently. While on Celexa, I had no sexual side effects..which was good. It gave me nausea and sleeping problems, however. It did absolutely nothing for my anxiety.

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Posted by notJCMiller

Treatment Experience
I have recently started a 20 mg regiment of this medicine. My mood has noticeably elevated but I can constantly feel the buzz of this medicine.

I also have noticed marked memory loss. Especially when it comes to remembering people's names. In the last few days I've noticed a half dozen occasions where I simply can't remember the name of someone whose name I know that I know (if that makes sense).

Happy drugging!
-JCMiller23

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Posted by kimberly

Social Anxiety Background
panic, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder causing isolation and withdrawal

Treatment Experience
I have taken this medication in a very low dose for over a year with great success. It is the only thing that has helped me with dibilating anxiety and has no noticable side effects. I have also combined this with Kava Kava, an over the counter herbal remedy and it seems to help me function well in my field as well as parenting. However, I still resist increasing my dosage as my doctor has suggested. I struggle with attention deficit probems that can worsen which is why I decided to try the kava kava. It is still a process. I would recommend this as a treatment for anxiety/depression.

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Posted by Foh_Teej

Treatment Experience
Chemical castration pure and simple. I'll refrain from rating it negatively as I couldnt stand it long enough to rate how well it worked.

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Posted by SeaShell

Social Anxiety Background
I suffer from social anxiety, GAD, post traumatic stress disorder, moderate to severe depression and OCD.
Other Treatments
Zopiclone, Slow Release Xanax, Cipralex

Treatment Experience

I went on the generic South African version of Celexa called Cilift. 30mg per day for just under a year.

After about 4 months of taking Cilift I started feeling slightly less jumpy and anxious. but this only lasted for about 4 months. I never really saw any huge noteworthy differences to be honest. Still, I carried on taking it anyway for another 4 months.

I ended up back in therapy with new meds after it became apparent that Cilift was doing nothing for me and that I was starting to feel worse than ever.

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Posted by jugador409

Social Anxiety Background
I've had it forever. I've been anxious around people for about as far back as I can remember.

Other Treatments
I tried Paxil was was a worse experience. I had insomnia and was a zombie the whole time I took it.
Treatment Experience
While I was taking this I kept switching between periods of being extremely tired to feeling alright to being almost too euphoric. I was also constantly jittery and had frequent muscle spasms. Surprisingly I was able to sleep.

Panic attacks seemed more pronounced which I didn't like.

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Posted by Little Willow

Social Anxiety Background
I have severe social anxiety and general anxiety, including anxiety fears and asbergers syndrome. I also have obsessive-compulsive tendencies and mild depression

Other Treatments
None

Treatment Experience
Honestly, Celexa was the best thing that's happened to me in the past few months. I've heard about the sexual side effects, but for me that didn't matter.

Once I started Celexa, all my physical symptoms of anxiety (itching, stomach ache, sweating, headaches, etc) decreased dramatically. It has helped me so much. I have no plans right now to go off it, because it's really helping me. I am so glad my doctor put me on it.

I must warn, though, it's not a magic bullet. I still go to therapy every week, and it's the combination of the celexa and the strategies that helps me.

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Shared by Not So Nervous Nelly

Social Anxiety Background
Recovered SA sufferer currently taking medication for maintenance

Other Treatments
Zyprexa for mood.

Treatment Experience
I take Lexapro a derivative of Celexa. Even though it more expensive I like it because it more potent than Celexa because it only contains the therapeutic component of citalopram. Therefore, I don't have worry about taking too much. I don't have to worry about taking too much. I take 10mg, which the lowest dose . The average is 20mg.(2 pills) Although I considered switching for cost reasons I was concerned how my body would metabolize the Celexa. I have few major side effect beside the initial fatigue when I first start taking it. I highly recommend Lexapro if you can afford it.

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Posted by epril

Social Anxiety Background
Had it as far back as I can remember, kindergarten?

Other Treatments
paxil, zoloft, much therapy

Treatment Experience
ive been taking celexa for a few years. It works great. Hard to physically gets used to for a few days, but after that worth it. Im on high dose, 60 mg, because my counselor and psy doc started low, and upped it. Don't be afraid to increase dosage if you're still not where you want to be. I find it best to do therapy plus meds. Meds without therapy got me to not feel suicidal, but with therapy I can change my thoughts, share my problems and learn about my behavior, etc.

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Posted by moss12

Social Anxiety Background
I have been suffering from social anxiety since high school.I believe the constant bullying cause by my fellow pupil and the put down by my father who was really strict and the negativity surrounded brewed the anxiety called social anxiety, I don't know but I use to be isolated in the room looking at porn and masturbating severely to be happy with myself that was lowest it came too.

Thanks god now I am seeking and hopeful :-)

Other Treatments
I am taking fish pills but don't think it's helpful.
I am right now studying CBT therapy done by none other than Dr. Thomas A Richards

check him out guys he is really good
http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/

with CBT and medication you can't go wrong there :-)

Treatment Experience
My experience with citalopram for social anxiety have been a success to say the least, I am currently taking 20mg but deciding to up the dose to 40 mg since 20mg is not effective hopefully 40mg will give the kick in the bum that I need

so guys give this medication a go don't complain unless you tried it first :P

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Posted by Jeepers

Social Anxiety Background
Currently..my heart starts pounding and my mind goes blank. Unsure of what I'm saying and focused on what the other person may be thinking (when I know for sure, they are not thinking anything..just listening!) This has created a snowball effect in other areas of my life...

Other Treatments
Xanax only a few times - works for if your in the moment...I know too many people in bad shape from it.

Spiritual Healing - Wayne Dyer, Tao, etc. Has completely changed my life and I will continue this. However, it takes time that I don't have b/c this is hurting my work. I don't stress or worry...just can't seem to stop having anxiety attacks out of nowhere! aahhhh.

Treatment Experience
I went on Celexa 20mg when I was 20yrs old (28 now); mainly b/c my aunt said it just helps you stress less and she was on it. My life has only improved since I've been on it. I just feel normal...witty, didn't think twice before talking to a whole group of people! I was the life of the party always! I didn't worry about anything and became a great mentor to all of my friends--it allowed me to be at my full potential

WERE THE SIDE EFFECTS WORTH IT??
1.)I never cried...for 7 years! I saw it as a good thing until my 22yr old brother died and I was almost un-effected by it.
2.)I'm going to be blunt here...sexually forget about it; it was like pulling teeth to have an orgasm and I was pretty unemotional in a relationship. You need that!

HOWEVER, I went off of it went off of it (which is near impossible) 8 months ago and now am experiencing the worst social anxiety in the world! I can't even work! Was it from being on the drug so long---I don't know, could be. I'm considering going back on it...

BUT--DO I WANT TO GIVE THIS UP?
Since I've been off the drug...I am now in heart pounding love (good way) with a great man and having sex 3 times a day! I cry when I hear a touching story, was able to finally grieve for my brother and any other time a person would NORMALLY cry...

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Posted by Micliph

Social Anxiety Background
severe/extreme social anxiety for 2 years.

Other Treatments
CBT and a LOT of other meds, supplement and illegal drugs.

Treatment Experience
(Im danish so excuse me for grammar mistakes)

Citalopram is a danish developed drug, and we have very, very strict rules for a drug to be released to the market.

I've used citalopram for 1,5 year I think, and when you start taking the drug youre anxiety increases badly (1-2 weeks) and when the real effects start to kick in (about 4-8 weeks), then I started to feel much better about myself and others, but the effects are still quite mellow but noticeable. Anxiety is lowered quite a bit, sweating reduced, shaking and stuttering got better and I felt somewhat more confident and generally better about myself and my self-worth(is that a word?).

I haven't really felt any side effects besides prolonged ejaculation which is bad of course, but the positive effects are so good so I don' really care.

I can stop using the drug from day to day and not feel ANY cravings or bad side effects from stopping the medication like SNRI does (brain zaps and all that bad stuff).

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Posted by citizenbonaparte

Social Anxiety Background
I have had Social Anxiety Disorder for the last 10 years.

Other Treatments
Herbal treatments, and dietary supplements, which were all failures.

Treatment Experience
With Celexa I find it very hard to Panic Attack, since I have no attacks I have started feeling better about myself. which is great since now I am no longer other people's doormat. I have noticed at least with me that when I consume Caffeine or large amounts of sugar it makes my anxiety worse so I will probably stop drinking caffeine and limit sugar consumption. I do notice some side effects, however it is a worthwhile trade for what this drug is doing for me.

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Posted by Sloppy Joe

Social Anxiety Background
Severe social anxiety; mild to moderate depression

Treatment Experience
I was on Zoloft for a while; when that didn't work any more, I switched to Celexa. I have been on Celexa for close to a year now, and it seems to lift my anxiety equally well.

As for side effects - it's hard to know what's a consequence of the drug, and what's a consequence of my emotional disorders. I have noticed occasional headaches and insomnia; those are presumably from the drug. I've also had trouble with concentration and short-term memory, both of which may well stem from my depression.

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Posted by munequita

Social Anxiety Background
I have had social anxiety as long as I can remember.

Treatment Experience
I took Celexa for a few months and during this time I started to develop hives on my body. One morning I woke up and they were all over my face, I looked like a monster! The doctors couldn't figure out what it was from, so finally decided to take me off the Celexa and they went away. Other than this experience, I don't really know if the medication worked because I wasn't on it long enough. But just wanted to warn everyone who might get a similar reaction.

[Arisa1536]

Was on it for a month, did nothing, no side effects though but no actual loss of depression or anxiety either

[k0mnatad0t]

Social Anxiety Background
I am eighteen and have probably had some sort of social anxiety for the past five years.

Other Treatments
-Previously, I had tried, without success, lexapro, wellbutrin, and effexor. None had any positive effects and they made me think all SSRIs were worthless.
-Klonopin PRN. Klonopin has always been great for anxiety but doesn't seem to hit as strong now that I'm on Celexa. Luckily, the Celexa makes me not really need it anymore.

Treatment Experience
A few minutes ago, I was outside looking over Lake Michigan. I was just taking a few minutes in between classes to think out by the beautiful lake view, and I started reflecting on the changes I've seen in myself within the past couple weeks. I decided then that I should return to the forums and report my story here.

I had been trying to cope with social anxiety throughout high school and into my freshmen year of college. I thought I naturally cured my SA the summer before college started but a few weeks into my first semester away from home, I relapsed. Luckily, two weeks ago exactly, when my psychiatrist was refilling my klonopin scrip he asked me to try Celexa as well. I was really against the idea of trying another SSRI but I agreed to try it out. Now I can't thank him enough for the suggestion.

The positive benefits of Celexa slowly crept up on me. Gradually, I began to notice that I was feeling more comfortable with myself. Now the effects are even clearer though.

I feel like I am normal again. And I feel like I love myself again. I no longer dread doing things outside, no longer dread going to class or going out on weekends. I no longer feel inferior than everybody around me. I almost feel superior. I am charming and funny again. I feel like a better friend and boyfriend now. I am confident and calm. I can talk to anyone, and though I can't guarantee we'll have an interesting conversation, I know I won't get incredibly awkward anymore. I am finally safe in my own skin.

I have had no ill side effects from the medication though I do remember getting pretty bad diarrhea the first day when I took it on an empty stomach. I take it with meals now :3 Sexually though, everything is fine. I was scared of not being able to get it up but I've still been having incredible sex with my girlfriend so no worries there.