Brands > Celexa

Although effective, I really had incredible difficulty taking Celexa. It caused really vivid dreams. They weren't nightmares per-say but they were so realistic that I couldn't differentiate them from real life. I didn't have the problem my first two years on the drug, but during my 3rd year it go so bad, that my doctor changed me to a different drug. I don't recommend Celexa, but work with your Dr. and share any side effects you experience.

I started taking Celexa (then the generic, citalopram) after I had to get off Paxil, which was making me too tired. It was recommended because it had a better side-effect profile than Paxil. Once I got the dose right, I did find that it caused less-severe side effects, but eventually, like other SSRIs, it too took away my energy. It has been extremely effective at fighting depression, and with the addition of Wellbutrin, the Celexa side effects have lessened. However, if my depression could be handled without the celexa, I'd prefer to be off it.

My mother, whom I care for, was prescribed Celexa after the Prozac that she was on for five years stopped working. The Celexa seemed to work in the beginning. Her mood brightened again and she started showing interest in activities, but it didn't last. The dosage was adjusted twice, but it only made a small change, that didn't last. So Celexa was discontinued in favor of trying Lexapro. Celexa was a good bridge between the Prozac which had stopped working and the Lexapro, which she is on now. There were no side effects, but it just didn't seem to have the staying power for her. I think it is difficult to find safe and effective formulations for the elderly, but thankfully there were no adverse reactions, except maybe dry mouth, and that could have been attributed to other meds she as on.

I took Celexa for mild depression in my early 20s. The dosage had to be changed three times, including once because it gave a permanent migraine!! The Celexa was enough of an anti-depressant to make me feel emotion again, but not enough to help me deal with those emotions of the extreme anxiety I was feeling as well. I did experience some sexually related side-effects.

At first I loved Celexa because it made me sort of numb to the stress I was experiencing. It did not lift my depression however as my moods were still very down.
After around 6 months or so I developed the restless leg syndrome and had no idea what to do.
I went to the doctor and he prescribed something for that to no avail.
Finally he took me off of those and put me on prozac.
I would recommend Celexa as a good starting point for some people, but for me, it was only helpful at first.