I have been on Celexa for a little over a week for panic attacks/...

It takes at least 2 weeks to feel the beneficial effects of Celexa. The adjustment period is terrible, I remember it well. But after a couple of weeks, things begin to even out and you should feel better. Please give it a couple of weeks before you stop. You can ween yourself onto the drug if it helps, taking on every other day for the first week, then increasing to one every day. But you must give it a chance to build in your system. If after 2-3 weeks you don't feel any better, then you should talk to your doctor about alternative or additional treatment. The Ativan should help you get through the adjustment period. If it doesn't, ask your doctor if you can increase your dose or frequency for a couple of days, to help your body adjust to the new drug.
Good luck. And don't let them tell you it's all in your head!

I have been on Celexa for over a year with no known side effects except maybe wanting to eat more and gaining weigh (but I'm not sure if this is the Celexa). Of course, no one body is the same. Take your doctor's advice and continue taking the Celexa and if you have any more panic attacks, she might can recommend another medicine. Hang in there and try not to stress out during the holidays. Keep it low key if you can. God bless.

I went through exactly the same thing! Please stick with it, because after another week you'll be so glad you did! My anxiety intensified so much in the first week I thought I was "going crazy." I wanted to go off the Celexa so badly, but my doctor (and husband) insisted I stick it out - and they were right. I know how awful panic attacks are, and I feel for you - but don't give up on the Celexa. You won't regret it. Good luck, and God Bless. ~Traci

I was put on Celexa a while back for depression and anxiety. I had been on it before but for some reason this time I seemed more sensitive for me. I started feeling overwhelming panic, anxiety, and disconnected from everyone. I got off of that immediately and tried Effexor. I noticed a difference immediately after the first pill. Even though not everyone's feel okay that quickly, I had a few days after that where I did not feel as good as other days, but it was definately better from that day on. That was almost 2 years ago and now I am on nothing. The bottom line is that you may need to try a couple of medications to see what works for you best.

I know this is sort of after the fact, but I was prescribed Celexa for OCD, I really wanted to give it a try although I am functioning OK, but life could be a little easier.... so I went on it for a week and after a week experienced nausea so bad that I missed work. (the same thing happened with Zoloft). So I went off of it this past Monday, and I am still waking up nauseous in the night and mornings. Is this normal to have withdrawal after only taking it for a week? I also take Ativan to aleviate anxiety and I have never experienced side effects with it aside from a little tiredness, I hear a lot of people stop because of the nausea- I just wish there was something I could do to get through this, I just feel like being nauseous every day is hard, and not a great quality of life. It also gives me more anxiety. Anyway- I am just sharing my experience, I am going to instead schedule 10 sessions of cognitive therapy, which has helped before. This anti depressant stuff just doesnt like my body...

I am so sorry you have been going through so much with this drug. I too was prescribed Celexa on tuesday the 22nd of January. I told my doctor about the other drugs I've tried and what happened taking them but he told me, just be patient, it takes time. Well, I took my first dose that night and awoke at 4 am with such anxiety I thought I would climb the walls. I couldn't relax, was so nervous and on the verge of having a panic attack which I've had many times since 1995. I have GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) it has kept me a prisoner in my own home as I am afraid to go anywhere alone nor drive alone. Living like this is not living and then to take a drug that only worsens the condition I already suffer with, is ridiculous. I called and told my doctor what had happened and I get told, keep taking it as the side effects will go away in time. Well, he doesn't have to live like I do so I will NOT take another pill. I will stick with what I know works and that is valium and some herbal remedies like passion flower and Calms Forte. In my opinion and I am a retired nurse, I think doctors need to go back to medical school and learn more about supplements and herbs. If the Chinese have had success with herbs for centuries, why can't we learn from them?

I've been prescribed celexa 3 weeks ago for severe depression, This episode was stress related imo. Anyway I never had much of a problem with panic attacks when I wasn't taking med but since on celexa I've been feeling very anxious and have had a couple panic attacks. Is this just a side effect and will go away?

Its been 3 weeks I'm hoping by next week I feel less anxious, I hate this feeling! It also is making me obsess about stupid things (never had this before) Imo I'd be better on natural pills SSRIs are no good, Zoloft gave me the same reaction when it stopped working, major panic attacks and racing heart beat it was terrible but what I feel now isn't nearly as bad as that I was practically bed ridden.

Any help/responses would be appreciated