Does Celexa make you Sleepy or Tired? Citalopram Drowsiness Explained

Does Celexa make you sleepy, tired, or drowsy? Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. It is also known as an SSRI antidepressant with side effects such as drowsiness or tiredness being one of the most common ones experienced by patients taking this medication.

When you’re feeling down, it can be hard to get through your day. Depression or anxiety disorder is a serious condition that affects several people at some point in their lives. However, there are ways to manage it and lead a normal life. Depression treatment usually involves medication and therapy sessions for the duration of the patient’s illness.

However, drugs aren’t the only option when it comes to managing depression and anxiety disorders. Changing your lifestyle, habits, and diet may also help reduce symptoms of depression such as low mood, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and an inability to enjoy things that you once found pleasurable. 

In this article, we will explore whether citalopram makes you sleepy or tired.

Does Celexa make you sleepy, tired, or drowsy? Citalopram effects on sleep and energy

Contents

Does Celexa make you sleepy?

Most SSRIs including Citalopram oral tablets can make you feel sleepy. Celexa (citalopram) is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. Serotonin is a normal brain chemical that helps maintain mental balance.

It belongs to a group of medications called the “newer” antidepressants that are believed to be more effective than older classes of drugs. Citalopram is used to treat depression and anxiety, as well as panic attacks.

One of the potential side effects of Celexa is drowsiness or fatigue. However, not everyone who takes Celexa experiences this side effect. Some people may feel more energized or experience insomnia while taking Celexa.

If you are experiencing excessive drowsiness or fatigue while taking Celexa, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They may adjust your dosage or suggest a different medication that may be more suitable for you.

It’s also important to note that it may take a few weeks for your body to adjust to the medication, and side effects may subside over time. However, if you are experiencing severe side effects or have concerns about taking Celexa, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.

Possible side effects of citalopram include dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, and headache. As with any drug therapy, it’s important to note whether these side effects persist or ease as you continue taking the medication.

The relationship between Celexa and sleep

Celexa is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is involved in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep, among other functions. By increasing serotonin levels, Celexa helps to improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.

However, one of the potential side effects of Celexa is drowsiness or fatigue. This is thought to be because the medication can affect the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which can impact the sleep-wake cycle.

In particular, Celexa is known to increase the amount of time spent in the deeper stages of sleep, known as slow-wave sleep or delta sleep. While this can be beneficial for some people, as deep sleep is important for physical restoration and repair, it can also make people feel more groggy or drowsy during the day.

Celexa may also impact sleep quality in other ways. For example, some people may experience more vivid dreams or nightmares while taking Celexa. Others may experience disrupted sleep, such as waking up frequently during the night or having trouble falling asleep.

It’s worth noting that the relationship between Celexa and sleep can be complex and varies from person to person. Some people may experience drowsiness or other sleep-related side effects when they first start taking the medication, but these side effects may subside over time as their body adjusts to the medication. Others may experience sleep-related side effects for the entire duration of their treatment.

If you are experiencing sleep-related side effects while taking Celexa, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider. They may recommend adjusting your dosage or trying a different medication that may be better suited to your needs. They may also recommend other strategies for improving your sleep, such as practicing good sleep hygiene, engaging in relaxation techniques, or considering other treatment options for your depression or anxiety.

Citalopram and daytime sleepiness

Citalopram, also known by its brand name Celexa, can cause daytime sleepiness as a side effect. Drowsiness or fatigue is a common side effect of many antidepressants, including citalopram. Some people may experience this side effect when they first start taking the medication, while others may experience it after taking it for a longer period.

If you are experiencing daytime sleepiness or other side effects while taking citalopram, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider. They may recommend adjusting your dosage, trying a different medication, or incorporating other strategies to manage the side effects.

It’s also important to note that citalopram and other antidepressants can affect people differently, and not everyone will experience the same side effects. If you are concerned about any side effects you are experiencing, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Celexa has been associated with daytime sedation in some patients and therefore can give the user a better sleep quality when you are suffering from anxiety or depression. Citalopram appears to be as effective as older antidepressants in the treatment of depression.

However, it may cause daytime sedation and make sleep quality better. If you are experiencing citalopram-induced sleepiness or tiredness, speak with your physician about an alternative antidepressant that does not have these side effects.

Does citalopram 20 mg make you sleepy?

Citalopram 20 mg oral tablet can cause sleepiness as a side effect

Citalopram 20 mg oral tablet can cause sleepiness as a side effect. Theoretically, sleepiness is a side effect that should dissipate as you continue taking citalopram 20 mg orally tablets. If you experience this side effect, talk to your doctor about what to do and how long it might last.

Citalopram 20mg oral tablet is often prescribed for depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. It’s also marketed as one of the newer antidepressants that are believed to be more effective than older classes of drugs.

As with any drug therapy, it’s important to note whether these side effects persist or ease as you continue taking the medication. Some users may feel drowsy or tired while taking citalopram 20mg oral tablet.

Is Citalopram making you feel Tired?

Celexa can make you tired in the initial stages of taking the medication before the body gets used to the increased serotonin levels in your brain. This is because the drug can affect levels of serotonin in your body, which may make you feel more tired.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for regulating mood and sleepiness in the brain. If you experience this side effect, it typically subsides as your body adjusts to the medication.

However, if citalopram is having a negative impact on your daily activities or if this symptom persists for more than two weeks, consult with your doctor about adjusting your dosage or discontinuing treatment altogether.

There are several other medications that can be used to treat depression without bringing about drowsiness or fatigue as a side effect. Your doctor can help you explore these options and find one that’s right for you.

When does Celexa make you tired?

Once you start taking the Celexa (citalopram) for anxiety disorders or depression, one of the potential side effects is to feel physically fatigued and require more sleep than you usually have. This is a common side effect of SSRI medications.

For many people, the need for sleep diminishes after a few weeks of citalopram therapy and it should not be a cause for concern as long as you’re not feeling too sleepy or tired.

Celexa is a brand name for citalopram and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It’s one of the newer types of antidepressants that are designed to impact serotonin levels in your brain more effectively. Celexa typically comes in pill form, but you can also get it in liquid form for administration through an IV.

Sleep when taking anxiety medication

Does Celexa tiredness go away?

The side effects of citalopram may go away as your body becomes more used to the medication. It may also be worth discussing any side effects you are experiencing with your doctor. As with any drug, it can take time for your body to adjust to the medication.

Your dose may need to be adjusted if the tiredness does not go away after a few weeks of taking citalopram. It’s important to note that citalopram is a prescription drug and should not be taken without medical supervision.

If you experience tiredness while on citalopram, consult a doctor before adjusting your dosage or stopping treatment altogether. The doctor may insist that you take the medication for some time so that the body can start tolerating the changes in serotonin. If the tiredness persists or becomes unbearable, the doctor may recommend a change in dosage or medication.

Strategies for managing sleepiness caused by Celexa

The following are the tips to manage sleepiness caused by Celexa:

  • Talk to your healthcare provider about adjusting your dosage. Sometimes, reducing the dose of Celexa can help alleviate daytime sleepiness or fatigue.
  • Take your medication at a different time of day. For some people, taking Celexa at night instead of in the morning can help reduce daytime sleepiness.
  • Practice good sleep hygiene. This can include going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine.
  • Incorporate exercise into your routine. Regular exercise can help increase energy levels and reduce feelings of fatigue.
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet. A nutritious diet can help improve energy levels and overall well-being.
  • Consider other treatment options. If you are experiencing severe side effects or are not seeing improvement in your symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider about other treatment options, such as switching to a different medication or adding therapy to your treatment plan.
  • Be patient. It may take some time for your body to adjust to Celexa and for side effects to subside. Stick with your treatment plan and talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Should you continue taking Citalopram if it makes you feel tired?

No, the side effects mostly go away after the body gets used to the medication but consult your doctors first. It is not uncommon for people to experience feelings of drowsiness or tiredness while taking citalopram.

This may be due to the drug’s effect on serotonin, which can lead to sedation and sleepiness. But don’t worry! These side effects usually go away after the body gets used to the medication and with time.

However, if you feel that the side effects haven’t subsided after a few weeks, consult your doctor about other options. If you are feeling tired or sleepy during the day because of this medication, it may be worth switching to a different medication that doesn’t make you feel this way since sleeping habits and fatigue can sometimes be signs of depression or anxiety.

Does Celexa make you drowsy?

It can cause drowsiness in some people. Some people find that citalopram makes them feel drowsy, while others experience no side effects at all. Citalopram is not typically known to cause drowsiness or tiredness as a side effect; however, some individuals may experience these symptoms.

One reason for this is because citalopram is metabolized in the liver and could, therefore, have a sedative-like effect. Another reason citalopram might make you feel tired or drowsy is its interference with your natural circadian rhythm.

The disturbance of your circadian rhythm could cause you to feel more sleepy than usual during certain parts of the day. This effect can be mitigated by adjusting your schedule so that you are awake when you would normally be sleeping and asleep when it’s time for work.

In addition to the side effects previously mentioned, fatigue and sleepiness are possible side effects of taking citalopram. It’s important to note that these side effects are rare and likely will improve after discontinuing the drug therapy or adjusting your schedule so that it coincides with your natural circadian rhythm.

Why might you feel tired or drowsy while taking citalopram?

It is one of the potential side effects as the body gets used to changes in serotonin levels. As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, citalopram works by slowing the natural process of removing serotonin from the space between nerve cells, or synapses.

This results in an increased amount of serotonin present in the brain and spinal cord. It is important to note that as your body adjusts to these changes, citalopram users may experience feeling tired or drowsy. This is one of the potential side effects that may show up for some people who take citalopram.

The severity and frequency of this side effect will vary depending on each person’s physiology, specifically their level of sensitivity to serotonin and how many other medications they are taking at the same time.

However, if you start noticing symptoms like feeling tired and drowsy while taking citalopram after two weeks, you should talk with your doctor about adjusting your dosage or trying a different medication altogether.

Does Celexa drowsiness go away?

Citalopram is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant, and drowsiness can be a side effect of this class of medications. The older antidepressants usually cause more drowsiness than the newer antidepressants like citalopram; however, some may still experience it.

Drowsiness often occurs during the first few weeks of treatment and may improve as your body becomes used to the effects of citalopram.

If you are experiencing this side effect, there are some things you can do to manage it:

  • Take your medication early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s not as likely to interfere with your sleep;
  • Take short naps during the day;
  • Exercise regularly;
  • Drink plenty of fluids;
  • Avoid alcohol and sedating medications like sleeping pills or muscle relaxants unless they are prescribed by a doctor.

What should I do if Celexa makes me drowsy?

Some people taking Celexa find that it makes them both drowsy and tired. If this is the case for you, then you might benefit from adjusting your dose or taking it at a different time of day. If you take your citalopram in the morning, it might cause drowsiness in the afternoon or evening.

This is because serotonin levels naturally increase during these times of day, which can lead to sleepiness. Taking your medication in the evening may help combat this problem, but be sure to speak with your doctor first to ensure that there are no contraindications with any other medications you take.

If you find that taking citalopram makes you sleepy during the daytime, adjust your dose accordingly so that it’s not too high. It may also help to take it at bedtime rather than in the early afternoon as some people suggest.

Does Celexa help you sleep?

Celexa can perform double duty by helping you sleep and improving your mood but in some people, it can cause trouble sleeping or insomnia. Celexa is a prescription antidepressant that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of medications.

These drugs were developed as a treatment for depression and anxiety by blocking the body’s ability to reabsorb serotonin. Older antidepressant medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, were believed to affect serotonin levels as well, but they primarily targeted neurotransmitters called monoamines; these types of antidepressants are no longer considered first-line treatment because they can take days or weeks before beginning to work.

As with any medication, there are potential side effects associated with Celexa–including insomnia, daytime drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. One in five people taking this drug may also experience sexual dysfunction.

If you experience any of these symptoms while on Celexa therapy, you should speak to your health care provider about what can be done about them. The good news is that most people taking Celexa have fewer side effects than with older antidepressants like tricyclics or MAOIs.

Length of time it takes for your body to get used to Celexa

The effects of Celexa on your body will give you early signs that the medication is working but also take up to a month to see improvements in the emotional disorder you are treating.

The process for your body to adjust to Celexa takes two to four weeks. This is because it takes your body two to four weeks to adjust to the new serotonin levels in the brain. It’s normal for you to feel depressed and have a low mood while you wait for this adjustment period.

The improvements in sleep, energy, or appetite should be seen 1 to 2 weeks after starting taking Citalopram. The improvements in the physical signs give an early indication that the medication is working on your body. This enables your doctor to understand your body’s needs and get to understand the dosage required better.

However, the full improvement of depressed mood and lack of interest in activities will be seen in up to 6-8 weeks. At this stage, the medication has helped consistently increased the available serotonin in your brain to aid in recovery from emotional disorders.

Is Celexa better to take in the morning or at night?

Are you taking a medication that makes you feel drowsy? If so, it may be a good idea to adjust your administration schedule for the drug.

For example, if Celexa has made you feel drowsy every time you take it in the morning, try taking it at night.

Many SSRI medications can make people sleepy or tired. It is important to note that Celexa is an SSRI and some of these side effects are possible while using this drug.

However, not everyone experiences this and it may depend on how your body reacts to the medication. Make sure to speak with your doctor about how best to manage any side effects from Celexa so that they don’t become problematic for you.

Other possible side effects of citalopram

There are many potential side effects of Citalopram as an SSRI medication, and not all of them are reported by every user. Most users will report no adverse effects from citalopram, but those who do may experience drowsiness as well.

The common side effects of citalopram include:

  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth,
  • Sleeping difficulties that can present with drowsiness or trouble sleeping
  • Excessive sweating
  • Dizziness,
  • Headache

This is because citalopram blocks serotonin reuptake in the brain and reduces the production of natural serotonin in your body. Since serotonin helps regulate sleep patterns, low levels can lead to a disruption in your circadian rhythm and cause you to feel tired or sleepy.

Many people taking citalopram will find that they have trouble sleeping when they first start taking it. While this is sometimes disconcerting for new users, it’s a sign that the drug is working since it usually resolves within a few days or weeks.

For some people, this may mean getting an earlier bedtime or taking a shorter nap during the day if possible to compensate for feeling tiredness due to their medication regimen. As with any new treatment regimen, it’s important to work closely with your doctor or therapist so you can manage any side effects appropriately and get back on track with your mental health goals as soon as possible.

How does Citalopram work?

Citalopram is classified as an SSRI, which means it affects levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood, emotions, and sleep. When serotonin levels are out of balance, this can lead to depression or anxiety.

SSRIs work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin by certain cells. This allows more serotonin to stay in your system for longer without being broken down and excreted from the body. That wat Citalopram is able to help in anxiety disorders and depression.

Therefore, because of the action of serotonin reabsorption, Citalopram has a good effect on mood, emotion, and sleep. To know that Celexa is working, check for improvements within the first 1-2 weeks on anxiety symptoms including sleep, energy, or appetite.

Bottom Line

Citalopram is an antidepressant that may cause drowsiness or tiredness in some individuals. This is a result of the medication’s effect on serotonin levels, which can lead to a feeling of sleepiness or tiredness. If you experience this side effect, speak with your doctor to determine whether it will persist past the first few weeks of taking citalopram or ease up with continued use.

Citalopram is an antidepressant that is commonly known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It belongs to a group of medications called the “newer” antidepressants that are believed to be more effective than older classes of drugs.

Citalopram is used to treat depression and anxiety, as well as panic attacks. Possible side effects of citalopram include dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, and headache.

As with any drug therapy, it’s important to note whether these side effects persist or ease as you continue taking the medication. In addition to these common side effects, some users also report feeling drowsy or tired while taking citalopram.

FAQs

Does citalopram cause you to be sleepy or tired?

Most people who take a medication such as citalopram report no side effects. However, some people do experience drowsiness and sleepiness while taking this drug. Some people take Citalopram (Celexa) and feel less energetic or drowsy. This may be due to the medication’s effect on the brain chemical serotonin, which regulates moods and sleep cycles. If you notice that these effects persist even after several weeks at the same dosage, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

Do I need to take any other steps if I feel sleepy or tired from taking Celexa?

It’s not uncommon for people who are feeling drowsy or tired from taking citalopram to feel better within two weeks of starting treatment as their body adjusts to the medication. If you don’t notice an improvement in your symptoms by then, talk with your doctor about lowering your dosage or trying a different antidepressant.

Can I take something else if I am feeling too sleepy or tired from Celexa?

Yes. Talk with your doctor about whether adjusting your dosage might be helpful or switching medications altogether. Sometimes, antidepressants can lead to lower levels of serotonin in the brain and cause sleepiness and fatigue. Other medications may have a more favorable effect on your symptoms without causing drowsiness as a side effect.

What are some other side effects of Celexa?

Side effects that have been reported with Celexa include nausea, headache, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, insomnia, dizziness, and dry mouth.

How long does it take for Celexa to work?

It can take a few weeks before you start feeling the effects of Celexa. For many people, it starts working in about one week.

Dr. David Barlow

David is a well-known researcher and author in the anxiety disorders area with extensive research on their etiology, nature, and treatment. He started the site to share his real-life experiences on the management of anxiety disorders with successful diagnosis and treatment being his motivation to write or review the content on this site.