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6 weeks off Citalopram, can’t handle the withdrawal. Am I week if I go back to taking them?

Posted , 8 users are following.

Mike480
Mike480

I’ve been taking 20mg of Citalopram since Jan. 2009 for anxiety. I felt I had no use for them any more and began to tapering in February this year. I stopped in late March (22nd, too soon when I think of it now). Now I’m paying the consequences for that. The withdrawals started April 15th. The withdrawals are just very annoying, mostly the insomnia and agitation. I was able to keep up appearances (work, family functions and going to the movies), the withdrawals were definitely there though. Today I just can’t take the agitation and anxiety, I barely made it through work. I’m contemplating on throwing in the towel and going back on Citalopram. Any advice?

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • cassandra15988
    cassandra15988 Mike480

    Posted

    Hey Mike,

    Sorry your feeling like this! If they made you feel better than maybe you should start back on them. This is my 3rd on them. I was in citalopram 40mg for a year but tapered off because I became pregnant. I was on 10mg of escitalopram last year but went off because I thought they weren't helping (BIG mistake) now I'm currently on 20mg of escitalopram. Still feeling a bit funny but not as anxious and panicky as I was 9 weeks ago!

    The choice is yours though do what you think is best for you! Only you know what you need.

    Hope this helped a little bit. Goodluck with whatever you chose!

    Cassandrav

    • Mike480
      Mike480 cassandra15988

      Posted

      Thank you Cassandra! Yeah I was a bad night. My anxiety came back with a vengeance, I couldn’t sleep at all, also have nausea. I actually stayed home from work today for the first time since the withdrawals started. 
  • will20275
    will20275 Mike480

    Posted

    Hi mike,

    I feel you came off way to quickly. I would think the coming off should be over at least several months. I’m  sorry I can’t help you as I’m on them for my 1st time and I’m only in my 11th week and I’m just beginning to feel like normal. I’m staying on these for however long I need them. 

    Will😎

  • gilip
    gilip Mike480

    Posted

    I guess it depends how bad you feel now and what was the quality of your life while you were taking them. If you felt you were happier and coping well, go back on them but very slowly !! I am about 4 months in and beginning to see the light ha ha. Today is a good day!!
    • lois95799
      lois95799 gilip

      Posted

      That's great to hear...so glad your seen improvements...

  • matthew28493
    matthew28493 Mike480

    Posted

    Mike,

    Deciding that you still need to be on medication does not make you weak! I was on Cit for a little over year from Sept 2016 until Novemberish 2017. I was able to come off them without any real noticeable effects but in early March the anxiety and panic started back up and I decided to go back on it. If you feel your life is better with it than it is worth it.

    • lois95799
      lois95799 matthew28493

      Posted

      I sometimes wonder if folks realize when there taking ssris and there feeling good ..is it because of the ssris or is it naturally?I think is because of the ssris...what do you think?????
    • gilip
      gilip lois95799

      Posted

      Yes Lois I definitely think it’s the meds and I will never be coming off them again!!!!
    • Mike480
      Mike480 matthew28493

      Posted

      Thank you Matthew! I’m going through nausea and anxiety at the moment, it’s not fun. I actually missed work today. I shouldn’t have mess with a good thing. I think I will go back on Cit!
    • matthew28493
      matthew28493 lois95799

      Posted

      I know the first time around I thought that I was ok to come off because I had never dealt with anxiety in my past, I was 35 at the time, and thought maybe it was just a one time thing. Now I am wondering if this will be a life long issue and have no problem staying on them as long as needed.
    • lois95799
      lois95799 matthew28493

      Posted

      Its a long life issue trust me.once the cycle starts it's a nightmare without meds...and to go thru hell to see if your one of the fortunate ones that may not need ssris ..no thanks I will not make myself an experiment.. already had to deal with been a guinea pig in the beginning..and that was horrible .I'll stick to my celexa..x

    • lois95799
      lois95799 nucole36482

      Posted

      If it isn't a life or death situation .why come off the meds....??

  • katecogs
    katecogs Mike480

    Posted

    You've withdrawn way too quick ...... these often take many, many months to come off. I took a year doing it by 5mg each time with the last dose being crushed to took 2.5mg and finally 1.25mg.  I didn't have any withdrawal doing it this slow from 20mg.

    Reinstating is probably best as these withdrawal symptoms won't be going anywhere fast.  You may be in for a rough ride for a while yet, but once you've stabilised then take another look at withdrawing slower.

    K x

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