6 weeks off Citalopram, can’t handle the withdrawal. Am I week if I go back to taking them?
Posted , 8 users are following.
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
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 cassandra15988
Posted
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 Mike480
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lois95799 gilip
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That's great to hear...so glad your seen improvements...
matthew28493 Mike480
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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 matthew28493
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gilip lois95799
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Mike480 matthew28493
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matthew28493 lois95799
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lois95799 matthew28493
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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
nucole36482 lois95799
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lois95799 nucole36482
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If it isn't a life or death situation .why come off the meds....??
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