Posted , 6 users are following.
Hi Everyone
I will be reducing my dosages of Citalopram within the next month until I am completely off it, which will be approx. in 6 months. I have tried the cold turkey method when I was on it years ago and will never forget those head shocks or spasms and then suddenly feeling very depressed and anxious. My memory is a bit vague but am sure I felt good after the initial withdrawal then a few months later that's when it hit me.
Has anyone experienced this or have any advice they can offer me to try and avoid this. My main concern is keeping my job so do not want that affected and they have been very patient with me so far.
I have also read, that the toughest bit is tapering gradually from the last 10mg.
2 likes, 49 replies
Paula2019
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I have had a lightbulb moment. Last October I started alternating between 30mg and 25mg of cita and did this over 6 weeks, then after a health scare end November I dropped immediately to 20mg and at the same time reduced by 5mg of amitryptyline.
Between then and Up to end of March I cried constantly most the time I didnt know why. Infact I cried more in those months than I ever have in my entire life. Am a naturally positive person and kept telling myself go with it, feel the emotions, I assumed that my emotions have been so numb and I had been through so much that It was healing tears. Despite that I managed to rebuild my life.
Now, I am thinking this must have been withdrawal symptoms, so I checked the internet and there it was. Unbelievable, I was suffering with cita withdrawal and didnt know. My tears did stop and I had a period of 6 weeks feeling good, not great, but feeling good felt amazing. I am now starting withdrawal again from Amitryptyline, and am getting symptoms have been reducing by teeny tiny amounts for a few days ready to come off them on Tuesday, have taken time off work, and there will be some tears., headaches., severe tiredness and tetchiness. Needed to share all this, its been a tough journey for me. Infact its been pure hell. I am going to be ok, not sure how my posts are going to sound whilst going through this so want to say to you all, be strong and see you on the other side. X
Paula2019
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lois95799 Paula2019
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Paula2019 lois95799
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lois95799 Paula2019
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Yes it's the annoying side effects of either withdrawals or starting ..if it weren't for those nasty side effects .. every thing would be nice and dandy . remember it's not you it's the chemicals of thses meds..
Paula2019 lois95799
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lois95799 Paula2019
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simona66866 Paula2019
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Hi Paula, I read your other posts as well. You're a brave human and I admire your strength going through this. I just started weaning off and trying tk be positive so your post gave me courage! In the end of the day all the bad feelings will come to an end we just need to push through it. Wish you all the luck and sending some positive energy!!
Paula2019 simona66866
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patricia22438 Paula2019
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Hi, Paula - and everyone here. I'm beginning to wean myself down from Citalopram. I've been on 20mg for over 5 years. I've withdrawn before but went back. Now I'm going to take someone's advice on here to do this:
4 weeks 20 mg one day then 10 mg the next4 weeks 10 mg one day then 5 mg the next
4 weeks 5 mg everyday
4 week 5 mg every other day.
Anyone have any problems going down like this? Thank you whoever posted this - I saw it before I joined up.
Paula2019 patricia22438
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patricia22438 Paula2019
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Paula, I went to my doctor feeling very depressed, crying all the time - it was around 9-11-01- yes that long ago. I did withdraw from it a couple times between then, and then life stresses, serious family problems caused me to seek help again through my doctor. I have been experiencing memory problems. I did some some research and see that it can be directly caused by the drug, and there is no guarantees that you can totally regain what you have lost. I'm going to try. Hoping to begin with a careful withdrawal. I did not understand how powerful this or any drug is to our brain. You just want to feel happy like you think everyone else is - not crying or feeling sad most days. Now I see that I should have coping skills ready to get over the deep valleys in life. I have my piano music to learn, and I found out I'm pretty happy since I have learned to crochet. Can make some little things for others in need. I'm ready to stop using this medication - and having the medication use me. This forum is a great place for us to find support and to encourage others! Let's keep in touch!
Paula2019 patricia22438
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Paula2019
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lois95799 Paula2019
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Paula2019 lois95799
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lois95799 Paula2019
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Yes ma'am it will make your over all alot better .
Paula2019 lois95799
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lois95799 Paula2019
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Paula2019 lois95799
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lois95799 Paula2019
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Paula2019
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lois95799 Paula2019
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Paula2019
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Paula2019
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lois95799 Paula2019
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Paula2019 lois95799
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lois95799 Paula2019
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Paula2019 lois95799
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Good Question! right now I want to scream. Am just going with it and reminding myself that in 1 week, the worst will be over and in 2-3 weeks, I could be feeling great. I feel absolutely rubbish! haven't cried at all, this withdrawal is different to the tapering, I hope I don't get too tetchy can already see signs of that in my posts ha!
is complete withdrawal different to actual reductions?
lois95799 Paula2019
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Yes ma'am.unfortunately
Paula2019 lois95799
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