Can't handle withdrawal, should I increase?
Posted , 5 users are following.
Hi
I don't think I can handle withdrawal anymore. The light headedness is horrid and I feel anxious about the withdrawal affects.
I have been on 5mgs for about 8 weeks, was on 10mgs for several years before that.
If I increase to 10mgs is it going to make matters worse for me or will I find some immediate relief?
I take 5mgs about 1pm and wondering whether I should take another 5mgs in the evening.
I'd appreciate hearing your advice anyone.
Thankyou
0 likes, 12 replies
Paula2019 Guest
Posted
Guest Paula2019
Posted
Hi Paula
Thanks for replying, you've replied to my other post too ?. Hope you are doing ok, I read that you are intending to reduce yourself at some point too.
I've had a bad day today, yesterday was a good day. So fed up of these yo yo like withdrawal effects. I know now that dropping 50% was too severe but I've done it now and facing the consequences.
It's getting me down for sure. I don't want to go back to doctor if I can help it. I'll try and stick it out for longer. Will look into massage though - thanks.
I wasn't feeling great whilst on 10mgs for the last 18 months or so. I was getting lightheadedness then and tinnitus, I thought perhaps it was the citalopram. I need to come off it to see where I'm at. Had bloods done recently and they were fine, been to ENT - fine, Echocardiogram about 18 months ago - fine. I do have neck arthritis though.
So frustrated with it all.😕
Paula2019 Guest
Posted
Guest Paula2019
Posted
Good luck with your project at work.
Hope everything goes to plan with your upcoming withdrawal.☺
kostas61165 Guest
Posted
I think you got excellent advice from Paula.
Since you had already started to have problems with the 10 mg prior to the drop, it seems that either you were not covered with this dosage any more, or the drug was pooped out as they say, and would not cover you any more.
Unfortunately we do not know what is what.
In any case now it seems that you have withdrawal symptoms, which will follow a window and wave pattern, and could last for a long time in some cases.
Eventually you will heal, as your body will return to homeostasis again, but it needs time patience and support.
At the moment I would say stick to the 5 until you stabilize, and then follow the 10%reduction.
Really many many people are in your situation!
Best of luck and take care.
Guest kostas61165
Posted
Hi Kostas,
I agree, Paula gives excellent advice, so does Lois, I've read many of their posts. You don't do too bad yourself either, if you don't mind me saying.
I am still on 5, I have come this far I suppose. I know what you say makes sense, I just want rid of it. Not being able to make plans is so frustrating. I used to take my elderly mother away for weekend breaks, can't do that anymore. She's feeling the knock on effect too.
I know there are many people in my situation, I just need to be reminded now and again, a kick up the backside so to speak.
Thank you for your reassuring advice and support.
Regards
Paula2019 Guest
Posted
moomoomin Guest
Posted
It took me a year to get off 10g, I did it very slowly. It went like this...
10 10 10 10 10 10 5
10 10 5 10 10 10 5
10 5 10 5 10 10 5
10 5 10 5 10 5 10
5 10 5 5 10 5 10
5 5 10 5 5 10 5
5 5 5 10 5 5 5
5 5 5 5 5 5 5
Each week representing a week stage and didn't drop to next one until I felt ready. Then just drop one 5 out during one week, then 2, then 3.... when ready...
At the end I took one 5mg once a week and then stopped.
Good luck.
Guest moomoomin
Posted
Wow, you were really methodical about this, thank you for taking the time to explain. How are you now, are you fully recovered?
Seems I have a long way to go lol.
Best wishes
marey1967 Guest
Posted
I am also currently weaning off of cit. started at 40mg and now down to 15mg. Under the direction of a physician who is helping me wean off of Cit, he had me take 5htp (tryptophan) 5htp is the precursor to serotonin. This will help a lot with withdrawals. I have noticed the withdrawals have stopped since staring the 5htp. I take a total of 100 mg a day broken down in three doses. You can buy 5htp at any health food store. Also read this website which really helped me when I decided to start weaning off of cit. https://dominatedepression.com/how-i-got-off-antidepressants/ There is tons of information here. Good luck. .
Guest marey1967
Posted
Hi Marey
Thank you for your post. I've looked at the link and it's powerful stuff for sure. We don't really know what we are dealing with, citalopram isn't a drug to be messed with.
I'll take a look at tryptophan or 5-HTP and may give it a try. You say your withdrawal symptoms have stopped since using it, did you get the light headed feeling before taking it and if so, did that go too?
Many thanks
Guest
Posted
Thank you Marey ☺