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Can't handle withdrawal, should I increase?

Posted , 5 users are following.

Guest
Guest

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

12 Replies

  • Paula2019
    Paula2019 Guest

    Posted

    Hi Lina, I personally wouldnt increase back to 10mg whilst in withdrawal as know that it would cause me problems, and definitely would not split the dosage and take twice a day. The half life is around 15 hrs. I am not a doctor, but would advise you to speak to yours to hopefully put your mind at rest. With regards to your withdrawal, dropping 50% is a huge drop, I have read that 10% tapers are recommended, alot of people drop by 2.5mg and wait to settle before dropping more. Hang in there, try and go with it. Massages help with the nervous system, well worth trying.
    • Guest
      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
      Paula2019 Guest

      Posted

      Its very frustrating, I too have tinnitus from these. Glad you are going to get massages as really helps. Unfortunately we have to give our brains and central nervous systems time to adjust. I am desperate to get off these but have a tough project on at work for next few weeks, and my docs want me to wait a bit.,then its back to withdrawal again for the next year. It will be worth it in the end. Try not to let the symptoms scare you and just go with it and take lots of rest.
    • Guest
      Guest Paula2019

      Posted

      Thanks again.

      Good luck with your project at work.

      Hope everything goes to plan with your upcoming withdrawal.☺

    • kostas61165
      kostas61165 Guest

      Posted

      Hi Lina

      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
      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

  • moomoomin
    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
      Guest moomoomin

      Posted

      Hi

      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
    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
      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
      Guest

      Posted

      I hasten to add that I too would check this out with my doctor before using it because of possible interactions and side effects.

      Thank you Marey ☺

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