Citalopram and weight gain.... I'm coming off slowly. Anyone else?
Posted , 14 users are following.
Hi there. I'm a 43 year old woman who has been prescribed 20mg of citalopram for the last 7 years. I used to weigh 115 lbs and was a size 8.... Since taking it year by year I have put on weight and now weigh 10st 3lbs - size 12-14. It's so upsetting as I no way over eat. I excersise loads: body pump, running, freestyle swimming - 100 lengths of 25m pool.... I have a super active lifestyle working out in the community as a music therapist - carrying heavy gear and constantly on the move. I don't like being on the drug but doctors seem to encourage just staying on it. I have tried to come off slowly before but the side effects were too much. That said - I can't do this anymore.... I want my mind and body back. My energy and vitality too. 10 days ago I began reducing my dose to around 15mg. I am feeling quite strange but it's not undo-able.... I plan to take another 5 mg off the dose next month... I would love to do this with the support of others that are going through the same thing.... I'm going to keep on excersising too. It helps to calm me down as I do feel lots of nervous energy .... I am praying that I start to get my weight down.... Anyone out there?
0 likes, 27 replies
Misssy2 Mel-and-Tiger
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Mel...I STOPPED THIS DRUG..after 8 years...on 20mg.
I stopped abruptly...about a month ago.
I was suffering for about 2 weeks..that is it...And then a Dr....told me that the withdrawal should not last any longer...I immediately felt better.
I hear people say they withdraw for months...NO..i think that we are so sensitive because we are told we need meds..and with and without them we feel sick.
I switched to Wellbutrin...not to take over withdrawals..but to not feel depressed and anxious.....and I feel so much better after stopping Citalopram...actually in a bout a week...my anxiety was much lower.
I TOO have gained weight...maybe from Citalopram..BUT..I am not dropping it since I've stopped.
Mel-and-Tiger Misssy2
Posted
Thanks Misssy.... I'm with you although I can't do the abrupt stop - I tried before and let's just say it didn't go well!! The two week thing makes sense but I'm self employed and can't afford the time off... Your words are very encouraging though ??.... I feel so much better since posting here - seriously like I'm not alone xx
teresa95815 Mel-and-Tiger
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Mel-and-Tiger teresa95815
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I feel you sister. It's so awful and the weight gain hasn't exactly helped me to feel good about life either... I didn't realise that it was the cit making me feel dull - I was scared to come off it imagining that I would feel even more depressed but so far it's better. I would prefer the side effects of cutting down compared to the day to day feelings I was experiencing before. Do you get really vivid dreams too? I'm sure for some people it's a worthwhile and helpful medication but I feel like I've shortchanged myself these last 7 years I've been on it. Stay positive Teresa! We can do this....
Guest Mel-and-Tiger
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jayne19569 Mel-and-Tiger
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Hi I'm new to this site just been reading about your discussion on citalapram ,I have been on this drug for about 9yrs now and feel I need to come off it but I'm really scared , I have also put weight on don't like the number feeling any more feel like I am totally blocked from feeling and help would be appreciated and if you have managed to come off it what was the side effects
Thank you 😊
bubbabart jayne19569
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bubbabart Mel-and-Tiger
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suey1234 Mel-and-Tiger
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Hi Mel I am a desperate 47 lady who has had 2 years where I have needed 40mg cit but I'm stronger and ready to reduce and come off them. My weight like yourself is awful cannot look at myself in my mirror, l like you I have never had a weight issue.
How you doin I truly hope good. Just wanted a little support.
Sue
bubbabart suey1234
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lotusflower111 Mel-and-Tiger
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bubbabart lotusflower111
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