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?

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  • Posted

    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.

    • 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

  • Posted

    Hi, I have been taking citralapam for 3 years and have gained 2 stone in weight despite eating a healthy diet, I am a dog walker so walk on average 4 hours a day and cycle everywhere!, I have also totally lost my sex drive!! I have decided to come off and have cut my 20mg dose to 10mg, I have side effects brain zaps, fatigue but I am determined to come off this awful drug.
    • Posted

      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....

  • Posted

    The slower you come off it the better after 1 year drop 5mg every 2 to 3 weeks my daughter has just come off like that with no problems if u been on it for years do a 1/4 pill every month.... must says she says she feels normal again her brain wide awake......
  • Posted

    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 😊

  • Posted

    Hi guys I have been on Citalopram 20mg for about a year and a half now and its been a real life saver thats for sure ,however I have been struggling with my weight for the past year having gained about 10lbs and totally lost my sex drive  and so googled weight gain and citalopram and came across this thread ,and Im so glad I did .I am back to being my old self and have decided to decrease by dose to 15mg from today and see how it goes .I know I am half a year late to this discussion but how did you get on in your withdrawal and any advice please , also did you lose the weight ?
  • Posted

    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

    • Posted

      Hey you can do it gal but only when you are ready x x 
  • Posted

    Hello, I have been on citalopram for about 5 months only but I have gained about 15 pounds. I did eat more, holidays and so, but now I am being more controlled and nothing. I feel this pill is doing this. However, it was good when the dr. increased the dosage to 30 from 20mg. I did feel emotional numbness and some sort of wave. Like a more estable less emotional me. However, after 4 months, the sadness is there sometimes, more like melancholy. I did cry on citalopram. Now I decreased to 20 for about 10 days and now to 10mg. I imagine, 10 more days and then only 5... however, yes, the brain zaps and the dizziness were a little strong. Also, some sort of confusion or difficulty to formulate sentences. The ghost pain in the legs didnt let me sleep some nights. Aside from that, I could stay on 10 if the weight wasnt such a big issue. How long does it take to start loosing weight? 
    • Posted

      Hi I have been on 15mg for a week now now down from 20mg and so far so good , I have had a few slight side effects like shortness of breath and lathargy ,some fuzzy type headaches and achey legs but instead of panicking and increasing back up to 20mg I am telling myself these are withdrawal symptoms and quite normal .I dont feel down or moody so gonna slowly decrease to 10mg .I have a pill cutter so I may try and decrease by 2.5mg .I am thinking of it as a marathan not a race lol and well done to you x

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