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Citalopram withdrawal

Posted , 6 users are following.

michellee83
michellee83

I was put on citalopram 5 years ago after a few traumatic experiences and for the last 6 months been gradually decreasing my dose the last time i saw the doctor she gave me a months worth of 10mg and said take that course and stop so i did and been off them over a week now but jeez iv never felt as bad severe brain zaps and dizzy and my mood swings are brutal to the point im snapping at the slightest thing.its got to the point now were i just wanna take some just to help but im so determained to be free of them im not going to donit but how long will i feel like this. Im taking one day at a time im having good days then really sh*tty days any advice welcome

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • sarah24378
    sarah24378 michellee83

    Posted

    Did you get dizzy etc when you were reducing or only once you had stopped ?
  • katecogs
    katecogs michellee83

    Posted

    Oh no, not another doctor doing that.

    I've spent a year coming off these meds decreasing by 5mg at a time from 20 / 15 / 10 / 5 / 2.5 / 1.25 / 0 spending 2 months on each lowered dose and had no withdrawal symptoms at all - unlike the first time I did it.

    You can't jump from 10mg to 0.  You should have gone down to 5mg and stayed on that for a month, then 2.5mg for a month then 1.25mg (I crushed my last 5mg and halved the powder then halved again).

    You're having withdrawal symptoms which you'll have for some time yet.

    Go see your doctor and get reinstated back onto Cit, maybe just 5mg, but it should help ease the symptoms.  You may need 10mg of course, but your doctor (god help us) should advise.  Its only been a week so should fine.  Don't do it on your own, but see your doctor and insist.  Its your body.

    Then ....... when you're back on them and your body has settled down start withdrawing by 5mg at a time, spending a month on each lowerd dose.

    Doing it gradually isn't a shock for the body, and you'll be free of them with any problems.

    K x

    • katecogs
      katecogs

      Posted

      ** free of them withOUT any problems **  

      Totally reads the opposite having left a word out  ... doh! rolleyes

  • borderriever
    borderriever michellee83

    Posted

    Look up Breathing Techniques when jumpy, than can calm a mood down if used well.

    Look on he Internet there are techniques on there that are basically the same as giving birth.

    The Relaxation Techniques may also help. Mindfulness comes to mind. Look on Amazon for books ant disks to help you. Sometimes your Practice may be able to help and supply recordings

    The medicaion is at the lowest level so it may take a little longer to come of the drug. Some on here will suggest you split the ten to two fives, this is not a good idea unless your GP recommends it. Be patient and good luck, you will have side effects, they will eventually disappear

    Keep a hold

    B.

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