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Citalopram withdrawal has been HORRIFIC. Should I go back on it?

Posted , 4 users are following.

amy87495
amy87495

I have been on 40mg citalopram for years. About 6 weeks ago, I decided to come off it. I stupidly came off too quickly and my withdrawal has been hell:

  • fatigue
  • insomnia
  • mood swings
  • irritability

    ... to name a few.

    I can't do it anymore. I'm thinking I should go back on it, then reduce my dose very, very, very gradually.

Does anyone have any experience of this?

Should I go straight back onto 40mg or try a lower dose?

Thank you for any help.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • emma1110
    emma1110 amy87495

    Posted

    When I came off citalopram this past October, I also came off too fast (even though it was a tapering schedule recommended by my doctor... I went down from 20mg to 0 in about 3-4 weeks after being on it for 7 years). I've seen a lot of places that now say doing it VERY slow is key. I had a really rough 2-3 weeks after my last dose. Insane fatigue, super weird mood swings, weird sensations, trouble sleeping... but then it balanced out. (I'm back on now but that's a different story)

    It might not be a bad idea to start introducing it to your body again to ease the withdrawal symptoms and do a slower taper - but I'd also say if you've seen any improvement in your withdrawal symptoms over these last few weeks, it might just be good to ride it out. And of course, ask your doctor his advice (even though it's not always the best).

    Hoping you feel well again soon!

  • emma31977
    emma31977 amy87495

    Posted

    Hi Amy

    ive just posted similar. ive been coming off a year now and have recently reduced from 20-15 -and 15-10mg.. i was going to come down again but 10mg has been tough! i wont mess around again until after christmas.

  • katecogs
    katecogs amy87495

    Edited

    Hi Amy

    Sorry you’ve discovered the effects of going cold turkey - yes really not a good idea doing that as you’ll feel quite ill.

    However, I understand that you need to reintroduce a small amount of the meds back into your system again to help alleviate any symptoms, and then over many weeks, even a couple of months, slowly build up the dose to what you need.

    Unfortunately it might be a little rough for a while yet, but it will even itself out. Once you're feeling back to normal again, maybe stay on the dose for a while before trying to withdraw again.

    I spent a year+ withdrawing from 20mg and reduced by 5mg each time over 4-6 weeks each reduction. I eventually got down to 5mg - 2.5mg - 1.25mg and this last dose I then started to take every other day, then every 2 days etc until I was taking it once a week. These last few doses below 5mg I couldn't cut my table any smaller so crushed it and divided it up.

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