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Coming off citalopram. :(

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smallfry
smallfry

I've been on 20mg citalopram now for just over a year. I decided to come off about 3 weeks ago as I had

started to feel so much better, which I put down to a combination of counselling and the drug which really did do wonders for my depression. I actually hadn't realised quite how bad it was till I started taking citalopram and I felt normal!

I've come off it properly, one every 2 days, then half every 2, then quarter every 2/3 days. The whole process took about 3/4 months. Now I'm on nothing. The physical withdrawl hasn't been too bad. I've been dizzy and kinda sick for the first week or so and that's starting to go now. However I've been feeling awful emotionally. I feel just as bad as I did before I started the medication, worse even! I feel incompetent at my job and I've even started wondering if it's right for me, I'm a teacher and I've always loved my job. I'm becoming paranoid about my relationship and tearful at the slightest thing.

I feel very depressed and unstable if that makes sense. I almost feel suicidal. Is this normal?? I really need some reassurance that I won't need to be on this for the rest of my life. sad

23 likes, 1894 replies

1894 Replies

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  • Ms_Mac
    Ms_Mac

    Posted

    Glad to hear you are finding alternatives to help you feel better, Joy. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed.
  • joyhappytobeoff
    joyhappytobeoff

    Posted

    I know it's tough doing it cold turkey is not the best way to go and it does depend on the beginning reasons for taking SSRI's in the first place but I believe there is a way to find options if one can keep saying this too shall pass. Just my thoughts not medical advice
  • JKKaur
    JKKaur

    Posted

    Hi all.

    I am also on my journey to kick out citalopram from my system.

    I started on 60mg and now Im sailing on 10mg everyday.

    I was wondering if anyone experienced a severe acne break out after reducing or stopping this drug? I seem to havesad

    Love to all. Be strong. We can do this.

    • EmJ821
      EmJ821 JKKaur

      Posted

      Hi JKKaur, I know you posted this a year ago. (Hope you have managed to stay strong!!) Was just wondering how long it took for the acne to settle down? I came off Citalopram 2 months ago, and was very lucky in the past to never have had acne before but now my face, neck and back are covered in breakouts following the withdrawal of this drug.  I am hoping it will settle down once my hormones have settled again - just wondering how long it took for you to possibly get an idea of time for myself.  
  • Ms_Mac
    Ms_Mac

    Posted

    Oh, that's a strange one, JK. I never did have acne and a bit too old now. Is there not something else that could have caused it?
  • joyhappytobeoff
    joyhappytobeoff

    Posted

    as with anything going out of your system the body needs time to clear things out drink lots of water and do self care as much as possible this is my experiance
  • Ms_Mac
    Ms_Mac

    Posted

    A week or more on from stopping the pills and I'm feeling light-headed. Nothing too major but, nevertheless, quite obvious. Not a nice feeling. sad
  • michelleNorth_America
    michelleNorth_America

    Posted

    Ms. Mac,

    Could be a placebo, but I've been on this drug for a VERY long time - maybe 12/13 years. Additionally, I was on a very low dose of 10mgs every other day. IDK, but given the drugs half life I just do not want to chance it again, not taking the time to wean off this drug properly. Once I accidently took a double dose on one day and went crazy with shakes and feeling like I was going to come out of my skin. I apparently metabolize this drug very differently then the majority of people...

    Wishing everyone well, Michelle

  • Ms_Mac
    Ms_Mac

    Posted

    Hi Michelle

    I've been on and off Cit. through the years and been on antidepressants for almost 14 yrs., continuously. Weaned myself off, with docs. suggestion because of weight gain, over 3 weeks or so and was feeling fine until last couple of days when I've had a muzzy head and dizziness. Going to stick with it as not THAT bad.

  • beautifulday
    beautifulday

    Posted

    Update:

    After 3 weeks of feeling not so good, seem to have finally stabilized on 12.5mg for around a week. Going to drop now to approx 11.25mg per day for a couple of weeks by doing 10-12.5-10 etc. Will then drop down to 10mg per day and stay on that as am going away in March to India for 3 weeks and dont want to upset the applecart!

    Not sure if its helping but am taking Opti omega 3 tablets, highish strength multivitamins, evening primrose oil. Have read that b vitamins and omega 3's can help with depression and anxiety. Can certainly say I feel much more energetic, but that may be because of eating a much healthier diet- no flour, low sugar and plenty of fruit, veg and lean fish,meats.

    Hope everyone is ok

  • beautifulday
    beautifulday

    Posted

    meant to add how I am dropping down dose :

    2004 - 2013 : 20 - 40mg citalopram and 6 unsuccessful attempts to come off.

    Oct/Nov 2013 17.5mg 2 "wobbly" weeks after first dropping dose

    Nov/Dec2013 15mg - same

    Jan/Feb 2014 12.5mg - 3 "wobbly" weeks after first dropping dose

  • Ms_Mac
    Ms_Mac

    Posted

    Good luck bd. I don't feel dizzy today, so that's a plus. Going to look into alternatives now, as I never want to touch another antidepressants in my life!
  • clare1974
    clare1974

    Posted

    Feeling low today reducing by 20mg tablet then 4 drops 8mg the next. Have ulcers in my mouth and my eyes feel puffy. Want to cry but no tears come out. Losing a little weight which is one bonus...it's going to be a long comedown

  • Ms_Mac
    Ms_Mac

    Posted

    Do you feel it the right time to reduce them, Clare? Just be careful.
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