Coming off citalopram. :(

Hi Mrs Mac

Yes that is very true lethargic but never simply content and relaxed.

I haven't told anyone at home I am coming off then because last time I tried I felt they were watching me all if the time and every little hiccup they would say you need to go back on your tablets / normal dose. Quite simply they just didn't understand. I they just laugh at me when I try to tell them that I am struggling to loose weight because if them.

Fingers crossed I can get through this.

Take care and thank you xxx

Cuckoo, the weight issue was my main reason for coming off them. I just couldn't continue to keep gaining weight as that, in itself, has depressed me. I feel so self-conscious about my body which isn't good for anyone.

The weight hasn't fallen off me as I hoped it would though, so don't expect miracles.

Karen, you are right about Spring making a difference. It wasn't very warm today but I spent 3 hours in the garden digging and planting in my London garden. Really satisfying! My back is killing now, but I'm only early 40's (i know that is very OLD to many people) so it should see me out for a a few more decades.

Yes, i get dreadful dreams. Did any of you see that story on the bbc news a few nights ago about the skeleton of that animal that had been tortured one hundred years ago?

Allison, Mrs Mac and Cuckoo - hello. So right we are all different, and that includes how we got on these pills in the first place. I have two zones: right now I have no outside stresses (unless I look for them - which my head will do if I let it) and the other is a place that I have been in often where there are obvious causes to my mental issues, and there has been many over the years. This is the ''I can cope well then - oh my god I can't cope at all'' place. There is also a family problem with depression.

As I felt so much better when I went on them, common sense tells me to be cautious but not neurotic about coming off them. As my head is seemingly in the best place that it has been for a long time (no outside stresses to report) I suppose I have to see if it is the pills or me.

If you have too much outside stress, Cit can only take the edge off, as it did with me for a while while I was going through problem times.

I can still remember how terrible I felt when I decided to take them, and how sick I was of this repetitive situation over 30 years, and wish never to go back there. (40's is young by the way- I am 50's)

Distraction, gardening, dog walks, fresh air all all wonderful for me and after the long horrid winter I know that will help, and hope we can all enjoy some nice sunshine this weekend as promised!

X

Hi Karen

Unfortunately, no sunshine for poor old Scotland, as usual! It's c-o-l-d here. Makes me sick!

Depression runs in my family too. Both parents suffered and cousins too - very badly. I first took antidepressants when I was in my early 20's and have battled the illness ever since. No-one can believe I suffer from it, as I am seen as being the life and soul of the party.

I know what my main problem is and it's a feeling of isolation and rejection. A pill won't take those feelings away.

I never felt pressurised to come off them and thought I would be taking them for life but just had to because of the weight gain. If it hadn't been for that, I know I would still be taking them.

I just don't like life all that much as it's a constant struggle.

Hi all

well i have survived today lol, i sat myself down and gave myself a good talking to, and to be honest it wasn't to bad.

Still got the tingles up and down both arms, and feel scared for no reason but am coping with it.

I took the dog for a very long walk this afternoon, then i decided to hose the drive, which was a great idea until it started raining lol

So my reasoning is now do i stop taking the 5mg as i am having withdrawal symptoms anyway now, or do i carry on taking it until the symptoms go away, then i suppose i will get withdrawals again wen i stop taking the 5mg!!!!!

decisions decisions lol

glad everyone is doing ok

Juliex

ps: Ms Mac guess wat happened, my hubby came through the door from work, he asked me wat was wrong and i burst out crying, yes i actually cried, couldn't believe it, but crying has made me more determined to kick these tablet once and for all, as it proves am getting rid of the citalopram from my system as i actually cried.

Oh Julie!!!! What moment! I think you should take it easy and not totally stop - just my opinion.

I'm feeling fragile and holding back the tears. I wish I had one pill I could take, to get me over bad moments/days. I want to escape!!!!

Ms Mac

but would it be just one pill, dont think so, one would lead to two etc

look at how far you've come, it would be a shame to undo all your hard work and getting back to some normality.

I truly believe we are sent these experiences and fiasco's to try us and this leads to help us be a better person, i always try to step outside the box and see it from an outsiders point of view, it usually doesn't work out like that but i try to lol

my dear old mum used to say, u can fix anything with a cup of tea, i wish lol am just so happy that i had a good cry before, it felt great, i was laughing and crying at the same time, hubby thought i had lost the plot

Juliex

That is so good, Julie, to get your emotions back - I wish mine would leave for a while!!!

Just an odd Valium to calm me down would be good but my GP doesn't prescribe them. I will never go on antidepressants for so long without a break as they did nothing to help me for years. At first, yes.

I'm still a lot better without them and trying to keep positive. Just so hard, when you live alone, and have to deal with problems that arise.

Have a good weekend folks.

S

Mrs Mac

You are an inspiration to this group. You have lots of good advice for everyone.

Please stay strong. We need you. You can do it. You really can. I am sure the sun will shine for you tomorrow. xxx

Thank you, Cuckoo for your kind words but, no, the sun won't shine tomorrow as I'm going to Edinburgh and it's to be dull.

I'm riding these waves. Gotten over many a Tsunami so these are baby waves. Believe me, if I can do this, anyone can and I WILL. Just a glitch............

Hello again!

Has anyone experienced increased hunger when tapering off? I was hoping to loose the weight I've gained but now I'm ravenous!!

Thanks!

Ann

Yes Mrs Mac I know what you mean. I live in the North East. This past week has been awful. Rain and dark days. Thunder & Lightening on Thursday. Hail stones yesterday.

Roll on the summer. Enjoy your trip to Edinburgh and look after yourself. xx

Ann no increased appertite for me yet but then I could eat for England at the best or worst of times. Lol

Mrs Mac we have much in common. Many things came into my head since yesterday. (Over-thinking is one of my weaknesses).Firstly is this an illness or a disease? Either way - there is no medication that is without any side effects, and we should not lose sight of this when taking prescribed medicines. I have felt at times that this has been a 'life saving' medication for me and so I don't underestimate what is must be doing to my brain - it is powerful. Secondly, any mind changing chemicals are not without side effects. Take, sugar, nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, to name the most common. They are all affecting our brains. We should dispose of those also if we are going to be true to our aims. So I won't be supporting the taking of Valium as I had a hell of a problem with tranquillisers many years ago, and for some of us, it is a no go area.

It does sadden me very much that there are over 100 pages currently on this site and it brings so many people together by accident on this subject. There is some good free professional support on a web site that I will come back to you about after I have sent this message.

Regards eating in between meals - do have a small lump of cheese or some scrambled eggs instead of something sweet. Protein is much better for your head than sugar.

X

Hi everyone

well so far dont feel to bad today, got a very muzzy and full head, sort of like a headache but not quite!!!!!

slept on and off so not to bad, but i feel tired so not going to run a marathon today (even if i could lol)

have decided to go swimming, dont know where i've got that bright idea from but gonna give it a go!!!

Its raining in liverpool as usual so i may as well stand in the garden and do front crawl arm movements, but i will get carted off to my padded cell if i do that

have a good day everyone, and keep up the good work

Juliex