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Coming off Citalopran

Posted , 4 users are following.

Cardiff_Dragon
Cardiff_Dragon

I am coming off after two years, my own choice since it has effected my sex drive and so far I have come down from 40 to 15mg.

I seem to be OK but I notice that I am getting a bit aggressive - does anyone know ifthis is a common side effect. I also have a bit of virtigo and sickness but I am coping with this.

Any suhggestions?

2 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • carolanne77340
    carolanne77340 Cardiff_Dragon

    Posted

    WellDone for getting down to 15mgs. Yes,what you mention above along with many more nasty things can occur when trying to come off citalopram. They advise to go slow, slow, slow.  you may just need to add in another 5. How do you manage to half a 10mg tablet? Why not try taking 20mgs daily for a week, cutting down to 15mgs by one day/night each week. You could also ask the GP for a one off script for a sleep aid such as Phenergan, zopiclone or temazepam. Again, use sparingly on a PRN (per required need) basis while your body adjusts to coming off citalopram. You are bound to feel irritable & a bit aggressive with a poor sleep pattern & the GP should help accordingly. Good Luck x
    • Cardiff_Dragon
      Cardiff_Dragon carolanne77340

      Posted

      Thanks for the feedback but the tinnitus and lack of sex is a major problem - I'd rather be depressed and find another way to beat it!

      Hope you are well.

    • Cardiff_Dragon
      Cardiff_Dragon carolanne77340

      Posted

      I am now donwn to 10mg and feeling very nervous. I am slightly worried that the old symptoms will return but so far that's not happended.

      I was hoping that my side effects i.e. tinnitus and lack of sexual performance improve but as yet no such luck - I these would disappear then I am sure I would be more confident.

      Has anyone experienced these symptoms and how have they reacted to coming off.

      Any feedback would be very welcome: now my doctor has gone on long term sick so my ongoing consultations have also stopped so I do feel vunerable.

      Hope to get some information.

      Regards to all those who are helping.

  • phatmarisa
    phatmarisa Cardiff_Dragon

    Posted

    The vertigo is extremely common when coming off Celexa or with just decreasing the dose. I went through that for a few weeks. I got irritable which I think can also turn into aggression. I think that all bets are off when you decrease this med... just know that it will not last forever!!
    • phatmarisa
      phatmarisa Cardiff_Dragon

      Posted

      You are welcome. I know the process can be difficult... but you will make it through!!! Best thing I have been doing is keeping in constant contact with the people who support me. We need one another!!
    • Cardiff_Dragon
      Cardiff_Dragon phatmarisa

      Posted

      Thanks, i've had a bad day feeling sick, head buzing, tinnitus still buzzing and no sign of getting back to feeling normal.

      will be on 15 for another 8 days before dropping to 10: it just seems enlless. I appreciate your support.

  • Red_Staffie
    Red_Staffie Cardiff_Dragon

    Posted

    HI

    I think symptoms youre describing are pretty normal. Ive just gone into my fourth week of no meds. Started 18months ago on 10mg then after 2months up to 20mg and back down to 10mg after a 12month.

    i personally didnt feel any different on 20mg than i did on 10mg and had gained over a stone in weight so i dropped back down.... I was originally perscribed them for cronic anxiety and panic attacks.... A month ago i forgot to pick up repeat perscription and as it fell on a bank holiday it was over a week before i picked it up. so i thought id give it a go cold turkey.. (not really recommended)... I have had side effects but so far theyve been managable but i think  irritability is normal. Ive had days where everything is pissing me off lol.. I take a lot of suppliments fish oil B vits Zinc.. To name a few. Im also a big fan of breathing exercises for anxiety... 

    I wish you well... 

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