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How long does this hell last?

Posted , 7 users are following.

jane62417
jane62417

I have spent six months coming off cit. I read that it has a half life of 35 days! So I took each drop at six weeks. It has been six weeks since my last pill, and I am still going through hell. Uncontrollable crying at the most pathetic things, like the traffic lights changing! Then barely controllable rage, at things like the traffic lights changing! Then suicidal thoughts, where I am really considering slitting my wrists. Just how long do I have do go through this hell? Does anyone have any idea of anything I can do/take to alleviate this? Please?

1 like, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Ricky1989
    Ricky1989 jane62417

    Posted

    The half life is 35hrs not 35 days otherwise it would be dead easy to withdraw from. To be honest I cannot give you any advice based on my own experience, I've attempted to withdraw from another ssri without success got very low but I was just not ready! What was your reasoning for withdrawing to begin with and how did you taper?

    The best advice you can get is from your GP regarding this issue but dependent on you reasoning for withdrawing I can help suggest something.

    This website should be very helpful for you http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2023-tips-for-tapering-off-celexa-citalopram/

    • jane62417
      jane62417 Ricky1989

      Posted

      I had been on them for seven years, and I was fed up with being so fuzzy headed and forgetful. So I just felt it was time. Now trying to think is like drinking through cotton wool. Hard work and ultimately pointless! I have an appointment with a dr on Monday. I tried to get an appt with a brilliant private dr, but his next appt is in oct and has gone up to £180 per hour. Maybe not, then!
  • elizabeth20203
    elizabeth20203 jane62417

    Posted

    Hi Jane, Have you come off meds without GP's guidance? I am concerned if you have. You may not be ready to come off them , if you have weaned yourself off you may not have done it properly. I did this with Prozac for depression and 4 months later I was worse than before, and had anxiety and panic attacks which i had never experienced before either. I wish i had not done this alone. Please see your GP again and explain how you are feeling. 
    • jane62417
      jane62417 elizabeth20203

      Posted

      I told my GP before I started. I have to say I felt totally unsupported. Not one contact from them. As I said, I took six months weaning my self off. I had been on them for seven years.
    • elizabeth20203
      elizabeth20203 jane62417

      Posted

      If your still struggling see a different GP to get reassurance. It does sound like you weaned off them over a long period of time so you would think you would be fine. Has something triggered your anxieties recently? People here are supportive so keep in touch with the forum.
  • christian1966
    christian1966 jane62417

    Posted

    Just hang in there Jane. It differs for different peeps. Believe me it is worth it in the end. xx
  • gillian176
    gillian176 jane62417

    Posted

    I have been coming off 20 mg very very slowly since last July13 ! I had started it in the feb 13 and yes it's more like 35 hrs..actually I thought was bit less than that. I had a wobble at 1.25 mg. went back to 2.5 for two werkdvbut prob would have preferred to go full back on it if I was honest then back to 1.25 for a week then stopped altogether ten days ago. But yes I gave same angry feelings and intolerance but I think I had that before! So cit was just taking me over...keep going or see ur GP again 
  • gillian176
    gillian176 jane62417

    Posted

    I think being overloaded with stressful situations as I am at the moment does not help...try give yourself space
  • reasoning51
    reasoning51 jane62417

    Posted

    Maybe you actually need to be on medication to help with your feelings. The Cit may have been keeping these feelings at bay, hence, when you have stopped them the feelings have came flooding back.

    Like others have said, go to another GP in the practice and see what they reckon. There is no shame in taking medication

  • gillian176
    gillian176 jane62417

    Posted

    Well that's what I kept thinking..the cit was blocking the anxiety but I think it's more about trying to deal with the feelings which are really minor issues and irrational...Christian are u off it completely now?
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