1. Community
  2. Brain and nerves
  3. Citalopram

How long until citalopram leaves your system?

Posted , 11 users are following.

kiris10
kiris10

Hi, can you shed some light please?

I was on 10mg citalopram for roughly 3 months roughly but was taken off it due to serious side effects and allergic reaction. I weeks off completely around 5 weeks ago now and have been feeling pretty good and back to normal up until yesterday when I started to feel quite dizzy/nausea and body weakness. Is this the usual or should I not have any side effects now? Dr said allow 4-6 weeks but has anyone had these feelings for longer and have they come on after a few weeks of feeling good? Thanks in advance smile

0 likes, 114 replies

114 Replies

Next
  • loxie
    loxie kiris10

    Posted

    Hi Kiris

    I guess it varies from person to person and will depend on what the reaction was.  I too had a very bad allergic reaction to cit, I had severe and sudden hair loss and vomiting/diarrhoea.  The stomach issues resolved themself very swiftly after I stopped taking it but the hair loss although it slowed down hasn't yet recovered fully, my hair still has bouts of abnormal shedding and is still very thin and brittle.  My GP seems very disinterested and I'm sure thinks it's just something I should 'put up with'.  The problem is I was prescribed cit for anxiety issues and I cant think of anything more distressing or anxiety causing then abnormal hair loss in a woman.  I often end up crying when I see how much hair is in the shower hair trap or in my brush.  I hope your bad effects clear up soon for you.

    • pat97152
      pat97152 loxie

      Posted

      Hi Loxie ..my hait too has suffered with this drug..and yes docs don't care ..it is depressing to lose your hair..hope you find it grows back 
  • simon24216
    simon24216 kiris10

    Posted

    Hi takes up to 4 weeks as each week will get easier until your left with that fuzzy light headed feeling but that gets less over the four weeks! 

    Every one is different but that's how it was for me.

    Hope that helps 😊 simon 

  • kiris10
    kiris10

    Posted

    Thanks guys. It's been 5 weeks roughly for me and was all going ok up until today and yesterday. Will solider on smile

    So sorry to hear about your hair loss Loxie. Hope it sorts itself out for you soon. 

    This drug has been a demo to me and leaves me feeling quite upset and miserable when I think about what myself and my family have has to ensure over the last 4/5 months sad 

  • redmarigolds
    redmarigolds kiris10

    Posted

    i have been of them comin g uip 4 weekstoday has been awful sweating dizziness my legs feel very heavy cant wait to get home i am on a break at the moment see myu doctor next thursday but this is awful good luck to everyone and hope you all feel better soon xxx

    • kiris10
      kiris10 redmarigolds

      Posted

      Hi maria g

      Try and see your dr asap if you are feeling this bad- it may get worse and usually comes in waves.

      I honestly don't understand why this particular of ssri is prescribed. 

      It has done nothing beneficial for me at all and to be honest has never made me feel so unwell. But this is only one personal experience. 

      If they do not agree with you after this length of time then I would be weening off them with the help

      Of your GP. There are other fantastic ssri medications out there with hardly if not no side effects so please don't give up and feel like you have no other options because there are plenty.

      All the best x

  • redmarigolds
    redmarigolds kiris10

    Posted

    hi kris thanks for your reply my doctor is on holiday got an appointment next thursday this page helps alot asi know i am not alone got through yesterday and i dont know how see what today brings x

    • kiris10
      kiris10 redmarigolds

      Posted

      Good luck hun. All will be ok. Always here if you need support. This forum has helped me so much. Think I would of thought 

      I was going mad if there wasn't people in the same boat to talk to and share our experiences with. Keep smiling smile

  • redmarigolds
    redmarigolds kiris10

    Posted

    kris is it 5 weeks since you have been of this drug altogether x

  • redmarigolds
    redmarigolds kiris10

    Posted

    did your doctor tell you how long they would take to get out of your system x

     

    • kiris10
      kiris10 redmarigolds

      Posted

      Yes hun. Allow 4-6 weeks but I have heard from other patients allow a couple of months. Will stay positive and solider on. Should be ok soon x
  • redmarigolds
    redmarigolds kiris10

    Posted

    kris me again when the side efffects keep coming back how long do they last for you kris this mis my 4th day now dont know how much longer i can put up with this xxx

     

    • kiris10
      kiris10 redmarigolds

      Posted

      Hi, 

      I'm really feeling for you honey.

      If it's the 4th week the side effects should be subsiding. Personally mine came in waves but didn't hit me hard until the 7/8th week when the medication really hit my system. I was only on 10 mg. how much did you say you were on.

      If you are really feeing that unwell please seek a GP at the same practice so they can refer to your notes. Don't let them make you feel asthough there are no side effects because that is untrue for some people. If you feel more unwell on them, I would personally be asking them to support and monitor you whilst you ween off them. What kind of side effects are you having on the 4th week?

      There are many other options and what I believe to be better medications available. I only started this particular type as the one I took many many years ago was t suited for breast feeding mothers.

      There will be side effects coming off this mediation too but they will eventually fizzle out. 

      Good luck honey. Try and stay positive. This will pass. Remember the feelings may seem horrible but they are only temporary and from my experience just a bad reaction to what you are taking.

      I am not a dr but from what you have explained I would be recommending something else at a later stage once this drug is completely out of your system.

      Be confident and firm. This is your body and you know if something is not agreeing/right with you. 

      Keep in touch

      Ps- you will be ok xx

Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.