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Stopping Citalopram.

Posted , 3 users are following.

diana421
diana421

Good evening. Has anyone out there stopped taking Citalopram? I ran out last Thursday so it's been nearly a week now. I have felt ok untill now and didn't think it would be a problem..I woke up this morning feeling very sick and it has stayed all day, I haven't eaten so am trying to eat now but it's making me feel worse. I have had a huge argument with my husband and have left him to stay at my friends with the plan of going to Cornwall tomorrow to look for somewhere to live..I don't know if I'm coming or going and just feel so sick. Does this sound familiar or did anyone have any symptoms when giving up this drug. I know you are meant to cut down not stop it all together but I was away and unable to get any tablets but didn't like taking them and was planning on giving them up. X

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Miranda123
    Miranda123 diana421

    Posted

    Hi Diana, I had the same problem this week, I missed 4 days in the end now I am taking them again. 

    Can I ask what dose you were on? It isn't recommended to stop without gradually cutting down as you said, although from what I understand the symptoms for a lot of people are fairly mild and will pass within a week or so. 

    Georgie

    • diana421
      diana421 Miranda123

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply. I noticed straight away if I missed a tablet or was late taking it. My mood plummeted and I felt so low, but on these tablets I couldn't cry so it came out more like frustration. I was on 20mg, not a massive dose. I decided not to panic when I ran out as I had couple of days away from husband so could guarantee no stress and then untill today I have been at a festival with lots of lovely people. If it will only last a week I can cope..X
    • The_sleepy_crow
      The_sleepy_crow diana421

      Posted

      Hi Diana

      one more thing - if you are feeling under duress and are really thinking of separating from your husband for a while, then I would really encourage you to restart your medication ASAP. If you are having a stressful home life at the moment then the last thing that you want to be doing is cutting out your citalopram altogether.

      it is probably better to be in a 'good place physically & mentally' when you are ready to give up citalopram.

      please forgive my bluntness here, but I am saying these things in your best interests.

      best wishes to you - be sure to keep in touch and let us know how things are working out

      sleepy crow x

  • The_sleepy_crow
    The_sleepy_crow diana421

    Posted

    Hi diana

    sounds as though you are having a tough time.

    please contact your surgery and get a new prescription - you need to restart your citalopram.

    While you have been off your citalopram, your serotonin levels have been gradually decreasing. Your body is recognising the change in serotonin levels and that is why you are experiencing side effects/ withdrawal symptoms.

    it is possible to stop using citalopram but you need to reduce the dose gradually over 6-8 weeks. By reducing the dose gradually you would be unlikely to experience any side effects (it does work).

    i would suggest that you remain on 20mg for the next 2 weeks, then go down to 15mg for 2-3 weeks. As long as you feel comfortable and you are feeling in control, go down to 10mg for 2-3 weeks. Again, assess yourself and see if you are ready to decrease by another 5mg. It really is worth going for the gradual reduction in dose.(use a pill cutter to cut your 20mg tablet into 4 equal pieces)

    Can you remember why you argued with your husband? - might it be worth talking to him about how you are feeling right now? - I am sure you could do with the extra support. Do reach out to friends if you need to.

    take it easy, best of luck with reducing your citalopram & hope you can resolve things with your husband.

    sleepy crow x

      

    • diana421
      diana421 The_sleepy_crow

      Posted

      Thank you so much. My husband was the reason I went on the tablets and the reason I came off them, he didn't like who I was before and I embarrassed him..he also doesn't like me ON the tablets..as you can imagine I give up trying. I am curled up on a friend's sofa as she's away, feeling very sorry for myself and feeling the usual feeling of being alone. :-( X
    • The_sleepy_crow
      The_sleepy_crow diana421

      Posted

      Hey Diana

      you are not on your own - there are a whole network of people on here who can offer you support & kindness.

      sounds as though hubby isn't being supportive which must be very difficult for you.

      sit down and have a think about what is important in your life and who you want to be - be kind to yourself and remember that your own happiness is really important.

      tomorrow, go out for a walk, treat yourself to a hot chocolate with cream. Listen to your favourite music to cheer yourself up, perhaps go and buy yourself a good book to bury yourself into (will help you relax).

      take things one day at a time & don't overload yourself.

      hope you get some rest this evening.

      take care diana

      sleepy crow xx

       

  • ktkay
    ktkay diana421

    Posted

    See my posts - diary of withdrawal. I mention on there that i have also gone wothout and am sticking with it. I get dizzy spells but only last a little while each day and some might feel nauseous - but dont measure it on the physical symptoms - how r u feeling in yourself emotionally? I also mention that ive realised that the external environment plays a major part inndepression.nare you just masking your environment through citalopram and now that youve not taken it, the problems are highlighted again. In my opinion i dont think its because of the citalopram that you have had an argument - its possibly because the mask isbeing lifted. I will say no more, except that if you were happy in your environment whether it be your job or relationship, ypunprobab

    y wouldnt kick off . Good luck and be aware of your emtions versus physical symptoms xx

  • The_sleepy_crow
    The_sleepy_crow diana421

    Posted

    Hello Diana

    how are you feeling today?

    did you manage to get some sleep?

    best wishes for today 

    sleepy crow x

    • diana421
      diana421 The_sleepy_crow

      Posted

      Hi, I stopped being sick at 10pm last night. Managed to keep coffee down this morning..hopefully I will feel ok today. Trying to sort things out in my life so trying to stay positive...Thank you for asking. :-) !
    • The_sleepy_crow
      The_sleepy_crow diana421

      Posted

      Hey Diana

      you keep being positive about your future - things will work out for you.

      take good care of yourself

      sleepy crow x

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