Weaning off Citalopram

Posted , 2 users are following.

Hi all

Just wanted your opinions on this. I was on Citalopram 10mg for just under 3 weeks and was put up to 20mg for a week. After discussion with the mental health nurse because of side effects she decided to take me off it. She told me to take 10mg for a week then stop. I took my last one today but for the past few days I have been having symptoms which I can only assume are due to me coming off the medication. In particular I feel very dizzy, particularly when I stand up and my legs feel quite "heavy". Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this and if so, how long does it take to stop. Do you think my "weaning off" time was too short and that's what might be causing it?

thanks

Alan

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1 Reply

  • Posted

    Hi Alan,

    I think your assumption is correct. You seem to be having withdrawal symptoms and possibly start up symptoms from when you went up to 20. I have experienced those symptoms you describe too. Your post is 12 days old so you may be a little better, if you're lucky. For some, withdrawal can last for weeks or months, depending on your dose and how long you've been on them. Some people get bad withdrawal symptoms if they've only been on them for a week.

    If you are still getting withdrawal symptoms, perhaps you could discuss with your doctor about reinstating on a low dose, say 2.5mg, to see if that helps to relieve your symptoms. You could then plan to reduce very gradually once stabilised. Good luck!

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