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Will I ever get off this drug loosing hope

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Guest
Guest

Been slowly weaning off citalopram, did have couple of fairly OK days, yesterday had real meltdown, today in floods of tears, intrusive thoughts all flooding back feel I'll never get better. I'm down to just over 1 mg, have heard the lower doses can be hardest to get off. It has made feel awful while on it hence coming off, really thought I had turned a corner, don't want to up the dose as had been making a bit of progress. Had really loose bowels today as well, did take a valerian to help me sleep don't know if that triggered things only over the counter thing.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Citaloman
    Citaloman Guest

    Edited

    Yes,

    Last few weeks/months are definitely the hardest. I found that my body/mind really didn't want to lose those last little bits of citalopram it had been dependant on for years. It's was a matter of microscopic reduction after i'd been on it a long time plus completely changing the way you live, think and act from then on.

    A doctor/gp will NEVER, EVER, EVER know or understand in anyway what it is like to be on or come off citalopram, unless they have used it themselves. It's easy to sit behind a desk, reading the labels on drug withdrawal, but there is NOTHING like actually doing it first hand. I honestly believe, doctors would never prescribe citalopram if they knew what it was like to be on and get off.

    I was "lucky" and found a really good g.p who prescribed me the cipramil drops to allow very gradual reduction.

    There must be other options available that have less side effects and are easier to get off?

  • Charlie_T
    Charlie_T Guest

    Edited

    On previous drops did you notice a timeline of symptoms and when they stabilised?

    I've only dropped once before this current one and it took around 3 weeks to get past feeling terrible so I'm anticipating it being about the same again.

    • Guest
      Guest Charlie_T

      Posted

      Been absolutely dreadful today so decided I'm going to try stopping, think I'm getting the windows & waves which is meant be sign you are healing. Was bad dropping to 7.5mg for couple weeks, and 5 mg pretty bad, after that not too bad. Been on 1 mg for few days initially felt bit better but hit rock bottom today so decided to bite the bullet and try stopping. Have heard it's harder once you get on the very low doses

    • Charlie_T
      Charlie_T Guest

      Posted

      Yes, the effects are not linear so it does get trickier at the end, I'm dreading it. I suppose tapering is reducing some of the withdrawal symptoms e.g. I haven't had brain zaps.

      Impossible to know at what point stopping will be no worse than another drop. I'm finding it's depressive feelings that are hitting the hardest (rather than say anxiety) and the weird flu symptoms.

      If you do stop then I hope it works for you, I suppose there's a chance that 1mg is close enough that it won't make it worse - everyone seems different in terms of sensitivity.

      I do wonder, after stopping, whether supplements might steady the ship a bit quicker e.g. 5-HTP or L-Tryptophan?

  • Citaloman
    Citaloman Guest

    Posted

    Hi Lemanna, you've got the idea!

    Yes, i'd say 3 weeks at each drop down in dose is about right to feel the withdrawal symptoms. After finishing all together, withdrawal lasts months....you have to be good to yourself in those months after finishing. Go easy on yourself, make every effort to avoid getting stressed, make every effort to avoid being with negative people, energy sappers etc. just be as "cool" as can be, acceptance is a big help, rather than trying to change situations, just blow along with life. I can tell you personally, it's hard sometimes, people and situations really do trigger you, but they are just tests to overcome.

    Good luck with it, and if you have any other questions feel free, i'll check back from time to time.

    • Guest
      Guest Citaloman

      Posted

      Thanks only been on them 6 months so hoping won't be too bad. I'm not taking any more, withdrawal cant be any worse than this . The whole situation at moment doesn't help with no distractions and meeting family friends so difficult

    • Citaloman
      Citaloman Guest

      Posted

      Hi Lemanna,

      From what I understand 6 months is a relatively short time to be on citalopram. I'd expect anyone in that situation to have every chance of getting off them a lot easier than I did.

      You seem very sensible and intelligent from what I can tell from your postings and I think you'll be fine.

      Best Wishes!

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