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Withdrawal symptoms of Citalapram

Posted , 7 users are following.

lisa99763
lisa99763

Hello

I am desperate for advice and support. I have been taking a concoction of tablets very long term, but had many issues with side effects. The main tablet I wish to discuss now is Citalapram. I used to take Prozac for around 15 years and I was like a zombie most of the time, really tired and drowzy. I was put on them as an anti depressant, but also for pms symptoms, in addition to Elleste Solo (HRT) and having the mirena coil fitted. I felt much better.

More recently I was taking Citalapram 40mg for 2 years, then 30mg for 4 months, then 20mg for 3 months in addition to Celebrex as an anti inflammatory, Gabapentin for heavy calcific tendonitis and Colofac for IBS. All these tablets have been greatly reduced over the last 9 months with my GP's knowledge and support. For the last 9 days I have not taken any tablets whatsoever, I'm quite proud to say. I was fairly ok most of the time whilst reducing the meds, and for about 5 days with no tablets at all. But now I feel terrible. I feel very nauseous, sensitive to light, shaky, very tearful and cry at short notice, my stomach is in knots, I feel so terribly frightened to be alone or to go out. I feel very suicidal too. The negative thoughts won't go away. I can't cope. I really do not want to go back on any tablets. It was so hard and long winded coming off them. I saw my GP'S yesterday and he wasn't too pleased that I'm taking zero pills. Yet he's known that is what I wanted to achieve due to the horrible drowsiness. I've been paying to see a herbalist for the last 2 months who couldn't treat me, other than accupuncture, until I was completely off the meds. Therefore I had little choice. My only regret was stopting at 20mg of Citalapram and not trying 10mg then 5mg before stopping. I've only started herbal medicine 2 days ago which won't be in my system yet. Please help me.

Will these awful withdrawal symptoms pass? And if so, when? My partner works loads of hours which means I'm on my own a lot. I'm ashamed to feel so needy right now. Are there any self help groups where people actually meet to come off pills in the Staffordshire area? If I was a heroine addict I would get checked into rehab and be looked after, but because I'm a tranquiliser sufferer I am on my own with no help.

Thanks. Lisa Xx

0 likes, 23 replies

23 Replies

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  • alex70088
    alex70088 lisa99763

    Posted

    Hi Lisa.

    I'm not surprised you feel the way you do. Coming off Citalopram like you have is a recipe for disaster.

    It could take a month or longer for your brain and body to rebalance itself. All the serotonin that was circulating around your brain has received a massive jolt. Causing nervous system distress (damage). This will now take time to heal but in the meantime you may feel terrible. You should come off slowly, so slow as possible. I am taking 10% less every two weeks until nothing. I hope you feel better soon.

    • lisa99763
      lisa99763 alex70088

      Posted

      Hi Alex

      Many thanks for your reply. I've never felt so ill in my whole life. I'm so grateful that this forum exists. I need to find some sort of coping mechanism until all the withdrawal symptoms have gone. I hope it won't take too long.

      I really hope that the herbal medicine will help me, as there are no side effects, and it is completely natural. I have been given Vitamin D and a tincure.

      I hope that you are well.

      Lisa Xx

  • arlene79
    arlene79 lisa99763

    Posted

    Hi lisa.

    Sorry to hear youre having a rough time. The withdrawal is awful and it will pass but it will be a while yet. I know you dont want to take pills but anti nausea drugs and low dose diazepam can help with symptoms untill pass. Ive been off now for around 2 months and still a bit shaky but the first few weeks after totally stopping were awful and i know how you feel. However hang in there. I also tried taking vitamins but had side effects so i would not advise taking anything herbal whilst the cit is still coming out of your system. If you can try going for walks even if just to local shop or up and down street outside to get air. Might sound silly but i found when i was able the fresh air helped. Also plenty water to keep hydrated and flush your system. You may be feeling rougher too as you have stopped all your meds at same time and they all have different withdrawals. However you have got through 9 days so far and you will get better each day. You can only take one day at a time and do your best. Be kind to yourself as your body is adjusting.

    • lisa99763
      lisa99763 arlene79

      Posted

      Hello Arlene

      Thank you so much for your reply. I've suffered from depression and anxiety for many years. I've never felt actually frightened to go out though. I've experienced not feeling like going out or doing things I normally enjoy due to a low mood, but I've never felt scared of my own shadow like this.

      I have had a lot of unnecessary upset lately too which certainly hasn't helped.

      I can't stand 2 months of this, that's for sure.

      Have you managed to stay off Citalopram completely now then? Very well done if you have.

      I appreciate that you have taken the time to reply to me.

      Lisa Xx

    • arlene79
      arlene79 lisa99763

      Posted

      Hi. Yes ive stayed off it but its not been easy. I too thought id never get tbrough each week but i did as i took one day at a time and told myself the symptoms would go and i was refused to go back on as my GP said i would just have to repeat tbe same hell again when stopped and im glad i didnt go back on as id come so far and you should be proud you have managed this. The suicidal thoughts youre having are withdrawal too and because its so hard i know the thought of suffering for weeks is awful but each day is better and the weeks go in quick. I didnt tbink i could either but i kept going. If u can do things to stop you constantly thinking bout it such as reading. Talking to friends. Tidying. Hobby u may have such as drawing/knitting. Watch tv. Your brain is being denied this drug and returning to its own levels and slowly you will notice youre becoming you again. Yes the drug is good but it stops you from being the real you and withdrawing you feel as though youre finding yourself again as if youve been in a fog for years. You will get there and there is no cure for the withdrawal just help with symptoms and perseverence.
  • viablex1
    viablex1 lisa99763

    Posted

    Please Please do not take suicidal thoughts lightly. Those are very serious!!!!

    I hope you get to feeling better.

    • lisa99763
      lisa99763 viablex1

      Posted

      Hello

      Many thanks for your reply.

      I agree that the constant self harm thoughts are very serious and not good. It sometimes seems the only option as I'm sick of feeling low, unhappy and unwell. It's almost like a gremlin inside me keeps telling me to do it. It's awful and embarrassing to talk about to be honest.

      I know only too well that it's an illness.

      I hope each day gets better.

      Lisa Xx

    • viablex1
      viablex1 lisa99763

      Posted

      I really really feel for you and empathize greatly. You are so courageous for being honest. People like you are so valuable for the rest of us. What amazing courage you have to get well and to be honest. Can't say enough good to you. You are a radiant and valuable being on this earth!!!!!

    • alex70088
      alex70088 lisa99763

      Posted

      Lisa, I too went through a suicidal period because I was so angry waking every day feeling ill. It used to make me so angry. I just wanted my life back, the old lively me again. I'm too young to live like this everyday. I would cry while shaking in the mornings.

      I read loads too on how to defeat this. And being in a calm relaxed state at all times helps to heal. So I went swimming every day that I felt I could go. Just being in the water had a calming effect. I then made enquiries to start yoga, so far I've attended two sessions. Again it's very relaxing. I've also been doing belly breaths (Google it). This will stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system that helps calm you and release feel good hormones.

      Try not to worry about any symptoms you get. They are just feelings, sensations. They can be debilitating I know but don't worry. All of your symptoms chine from one thing, the release of ADRENALINE when inappropriate. it can simulate any number of illnesses. By keeping in a relaxed state you will retrain your brain to stop sending it. You see, because you are in a constant state of fear and anxiety your body thinks it's doing the right thing. You entered into a loop, a cycle that's never ending. It can end, but it ends with YOU. Its tough.

      When you have symptoms laugh, smile, say " it's ok". In time your body will get the message and recalibrate. My attacks have dried up now and while I'm not 100% I have the keys and methods to deal with things when they happen. I hope you find at least something of what I've said helpful.

    • lisa99763
      lisa99763 alex70088

      Posted

      Wow Alex! I'm so impressed.

      Thank you for your reply and you have a tremendous amount of knowledge and understanding. I am really proud of you for starting Yoga. I've done a lot of Dynamic Yoga over the past two years. I was hopeless at first and used to watch most of the class, but determination meant I got better and better each week. I appreciate you taking the time to reply to me. I feel so frightened just now and I'm not leaving the house much. I am not a good swimmer at all but the health club of which I'm a member has a large heated hydropool with beds. However, I've not felt up to going lately, yet I gradually got to a stage where I went 5 times a week, and did various exercise classes. Mostly spinning. But a lot of my current problems relate to a small group of evil ladies who go there, who have made the last 5 weeks hell for me. It started with a day out in Chester with them, which went horribly wrong, with me being the victim. One girl who I 'thought' was lovely and a best friend showed her true colours that day, which were nasty and she kept humiliating me in front of everyone. At first I still went and had it out with her and put her in her place, but she is so false that she insits on saying hello to me in front of everyone using her nicest two faced voice which I can't stand. I just want her to be true and ignore me. I definitely want to go back to that gym and hold my head up high, but my illness won't let me right now. I will do it one day because I'm certainly not leaving because of that horrible lot. I'm glad I have found out what they are really like, but at a horrible cost.

      Lisa Xx

    • viablex1
      viablex1 lisa99763

      Posted

      no problem believbe it or not meditation in the various traditions has saved me I sit two times a day. I also agree highly with the yoga comment I never thought of swimming but that makes a lot of sense. 

      Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing all the wonderful ideas!!!

    • lisa99763
      lisa99763 viablex1

      Posted

      Hello

      I am still suffering badly from the withdrawal symptoms of Citalopram. Although 2-3 days ago I felt even worse, I still feel very nauseous with a bad headaches. Daylight is hurting my eyes and the sight or smell of food turns my stomach. Also my mind is doing overtime. It is racing out of control with negative thoughts.

      I've done about 10 days now with no tablets and I started herbal medicine from a qualified and experienced practitioner on Wednesday.

      I hope that all this will pass very soon ancient I do pray that I will cope without the nasty tablets long term.

      I hope that all of you are well today.

      Lisa Xx

    • alex70088
      alex70088 lisa99763

      Posted

      Lisa, ask the doctor to give you domperidone to cut the sickness out. You don't need to suffer these symptoms.

    • sarah88369
      sarah88369 alex70088

      Posted

      Hi

      I think your reply about citalopram withdrawal is very courageous and brave. Well done. I was on citalopram 20 - 40mg for 9 years and have gradually come off from march 2016. Maybe a bit quick but my doctor wanted to come off quicker! I am about 2 weeks in and feel terrible. The worst is the moods swings, irritability , awful panic attacks and feelings of despair and erratic sleep. I begin to wonder why I am coming off them but it is because they won't working anymore for me and my doctor wants me to be drug free to to assess where I am mentally. Like you I am going to be using different methods ( swimming is a great idea) like Cbt etc. I am a single mum with no family support so it is quite scary to be feeling like this. Any advice would be welcomed . I have never ever posted on s forum before .

    • lisa99763
      lisa99763 sarah88369

      Posted

      Hi Everyone

      Newsflash!!

      As you all know I've been experiencing very severe withdrawal symptoms by completely stopping Citalapram around 10 days ago. I didn't rush anything it took me 9 months in total, but I still felt extremely ill.

      I have been seeing a Chinese practitioner called Hong Kim, who works from Neal's Yard Remedies, in King Street, Manchester, every Monday for about 8 weeks now, and I have to say that he is working wonders with me.

      Today I presented with the terrible nausea, headache, stomach ache and sensitivity to light. He discussed this with me, then carried out my weekly session of accupuncture and acupressure, and I can hand on heart say, that within the 45 minute session, as if by magic, all my symptoms had completely gone, and I feel much better. Fingers crossed this will last. It is definitely worth you travelling to see him. It will take time and patience for him to heal you, but diet is the main thing by far.

      Please don't suffer anymore. His sessions cost £38 and it's worth it.

      Hope you find this useful.

      Lisa Xx

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