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Withdrawing from Celexa

Posted , 4 users are following.

morgan38905
morgan38905

I was taking Celexa for at least 3 weeks (could’ve been longer, I’m terrible at keeping up with how long I’ve been taking my meds) and I didn’t feel like it was working for me until I quit cold turkey for 3 days. Eventually, I got very sick around the third day and I took one the next day and I felt better until later that day. I had a massive panic attack and had to call an ambulance to just assure me that I was going to be okay. I haven’t been able to shake off this CONSTANT anxiety since. My chest has this cold/burning sensation constantly and sometimes the anxiety will increase then decrease. I ended up taking Celexa again and then I was too scared to take it again so I took half a Celexa later in the day. Hasn’t helped much at all. So I didn’t take anything for about 2 days and I seen my doctor and she started me on Prozac immediately. I feel like the anxiety has gotten easier but it’s still pretty intense and I want this burning/aching feeling to go away and the pressure and tingly in the back of my head to go away. I have extreme nausea too and gas and diarrhea. I haven’t been able to eat in days. Like nothing. I have a few bites of something and I can’t finish anything. Has anyone else experienced withdrawal symptoms this bad over just taking Celexa for 3 weeks?

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • AllianceMike
    AllianceMike morgan38905

    Posted

    Morgan,

       I can, certainly, sympathize with you. I have been on Celexa for just over 1 year. My doctor advised that I taper off. I don't like the way he has me tapering. He said for 3 weeks to take a pill then skip a day.

       He advised that after doing that for 3 weeks, I was to take a pill and skip 2 days before taking the next  dose. 

       That is where I am at now. I am taking a pill then skipping 2 days. I have to tell you that the withdrawal symptoms have been terrible. My head feels very "dizzy". My heart is beating faster than normal. I am having digestive problems. My body shakes. I just feel terrible all day and night.

       I guess I have no choice but to try and get through this tapering process since I am 5 weeks into it, but it is very hard. I am wondering if there is anyone out there who can tell me if the way my doctor has me tapering is the correct way? Also, are all of these symptoms I described from the tapering of could there be something physically wrong with me?

    • morgan38905
      morgan38905 AllianceMike

      Posted

      I’ve felt all your symptoms. Withdrawal causes extreme anxiety, digestive issues, and more. It’s been crazy for a week now. 
  • AllianceMike
    AllianceMike morgan38905

    Posted

    Morgan,

       I am very sorry to hear of the problems you are experiencing. I can relate to what you're going through.

       I have been on Celexa for just over one year and my doctor has decided that it's time to come off of it.

       He advised me to taper off the medication in a way that I am not sure is correct. He said for 3 weeks to take a pill then skip a day. After that, he said to take a pill and then skip 2 days. That is where I am presently at. After doing this for another week,  he wants me to take a pill then skip 3 days.

       I must say that the withdrawal symptoms have been horrific. I am dizzy. I have a headache. My heart is beating faster than normal. My body shakes. I am having digestive issues, etc.

       I guess, since I am in week 5 of the tapering that I just have to suffer and get through it.

       I am wondering if there is anyone out there who can tell me if the tapering program that my doctor has me on is correct? And.....are the symptoms that I have described from the withdrawal or could there be something bad physically going on with me? 

  • lois95799
    lois95799 morgan38905

    Posted

    Everyone on this section should find new doctor's your tapering and going cold turkey is totally wrong..iam no doctor but I have experience what you people are experiencing..these ssris will cause havocs on your system if not done properly..iam currently on ten milligrams and i don't dared to come off because iam feeling good/normal.reach out to katecogs on this forum..she has excellent advise on how to come off..

    • morgan38905
      morgan38905 lois95799

      Posted

      I actually went cold turkey myself! My doctor said I already had my crash and started me on Prozac.

    • lois95799
      lois95799 morgan38905

      Posted

      You will feel better ..just give it time..they are not an overnight fix...take care
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