kkp101098: Tapering off Celexa 40 mg and Adderral XR 30 mg

[kkp101098]

kkp101098

 

I have been on anti-depressants for the past 25 years. Started on Prozac then Lexapro and now Celexa. I quit during my pregnancies but began again shortly after giving birth. I added Adderral in 2007 and have taken it daily ever since. 
Seven days ago I went from taking 40 mg of Celexa to 30 mg and completely quit the Adderral cold turkey. I have experienced great amounts of fatigue but that’s about it. No withdrawal symptoms from the Celexa. Tomorrow, I plan on taking 20 mg and pray it works. I have also been meditating for the past 3 months daily. I wonder if this is helping with the withdraw symptoms? I’ll keep posting my progress...

Edited May 22, 2020 by Gridley

[Gridley]

Welcome to SAkkp101098.

 

I would recommend you hold at 30mg and make no further changes.  Withdrawal symptoms can be delayed and a further drop to 20mg will increase the risk that they will occur.  

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

When we take psychiatric medications, the CNS (central nervous system) responds by making changes over the months and years we take the drug(s). When the medication is discontinued, the CNS has to undo all the changes it made. Rebuilding the neurotransmitter production and reactivating the receptor and transporter cells takes time -- during that rebuilding process symptoms occur.  

 

Brain Remodelling 

 

I would hold at 30mg for at least three months.  If at that time you are feeling stable, you could then begin a slow taper to zero.

 

We recommend tapering by no more than 10% of current dose every four weeks.  The lower you go in dosage, the more important it is to taper slowly.

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

This link is specifically about tapering Celexa, including how to get the nonstandard doses you'll need a 10% taper.

 

Tips for tapering off Celexa (citalopram)

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can ask questions and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.