Werewolves1986: attempting to wean off of Celexa

[Werewolves1986]

Hello! On the advice of my therapist, I was told to look into this site with the goal of finding resources and assistance for myself as I try to ween off of Celexa. I have been taking a low dose (10mg) for the past four years and have decided I no longer want to take it yet even with the 10% taper am experiencing some horrendous side effects. I have noticed an increased in irritability, rage even, where I will curse at my dog loudly (my sweet dog), feel as if I am crawling out of my skin and then proceed to try to alleviate this feeling by going into my basement and smashing household items against the walls, suicidal thoughts and poor attempts (trying to hang myself knowing I wouldn't succeed), crying spells, lack of motivation, fatigue, and apathy. I am currently down to 5mg yet am wondering if what I am experiencing is withdrawal or if I truly just need medication and need to go back to my prescribed dose. I am having difficulty knowing whom I should trust...therapist who is anti-meds, or doctor who is pro meds. Anyways, not sure what I am really looking for, hopefully some others who may have had similar side effects to know it will pass. I am most concerned about my irritability and suicidal behavior. I look forward to browsing around and hopefully gaining some insight. 

[Frogie]

@Werewolves1986

 

Welcome to SA. We are a volunteer ran site helping member such as your self taper off psychiatric medications or have tapered off and are now healing.

 

This is your introduction page where you will receive information, ask questions and meet other members. We ask that you only have one introduction page so we can keep all your information in one place.

 

First can you please create a signature.

 

Instructions:  Withdrawal History Signature

 

Are you tapering 10% a month? Or how long has it taken you to get it to 1/2 or 5 mg? We don't suggest more than 10% a month and many go slower than that.

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage? - Tapering - Surviving Antidepressants

 

 

The Brassmonkey Slide Method of Micro-tapering

 

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization - Symptoms and self-care - Surviving Antidepressants

 

What is happening in your brain? - Symptoms and self-care - Surviving Antidepressants

 

How psychiatric drugs remodel your brain - Symptoms and self-care - Surviving Antidepressants

What you are experiencing is wd symptoms. It could be that you tapered too quickly.

Dr. Joseph Glenmullen's withdrawal symptom checklist

 

Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms - Symptoms and self-care - Surviving Antidepressants

 

At this point you could try an increase to 7.5 mg and do a nice long hold to see if that helps. It takes 7-10 days for the dose reach fully in your system. After a nice long hold, you would taper no more than 10% a month. Here is a link on how to taper Celexa.

 

Tips for tapering off citalopram (Celexa)

 

We don't suggest supplements on here as they can be stimulating to the nervous system. We have found 2 that so sometimes help calm the nervous system. If you want to try them, try one in a small amount and wait a few days before introducing the other.

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/15483-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

King of supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) - Symptoms and self-care - Surviving Antidepressants

 

After you have read the links provided please reach out with any questions you may have.

 

 

[Werewolves1986]

One year update...I have taken my last dose approximately six weeks ago (1.25mg) and have been having an atrocious experience. I am nauseous, exhausted, irritable, experiencing SI, tinnitus, feels like water is in my head, and horrible headaches. Is this normal? Not sure how much longer I can deal with this. I thought seven weeks and such a low does would give me plenty of runway, but it seems that it is not. I am barely able to get through a day without falling asleep or crying hysterically. Just thought I'd chime in and see if I can get some support. 

[FireflyFyte]

Hi Werewolves,

 

Can you please update your signature to reflect your recent changes -  How to Summarize Your Drug History in Your Signature

 

You might want to consider reinstatement of a small amount of Celexa to see if that will help address some of your withdrawal symptoms. You can read more about reinstatement at About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms.

 

Once your signature is up to date, we should be able to provide further guidance.

 

Thanks,

 

Firefly

[Werewolves1986]

Six month without meds update...last six months have been trying to say the least, flu-like symptoms, sinus infections, extreme fatigue, headaches, suicidal ideation, self-harm, crying spells, derealization, intrusive thoughts, and odd smells. Hoping to continue staying off medication as I am six months in but feeling discouraged by the progress, or lack thereof. Having difficulty holding down career. Last dose was August 2023 at 1.25 mg. Is it normal to have such withdrawal symptoms after six months of a low dose? Will continue to check - in, apologize for the disconnected update....

[Werewolves1986]

On 9/21/2023 at 2:13 PM, FireflyFyte said:

Hi Werewolves,

 

Can you please update your signature to reflect your recent changes -  How to Summarize Your Drug History in Your Signature

 

You might want to consider reinstatement of a small amount of Celexa to see if that will help address some of your withdrawal symptoms. You can read more about reinstatement at About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms.

 

Once your signature is up to date, we should be able to provide further guidance.

 

Thanks,

 

Firefly

Updated !

[FireflyFyte]

On 2/5/2024 at 7:55 PM, Werewolves1986 said:

Last dose was August 2023 at 1.25 mg. Is it normal to have such withdrawal symptoms after six months of a low dose?

 

Yes, many people experience withdrawal symptoms for many months, if not longer. You can read more about this at Protracted Withdrawal or PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome).

[Werewolves1986]

Update: not wanting to start another topic but I haven’t been able to find much about this symptom I seem to be having…tardive dyskinesia. It’s mild and seems to happen when highly stressed but is this something that will also reduce as I continue to heal? Sorry if this information is elsewhere but I figured it would just be easier to reply in my own post.

 

 

[FireflyFyte]

I would recommend searching our site for tardive dyskinesia by following the instructions at How to find just about anything on this site.

[OffPills]

Hope you’re doing ok @Werewolves1986, 

 

Your jump from 1.5mg of Celexa to zero is considered to be a relatively big jump. The ‘end game’ as described on this site is considered to be the hardest part of tapering. The symptoms you’re describing are exactly the same as I experienced when tapering too quickly. Maybe I’m wrong, and the moderators can advise you better than I can, but a reinstatement to 0.5mg is also an option.

 

 

[Werewolves1986]

On 3/4/2024 at 2:26 PM, OffPills said:

Hope you’re doing ok @Werewolves1986, 

 

Your jump from 1.5mg of Celexa to zero is considered to be a relatively big jump. The ‘end game’ as described on this site is considered to be the hardest part of tapering. The symptoms you’re describing are exactly the same as I experienced when tapering too quickly. Maybe I’m wrong, and the moderators can advise you better than I can, but a reinstatement to 0.5mg is also an option.

 

On 3/4/2024 at 2:26 PM, OffPills said:

Thank you for replying. Every day is a challenge and I don't feel like I am improving much. I feel neurotic, am not working much, and have come close to checking myself in the hospital a few times but my mother talked me out of it. It's been eight months and I am not sure how much longer I can go. I am debating reinstating and staying on this stuff forever. I am scared.  

 

 

[OffPills]

I’m sorry that you’re feeling so awful! I’ve been there so I think I know how you feel. My suggestion about reinstating to 0.5mg was not to be on the stuff forever. The reason you’re suffering at the moment is likely because of quitting the Celexa completely, with a big drop from 1.25mg to zero. It’s possible that, when you start taking 0.5mg, your symptoms will become more bearable. You can then stay a while on this dose until you start to stabilize and feel a bit better. After this you can start to taper again, but more slowly, so withdrawal symptoms will be less severe.

 

good luck!

[Werewolves1986]

Okay. I’ve had a panic attack Every day this week and I’m just beyond exhausted.  I emergency called my therapist. Haven’t heard back but I think I need to reinstate. How do I reinstate such a low dose? Liquid? Would 2.5 mg be too high? 

[Werewolves1986]

Sorry. I didn’t see you suggested .5mg. I just reinstated 1mg on the suggestion of my therapist who happened to recommended this site.  

[OffPills]

You’re lucky with your therapist. I hope you will start to feel better soon!

[Werewolves1986]

7 hours ago, OffPills said:

You’re lucky with your therapist. I hope you will start to feel better soon!

Thank you. Woke up today nauseous and with a bone deep exhaustion. Is that normal after reinstatement?

 

[OffPills]

It’s probably your body adjusting after reinstatement yes. I wouldn’t be to worried about it. 

 

[FireflyFyte]

4 hours ago, Werewolves1986 said:

Thank you. Woke up today nauseous and with a bone deep exhaustion. Is that normal after reinstatement?

 

It could be related. I would keep track of your symptoms and see if they improve over the next few days.

[UnfoldingSky]

I had nausea on reinstating Celexa. In my case it was the first sign of a bad reaction.  What we call here a kindling reaction (a bad reaction to a psych drug that happens on reinstating it). A doctor diagnosed I had had a bad reaction too. How long were you off it? 

 

Also I had tardive dyskinesia. It was a mild case. It did go away.  It can get worse the lower you go on a drug though...it did for me.  It eventually went away.  I did a few things I feel helped to treat it (alternative treatments).  

 

 

[UnfoldingSky]

Just now, UnfoldingSky said:

I had nausea on reinstating Celexa. In my case it was the first sign of a bad reaction.  What we call here a kindling reaction (a bad reaction to a psych drug that happens on reinstating it). A doctor diagnosed I had had a bad reaction too. How long were you off it? 

 

Also I had tardive dyskinesia. It was a mild case. It did go away.  It can get worse the lower you go on a drug though...it did for me.  It eventually went away though.  I did a few things I feel helped to treat it (alternative treatments).  

 

 

 

[Werewolves1986]

9 minutes ago, UnfoldingSky said:

 

I have been off since last August. Since my last post my tardive dyskinesia seemed to have dissipate but replaced with weird gut issues and burping? Also, how long did you go until you recognized it was a bad reaction? Did you stop immediately after or taper off reinstatement? 

[Werewolves1986]

I am anxious that my reinstatement will cause kindling...I am wondering if I should've just continued to ride out the WD. I know I am probably being overly anxious but hey, that's where I am at. My therapist stated 1mg is such a low reinstatement that it isn't likely.

[OffPills]

39 minutes ago, Werewolves1986 said:

I am anxious that my reinstatement will cause kindling...I am wondering if I should've just continued to ride out the WD. I know I am probably being overly anxious but hey, that's where I am at. My therapist stated 1mg is such a low reinstatement that it isn't likely.

I think @UnfoldingSky means well, but focusing on wd symptoms and blowing them up really does not help. I think that, you being a bit anxious is normal after your experience in the past. I agree with your therapist, and some symptoms after a reinstatement are considered normal because your body needs to adjust. 
 

Your reason for reinstatement was very valid. Remember why you did it and try and stay positive, and keep track of your symptoms the next days. 

[UnfoldingSky]

3 hours ago, Werewolves1986 said:

I have been off since last August. Since my last post my tardive dyskinesia seemed to have dissipate but replaced with weird gut issues and burping? Also, how long did you go until you recognized it was a bad reaction? Did you stop immediately after or taper off reinstatement? 

 

Hi, I'm sorry I'm not meaning to worry you. I know these are such hard situations to navigate. It could be the nausea is happening for some other reason. I reinstated a quarter of a starting dose and was told to up the dose several times.  Was on a total of a month and a half before I found out it was a bad reaction.  Each time the dose went up I had more problems/worse symptoms. The new or worsening symptoms coincided with dose increases. Like restlessness which I now know was akathisia, some insomnia, a bowel problem that indicates a bad reaction is happening, for instance.  Eventually the doctor caught what was going on and I had to taper off.  Maybe if I was not told to keep upping the dose I might have been okay. Being as though you are reinstating to try to stabilize, if you are going to stay on, if it were me I'd stay at the same dose (ie don't increase).  Like is suggested here just keep track to see if the nausea goes away.  And again sorry, I really didn't want to worry you. It is also good to hear the TD went away.

 

Also regarding TD, I didn't have gut issues after that that I can recall. 

[Werewolves1986]

Thank you for responding. I will ry to stay on 1mg for a while and see how that goes and then gradually taper off of that. Side question, did you guys work while in WD? Ironically, I am a therapist as well, and having a very difficulty time managing work and am debating going on hiatus or only working remotely.

[Werewolves1986]

Day 5 update, still feeling awful, been sleeping more than usual, crying, my head hurts, been acting neurotic. How long do I give reinstatement? Also, if I choose to discontinue reinstatement, do you just stop or do you have to taper it as well? What a messy experience.

 

[ThatOneGirlStitch]

Hello, from what I understand most people taper their reinstatement even if they feel like hell. 

It can take up to two weeks to a month to stabilize after a reinstatement with some medications. (Maybe more? IDK). If you feel like it is taking to long asks for more opinions. 
Holding may seem like it is bad short term but maybe better in the long term for your system and stabilizing. If you do not stabilize it seems tapper is recommended. All we can do is make the best choice with the info we got. 

This is the information I have. I hope you get more insight. 

Edit: I would not wait longer that 4 months. I say this because someone waited 5 months. But I not sure what the acceptable time to give up is. I never reinstated. I just see others talk about it.

[Werewolves1986]

One week check-in, I have terrible fatigue (can't make it through a day without multiple naps), tinnitus, and my brain feels like it's burning. Not sure if this is an adverse reaction, or just something to deal with a bit more to see if reinstatement will help?

[Werewolves1986]

Just another update...again, apologize for being neurotic, but this is where I am at now. A question for others, it is "normal" to have a very low stress tolerance? Literally any stress makes me cry nearly uncontrollably and doing things I used to enjoy sends my cortisone through the roof. I have every little energy every day. Thanks to all who have responded thus far. I truly appreciate this community in this totally unexpected time of my life. 

[BaccatePlayer]

14 hours ago, Werewolves1986 said:

it is "normal" to have a very low stress tolerance? Literally any stress makes me cry nearly uncontrollably and doing things I used to enjoy sends my cortisone through the roof. I have every little energy every day.

Yes. This is especially evident during waves, but withdrawal is overall largely about decreased stress tolerance. It gets better with time but taxing yourself and putting on challenges now adds to already heavy burden your CNS is facing. It's advised not to force yourself beyond your comfort too much now.

 

Have you seen Glenmullen's withdrawal symptoms checklist? Mods often refer to it here and you can find crying spells there as well as low energy in form of fatigue, lethargy just at the first positions. These are common withdrawal symptoms and will also improve with time. Don't worry about being neurotic, we are all facing panic and desperation here. Have a good day!

[Werewolves1986]

Check in for myself for timeline purposes...about a month out from reinstatement, still struggling immensely. I have had experienced some windows which is a positive. I am able to exercise, bike tennis golf, although being careful not to overexert, and occasionally hang out with friends.  I still suffer with intrusive thoughts, anger, suicidal thoughts, crying spells, low stress tolerance, and fatigue. I am not working much (am self-employed). My recent therapy appointment I bawled the whole time saying that I don't think I will see next year. Struggling to keep hope. Debating in the next few months trying to return to 5mg yet aware of dangers of rekindling. Not sure what I'm doing. Trying to hold onto good moments. 

[Tweed9674]

I'm so sorry you are having such a hard time. There are better days ahead.

If you are going to updose, do it by small increments and take at least a week or two to observe how your body reacts before making another move.

 

Stay strong and keep us updated!

[FireflyFyte]

On 4/20/2024 at 10:40 AM, Werewolves1986 said:

Debating in the next few months trying to return to 5mg yet aware of dangers of rekindling

 

You are currently at 1mg of Celexa, correct?

[Werewolves1986]

19 minutes ago, FireflyFyte said:

 

You are currently at 1mg of Celexa, correct?

Yes. 1 mg. 

[FireflyFyte]

I would recommend holding for longer at 1mg to see if your windows improve but if you decide to up-dose, suggest trying a small increase such as going to 1.5mg to reduce the risk of kindling.

[Werewolves1986]

1 minute ago, FireflyFyte said:

I would recommend holding for longer at 1mg to see if your windows improve but if you decide to up-dose, suggest trying a small increase such as going to 1.5mg to reduce the risk of kindling.

Okay, thank you for your advice. . I will keep trying to hold with 1mg.  I know you know this but this is the most difficult thing I have ever done.  The emotional pain is unexplainable.  Just to check as well, last week I had multiple breakdowns where I was sobbing and rocking on the floor uncontrollably followed by rage nueroemotions. Is. this normal in WD?