KenzieKenz0331: finally going off citalopram 20mg, first taper

[KenzieKenz0331]

Hi everyone! 
I am a 26 y.o F from Maine. I was first prescribed Citalopram back in late November/early December 2019 after an episode of emotional dysregulation related to my depression symptoms that had me lashing out at my then live in boyfriend, my best friend and some of my family. I also experienced my first ever dissociative episode that night and ended up walking down the street in the pouring rain because I was suicidal in an unfamiliar state. Flash forward to now, almost a full three years later and I am finally in a position where my life and my mental health have stabilized enough that I asked my doctor how to taper myself off of 20 mg of Citalopram. She told me to start out by cutting my dose in half for a couple weeks, which I am currently doing. (I am down to 10mg or at least I think 10 mg because I've been splitting the 20 mg pills I had left in half.) 

 

I am dealing with a sensation that feels like vertigo throughout the day. I am very nauseous. My appetite has decreased by at least half. I am overthinking so many things as well related to how other people in my life see me or perceive the things I do. I have not experienced brain zaps yet but I am afraid I will if I stay on the symptom track I'm on. 

Any advice as to how to beat the nausea? 

Is there a better way to taper off Citalopram? I am willing to try anything to get rid of the constant nauseous feeling. 

 

 

[ChessieCat]

Hi KenzieKenz and welcome to SA,

 

So you made a 50% reduction about 2 weeks ago.  SA's recommended taper rate is no more than 10% of the current dose followed by a hold of at least 4 weeks to allow the brain to adapt to not getting as much of the drug.

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?
 

What your are experience are withdrawal symptoms from reducing too quickly.

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's WD Symptoms Checklist

 

Instead of going back to 20mg you could increase to 15mg and then hold on that dose.  You might need to hold on 15mg for 2-3 months or longer; you will need to listen to your body/symptoms and not reduce again until you are stable.

 

Post #1 of this topic explains how to get non standard doses; note that it is important to be consistent and be accurate with your dose and take it at about the same time every day:

 

Tips for tapering off citalopram (Celexa)

 

Important topics in the Tapering forum and FAQ

 

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Instructions:  Withdrawal History Signature

 

This is your own Introduction topic where you ask questions and journal your progress.  This keeps your history in one please and means you won't have to repeat your story.  However we do ask that whenever you make a change in your drug/s that you update your signature with the date and the dose so that we can see your drug history at a glance and not have read back through your posts to get the information.  Thank you.  This link goes straight to your signature:

 

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