Lostboy : Citalopram (Celexa) Fast Taper / Cold Turkey

[Lostboy]

Hi, I started taking Citalopram 20mg tablets in 2015 on recommendation from my GP. I was suffering with anxiety and depression due to a life event. Upon taking citalopram I started to feel better after a few months and continued to take it for around 7 more years. This was accompanied by 6 month check ups with my gp. This was basically a quick phone appointment asking how I felt and whether I wanted to keep to taking the medication. The reason I decided to stop was I felt it was not working anymore and I was feeling emotionally blunted by it taking it everyday. I wanted to be free of the drug. In July 2022 I contacted my GP explained that I wanted to stop taking as I felt I have no need for it any more. He set up a taper plan which was

 

1 week of 10mg (half my original dose)

1 week of 10mg every other day 

Then stop.

 

The first week or so after stopping I didn’t feel much different, happier if I am honest. Maybe this was the joy of finally saying no to the meds. But after the second week of 0mg the withdrawal symptoms kicked into swing most notably:

 

headaches

pressure in my temple and ears

Mood Swings ( extreme highs and lows)

Trouble Sleeping

Heartburn all day

Vivid Dreams

Having to use the toilet through the night.

Slow digestion/ constipation

Feeling of dread

Lack of motivation 

Lack of interest in anything

 

i am now 5 months into withdrawal and I still feel all these symptoms on a daily basis. It’s tough as I work full time , have a wife and young child. I feel like they are missing out as I’m not happy, almost like I’m a zombie. I get my self through work each day because I have no other choice. I just hope on some relief soon as it’s all very exhausting, like an endurance race where their is no end in sight.

 

i look forward to being part of this community, reading things on here has helped a lot as it gives me hope in times I have none.

 

Any advice will be greatly appreciated 

 

 

[Emonda]

Welcome @Lostboy,

 

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2 hours ago, Lostboy said:

He set up a taper plan which was

 

1 week of 10mg (half my original dose)

1 week of 10mg every other day 

Then stop.

 

The recommended approach here is to reduce by a maximum of 10% per month: Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

2 hours ago, Lostboy said:

But after the second week of 0mg the withdrawal symptoms kicked into swing most notably:

 

headaches

pressure in my temple and ears

Mood Swings ( extreme highs and lows)

Trouble Sleeping

Heartburn all day

Vivid Dreams

Having to use the toilet through the night.

Slow digestion/ constipation

Feeling of dread

Lack of motivation 

Lack of interest in anything

 

The approach recommended by your doctor would most likely have caused WD symptoms you list above: Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

2 hours ago, Lostboy said:

i am now 5 months into withdrawal and I still feel all these symptoms on a daily basis

 

Time and patience are required. How long? No-one can say for sure.

 

A few helpful links are as follows:

 

Windows and waves pattern of stabilization

 

Emotional Spirals

 

Non-drug coping strategies

 

We don't suggest many supplements, but two that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. Add one at a time and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

Magnesium

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

Avoid alcohol.

 

Please post any updates here in your thread. It is helpful to keep everything related to your journey in one spot. You are very welcome to jump onto someone else's page and interact with them. The encouragement members give each other on this site is wonderful to see.

 

Sing out with any questions. 

 

Once again, welcome to S.A.

 

Emonda.