Sonia009: Citalopram discontinuation/reinstatement

[Sonia009]

Thanks for replying @Gridley, yes I am making my own liquid form. I'll try taking part tablet part liquid from tomorrow. It feels to me like the drug is more potent in liquid form and is having an immediate effect on me with regards to side/withdrawal effects.

[Sonia009]

I had my first covid Oxford AZ jab around three weeks ago. My arm gave me no problem, I had aches and flu symptoms, weird feeling in throat like I was catching a cold, tiredness, lethargy, increased tinnitus and giddiness. I was getting some light headed feelings before the jab through withdrawal but this dizziness was more severe. It is slowly easing and the flu symptoms are gone. On searching the internet for giddiness following the covid jab I came across a forum where lots have people have written in with their symptoms, particularly severe dizziness. Some have vestibular disorders but not all. If anyone is interested this can be found @vestibular.org, VEDA forum, Covid-19 side effects. 

[ChessieCat]

Please copy the above and post it in the following topic so covid information is in one topic and easier for members to find - thanks:

 

coronavirus-covid19-and-psychiatric-drug-tapering-withdrawal-covid19-vaccine

 

[Sonia009]

Ok that's done.

[Sonia009]

Hi all, 

I had my first vaccine around four weeks ago, been getting headaches and dizziness since. My doctor has prescribed Stemetil but I just checked for interactions and taken with Citalopram it can increase serotonin. I take 5.2 mg citalopram. Any thoughts?

[getofflex]

Hello Sonia001.  I'm sorry you are having this reaction to the COVID19 vaccine.  Since this has to do with your psych med recovery, I moved your post to your intro topic.  

 

Yes, Stemetil (prochlorperazine) can increase serotonin when taken with Citalopram.  It's a good thing that you are researching this.  If it were me, I would not take the Stemetil.  Stemetil is a psychoactive drug (antipsychotic) and antiemetic (anti nausea). This could possibly throw your nervous system off and cause even more problems.  

 

I would suggest holding on your current dose of Citalopram for a while, until you feel better.  Try some non drug coping techniques.  Perhaps a relaxation technique would help with the headaches.  

[Sonia009]

@gettofflex

Thank you for repling and your advice. Yes I agree, I think I will not take the Stemetil, the alarm bells started ringing when I read about the interaction with Citalopram. I don't need any more problems. Headache abated for now, I guess I'll ride it out and continue with relaxation techniques.

Regards

[Colonial]

An anti psychotic for headaches and dizziness.

Lord help us all.

 

Feel better soon! 😊

[sunnysideup69]

Hey @Sonia001,

Sorry to see you're having that reaction to the AZ jab. And thanks for posting on my thread, very sweet of you. Yes, I'm having a bit of a reoccurrence of symptoms after the jab, too, but I'll go and post about it on the thread. I've been a bit knocked out this last week.

[sunnysideup69]

@Sonia001, have you noticed any emotional symptoms since the vaccine?

[Sonia009]

29 minutes ago, sunnysideup69 said:

@Sonia001, have you noticed any emotional symptoms since the vaccine?

@sunnysideup69 Hi Sunny, because I have had increased dizziness, headaches and aches and pains since the jab, this has had an effect on my emotional state. It drags you down. I have had moments of feeling very low and sometimes feeling scared. I think I am beginning to level out again but am on antibiotics for a gum infection so that will throw a spanner in the works.  Maybe because you have had flu symptons again this is affecting your emotional state and of course the anniversary of your siblings deaths. I can't imagine what that must be like coping with that.

I've read many instances where people have had various symptoms after the jab from earache, tinnitus, recurring flu symptoms, recurring dizziness and headaches, back pain, neck pain, nausea, vertigo, anxiety etc etc. They think it's gone and then it comes back again. My mother has had two jabs and she still get chills. My husband doesn't get headaches or dizziness but since his jabs he's been getting aches all over and chills.

It's bound to affect your emotional state especially if your like me and worry about every ache or pain. It's so difficult when we are in the process of withdrawing from antidepressants, not knowing if this is the cause of some symptoms or if the vaccine has interacted in some way. No one knows what effect these vaccines have on other drugs because they haven't been trialled. I just keep telling myself it's just temporary and feel reassured that the vast majority of people who have had the jab have only minor symptoms lasting for days rather than weeks. Hopefully you will feel better soon. Hugs to you and Obi x.

[bunchesofoats]

Hey@Sonia001, how have you been doing now that it's been 2.5 months since the first vaccine? It is really frustrating to not know what is causing which symptoms. I know what you mean when you say the physical symptoms affect your emotional state. It's hard to say whether emotional unrest is a symptom itself or whether it is a result of constantly having weird and intense physical symptoms.

 

I'm curious which relaxation techniques have you found most useful? When I had really bad symptoms for months, I found this yoga pose amazingly helpful. I would hold it for 20 minutes and feel completely different when I got up.

 

The only thing I've found in the long run to make symptoms significantly more manageable to is to go very, very slowly. I kept slowing down until I found a pace where I could keep lowering my dose but not have major symptoms. This of course is in addition to trying to maintain regularity in my life and take decent care of myself (still lots of room for improvement there).

 

By the way, we had exchanged a couple messages about the TV show Survivor - there is a UK version. I had posted that I'd had the thought that I could never make it out there because I'd crumble from WD symptoms. Soon after, I watched a season where a woman suddenly wanted to quit the show because it wore her down so much, which is unusual since the cast knows what they're getting into. I looked her up because it was such surprising behavior. It turned out she had CT'd her SSRI to get on the show! Her behavior made a lot more sense to my boyfriend and me with that context.

 

Hope things have been going a little better for you and continue to improve!

[Sonia009]

Hi @bunchesofoatsGood to hear from you. It's been a while and I've had my second vaccine since then.  Still getting some dizziness mostly if I get a migraine which seems to be more frequent since the jabs. I haven't posted because I haven't changed my dose, still on 5.2mg only I no longer dissolve as it was upsetting my digestive system, gone back to weighing.

Emotionally I am ok now, when I used get dizzy I used to panic and then a host of symptoms would set in but I am learning to cope now and accepting it for what it is. No particular strategies, just slow breathing, accepting it and staying calm until it passes. I've had some good symptom free days too so I'm hopeful I'm heading in the right direction. Getting out more too.

Yes, it's unbelievable how long this withdrawal process takes, prolonged by unexpected events such as the need to take antibiotics, covid jabs, other medications etc.

Re 'survivor', yes I can now see that it has been on tv in the UK but I never saw it, I usually avoid reality tv shows though, I'll look out for it if it comes on again.

I think you are right to take things slowly, if that is working for you that's great. So long as it alleviates your symptoms it doesn't matter how long it takes. I'm staying on the same dose for a while yet. Anyway, sending my best wishes to you and thank you for yours.😊

 

[sunnysideup69]

Hi @Sonia001, dropping by to see how you're doing? See you've had the second Covid jab, got mine approaching next month.

How are you doing, in general?

[Sonia009]

@sunnysideup69Hi there, thanks for thinking about me. Generally I think I am doing ok but it's difficult to tell at the moment. I'm not getting anxiety, brain zaps etc, like all the stuff I was getting before. Since having both vaccines though I've been getting lots of migraines and the symptoms that go with those. It's like my withdrawal symptoms have been superseded with vaccine symptoms, if that makes sense. When I haven't got migraines, which isn't often these days, I get really good days. I feel 

positive though that things are headed in the right direction. Still on the same dose 5.2 mgs and no plans to reduce for a while. I'll pop over to your thread to see how you're doing. x🌞

[sunnysideup69]

Hey Sonia, how are ya doing??

[Sonia009]

46 minutes ago, sunnysideup69 said:

Hey Sonia, how are ya doing??

Hi, good to hear from you, thanks for thinking about me. I haven't been on here in a while, in fact not until you contacted me previously. I'm still on the same 5.2mg dose, dissolving again for more accuracy. I'm feeling much better than I was but still getting the occasional low mood for no apparent reason. I just try and push through it. I feel I am making progress though but it's been a long drawn out affair. I have a new puppy so it's keeping me busy and helping to take my mind off the current situation. I can't take him out for another week so looking forward to that. He's a little shih tzu. I haven't visited your thread yet so I hope you are still feeling good and little Obi is well. He's probably not so little now. So glad that heatwave is over, phew, things like that set me back a bit for sure. Sending best wishes. x

[sunnysideup69]

Hey @Sonia001,

This is good news, that you are feeling better overall. As long as the general trend is upward, it's all good. Yes, those pesky waves of low mood are really tedious, aren't they? Sugar for me is an absolute devil...plus I think lack of hormones/ hormone wobbles sneak up and get me.

 

Obi is a very bouncy 6 month old kitten, now....full of mischief. He has definitely helped me to feel better, I'm sure your adorable little puppy will bring you a lot of joy, too.

Stay safe and take care, hun.

[Sonia009]

Hi everyone, it's been a while since I last visited here, I was hoping that my first post of the new year would be positive but it is not. I really don't understand what is going on with me, whether it's withdrawal still or side effects from the covid vaccines. I have been on 5.2mgs of citalopram for one year and I would have thought I'd have stabilised on that dose by now. I still have dizziness, migraines, tinnitus, stomach upsets, anxiety more frequently than ever before, worse Since having the vaccines. I have spoken to four doctors in total, they will not accept the vaccines have anything to do with my symptoms. I have been prescribed betahistine for the giddiness, I haven't had it yet. I'm getting my bloods checked later this week. I seem to be getting worse, not better. Could it still be withdrawal after all this time or effects of the vaccines on my withdrawal? If anyone has any ideas I would appreciate it very much. Best wishes and a Happy New Yeár to all.

[sunnysideup69]

Hey @Sonia009,

Just popped in here, haven't popped in for ages. How are you? FWIW, I absolutely think that reaction could have been the vaccines. Have read on other threads about them creating waves. How are you doing now?

Lots of love,

Sunny xxx

[Sonia009]

Hi everyone, it's been a year since I last posted, happy New Year to everyone!

I cannot believe I haven't stabilised yet on my 5mg Citalopram dose. Since my last post I have had months of feeling better, not great but sleeping, no nightmares, no nausea, driving my car, hardly any dizziness, no anxiety. However, my husband had a TIA 9 months ago and things have been going downhill ever since, particularly the last couple of months. He was recovering well at first but now he has anxiety, depression and insomnia, not to mention a personality change. I was able to drive him to his appointments at first but since he has developed mental health problems my anxiety has crept up a bit and so has my headaches, dizziness, brain fog and sometimes balance problems. I feel stressed a lot of the time because my husband used to be my rock but now I'm his. To add to that, I keep getting different citalopram brands each month and I think this may be affecting me also. My symptoms feel like they were when I first started withdrawing. I'm still diluting and taking 5.2mg each day. I've tried getting the same brand but it seems I have to take what they can get. What worries me is what if another underlying health problem is causing my symptoms. My last blood tests were done about a year ago and they were normal. After my second covid jab though my sugar levels increased for the first time ever but when I had my bloods redone they had gone back to normal. If anyone has any thoughts I would really appreciate it. Thank you. 

[Sonia009]

On 3/20/2022 at 8:11 AM, sunnysideup69 said:

Hey @Sonia009,

Just popped in here, haven't popped in for ages. How are you? FWIW, I absolutely think that reaction could have been the vaccines. Have read on other threads about them creating waves. How are you doing now?

Lots of love,

Sunny xxx

Hi Sunny, sorry I didn't see your post, haven't been here for a year. I've recently posted so won't repeat myself. I've just been reading your thread, sorry to hear you are still battling with withdrawal, good to hear though that you have made some progress. I cannot believe this is taking so long. It plays havoc with the mind causing self-doubt, constant worry and so on. I wish you all the best for 2023, maybe this will be the year for us 🙏.

[sunnysideup69]

Hey Sonia,

I'm doing well. Just not tapering yet. Had a synthetic estrogen blip, was all. Wave gone, now back to cheerful and enjoying life.

Am going to begin a taper in summer. Have already broached subject with gp.....who was clueless. 

Sending good wishes for a happy 2023 xxx

[Sonia009]

1 hour ago, sunnysideup69 said:

Hey Sonia,

I'm doing well. Just not tapering yet. Had a synthetic estrogen blip, was all. Wave gone, now back to cheerful and enjoying life.

Am going to begin a taper in summer. Have already broached subject with gp.....who was clueless. 

Sending good wishes for a happy 2023 xxx

Hi , great to hear from you again. Good to hear you're back on track. 

I started my new taper a few days ago. I was on 5.2 mg now I've gone down to 5 mg. I really feel the difference with regards to withdrawal effects, dizziness back, headaches and feeling weird. I was diluting but I decided to cut my tablet this time and am weighing it again. However, this isn't easy either because my scales are not consistent. I may have to go back to diluting. I wish they made these ruddy things in 5 mg form. Looking forward to reading how you get on with your taper in the summer.

Best wishes for a healthy and happy 2023.

Regards x

[bunchesofoats]

Hi @Sonia001, how's your new taper going? Did you go back to diluting? I was thinking to start weighing tablets as well, but the scale I have is only accurate to the 100ug and my tablets weigh about 60ug. I found out recently that there exists an oral solution so I'm going to ask my doctor to prescribe that instead of tablets next time. Hoping my insurance covers it and it's not too expensive.

[Sonia009]

4 hours ago, bunchesofoats said:

Hi @Sonia001, how's your new taper going? Did you go back to diluting? I was thinking to start weighing tablets as well, but the scale I have is only accurate to the 100ug and my tablets weigh about 60ug. I found out recently that there exists an oral solution so I'm going to ask my doctor to prescribe that instead of tablets next time. Hoping my insurance covers it and it's not too expensive.

Hi, how are you doing?

Yes, I've gone back to diluting, this time I'm sticking to the same time diluting, early morning and taking the med at 1pm. I'm also making sure I dilute well, using the syringe to draw the liquid and then releasing it a few times before measuring my dose. I am going through withdrawal symptoms again, the usual headaches, dizziness, nausea, aches all over, balance off sometimes and that horrible dropping sensation. I think I've had a migraine too after getting eyes tested, similar symptoms to withdrawal. My doctor wouldn't give me the oral solution, he doesn't prescribe it. If you could get that it would be more accurate. I gave up on the scales ( I've tried two), not accurate enough. It gave me different readings for the same tablet.

Hope all goes well for you this year. Sending best wishes x.

[Sonia009]

Hi, I was on Citalopram 10 mg for fifteen years. I began tapering three years ago and was down to 5.2mg. Had withdrawal effects all the way but had days when they were bearable. I was also on a diuretic bendroflumethiazide 2.5 mg for border line blood pressure. My husband has been ill and I was getting frequent migraines so I visited my doctor and he took me off both meds and out me on Amitriptyline 10 mg on 6th September 2023. He also put me on Ramipril 2.5mg. I was ok for three weeks but side effects were too much. Dizziness and zombie like state. On 2nd October he took me off these and put me on Propranolol 10 mg. Again side effects unbearable. On 24 th October he took me off these and put me on Losartan 25mg. My heartbeat was too fast so on 28th October I was out back on propranolol 10mg. I was like a zombie. On 19 th December 2023 he took me off everything and put me back on bendroflumethiazide 2.5mg. 

I have been getting severe dizziness, lightheadednes, sometimes slight vertigo for a couple of months. I get leg weakbess, heafaches, nausea, increased anxiety, agitation, noise intolerance, tinnitus, ear fullness etc. I am seeing my doctor today because I'm thinking of reinstating citalopram. I have read the notes given here about starting on a low dose, perhaps 0.5 mg but it is pointless telling my doctor this because he could not see a problem coming off the 5.2 mg he took me off cold turkey.

I am just looking for advice, reassurance because I cannot do this alone. I cannot depend on my husband now because he has his own health issues and there is no one else. I thank you for a any advice.

Edited January 8 by FireflyFyte
Updated title

[Sonia009]

Hi everyone, so glad I've been accepted here. I started citalopram 15 years ago and I started to wean off three years ago. I was down to 5.2 mg and it wasn't easy. I'm September my doctor took me off them and put me on Amitriptyline for migraines.This was followed by a cocktail of beta blockers and bp meds for three months. Side effects were horrendous but not sure if some of that was down to Citalopram I suspect it was. I am not currently taking anything. I will add these drugs in my signature.

my symptoms are

Fast heartbeat with little excursion

Dizzinees, lightheadedness, vertigo particularly sitting up from lying position

nausea

headaches

tinnitus worse than its ever been

ear fullness

anxiety

sensitive to noise, people's voices even

etc

I have been to A&E, ECG normal, blood works normal, all seems ok.

I'm thinking about restarting Citalopram at a low dose in the hope of coming off more slowly in the future. Can anyone advise me please if what an am experiencing is withdrawal, protracted withdrawal? I'd appreciate your feedback. Thank you.

[FireflyFyte]

Hi Sonia,

 

The symptoms you are experiencing are common withdrawal symptoms. We have a checklist of withdrawal symptoms at Daily Checklist of Withdrawal Symptoms.

 

4 hours ago, Sonia009 said:

I have read the notes given here about starting on a low dose, perhaps 0.5 mg but it is pointless telling my doctor this because he could not see a problem coming off the 5.2 mg he took me off cold turkey.

 

Yes, as you have read, when it comes to reinstatement we suggest starting with a very low dose as going with a higher dose has more of a chance of leading to kindling. You can read more at Hypersensitivity and Kindling. 

 

Regarding speaking to your doctor, you may just want to see about getting a prescription for liquid Citalopram for tapering or you can look into making your own liquid solution. We have more details at Tips for tapering off Celexa (citalopram).

 

Thanks,

 

Firefly

[Sonia009]

Thank you Firefly for responding so quickly with your reassuring reply. I am seeing my doctor later, assuming he is willing to prescribe it, I will ask about liquid Citalopram but I remember asking before and I don't think it's prescribed at my surgery. What I was doing before was diluting a 10 mg tablet in 10 mls water using a syringe drawing up 5.2 mls. I'll use this method to draw up 0.5 mls. 

I forgot to mention the brain zaps, dry mouth, upset stomach and bad dreams. 

I think I am probably withdrawing from some of the other meds he prescribed too like propranolol.

Thank you so much. Regards

[Sonia009]

21 hours ago, Sonia009 said:

Thank you Firefly for responding so quickly with your reassuring reply. I am seeing my doctor later, assuming he is willing to prescribe it, I will ask about liquid Citalopram but I remember asking before and I don't think it's prescribed at my surgery. What I was doing before was diluting a 10 mg tablet in 10 mls water using a syringe drawing up 5.2 mls. I'll use this method to draw up 0.5 mls. 

I forgot to mention the brain zaps, dry mouth, upset stomach and bad dreams. 

I think I am probably withdrawing from some of the other meds he prescribed too like propranolol.

Thank you so much. Regards

So I started my 0.5 mg Citalopram yesterday evening along with my 2.5 mg diuretic. Felt muzzy headed, headache, nausea and tired. Didn't have a good night, husband has insomnia and health  issues following a TIA almost three years ago, very stressful times. He started sertraline yesterday.

Today I woke up with a weird feeling, light headed, nausea and anxious. Did some housework and cooking, didn't feel up to it but pushed myself to do it. Now really exhausted, taking a rest. Not so aware of my heartbeat today which is good, I think, tinnitus persistent though. Started a journal

yesterday to track my symptoms. Going to print off the withdrawal checklist too that Firefly sent. Just trying not to panic and give it time. Best wishes all.

[FireflyFyte]

1 hour ago, Sonia009 said:

Just trying not to panic and give it time.

 

This is a good strategy. It is important during withdrawal to learn Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms.

 

1 hour ago, Sonia009 said:

Started a journal

yesterday to track my symptoms.

 

Feel free to share your symptom tracking here if you have any questions.

[Sonia009]

3 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

 

This is a good strategy. It is important during withdrawal to learn Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms.

 

 

Feel free to share your symptom tracking here if you have any questions.

Thank you Firefly. I had a reasonable afternoon but started to feel nervous and jittery an hour before my second Citalopram dose was due. It's a horrible feeling that I haven't had in a while. Re the Joseph Glanmullen's check list link you sent, I ticked 39 out of the 58 symptoms therein today. Hopefully this will decrease over time. Regards.

[Sonia009]

So, I had an awful night last night, dizziness, nausea, anxiety, fear, cried a lot. I'm not sure if it's the bendroflumethiazde but an hour after taking it and a couple of hours before my Citalopram was due these symptoms began.

Today I've been muzzy headed, light headed, headache, aching back of neck, constipated, but again ploughed my way through getting on with things. I felt hot and tired afterwards and had to put the fan on me. Feeling anxious and worried about my symptoms, will they ever end, hoping to get relief soon. Today will be my third day of reinstating 0.5 mg Citalopram. I'm hoping each dose will make a difference. Have got a bit of an appetite back, most of my clothes too big for me at the moment. Hoping for a better night tonight. Regards.

[Sonia009]

After that awful night my day wasn't so bad. Yes I did have a bit of a muzzy head but the lightheadedness was less frequent. I only took half my bndroflumethiazide dose so not sure if that helped. After I took my 0.5 mg Citalopram at 4pm I felt ok, head was clear for the for the first time in a while. Slept for a few hours but now side awake since 1am. I don't have any brain zaps either. At the moment I feel a little jittery in case symptoms come back, they probably will because I don't expect to heal just yet. 

Is there such a thing as windows and waves during reinstatement? Is it the same as windows and waves in the withdrawal stabilisation process? Thank you.

[Sonia009]

On 1/9/2024 at 1:18 PM, FireflyFyte said:

 

This is a good strategy. It is important during withdrawal to learn Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms.

 

 

Feel free to share your symptom tracking here if you have any questions.

I'm on day nine of Citalopram 0.5 mg and I can honestly say today is the worst day so far. I feel drugged, my head feels full of gunge. My tinnitus is worse, lightheaded, anxious, frightened,I can barely keep my eyes open, I just want to go to bed and sleep. I'm just about coping with household chores but no more. Should I continue or discontinue citalopram? Any thoughts would be welcome. Thank you.