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Sonia009: Citalopram discontinuation/reinstatement


Sonia009

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43 minutes ago, Sonia009 said:

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.

@FireflyFyte.I've noticed my symptoms are worse after taking bendroflumethiazide and before taking Citalopram 0.5 mg four hours later. I might try stopping the bendroflumethiazide for a couple of days. Any thoughts?

2008 10 mg Citalopram, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide

2021 reduced Citalopram over three years,2023 5.2 mg Citalopram for approx. 1 year

Sept 2023 taken off Citalopram and bendroflumethiazide , put on Amitriptyline 10 mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg 

October 2023 taken off Amitriptyline and Ramipril put on Propranolol 10 mg

October 2023 put on Losartan 25 mg 

November 2023 taken off Losartan on Propranolol 10 mg 

December 2023 now on 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide + Citalopram 0.5 mg.

February 2024, taken off bendroflumethiazide, on bisoprolol 1.25 mg

February 2024, taken off bisoprolol, on ramipril 1.25 mg + 0.5mg Citalopram, stopped ramipril.

 

 

 

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4 minutes ago, Sonia009 said:

I've noticed my symptoms are worse after taking bendroflumethiazide and before taking Citalopram 0.5 mg four hours later. I might try stopping the bendroflumethiazide for a couple of days. Any thoughts?

 

How long have you been on the bendroflumethiazide and why are you taking it?

 

Pre- October 2022: Wellbutrin, Escitalopram, CitalopramSertraline, Adderall IR, Vyvanse, Propranolol, Buspar, Ativan, and Latuda

Oct 13, 2022 - Oct 24, 2022 and Oct 31, 2022 - Present: Zyprexa (2.5 mg). Jan 14, 2023 -> Began transition to liquid suspension. Jan 29, 2023 = 2.375mg -> Feb 12, 2023 = 2.25mg -> Feb 27, 2023 = 2.14mg -> Mar 12, 2023 = 2.025mg -> Mar 27, 2023 = 1.93mg -> Apr 10, 2023 = 1.82mg -> Apr 23, 2023 = 1.74mg -> May 7, 2023 = 1.64mg -> May 21, 2023 = 1.56mg -> June 4, 2023 = 1.48mg -> June 19, 2023 = 1.4mg -> July 2, 2023 = 1.33mg -> July 16, 2023 = 1.26mg -> July 31, 2023 = 1.2mg -> Aug 13, 2023 = 1.14mg -> Aug 27, 2023 = 1.08mg -> Sep 13, 2023 = 1.02mg -> Jan 22, 2024 = 0.97mg -> Feb 4, 2024 = 0.92mg -> Feb 19, 2024 = 0.87mg -> Mar 3, 2024 = 0.83mg -> Mar 17, 2024 = 0.78mg -> Mar 31, 2024 = 0.74mg -> Apr 14, 2024 = 0.7mg -> Apr 28, 2024 = 0.66mg

Oct 14, 2022 - Present: Prozac (40mg) upped from 20mg on Nov 1, 2022.

Oct 31, 2022 - Present: Gabapentin (300mg 3x day) -> May 3, 2023 = 300mg 2x day -> Oct 1, 2023 = 570mg -> Oct 15, 2023 = 540mg -> Oct 29, 2023 = 510mg -> Nov 13, 2023 = 484mg -> Nov 27, 2023 = 460mg -> Dec 9, 2023 = 436mg -> Dec 24, 2023 = 414mg -> Jan 7, 2024 = 400mg

 

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1 minute ago, FireflyFyte said:

 

How long have you been on the bendroflumethiazide and why are you taking it?

I was on 2.5 mg for about 15 years for border line blood pressure. My doctor took me off it in September to go on Amitriptyline and rampipril. The Amitriptyline was for migraines but it increased my blood pressure hence the ramipril. He switched my meds several times which hasn't helped with my predicament. My bp was normal at my last but one visit to my doctor so he took me off everything. When I saw him a week later my BP was border line again. I asked to go back on bendroflumethiazide and he told me to go back on Citalopram 10 mg also. I am currently taking 1.25 mg bendroflumethiazide and 0.5 mg citalopram. BP is ok. 

2008 10 mg Citalopram, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide

2021 reduced Citalopram over three years,2023 5.2 mg Citalopram for approx. 1 year

Sept 2023 taken off Citalopram and bendroflumethiazide , put on Amitriptyline 10 mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg 

October 2023 taken off Amitriptyline and Ramipril put on Propranolol 10 mg

October 2023 put on Losartan 25 mg 

November 2023 taken off Losartan on Propranolol 10 mg 

December 2023 now on 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide + Citalopram 0.5 mg.

February 2024, taken off bendroflumethiazide, on bisoprolol 1.25 mg

February 2024, taken off bisoprolol, on ramipril 1.25 mg + 0.5mg Citalopram, stopped ramipril.

 

 

 

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1 hour ago, Sonia009 said:

I was on 2.5 mg for about 15 years for border line blood pressure. My doctor took me off it in September to go on Amitriptyline and rampipril. The Amitriptyline was for migraines but it increased my blood pressure hence the ramipril. He switched my meds several times which hasn't helped with my predicament. My bp was normal at my last but one visit to my doctor so he took me off everything. When I saw him a week later my BP was border line again. I asked to go back on bendroflumethiazide and he told me to go back on Citalopram 10 mg also. I am currently taking 1.25 mg bendroflumethiazide and 0.5 mg citalopram. BP is ok. 

@FireflyFyteI'm sticking with the bendroflumethiazide because it's important to keep my bp in check. 're the Citalopram 0.5 mg, I've been on this for eight days, tonight will be my ninth dose. Should I wean off this, could I jump off right now or should I give it more time?  I'm not sure how long before I should show signs of improvement but I'm feeling worse now than before. So confused. Thanks. 

2008 10 mg Citalopram, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide

2021 reduced Citalopram over three years,2023 5.2 mg Citalopram for approx. 1 year

Sept 2023 taken off Citalopram and bendroflumethiazide , put on Amitriptyline 10 mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg 

October 2023 taken off Amitriptyline and Ramipril put on Propranolol 10 mg

October 2023 put on Losartan 25 mg 

November 2023 taken off Losartan on Propranolol 10 mg 

December 2023 now on 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide + Citalopram 0.5 mg.

February 2024, taken off bendroflumethiazide, on bisoprolol 1.25 mg

February 2024, taken off bisoprolol, on ramipril 1.25 mg + 0.5mg Citalopram, stopped ramipril.

 

 

 

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On 1/16/2024 at 11:03 AM, Sonia009 said:

Should I wean off this, could I jump off right now or should I give it more time?  I'm not sure how long before I should show signs of improvement but I'm feeling worse now than before.

 

Can you describe how you are feeling worse?

 

When do you take the Citalopram? Do your symptoms get worse following your dose?

 

Pre- October 2022: Wellbutrin, Escitalopram, CitalopramSertraline, Adderall IR, Vyvanse, Propranolol, Buspar, Ativan, and Latuda

Oct 13, 2022 - Oct 24, 2022 and Oct 31, 2022 - Present: Zyprexa (2.5 mg). Jan 14, 2023 -> Began transition to liquid suspension. Jan 29, 2023 = 2.375mg -> Feb 12, 2023 = 2.25mg -> Feb 27, 2023 = 2.14mg -> Mar 12, 2023 = 2.025mg -> Mar 27, 2023 = 1.93mg -> Apr 10, 2023 = 1.82mg -> Apr 23, 2023 = 1.74mg -> May 7, 2023 = 1.64mg -> May 21, 2023 = 1.56mg -> June 4, 2023 = 1.48mg -> June 19, 2023 = 1.4mg -> July 2, 2023 = 1.33mg -> July 16, 2023 = 1.26mg -> July 31, 2023 = 1.2mg -> Aug 13, 2023 = 1.14mg -> Aug 27, 2023 = 1.08mg -> Sep 13, 2023 = 1.02mg -> Jan 22, 2024 = 0.97mg -> Feb 4, 2024 = 0.92mg -> Feb 19, 2024 = 0.87mg -> Mar 3, 2024 = 0.83mg -> Mar 17, 2024 = 0.78mg -> Mar 31, 2024 = 0.74mg -> Apr 14, 2024 = 0.7mg -> Apr 28, 2024 = 0.66mg

Oct 14, 2022 - Present: Prozac (40mg) upped from 20mg on Nov 1, 2022.

Oct 31, 2022 - Present: Gabapentin (300mg 3x day) -> May 3, 2023 = 300mg 2x day -> Oct 1, 2023 = 570mg -> Oct 15, 2023 = 540mg -> Oct 29, 2023 = 510mg -> Nov 13, 2023 = 484mg -> Nov 27, 2023 = 460mg -> Dec 9, 2023 = 436mg -> Dec 24, 2023 = 414mg -> Jan 7, 2024 = 400mg

 

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1 hour ago, FireflyFyte said:

 

Can you describe how you are feeling worse?

 

When do you take the Citalopram? Do your symptoms get worse following your dose?

Hi, I had a bad day yesterday, not as bad today. My symptoms were mainly headache, neck ache, ear fullness, tinnitus, very anxious, felt like my head was heavy and full of gunge and the need to lie down in case I fell down. Not as bad today, headache but managed to get things done. A bit light headed this evening, ate some cheese and citrus fruit, bad idea, think I've got a migraine coming on. I've continued on my medications.

2008 10 mg Citalopram, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide

2021 reduced Citalopram over three years,2023 5.2 mg Citalopram for approx. 1 year

Sept 2023 taken off Citalopram and bendroflumethiazide , put on Amitriptyline 10 mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg 

October 2023 taken off Amitriptyline and Ramipril put on Propranolol 10 mg

October 2023 put on Losartan 25 mg 

November 2023 taken off Losartan on Propranolol 10 mg 

December 2023 now on 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide + Citalopram 0.5 mg.

February 2024, taken off bendroflumethiazide, on bisoprolol 1.25 mg

February 2024, taken off bisoprolol, on ramipril 1.25 mg + 0.5mg Citalopram, stopped ramipril.

 

 

 

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Just now, Sonia009 said:

Hi, I had a bad day yesterday, not as bad today. My symptoms were mainly headache, neck ache, ear fullness, tinnitus, very anxious, felt like my head was heavy and full of gunge and the need to lie down in case I fell down. Not as bad today, headache but managed to get things done. A bit light headed this evening, ate some cheese and citrus fruit, bad idea, think I've got a migraine coming on. I've continued on my medications.

 

Just now, Sonia009 said:

Hi, I had a bad day yesterday, not as bad today. My symptoms were mainly headache, neck ache, ear fullness, tinnitus, very anxious, felt like my head was heavy and full of gunge and the need to lie down in case I fell down. Not as bad today, headache but managed to get things done. A bit light headed this evening, ate some cheese and citrus fruit, bad idea, think I've got a migraine coming on. I've continued on my medications.

I take Citalopram at 4pm, I tend to get an increase in Anxiety shortly after taking it. I do feel headachey and just a weird head feeling after taking it, some light headedness too.

2008 10 mg Citalopram, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide

2021 reduced Citalopram over three years,2023 5.2 mg Citalopram for approx. 1 year

Sept 2023 taken off Citalopram and bendroflumethiazide , put on Amitriptyline 10 mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg 

October 2023 taken off Amitriptyline and Ramipril put on Propranolol 10 mg

October 2023 put on Losartan 25 mg 

November 2023 taken off Losartan on Propranolol 10 mg 

December 2023 now on 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide + Citalopram 0.5 mg.

February 2024, taken off bendroflumethiazide, on bisoprolol 1.25 mg

February 2024, taken off bisoprolol, on ramipril 1.25 mg + 0.5mg Citalopram, stopped ramipril.

 

 

 

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17 hours ago, Sonia009 said:

I take Citalopram at 4pm, I tend to get an increase in Anxiety shortly after taking it. I do feel headachey and just a weird head feeling after taking it, some light headedness too.

 

Can you list your medication times and symptoms in a daily journal so we can get a feel for your symptom patterns?

 

Pre- October 2022: Wellbutrin, Escitalopram, CitalopramSertraline, Adderall IR, Vyvanse, Propranolol, Buspar, Ativan, and Latuda

Oct 13, 2022 - Oct 24, 2022 and Oct 31, 2022 - Present: Zyprexa (2.5 mg). Jan 14, 2023 -> Began transition to liquid suspension. Jan 29, 2023 = 2.375mg -> Feb 12, 2023 = 2.25mg -> Feb 27, 2023 = 2.14mg -> Mar 12, 2023 = 2.025mg -> Mar 27, 2023 = 1.93mg -> Apr 10, 2023 = 1.82mg -> Apr 23, 2023 = 1.74mg -> May 7, 2023 = 1.64mg -> May 21, 2023 = 1.56mg -> June 4, 2023 = 1.48mg -> June 19, 2023 = 1.4mg -> July 2, 2023 = 1.33mg -> July 16, 2023 = 1.26mg -> July 31, 2023 = 1.2mg -> Aug 13, 2023 = 1.14mg -> Aug 27, 2023 = 1.08mg -> Sep 13, 2023 = 1.02mg -> Jan 22, 2024 = 0.97mg -> Feb 4, 2024 = 0.92mg -> Feb 19, 2024 = 0.87mg -> Mar 3, 2024 = 0.83mg -> Mar 17, 2024 = 0.78mg -> Mar 31, 2024 = 0.74mg -> Apr 14, 2024 = 0.7mg -> Apr 28, 2024 = 0.66mg

Oct 14, 2022 - Present: Prozac (40mg) upped from 20mg on Nov 1, 2022.

Oct 31, 2022 - Present: Gabapentin (300mg 3x day) -> May 3, 2023 = 300mg 2x day -> Oct 1, 2023 = 570mg -> Oct 15, 2023 = 540mg -> Oct 29, 2023 = 510mg -> Nov 13, 2023 = 484mg -> Nov 27, 2023 = 460mg -> Dec 9, 2023 = 436mg -> Dec 24, 2023 = 414mg -> Jan 7, 2024 = 400mg

 

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Can someone please help, I need an answer.  I've had another bad day, vertigo, headache, aching neck, really scared, can't stop crying. This is my 11th day on reinstatement of 0.5mg Citalopram. I slept on my right side last night and when I switched to my left side had the awful vertigo sensation. I've had it on off all day. I cannot do anything, have stayed in bed most of the day. I feel as if I'm going to be like this forever. Should I stop the Citalopram to see if it makes a a difference? Has anyone experienced this vertigo on changing head position. I even feel it slightly when moving my eyes downwards. I reinstated because I was getting vertigo, fast heart beat on getting up from bed. Now I'm getting it all day. Thank you.

2008 10 mg Citalopram, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide

2021 reduced Citalopram over three years,2023 5.2 mg Citalopram for approx. 1 year

Sept 2023 taken off Citalopram and bendroflumethiazide , put on Amitriptyline 10 mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg 

October 2023 taken off Amitriptyline and Ramipril put on Propranolol 10 mg

October 2023 put on Losartan 25 mg 

November 2023 taken off Losartan on Propranolol 10 mg 

December 2023 now on 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide + Citalopram 0.5 mg.

February 2024, taken off bendroflumethiazide, on bisoprolol 1.25 mg

February 2024, taken off bisoprolol, on ramipril 1.25 mg + 0.5mg Citalopram, stopped ramipril.

 

 

 

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I feel as though I'm losing my mind. Weird dreams, weird fee!ing in head, just want to sleep. Isn't there anyone I can speak to for some reassurance please?

2008 10 mg Citalopram, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide

2021 reduced Citalopram over three years,2023 5.2 mg Citalopram for approx. 1 year

Sept 2023 taken off Citalopram and bendroflumethiazide , put on Amitriptyline 10 mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg 

October 2023 taken off Amitriptyline and Ramipril put on Propranolol 10 mg

October 2023 put on Losartan 25 mg 

November 2023 taken off Losartan on Propranolol 10 mg 

December 2023 now on 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide + Citalopram 0.5 mg.

February 2024, taken off bendroflumethiazide, on bisoprolol 1.25 mg

February 2024, taken off bisoprolol, on ramipril 1.25 mg + 0.5mg Citalopram, stopped ramipril.

 

 

 

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  • Mentor

Sonia009, it sounds like you are dealing with obsessive thinking and ruminations as well as the physical symptoms of WD.  I can assure you that you're not losing your mind. These are thoughts being driven by withdrawal and habitual thinking.  I get vertigo sometimes if I forget to stay hydrated, combined with naturally low pressure. Have you tried any calming or coping techniques? I find breathing slowly in through my nose and out through my mouth with a slight pause between inhale and exhale calms my body and racing thoughts.  

Tim C

Started Paxil for GAD in 1999

Unsuccessful taper attempt in 2006

Paxilprogress helped with a successful taper completed in 2009

Using therapy and CBT to manage my anxiety

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46 minutes ago, mstimc said:

Sonia009, it sounds like you are dealing with obsessive thinking and ruminations as well as the physical symptoms of WD.  I can assure you that you're not losing your mind. These are thoughts being driven by withdrawal and habitual thinking.  I get vertigo sometimes if I forget to stay hydrated, combined with naturally low pressure. Have you tried any calming or coping techniques? I find breathing slowly in through my nose and out through my mouth with a slight pause between inhale and exhale calms my body and racing thoughts.  

Thank you so much for your reassuring reply. I don't mean to burden anyone but it means a lot to me when I am struggling alone with this and no one to share my feelings with. My husband is ill so I hide so much from him. I am a little calmer today, still getting some vertigo moments but with pacing myself, have been able to carry on with what needs to be done and resting in between. I do breathing exercises but haven't tried the pause in between. I'll try that, thank you. I think I have been worrying so much in case there is a something else going on with me but prior to stopping Citalopram last September and the cocktail of medications I took for three months following this, I didn't have these symptoms. I think I have some withdrawal from the medications, amitriptyline, propranolol, ramipril and losartan coupled with protracted withdrawal from Citalopram. My bloods and ECG were good recently. I am a terrible worrier and I have been under a lot of stress at home which hasn't helped, no doubt as many others here have been as they continue their battle with these awful drugs. I thank you for your support. Kind Regards.

2008 10 mg Citalopram, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide

2021 reduced Citalopram over three years,2023 5.2 mg Citalopram for approx. 1 year

Sept 2023 taken off Citalopram and bendroflumethiazide , put on Amitriptyline 10 mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg 

October 2023 taken off Amitriptyline and Ramipril put on Propranolol 10 mg

October 2023 put on Losartan 25 mg 

November 2023 taken off Losartan on Propranolol 10 mg 

December 2023 now on 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide + Citalopram 0.5 mg.

February 2024, taken off bendroflumethiazide, on bisoprolol 1.25 mg

February 2024, taken off bisoprolol, on ramipril 1.25 mg + 0.5mg Citalopram, stopped ramipril.

 

 

 

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  • Mentor

I had terrible health anxiety, too. All I accomplished was making my doctor a lot wealthier.  The desire to find a physical cause for what you're feeling is overwhelming.  Its hard to believe our minds can have so much power over our thoughts and bodies, but much of what you're feeling are driven by obsessive ruminations. Anything you can do to distract your mind will decrease the thoughts and the physical symptoms, too.  

Tim C

Started Paxil for GAD in 1999

Unsuccessful taper attempt in 2006

Paxilprogress helped with a successful taper completed in 2009

Using therapy and CBT to manage my anxiety

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  • Moderator

I experienced all of the symptoms you're feeling, and it was before I was even tapering. I was prescribed 30mg citalopram, which meant taking one 20mg tablet and breaking another in half. I didn't know what was causing these horrible symptoms (and neither did my awful doctor) until I went down to a steady 20mg tablet that the deviations in that half tablet were causing my symptoms including terrible vertigo, the weird feeling in the head, body rushes, headaches that wouldn't go away, and general anxiety/dread. I can't say whether the right course of action is to stay at 0.5mg or to go back to 0mg, but stick with one steady dose, making it as consistent as possible.

 

The breathing and hydration that mistimc recommended are probably the top 2 things you can do for yourself, in addition to some calming stretches. I found incredible relief from this pose in particular: https://yourpaceyoga.com/blog/restorative-goddess-pose/. I would hold for 20 minutes and be amazed that I felt differently after. 

 

What you're experiencing is extremely uncomfortable and lonely for sure, but you will not feel like this forever, and you are not alone in your experience.

2005 - 2016 on & off methylphenidate and bupropion; short terms trials of other medications; tried many supplements

2016 Nov - 2017 Mar citalopram ramp up 0-->30mg (4 months)

2017 Mar - 2018 Jan held at 30mg (11months); taking 1.5x 20mg tablets, cutting 20mg tablets in half. inconsistency in split tablet led to extreme side effects.

2018 Feb - 2018 May taper 30mg-->20mg (3months), ~2.5mg/month, cutting tablets; at 20mg side effects (vertigo, headache, etc) disappeared

2018 May - 2019 Apr held at 20mg (11months); attempted taper from 20mg; tried ~17.5mg cutting tablets but symptoms too strong

2019 Apr - 2021 Jun tapered 20mg-->10mg (26months); ~5%/month dissolving tablets in water and pipetting with syringe; min lorazepam 2-3x/mo to mitigate symptoms

2021 Jun - 2023 Nov held at 10mg (29months)

2023 Nov - Nov 7 10mg solid to liquid; Dec 7 liquid 10mg; Dec 14 9.9mg; Dec 21 9.8mg; Dec 28 9.75mg; Jan 27 9.65mg; Feb 3 9.53mg; Feb 18 9.45mg

 

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1 hour ago, mstimc said:

I had terrible health anxiety, too. All I accomplished was making my doctor a lot wealthier.  The desire to find a physical cause for what you're feeling is overwhelming.  Its hard to believe our minds can have so much power over our thoughts and bodies, but much of what you're feeling are driven by obsessive ruminations. Anything you can do to distract your mind will decrease the thoughts and the physical symptoms, too.  

Mstimc, Thank you, your message means so much to me. Today I picked up my knitting for the first time in three months, I made the conscientious effort of trying to get back to normal. I knit a lot for charity. Your first post earlier made such a massive difference to the way I was thinking, sort of put me back on track, thank you. I haven't walked my dog in three months, I've had to hire a dog walker, I am going to try to get back to that to. I look at the field in the distance from my bedroom window where we used to go and I see familiar dog walkers there and it breaks my heart that I haven't been able to join them with my little dog. Even my dog senses there's something wrong, makes me very sad. Wishing you all the best with heaps of thanks. Kind regards.

2008 10 mg Citalopram, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide

2021 reduced Citalopram over three years,2023 5.2 mg Citalopram for approx. 1 year

Sept 2023 taken off Citalopram and bendroflumethiazide , put on Amitriptyline 10 mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg 

October 2023 taken off Amitriptyline and Ramipril put on Propranolol 10 mg

October 2023 put on Losartan 25 mg 

November 2023 taken off Losartan on Propranolol 10 mg 

December 2023 now on 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide + Citalopram 0.5 mg.

February 2024, taken off bendroflumethiazide, on bisoprolol 1.25 mg

February 2024, taken off bisoprolol, on ramipril 1.25 mg + 0.5mg Citalopram, stopped ramipril.

 

 

 

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  • Mentor

The fact that you recognize and want to do things that bring you joy is huge!  It shows you can and will recover--if you were beyond recovery, you'd lose your desire for the activities and feelings you just described.  It may not seem like much now, but its a significant step in recovering from withdrawal and the negative thoughts its causing.  You will get better!

Tim C

Started Paxil for GAD in 1999

Unsuccessful taper attempt in 2006

Paxilprogress helped with a successful taper completed in 2009

Using therapy and CBT to manage my anxiety

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49 minutes ago, bunchesofoats said:

I experienced all of the symptoms you're feeling, and it was before I was even tapering. I was prescribed 30mg citalopram, which meant taking one 20mg tablet and breaking another in half. I didn't know what was causing these horrible symptoms (and neither did my awful doctor) until I went down to a steady 20mg tablet that the deviations in that half tablet were causing my symptoms including terrible vertigo, the weird feeling in the head, body rushes, headaches that wouldn't go away, and general anxiety/dread. I can't say whether the right course of action is to stay at 0.5mg or to go back to 0mg, but stick with one steady dose, making it as consistent as possible.

 

The breathing and hydration that mistimc recommended are probably the top 2 things you can do for yourself, in addition to some calming stretches. I found incredible relief from this pose in particular: https://yourpaceyoga.com/blog/restorative-goddess-pose/. I would hold for 20 minutes and be amazed that I felt differently after. 

 

What you're experiencing is extremely uncomfortable and lonely for sure, but you will not feel like this forever, and you are not alone in your experience.

bunchesofoats, thank you for taking the time to post, I really appreciate it. Again, it's so reassuring but sad to read that these symptoms are only to familiar with other sufferers, I'm sorry you had to to through this to. When I was reducing in the beginning I used to weigh my tablets to reach the desired dose but I never knew for sure if there was any fluctuation in doses. I dilute my tablet in water now and use a syringe to get my 0.5 mg. The other problem I used to get, and still do, is they keep changing brands. I really do notice, a difference. Thank you for the link, never done yoga but I shall give it a try. Kind regards.

2008 10 mg Citalopram, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide

2021 reduced Citalopram over three years,2023 5.2 mg Citalopram for approx. 1 year

Sept 2023 taken off Citalopram and bendroflumethiazide , put on Amitriptyline 10 mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg 

October 2023 taken off Amitriptyline and Ramipril put on Propranolol 10 mg

October 2023 put on Losartan 25 mg 

November 2023 taken off Losartan on Propranolol 10 mg 

December 2023 now on 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide + Citalopram 0.5 mg.

February 2024, taken off bendroflumethiazide, on bisoprolol 1.25 mg

February 2024, taken off bisoprolol, on ramipril 1.25 mg + 0.5mg Citalopram, stopped ramipril.

 

 

 

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5 minutes ago, mstimc said:

The fact that you recognize and want to do things that bring you joy is huge!  It shows you can and will recover--if you were beyond recovery, you'd lose your desire for the activities and feelings you just described.  It may not seem like much now, but its a significant step in recovering from withdrawal and the negative thoughts its causing.  You will get better!

Your messages today have really helped me, I just needed someone to talk to, I'm so glad it was you. Thank you.

2008 10 mg Citalopram, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide

2021 reduced Citalopram over three years,2023 5.2 mg Citalopram for approx. 1 year

Sept 2023 taken off Citalopram and bendroflumethiazide , put on Amitriptyline 10 mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg 

October 2023 taken off Amitriptyline and Ramipril put on Propranolol 10 mg

October 2023 put on Losartan 25 mg 

November 2023 taken off Losartan on Propranolol 10 mg 

December 2023 now on 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide + Citalopram 0.5 mg.

February 2024, taken off bendroflumethiazide, on bisoprolol 1.25 mg

February 2024, taken off bisoprolol, on ramipril 1.25 mg + 0.5mg Citalopram, stopped ramipril.

 

 

 

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  • Moderator
On 1/20/2024 at 1:22 PM, Sonia009 said:

they keep changing brands. I really do notice, a difference.

I've felt the different with every brand change as well. I wish more medical professionals understood the impact.

 

How have you been the last few days?

2005 - 2016 on & off methylphenidate and bupropion; short terms trials of other medications; tried many supplements

2016 Nov - 2017 Mar citalopram ramp up 0-->30mg (4 months)

2017 Mar - 2018 Jan held at 30mg (11months); taking 1.5x 20mg tablets, cutting 20mg tablets in half. inconsistency in split tablet led to extreme side effects.

2018 Feb - 2018 May taper 30mg-->20mg (3months), ~2.5mg/month, cutting tablets; at 20mg side effects (vertigo, headache, etc) disappeared

2018 May - 2019 Apr held at 20mg (11months); attempted taper from 20mg; tried ~17.5mg cutting tablets but symptoms too strong

2019 Apr - 2021 Jun tapered 20mg-->10mg (26months); ~5%/month dissolving tablets in water and pipetting with syringe; min lorazepam 2-3x/mo to mitigate symptoms

2021 Jun - 2023 Nov held at 10mg (29months)

2023 Nov - Nov 7 10mg solid to liquid; Dec 7 liquid 10mg; Dec 14 9.9mg; Dec 21 9.8mg; Dec 28 9.75mg; Jan 27 9.65mg; Feb 3 9.53mg; Feb 18 9.45mg

 

external-content.duckduckgo.com.jpg

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26 minutes ago, bunchesofoats said:

I've felt the different with every brand change as well. I wish more medical professionals understood the impact.

 

How have you been the last few days?

Hi, thanks for checking up on me. I had two to three fairly good days, not great but bearable. Yesterday however the dizziness was all day. Not great today either but better than yesterday. It's worse when I'm stressed. How are you?

2008 10 mg Citalopram, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide

2021 reduced Citalopram over three years,2023 5.2 mg Citalopram for approx. 1 year

Sept 2023 taken off Citalopram and bendroflumethiazide , put on Amitriptyline 10 mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg 

October 2023 taken off Amitriptyline and Ramipril put on Propranolol 10 mg

October 2023 put on Losartan 25 mg 

November 2023 taken off Losartan on Propranolol 10 mg 

December 2023 now on 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide + Citalopram 0.5 mg.

February 2024, taken off bendroflumethiazide, on bisoprolol 1.25 mg

February 2024, taken off bisoprolol, on ramipril 1.25 mg + 0.5mg Citalopram, stopped ramipril.

 

 

 

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Hi, I've been on 0.5 mg Citalopram now for two and a half weeks and If anything I'm feeling worse. The dizziness is so debilitating particularly in the morning on waking. When I start to drift off to sleep I get dizzy and it startles me. I have to stay awake but my eyes feel so tired. It scares me to shut my eyes. At the same time I have headache, horrible muzzy feeling. Do you think I should give Citalopram more time or is it harming me even more?

2008 10 mg Citalopram, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide

2021 reduced Citalopram over three years,2023 5.2 mg Citalopram for approx. 1 year

Sept 2023 taken off Citalopram and bendroflumethiazide , put on Amitriptyline 10 mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg 

October 2023 taken off Amitriptyline and Ramipril put on Propranolol 10 mg

October 2023 put on Losartan 25 mg 

November 2023 taken off Losartan on Propranolol 10 mg 

December 2023 now on 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide + Citalopram 0.5 mg.

February 2024, taken off bendroflumethiazide, on bisoprolol 1.25 mg

February 2024, taken off bisoprolol, on ramipril 1.25 mg + 0.5mg Citalopram, stopped ramipril.

 

 

 

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Hi, Has a anyone reinstated 0.5 mg Citalopram, I'd be interested if it worked and how long it took to work. Thank you.

2008 10 mg Citalopram, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide

2021 reduced Citalopram over three years,2023 5.2 mg Citalopram for approx. 1 year

Sept 2023 taken off Citalopram and bendroflumethiazide , put on Amitriptyline 10 mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg 

October 2023 taken off Amitriptyline and Ramipril put on Propranolol 10 mg

October 2023 put on Losartan 25 mg 

November 2023 taken off Losartan on Propranolol 10 mg 

December 2023 now on 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide + Citalopram 0.5 mg.

February 2024, taken off bendroflumethiazide, on bisoprolol 1.25 mg

February 2024, taken off bisoprolol, on ramipril 1.25 mg + 0.5mg Citalopram, stopped ramipril.

 

 

 

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  • Moderator

Can you please log your symptoms and when you are taking the Citalopram for a few days and post here?

The log would look something like -

  • 7 AM - Woke up, dizzy
  • 10 AM - Citalopram (0.5mg)
  • 2 PM - Raised heart rate

 

Pre- October 2022: Wellbutrin, Escitalopram, CitalopramSertraline, Adderall IR, Vyvanse, Propranolol, Buspar, Ativan, and Latuda

Oct 13, 2022 - Oct 24, 2022 and Oct 31, 2022 - Present: Zyprexa (2.5 mg). Jan 14, 2023 -> Began transition to liquid suspension. Jan 29, 2023 = 2.375mg -> Feb 12, 2023 = 2.25mg -> Feb 27, 2023 = 2.14mg -> Mar 12, 2023 = 2.025mg -> Mar 27, 2023 = 1.93mg -> Apr 10, 2023 = 1.82mg -> Apr 23, 2023 = 1.74mg -> May 7, 2023 = 1.64mg -> May 21, 2023 = 1.56mg -> June 4, 2023 = 1.48mg -> June 19, 2023 = 1.4mg -> July 2, 2023 = 1.33mg -> July 16, 2023 = 1.26mg -> July 31, 2023 = 1.2mg -> Aug 13, 2023 = 1.14mg -> Aug 27, 2023 = 1.08mg -> Sep 13, 2023 = 1.02mg -> Jan 22, 2024 = 0.97mg -> Feb 4, 2024 = 0.92mg -> Feb 19, 2024 = 0.87mg -> Mar 3, 2024 = 0.83mg -> Mar 17, 2024 = 0.78mg -> Mar 31, 2024 = 0.74mg -> Apr 14, 2024 = 0.7mg -> Apr 28, 2024 = 0.66mg

Oct 14, 2022 - Present: Prozac (40mg) upped from 20mg on Nov 1, 2022.

Oct 31, 2022 - Present: Gabapentin (300mg 3x day) -> May 3, 2023 = 300mg 2x day -> Oct 1, 2023 = 570mg -> Oct 15, 2023 = 540mg -> Oct 29, 2023 = 510mg -> Nov 13, 2023 = 484mg -> Nov 27, 2023 = 460mg -> Dec 9, 2023 = 436mg -> Dec 24, 2023 = 414mg -> Jan 7, 2024 = 400mg

 

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On 1/25/2024 at 8:37 PM, FireflyFyte said:

Can you please log your symptoms and when you are taking the Citalopram for a few days and post here?

The log would look something like -

  • 7 AM - Woke up, dizzy
  • 10 AM - Citalopram (0.5mg)
  • 2 PM - Raised heart rate

Hi, my symptoms are the same pretty much each day as follows:

7am, wake up, feely dizzy, take my time to get up, keep wanting to drift in and out of sleep but it makes me dizzy to do so. Crying a lot, feeling hopeless, here we go again type of feeling. Muzzy head, tinnitus, full ears. Very anxious, edgy. Freshen up in bathroom.

8am, light breakfast, no real appetite

8.15am, some housework takes around half an hour. Feel hot after it, raised pulse also.

9am, rest on bed with fan on to cool down. That helps.

11 am, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide for bp, with a light snack, half hour later feel even worse.

12pm, anadin extra for headache (paracetamol, aspirin, caffeine). Helps with headache nothing else.

Feel pretty much the same until late afternoon.

3pm, cook a meal, eat little.

4pm, 0.5 mg Citalopram.

5pm, some relief, still tearful, light headed on head movement especially looking down.

Try to get on with cooking, clearing away etc.

6pm, shower wash hair.

7pm, back to bed, light snack, watch some tv on small screen, can't watch large screen, sensitive to noise, light.

Generally feel very stressed due to home for circumstances.

8pm, take another anadin extra, if I don't I get a migraine next day.

I may sleep by around 10pm until around 6am unless I'm disturbed or require toimyt a few times. Husband ill has insomnia.I

This has been my pattern for the last few days.

Thanks

2008 10 mg Citalopram, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide

2021 reduced Citalopram over three years,2023 5.2 mg Citalopram for approx. 1 year

Sept 2023 taken off Citalopram and bendroflumethiazide , put on Amitriptyline 10 mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg 

October 2023 taken off Amitriptyline and Ramipril put on Propranolol 10 mg

October 2023 put on Losartan 25 mg 

November 2023 taken off Losartan on Propranolol 10 mg 

December 2023 now on 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide + Citalopram 0.5 mg.

February 2024, taken off bendroflumethiazide, on bisoprolol 1.25 mg

February 2024, taken off bisoprolol, on ramipril 1.25 mg + 0.5mg Citalopram, stopped ramipril.

 

 

 

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1 minute ago, Sonia009 said:

Hi, my symptoms are the same pretty much each day as follows:

7am, wake up, feely dizzy, take my time to get up, keep wanting to drift in and out of sleep but it makes me dizzy to do so. Crying a lot, feeling hopeless, here we go again type of feeling. Muzzy head, tinnitus, full ears. Very anxious, edgy. Freshen up in bathroom.

8am, light breakfast, no real appetite

8.15am, some housework takes around half an hour. Feel hot after it, raised pulse also.

9am, rest on bed with fan on to cool down. That helps.

11 am, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide for bp, with a light snack, half hour later feel even worse.

12pm, anadin extra for headache (paracetamol, aspirin, caffeine). Helps with headache nothing else.

Feel pretty much the same until late afternoon.

3pm, cook a meal, eat little.

4pm, 0.5 mg Citalopram.

5pm, some relief, still tearful, light headed on head movement especially looking down.

Try to get on with cooking, clearing away etc.

6pm, shower wash hair.

7pm, back to bed, light snack, watch some tv on small screen, can't watch large screen, sensitive to noise, light.

Generally feel very stressed due to home circumstances.

8pm, take another anadin extra, if I don't I get a migraine next day.

I may sleep by around 10pm until around 6am unless I'm disturbed or require toilet a few times. Husband ill has insomnia.I

This has been my pattern for the last few days.

Thanks

 

2008 10 mg Citalopram, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide

2021 reduced Citalopram over three years,2023 5.2 mg Citalopram for approx. 1 year

Sept 2023 taken off Citalopram and bendroflumethiazide , put on Amitriptyline 10 mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg 

October 2023 taken off Amitriptyline and Ramipril put on Propranolol 10 mg

October 2023 put on Losartan 25 mg 

November 2023 taken off Losartan on Propranolol 10 mg 

December 2023 now on 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide + Citalopram 0.5 mg.

February 2024, taken off bendroflumethiazide, on bisoprolol 1.25 mg

February 2024, taken off bisoprolol, on ramipril 1.25 mg + 0.5mg Citalopram, stopped ramipril.

 

 

 

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@Sonia009 hello, I've just been reading your story. I like to check out stories on here and interact if I can. It's usually in a Wave that I do this, mainly for reassurance or hope.

I took an on Citalopram and am suffering. A few years ago before this all happened I was diagnosed with Menieres disease which I thought at the time was the worst thing ever until I experienced WD from poly drugs.

I was lucky enough to nearly recover from Menieres but since withdrawals the dizziness has returned along with the feeling of being on a boat.  I think WDs impact every organ in our body in some shape or form and exasperate previous illnesses.

Are you drinking plenty of water? I was advised to stop eating salt, sugars and drink 2 litres a day which actually does help with the dizziness. I have to eat cleanly and drink only water as I also have gastritis.

I read you have waves and windows like many if us. I find in a Window I go mad and try and catch up on household chores and all the things I've missed doing in the house only to be knocked right back to being bed ridden the next day. Today being one of those days as I had a reasonable window yesterday where I thought I would vacuum and strip my bed. Bad mistake. I'm still learning every day how we are effected by WDs. I shall take things easier when I get my next window.

I find it's also much worse too when you have a reasonable day and then get hit badly the next day. All a learning curve.

Hope you don't mind me butting in on your post but I'd thought I'd mention what helps me with my dizziness. 

 

1998 - Levothyroxine 100 mg daily, (radioactive iodine treatment twice) and  Asthma steroid inhaler daily

2012 - Citalopram 20 mg daily for panic attacks

2020 - Citalopram 10 mg daily.

2022 - August. Gastritis, Omeprazole 20 mg for 2 weeks. Continual pain, changed diet.

August. Severe anxiety. High cortisone levels 24/7

September. Citalopram 20 mg daily

October. Citalopram 30 mg daily, reduced to 20 mg. Diazepam 2 mg and Promethazine

November. Citalopram 5 mg, changed to Sertraline 25 mg. Hallucinations, head pressure.

December. Mirtazapine 7.5 mg. Stopped all drugs (except Levothyroxine). Cold turkey, 5 days, nightmares, nausea, high anxiety, head pressure, jumbled brain, weird thoughts. Reinstated Citalopram 2.5 mg, increasing to 5 mg. Continuing on 5 mg, not stabilised. Terrible symptoms, jaw clenching, tearful, doom, chest pressure etc etc. 

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29 minutes ago, HelenR said:

@Sonia009 hello, I've just been reading your story. I like to check out stories on here and interact if I can. It's usually in a Wave that I do this, mainly for reassurance or hope.

I took an on Citalopram and am suffering. A few years ago before this all happened I was diagnosed with Menieres disease which I thought at the time was the worst thing ever until I experienced WD from poly drugs.

I was lucky enough to nearly recover from Menieres but since withdrawals the dizziness has returned along with the feeling of being on a boat.  I think WDs impact every organ in our body in some shape or form and exasperate previous illnesses.

Are you drinking plenty of water? I was advised to stop eating salt, sugars and drink 2 litres a day which actually does help with the dizziness. I have to eat cleanly and drink only water as I also have gastritis.

I read you have waves and windows like many if us. I find in a Window I go mad and try and catch up on household chores and all the things I've missed doing in the house only to be knocked right back to being bed ridden the next day. Today being one of those days as I had a reasonable window yesterday where I thought I would vacuum and strip my bed. Bad mistake. I'm still learning every day how we are effected by WDs. I shall take things easier when I get my next window.

I find it's also much worse too when you have a reasonable day and then get hit badly the next day. All a learning curve.

 

Hope you don't mind me butting in on your post but I'd thought I'd mention what helps me with my dizziness. 

Hi, no I don't mind you replying to my post at all. Glad to hear from someone who is going through similar symptoms. You remind me so much of myself, feel good one day, overdo things then pay for it the next day. I went through several quick med changes a few months ago, too many, that's when I went cold turkey from 5.2 mg citalopram, was ok for three weeks but then all hell broke loose. Have been three weeks on reinstating 0.5 mg Citalopram. I've been through withdrawal before several years ago and had dizziness back then, ENT found nothing. It took me eleven weeks to recover. I am going back to ENT just to be sure. I do drink plenty of water, I don't add salt to food and I don't eat sweet things, don't smoke or drink alcohol, doing everything right lol but appetite is not so good at the moment. I haven't read your history so don't know your full story i.e., how long you have been withdrawing, but I hope you recover soon. Message me any time.

2008 10 mg Citalopram, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide

2021 reduced Citalopram over three years,2023 5.2 mg Citalopram for approx. 1 year

Sept 2023 taken off Citalopram and bendroflumethiazide , put on Amitriptyline 10 mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg 

October 2023 taken off Amitriptyline and Ramipril put on Propranolol 10 mg

October 2023 put on Losartan 25 mg 

November 2023 taken off Losartan on Propranolol 10 mg 

December 2023 now on 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide + Citalopram 0.5 mg.

February 2024, taken off bendroflumethiazide, on bisoprolol 1.25 mg

February 2024, taken off bisoprolol, on ramipril 1.25 mg + 0.5mg Citalopram, stopped ramipril.

 

 

 

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@Sonia009 I'm pleased you're already on plenty of fluids etc as I've read dehydration makes symptoms worse. Definitely wise to see the ENT again just to be sure.

Sounds like you were on a roller coaster of medication which must be reading havoc with your nervous system. I think unless you experience these symptoms yourself no-one would believe what we are going through.

I've managed to get my appetite back which is a blessing for me as I seem to get a tiny bit better in the evenings after a decent meal.

My journey started last August 2023 when I was given a lot of meds for gastritis. To cut a long story short it caused my nervous system to go haywire so I was given different SSRIs to try plus diazepam and sleeping tablets as my usual dose of citalopram was not doing its job. I'd been in citalopram for years prior to August and was very stable.

Then all hell let loose. It took 9 months for me to stabilise again on my reinstatement if citalopram as I quit everything for only a week. I was nearly back to full health apart from other ailments then COVID struck in December and took two different antibiotics and anti sickness tablets as I had severe sickness and gastritis flared up badly.

So here I am back to square one. As I managed last year to stabilise I'm just hoping the same will happen again. Although strangely enough my symptoms seem worse this time around. More time in bed and more weird heads etc.

Well all we can do is survive each day. I don't look too far ahead I just survive each day.

Chat anytime if you need an ear to bend.

1998 - Levothyroxine 100 mg daily, (radioactive iodine treatment twice) and  Asthma steroid inhaler daily

2012 - Citalopram 20 mg daily for panic attacks

2020 - Citalopram 10 mg daily.

2022 - August. Gastritis, Omeprazole 20 mg for 2 weeks. Continual pain, changed diet.

August. Severe anxiety. High cortisone levels 24/7

September. Citalopram 20 mg daily

October. Citalopram 30 mg daily, reduced to 20 mg. Diazepam 2 mg and Promethazine

November. Citalopram 5 mg, changed to Sertraline 25 mg. Hallucinations, head pressure.

December. Mirtazapine 7.5 mg. Stopped all drugs (except Levothyroxine). Cold turkey, 5 days, nightmares, nausea, high anxiety, head pressure, jumbled brain, weird thoughts. Reinstated Citalopram 2.5 mg, increasing to 5 mg. Continuing on 5 mg, not stabilised. Terrible symptoms, jaw clenching, tearful, doom, chest pressure etc etc. 

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Sounds like you've been through a lot poor you. I'm not surprised you having symptoms after dramatic changes in Citalopram doses since last September. I think I'm in protracted withdrawal since I stopped mine also in September. Yes the weird heads are horrible enough without the dizziness to contend with. Hopefully you will now stabilise on 5mg. It takes time but I'm trying to think ahead to give myself some hope. I read some of your thread, so sorry you have elderly and sick parents to look after. I know how much of a worry it is when you want and feel you should do more, I have an elderly mother too and wish I could do more for her. I've not seen her much over recent months. My husband is not well either and that's where the stress comes in, trying to cope with everything. It doesn't help the healing process for sure. I get so annoyed for getting myself in this mess. Anyway, what's done is done, upwards and onwards. Here if you want to chat.😊

2008 10 mg Citalopram, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide

2021 reduced Citalopram over three years,2023 5.2 mg Citalopram for approx. 1 year

Sept 2023 taken off Citalopram and bendroflumethiazide , put on Amitriptyline 10 mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg 

October 2023 taken off Amitriptyline and Ramipril put on Propranolol 10 mg

October 2023 put on Losartan 25 mg 

November 2023 taken off Losartan on Propranolol 10 mg 

December 2023 now on 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide + Citalopram 0.5 mg.

February 2024, taken off bendroflumethiazide, on bisoprolol 1.25 mg

February 2024, taken off bisoprolol, on ramipril 1.25 mg + 0.5mg Citalopram, stopped ramipril.

 

 

 

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  • Moderator

Hi @Sonia009, how are your symptoms the last couple days? Have you noticed any changes in symptom type or severity? Are you keeping all of your medications steady?

 

I would not change any medication dose until your symptoms subside. Try your best to take highly good care of yourself including showing yourself ample compassion.

 

Find healthy distractions so that you don't spend too much time stuck focused on the unpleasant sensations and thoughts. Make a list of low effort activities you can do when you're at your worst to find even a bit of relief. Put that list where you see it every day. For example, a single good stretch, video games, hugging a love one, or sitting outside. I got an inexpensive shoulder massager that helps me relax.

 

Your symptoms are all too familiar, including the weird stuffy head feeling. Unfortunately some of us respond very sensitively to these bizarre drugs.

 

You're doing great by staying hydrated and eating healthy. 

2005 - 2016 on & off methylphenidate and bupropion; short terms trials of other medications; tried many supplements

2016 Nov - 2017 Mar citalopram ramp up 0-->30mg (4 months)

2017 Mar - 2018 Jan held at 30mg (11months); taking 1.5x 20mg tablets, cutting 20mg tablets in half. inconsistency in split tablet led to extreme side effects.

2018 Feb - 2018 May taper 30mg-->20mg (3months), ~2.5mg/month, cutting tablets; at 20mg side effects (vertigo, headache, etc) disappeared

2018 May - 2019 Apr held at 20mg (11months); attempted taper from 20mg; tried ~17.5mg cutting tablets but symptoms too strong

2019 Apr - 2021 Jun tapered 20mg-->10mg (26months); ~5%/month dissolving tablets in water and pipetting with syringe; min lorazepam 2-3x/mo to mitigate symptoms

2021 Jun - 2023 Nov held at 10mg (29months)

2023 Nov - Nov 7 10mg solid to liquid; Dec 7 liquid 10mg; Dec 14 9.9mg; Dec 21 9.8mg; Dec 28 9.75mg; Jan 27 9.65mg; Feb 3 9.53mg; Feb 18 9.45mg

 

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59 minutes ago, bunchesofoats said:

Hi @Sonia009, how are your symptoms the last couple days? Have you noticed any changes in symptom type or severity? Are you keeping all of your medications steady?

 

I would not change any medication dose until your symptoms subside. Try your best to take highly good care of yourself including showing yourself ample compassion.

 

Find healthy distractions so that you don't spend too much time stuck focused on the unpleasant sensations and thoughts. Make a list of low effort activities you can do when you're at your worst to find even a bit of relief. Put that list where you see it every day. For example, a single good stretch, video games, hugging a love one, or sitting outside. I got an inexpensive shoulder massager that helps me relax.

 

Your symptoms are all too familiar, including the weird stuffy head feeling. Unfortunately some of us respond very sensitively to these bizarre drugs.

 

You're doing great by staying hydrated and eating healthy. 

Hi, thank you for replying. The last couple of days my dizziness has been worse. I'm keeping to the same dose but wondering if there is slight fluctuation in my measuring. I'm diluting my tablet in water and using a syringe to draw out 0.5 mgs.. I've also been on a different brand for five days, maybe there's a reaction to that, who knows. All I know It's caused me more distress, crying a lot, can't see a way out. I read today that crying can also cause dizziness, heart beats faster, less blood to the brain. Thanks for the tips. I tried knitting but it makes my dizziness worse. I'm under a lot of stress too with my husband being unwell himself. I do appreciate having someone to talk to, there is no-one. 

Kind Regards

2008 10 mg Citalopram, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide

2021 reduced Citalopram over three years,2023 5.2 mg Citalopram for approx. 1 year

Sept 2023 taken off Citalopram and bendroflumethiazide , put on Amitriptyline 10 mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg 

October 2023 taken off Amitriptyline and Ramipril put on Propranolol 10 mg

October 2023 put on Losartan 25 mg 

November 2023 taken off Losartan on Propranolol 10 mg 

December 2023 now on 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide + Citalopram 0.5 mg.

February 2024, taken off bendroflumethiazide, on bisoprolol 1.25 mg

February 2024, taken off bisoprolol, on ramipril 1.25 mg + 0.5mg Citalopram, stopped ramipril.

 

 

 

Link to comment

Hi, so today I have extreme fatigue, I'm fighting to stay awake even after sleeping well last night. I just want to lay down before I drop. Anyone else?

2008 10 mg Citalopram, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide

2021 reduced Citalopram over three years,2023 5.2 mg Citalopram for approx. 1 year

Sept 2023 taken off Citalopram and bendroflumethiazide , put on Amitriptyline 10 mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg 

October 2023 taken off Amitriptyline and Ramipril put on Propranolol 10 mg

October 2023 put on Losartan 25 mg 

November 2023 taken off Losartan on Propranolol 10 mg 

December 2023 now on 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide + Citalopram 0.5 mg.

February 2024, taken off bendroflumethiazide, on bisoprolol 1.25 mg

February 2024, taken off bisoprolol, on ramipril 1.25 mg + 0.5mg Citalopram, stopped ramipril.

 

 

 

Link to comment

@Sonia009 sorry to hear your so tired. Maybe it's your brains way of telling you it needs to rest and switch off. Depending on your circumstances, sleep if you get the chance.

Oh I wish I could sleep. 3 hrs a night if I'm lucky. Other than that I'm wired all day.

 

1998 - Levothyroxine 100 mg daily, (radioactive iodine treatment twice) and  Asthma steroid inhaler daily

2012 - Citalopram 20 mg daily for panic attacks

2020 - Citalopram 10 mg daily.

2022 - August. Gastritis, Omeprazole 20 mg for 2 weeks. Continual pain, changed diet.

August. Severe anxiety. High cortisone levels 24/7

September. Citalopram 20 mg daily

October. Citalopram 30 mg daily, reduced to 20 mg. Diazepam 2 mg and Promethazine

November. Citalopram 5 mg, changed to Sertraline 25 mg. Hallucinations, head pressure.

December. Mirtazapine 7.5 mg. Stopped all drugs (except Levothyroxine). Cold turkey, 5 days, nightmares, nausea, high anxiety, head pressure, jumbled brain, weird thoughts. Reinstated Citalopram 2.5 mg, increasing to 5 mg. Continuing on 5 mg, not stabilised. Terrible symptoms, jaw clenching, tearful, doom, chest pressure etc etc. 

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Sounds a bit like my hubby, he has insomnia. Such a weird feeling though, like I'm drugged. Something all the time. I listen to relaxing sleep music on youtube at night, works ok most of the time. 😴 How are you doing?

2008 10 mg Citalopram, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide

2021 reduced Citalopram over three years,2023 5.2 mg Citalopram for approx. 1 year

Sept 2023 taken off Citalopram and bendroflumethiazide , put on Amitriptyline 10 mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg 

October 2023 taken off Amitriptyline and Ramipril put on Propranolol 10 mg

October 2023 put on Losartan 25 mg 

November 2023 taken off Losartan on Propranolol 10 mg 

December 2023 now on 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide + Citalopram 0.5 mg.

February 2024, taken off bendroflumethiazide, on bisoprolol 1.25 mg

February 2024, taken off bisoprolol, on ramipril 1.25 mg + 0.5mg Citalopram, stopped ramipril.

 

 

 

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1 hour ago, Sonia009 said:

Hi, so today I have extreme fatigue, I'm fighting to stay awake even after sleeping well last night. I just want to lay down before I drop. Anyone else?

Yes, at first I could not even stand.

 

Now I am mostly very tired all the time but can physically push myself to move with difficulty.

 

It's a withdrawal symptom.

  • 15mg Remeron/Mirtazapine November starting 2022 (severe physical side effects)
  • Attempted to taper off January 2023, ended up having a major breakdown and going up to 30mg, took weeks to stabilise
  • Therapy and self-care helped a lot mentally while stable on the drug (but with bad physical side effects)
  • Tapered off over 4-5 weeks, felt physically better all through taper & sexual side effects & palpitations went away
  • Last dose 20-24th April 2023
  • Severely physically unwell from 2nd May 2023. Had many bad symptoms eg. Palpitations, adrenaline rushes at night etc in the weeks following and couldn't eat. 
  • Many symptoms eventually resolved, but left with severe and debilitating fatigue, poor sleep and sexual side effects.

 

Summary: 5 months using Mirtazapine, including 1 month taper ending late April 2023. Severe withdrawal since.

 

 

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10 minutes ago, LukeUK said:

Yes, at first I could not even stand.

 

Now I am mostly very tired all the time but can physically push myself to move with

 Hi, how long has it been going on for you? It's horrible, never felt so tired in all my life, zombie like feeling.

2008 10 mg Citalopram, 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide

2021 reduced Citalopram over three years,2023 5.2 mg Citalopram for approx. 1 year

Sept 2023 taken off Citalopram and bendroflumethiazide , put on Amitriptyline 10 mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg 

October 2023 taken off Amitriptyline and Ramipril put on Propranolol 10 mg

October 2023 put on Losartan 25 mg 

November 2023 taken off Losartan on Propranolol 10 mg 

December 2023 now on 2.5 mg bendroflumethiazide + Citalopram 0.5 mg.

February 2024, taken off bendroflumethiazide, on bisoprolol 1.25 mg

February 2024, taken off bisoprolol, on ramipril 1.25 mg + 0.5mg Citalopram, stopped ramipril.

 

 

 

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