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feelslikemonday: Introducing Myself: My Citalopram Journey

feelslikemonday

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feelslikemonday

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Hi everyone,

 

I’m really grateful to join this community and wanted to share a bit about my experience with SSRI withdrawal.

 

I’ve been on Citalopram since 2011, with doses ranging from 20mg to 30mg, adjusting as needed. I’ve had 2 failed attempts to stop, which were incredibly difficult. My biggest challenges during those attempts were brain zaps and extreme dizziness, along with bouts of horrible rage that meant I had to reinstate my dose. (Note : I have since discovered I tapered way too fast these 2 times)

 

In 2023, I started my 3rd and hopefully final taper using a liquid taper method and going very slowly this time:

 

- Start dose: 2011 - 2022: 20mg - 30mg

- Start of final (3rd) taper: 2023 - June 2024: 10mg
- July 2024: 5mg + 30% CBD oil 
- October 2024: 4mg + 30% CBD oil 

 

Looking ahead, my plan is:

 

- January 2025: 3mg
- April 2025: 2mg
- July 2025: 1mg
- October 2025: 0.9mg

... and so on...

 

I’m more prepared this time, (as I knew nothing about withdrawals the first 2 times, I thought it was just me :() but still aware of the challenges that may come. I’m excited to connect with others who understand the ups and downs of this process, and hopefully learn from your experiences too!

My Citalopram Journey.

Two failed attempts to stop between 2011 -2022 (can't remember the exact date), caused by tapering too fast, with horrid withdrawal symptoms. Brain Zaps, dizzy spells, and rage/anger issues. I had no idea that I was withdrawing, my doctor had never heard of these symptoms. I felt like a freak and resigned myself to being on AD's for the rest of my life. In 2023 after much consideration, research (and finding out I wasn't alone/a freak), I started my 3rd and hopefully last taper - this time slowly. It was a tough decision based on how horrible my withdrawals were during my two failed attempts.
2011 - 2022: fluctuated between 20mg - 30mg

2022 = 20mg
2023 = 10mg 
2024 Jan - jun = 10mg, July - 5mg, Aug - 5mg, Sept - 5mg, Oct - 4.0mg, 3.9mg, 3.8mg, 3.7mg. Nov - 3.6mg, 3.5mg, 3.4mg, 3.3mg, Dec - 3.3mg, 3.2mg, 3.1mg, 3.1mg

2025 = Jan - 3.0mg, 2.9mg

  • KenA changed the title to feelslikemonday: Introducing Myself: My Citalopram Journey
feelslikemonday Rookie

feelslikemonday

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Hi Moderation 

I would love to participate in this forum - Did I write something wrong in my intro? (I know it says approval could take a few days, but if I should re-write and resubmit my intro, I'm more than happy to :))

Kindest Regards

 

My Citalopram Journey.

Two failed attempts to stop between 2011 -2022 (can't remember the exact date), caused by tapering too fast, with horrid withdrawal symptoms. Brain Zaps, dizzy spells, and rage/anger issues. I had no idea that I was withdrawing, my doctor had never heard of these symptoms. I felt like a freak and resigned myself to being on AD's for the rest of my life. In 2023 after much consideration, research (and finding out I wasn't alone/a freak), I started my 3rd and hopefully last taper - this time slowly. It was a tough decision based on how horrible my withdrawals were during my two failed attempts.
2011 - 2022: fluctuated between 20mg - 30mg

2022 = 20mg
2023 = 10mg 
2024 Jan - jun = 10mg, July - 5mg, Aug - 5mg, Sept - 5mg, Oct - 4.0mg, 3.9mg, 3.8mg, 3.7mg. Nov - 3.6mg, 3.5mg, 3.4mg, 3.3mg, Dec - 3.3mg, 3.2mg, 3.1mg, 3.1mg

2025 = Jan - 3.0mg, 2.9mg

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Jane318 Contributor

Jane318

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Greetings @feelslikemonday and welcome to SA!  We are a community of volunteers providing peer support in the tapering of psychiatric medications and their associated withdrawal syndromes. 

 

Thank you for completing your signature.

 

I am sorry you have experienced severe withdrawal symptoms. Many of us here, myself included, have experienced the same from a too-fast taper.   You are in the right place to get the support you need to continue and complete your tapering journey!

 

I see you have been following a linear reduction taper – that is, reducing in equal increments.  However, the body’s response to dose is not linear.  In fact, it is at the low doses that brain chemistry changes the fastest.  So the risk of severe withdrawal increases the lower you go.  So here as SA, we recommend a hyperbolic taper method, which you can read about here:

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Based on where you are now, 4 mg, I recommend you adopt this tapering method once you are ready for the next cut.  We have some great tools to help you with this at:  https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/9167-how-to-calculate-dosages-and-dilutions-spreadsheets-and-calculators/

 

Once you decide to taper and given that you are at a pretty low dose right now, you might consider choosing to taper even more slowly, with longer holds or smaller cuts.  Read about this here:  The Brassmonkey Slide Method of Microtapering.  The spreadsheet that you can download from here makes it easy to tailor to your needs.

 

It’s important to keep tabs on your symptoms and adjust your taper amount and schedule as needed.  I now track my symptoms every day, rating them on a scale of 1-10 for severity.  This will help you identify your windows and waves and reveal your progress, which is encouragement we need!  You can use the following list of typical withdrawal symptoms as a template for a journal, if you wish:

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

You may choose to also track your foods and activities to identify things that trigger symptoms as well.  We do encourage people who are tapering to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and recreational drugs.  Many prescription and OTC drugs can cause problems too and should be avoided as much as possible. 

 

We recommend only two supplements here at SA, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids.  So if you decide to try a supplement, even those we recommend here, start with a very low dose.  If you tolerate it well, you can increase the dosage slowly over time.  

 

As you taper, and even in protracted withdrawal, it is very normal to have periods where you feel better, and periods where you feel terrible.  This is what we call the windows and waves pattern of stabilization.  This is actually a good sign of healing!  Read more about windows and waves here:

Windows and waves pattern of stabilization

 

We have many threads on how to cope with symptoms – I encourage you to check out the various forums / links on the SA.org home page.

 

This is your introduction topic.  Each member gets one intro topic- please post updates and questions here, in this thread.

 

Do explore the rest of the forum – there is a lot of great information here.  Be sure to read “About SurvivingAntidepressants.org,” which has good information about how to use / search the site: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/54-about-survivingantidepressantsorg   

 

Also, feel free to read and comment on the intro threads of other members.  This is how you build a community of people who understand what you are dealing with.   It is so helpful to connect with others who are experiencing the same things.

 

I apologize for the delayed response, we're working hard to catch up.

 

I look forward to following your journey, and helping out in any way I can.

Edited by Jane318

I am not a doctor. My comments are based on my personal experience with ADs and tapering. Consult your doctor about your own medical decisions.

My Intro Topic:  Jane318: Tapering off Effexor - Struggling at the End.  Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed.  Jeremiah 17:14a.

DRUG HISTORY:

1985-2010 (est.) - various ADs including Wellbutrin, Elavil, Prozac, Zoloft.  dosages unk.  1991-1992 - stopped AD while to conceive and during pregnancy.  Resumed 1993 (?).

2005 (est.) - tried to stop, severe symptoms.  Resumed meds.  2010 (est) - started Celexa (dose unk).  2016 (est) - started Effexor, working up to 112.5 mg/day.  Stayed at this dose for many years.

2023 - Feb. began linear tapering off Effexor. Switched to hyperbolic tapering in April 2023.  By July 12, 2024 at 1.36 mg / day.

July 13, 2024 - up-dosed to 1.44 mg / day to address severe withdrawal symptoms.  Felt somewhat better by next day; symptoms continue to improve.  Held until 21 Dec, final dose 1.4 mg/day)

Dec 21, 2024 - resumed tapering.  1.36 mg/day.

Other meds:  75 mcg/day Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism

Supplements:  Boron, Magnesium Threonate (3 per day of 2000 mg with 145 mg Mg), Vitamin E (every other day), Lugol's iodine (4 drops/day); Cod liver oil (1 tsp); 1 capsule DHA-1000 Fish oil in evening; Adrenal "cocktail" once or twice pd, with Vit C, B-2 (SP Cataplex, 2X daily), and Methyl B-12 (NOWFoods 1,000 mcg, 1X daily).

feelslikemonday Rookie

feelslikemonday

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Hi Jane

 

Thank you for the warm welcome and the loads of good advice! 

 

Yes, I think I should do the hyperbolic taper - I have noticed that it takes me a good 2 weeks for me to normalize after a linear reduction. Though so far I have not suffered the Brain Zaps I did the last 2 times I tried to taper - so that is still a big plus! I am terrified of the Brain Zaps happening again, they caused me a lot of anxiety, as it was a kind of tortur, never knowing when one was about to happen. 

When I do a reduction, I get exhausted, irritable, and don't want to talk to anyone. Then again, still not as bad as last time, where it became feelings of rage. 

So all in all - this time, with this slowness, it's been easier. But I will start the Hyperbolic taper to see if helps with my current symptoms :)

 

Thanks again Jane!

My Citalopram Journey.

Two failed attempts to stop between 2011 -2022 (can't remember the exact date), caused by tapering too fast, with horrid withdrawal symptoms. Brain Zaps, dizzy spells, and rage/anger issues. I had no idea that I was withdrawing, my doctor had never heard of these symptoms. I felt like a freak and resigned myself to being on AD's for the rest of my life. In 2023 after much consideration, research (and finding out I wasn't alone/a freak), I started my 3rd and hopefully last taper - this time slowly. It was a tough decision based on how horrible my withdrawals were during my two failed attempts.
2011 - 2022: fluctuated between 20mg - 30mg

2022 = 20mg
2023 = 10mg 
2024 Jan - jun = 10mg, July - 5mg, Aug - 5mg, Sept - 5mg, Oct - 4.0mg, 3.9mg, 3.8mg, 3.7mg. Nov - 3.6mg, 3.5mg, 3.4mg, 3.3mg, Dec - 3.3mg, 3.2mg, 3.1mg, 3.1mg

2025 = Jan - 3.0mg, 2.9mg

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Jane318 Contributor

Jane318

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All that you describe is withdrawal, I can totally relate!  Remember, it is not the real you!

 

You are wise to adopt the tapering method we recommend.  It can seem like it is too hard and will take too long.  But the time will go by anyway, and it is better to take the time than trigger severe, protracted withdrawal.  A new saying for us is, "Slow is the new fast."

 

Please keep us updated on your progress and feel free to ask questions as you go.

 

Best wishes.

I am not a doctor. My comments are based on my personal experience with ADs and tapering. Consult your doctor about your own medical decisions.

My Intro Topic:  Jane318: Tapering off Effexor - Struggling at the End.  Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed.  Jeremiah 17:14a.

DRUG HISTORY:

1985-2010 (est.) - various ADs including Wellbutrin, Elavil, Prozac, Zoloft.  dosages unk.  1991-1992 - stopped AD while to conceive and during pregnancy.  Resumed 1993 (?).

2005 (est.) - tried to stop, severe symptoms.  Resumed meds.  2010 (est) - started Celexa (dose unk).  2016 (est) - started Effexor, working up to 112.5 mg/day.  Stayed at this dose for many years.

2023 - Feb. began linear tapering off Effexor. Switched to hyperbolic tapering in April 2023.  By July 12, 2024 at 1.36 mg / day.

July 13, 2024 - up-dosed to 1.44 mg / day to address severe withdrawal symptoms.  Felt somewhat better by next day; symptoms continue to improve.  Held until 21 Dec, final dose 1.4 mg/day)

Dec 21, 2024 - resumed tapering.  1.36 mg/day.

Other meds:  75 mcg/day Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism

Supplements:  Boron, Magnesium Threonate (3 per day of 2000 mg with 145 mg Mg), Vitamin E (every other day), Lugol's iodine (4 drops/day); Cod liver oil (1 tsp); 1 capsule DHA-1000 Fish oil in evening; Adrenal "cocktail" once or twice pd, with Vit C, B-2 (SP Cataplex, 2X daily), and Methyl B-12 (NOWFoods 1,000 mcg, 1X daily).

  • 2 weeks later...
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Jane318 Contributor

Jane318

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@feelslikemonday - Thinking of you today, hope you are doing well.  Appreciate your contributions on others' posts, I know they are so encouraging!

I am not a doctor. My comments are based on my personal experience with ADs and tapering. Consult your doctor about your own medical decisions.

My Intro Topic:  Jane318: Tapering off Effexor - Struggling at the End.  Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed.  Jeremiah 17:14a.

DRUG HISTORY:

1985-2010 (est.) - various ADs including Wellbutrin, Elavil, Prozac, Zoloft.  dosages unk.  1991-1992 - stopped AD while to conceive and during pregnancy.  Resumed 1993 (?).

2005 (est.) - tried to stop, severe symptoms.  Resumed meds.  2010 (est) - started Celexa (dose unk).  2016 (est) - started Effexor, working up to 112.5 mg/day.  Stayed at this dose for many years.

2023 - Feb. began linear tapering off Effexor. Switched to hyperbolic tapering in April 2023.  By July 12, 2024 at 1.36 mg / day.

July 13, 2024 - up-dosed to 1.44 mg / day to address severe withdrawal symptoms.  Felt somewhat better by next day; symptoms continue to improve.  Held until 21 Dec, final dose 1.4 mg/day)

Dec 21, 2024 - resumed tapering.  1.36 mg/day.

Other meds:  75 mcg/day Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism

Supplements:  Boron, Magnesium Threonate (3 per day of 2000 mg with 145 mg Mg), Vitamin E (every other day), Lugol's iodine (4 drops/day); Cod liver oil (1 tsp); 1 capsule DHA-1000 Fish oil in evening; Adrenal "cocktail" once or twice pd, with Vit C, B-2 (SP Cataplex, 2X daily), and Methyl B-12 (NOWFoods 1,000 mcg, 1X daily).

feelslikemonday Rookie

feelslikemonday

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Thanks Jane! 

 

I'm doing okay. I am reducing every week and am now on 3.7mg. I am struggling with extreme tiredness and headaches, but there are still no zaps or dizziness. It's still manageable, and I am able to get through a day at work. 

I am trying not to get discouraged by the long road ahead with being so tired all the time, but I get a lot of comfort by listening to Podcasts, for example, Mad in America. They had a great episode about withdrawal, which does make me feel like I am not alone—despite no one in my real life really understanding what I am going through. 

 

Hope you're doing ok?

 

 

 

My Citalopram Journey.

Two failed attempts to stop between 2011 -2022 (can't remember the exact date), caused by tapering too fast, with horrid withdrawal symptoms. Brain Zaps, dizzy spells, and rage/anger issues. I had no idea that I was withdrawing, my doctor had never heard of these symptoms. I felt like a freak and resigned myself to being on AD's for the rest of my life. In 2023 after much consideration, research (and finding out I wasn't alone/a freak), I started my 3rd and hopefully last taper - this time slowly. It was a tough decision based on how horrible my withdrawals were during my two failed attempts.
2011 - 2022: fluctuated between 20mg - 30mg

2022 = 20mg
2023 = 10mg 
2024 Jan - jun = 10mg, July - 5mg, Aug - 5mg, Sept - 5mg, Oct - 4.0mg, 3.9mg, 3.8mg, 3.7mg. Nov - 3.6mg, 3.5mg, 3.4mg, 3.3mg, Dec - 3.3mg, 3.2mg, 3.1mg, 3.1mg

2025 = Jan - 3.0mg, 2.9mg

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Jane318 Contributor

Jane318

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18 hours ago, feelslikemonday said:

I'm doing okay. I am reducing every week and am now on 3.7mg. I am struggling with extreme tiredness and headaches, but there are still no zaps or dizziness. It's still manageable, and I am able to get through a day at work. 

I am trying not to get discouraged by the long road ahead with being so tired all the time, but I get a lot of comfort by listening to Podcasts, for example, Mad in America. They had a great episode about withdrawal, which does make me feel like I am not alone—despite no one in my real life really understanding what I am going through. 

Hope you're doing ok?

@feelslikemonday - Thank you for update - I am so impressed you are able to manage your symptoms while working!  Yes, MIA materials are so encouraging.  I know how lonely it feels when the people in your life do not understand what you are going through.  But you are not alone, even though we at SA are all in cyber-space.  Reach out here anytime - we have wonderful community of people who are going through the same thing and encourage each other.

 

That said, I am still concerned you may be tapering too quickly and doing so linearly instead of hyperbolically.  Did you have a chance to read be posts below?  Note that 10% refers to cutting your previous dose by 10%.  I would hate for you to end up in a bad place again.

On 10/23/2024 at 1:35 PM, Jane318 said:

So here as SA, we recommend a hyperbolic taper method, which you can read about here:  Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

and

On 10/23/2024 at 1:35 PM, Jane318 said:

Once you decide to taper and given that you are at a pretty low dose right now, you might consider choosing to taper even more slowly, with longer holds or smaller cuts.  Read about this here:  The Brassmonkey Slide Method of Microtapering.  The spreadsheet that you can download from here makes it easy to tailor to your needs.

Please reach out with any questions on this.  I do not want to cause fear, but I and many others have learned from experience that symptoms can pile up in the background when we do not allow our bodies time to "re-calibrate" between cuts.  Also, it is at the low doses that brain chemistry changes the fastest.  So important to be careful in the low-dose region.

 

Also, recommend you read: Tips for tapering off Celexa (citalopram)

 

Best wishes.

I am not a doctor. My comments are based on my personal experience with ADs and tapering. Consult your doctor about your own medical decisions.

My Intro Topic:  Jane318: Tapering off Effexor - Struggling at the End.  Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed.  Jeremiah 17:14a.

DRUG HISTORY:

1985-2010 (est.) - various ADs including Wellbutrin, Elavil, Prozac, Zoloft.  dosages unk.  1991-1992 - stopped AD while to conceive and during pregnancy.  Resumed 1993 (?).

2005 (est.) - tried to stop, severe symptoms.  Resumed meds.  2010 (est) - started Celexa (dose unk).  2016 (est) - started Effexor, working up to 112.5 mg/day.  Stayed at this dose for many years.

2023 - Feb. began linear tapering off Effexor. Switched to hyperbolic tapering in April 2023.  By July 12, 2024 at 1.36 mg / day.

July 13, 2024 - up-dosed to 1.44 mg / day to address severe withdrawal symptoms.  Felt somewhat better by next day; symptoms continue to improve.  Held until 21 Dec, final dose 1.4 mg/day)

Dec 21, 2024 - resumed tapering.  1.36 mg/day.

Other meds:  75 mcg/day Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism

Supplements:  Boron, Magnesium Threonate (3 per day of 2000 mg with 145 mg Mg), Vitamin E (every other day), Lugol's iodine (4 drops/day); Cod liver oil (1 tsp); 1 capsule DHA-1000 Fish oil in evening; Adrenal "cocktail" once or twice pd, with Vit C, B-2 (SP Cataplex, 2X daily), and Methyl B-12 (NOWFoods 1,000 mcg, 1X daily).

  • 1 month later...
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Jane318 Contributor

Jane318

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Posted

How are you doing, @feelslikemonday?  Wishing you the best for the holidays.

I am not a doctor. My comments are based on my personal experience with ADs and tapering. Consult your doctor about your own medical decisions.

My Intro Topic:  Jane318: Tapering off Effexor - Struggling at the End.  Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed.  Jeremiah 17:14a.

DRUG HISTORY:

1985-2010 (est.) - various ADs including Wellbutrin, Elavil, Prozac, Zoloft.  dosages unk.  1991-1992 - stopped AD while to conceive and during pregnancy.  Resumed 1993 (?).

2005 (est.) - tried to stop, severe symptoms.  Resumed meds.  2010 (est) - started Celexa (dose unk).  2016 (est) - started Effexor, working up to 112.5 mg/day.  Stayed at this dose for many years.

2023 - Feb. began linear tapering off Effexor. Switched to hyperbolic tapering in April 2023.  By July 12, 2024 at 1.36 mg / day.

July 13, 2024 - up-dosed to 1.44 mg / day to address severe withdrawal symptoms.  Felt somewhat better by next day; symptoms continue to improve.  Held until 21 Dec, final dose 1.4 mg/day)

Dec 21, 2024 - resumed tapering.  1.36 mg/day.

Other meds:  75 mcg/day Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism

Supplements:  Boron, Magnesium Threonate (3 per day of 2000 mg with 145 mg Mg), Vitamin E (every other day), Lugol's iodine (4 drops/day); Cod liver oil (1 tsp); 1 capsule DHA-1000 Fish oil in evening; Adrenal "cocktail" once or twice pd, with Vit C, B-2 (SP Cataplex, 2X daily), and Methyl B-12 (NOWFoods 1,000 mcg, 1X daily).

feelslikemonday Rookie

feelslikemonday

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Hi Jane!

 

Thank you so much, and same to you!

 

Things here are going quite well, I make my adjustments weekly and am now down to 3.2mgs. It’s becoming less and less tedious now that 2 x 10mg tablet liquid last me around a week so I’m not constantly crushing and mixing liquids. 
 

When I think about how tiny 3.2mg is, it’s actually quite astonishing that it actually has any effect on my brain whatsoever , but I have to stick to the game plan… only around 30 weeks left until I am finally free!!!

 

No withdrawal symptoms anymore, no headaches or exhaustion. I do feel a bit moody and emotional more often that I have the past 10 years; but it’s also ok to be human  😃

 

How are you doing?

 

Have a lovely Christmas!

My Citalopram Journey.

Two failed attempts to stop between 2011 -2022 (can't remember the exact date), caused by tapering too fast, with horrid withdrawal symptoms. Brain Zaps, dizzy spells, and rage/anger issues. I had no idea that I was withdrawing, my doctor had never heard of these symptoms. I felt like a freak and resigned myself to being on AD's for the rest of my life. In 2023 after much consideration, research (and finding out I wasn't alone/a freak), I started my 3rd and hopefully last taper - this time slowly. It was a tough decision based on how horrible my withdrawals were during my two failed attempts.
2011 - 2022: fluctuated between 20mg - 30mg

2022 = 20mg
2023 = 10mg 
2024 Jan - jun = 10mg, July - 5mg, Aug - 5mg, Sept - 5mg, Oct - 4.0mg, 3.9mg, 3.8mg, 3.7mg. Nov - 3.6mg, 3.5mg, 3.4mg, 3.3mg, Dec - 3.3mg, 3.2mg, 3.1mg, 3.1mg

2025 = Jan - 3.0mg, 2.9mg

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Jane318 Contributor

Jane318

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On 12/24/2024 at 1:10 AM, feelslikemonday said:

No withdrawal symptoms anymore, no headaches or exhaustion. I do feel a bit moody and emotional more often that I have the past 10 years; but it’s also ok to be human

This is such good news!  I think we can become more emotional as drug is decreased - they've kept us numbed and now we may be "catching up!"

 

Can I remind you to please keep your signature up to date for your taper info?

 

On 12/24/2024 at 1:10 AM, feelslikemonday said:

When I think about how tiny 3.2mg is, it’s actually quite astonishing that it actually has any effect on my brain whatsoever

 

Yes, 3.2 mg is small amount, BUT... citalopram is very powerful.  Receptor occupancy at 3 mg is about 50%.  The curve begins to get very steep below 3 mg, which means the brain changes are happening very fast here.  Are you tapering hyperbolically?  It is not clear from your signature.  If I were you, I would begin 10% max hyperbolic reductions with the next reduction if you are not already.

 

On 12/24/2024 at 1:10 AM, feelslikemonday said:

I have to stick to the game plan… only around 30 weeks left until I am finally free!!!

What a wonderful day that will be!  I just encourage you to stay mindful of your symptoms and make sure you are giving your body a chance to catch up with the changes.  Tapering too quickly only slows us down in the long run.

 

Please keep us posted - your history / experience helps benefit all users of the site.

 

Best wishes and Happy New Year!

I am not a doctor. My comments are based on my personal experience with ADs and tapering. Consult your doctor about your own medical decisions.

My Intro Topic:  Jane318: Tapering off Effexor - Struggling at the End.  Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed.  Jeremiah 17:14a.

DRUG HISTORY:

1985-2010 (est.) - various ADs including Wellbutrin, Elavil, Prozac, Zoloft.  dosages unk.  1991-1992 - stopped AD while to conceive and during pregnancy.  Resumed 1993 (?).

2005 (est.) - tried to stop, severe symptoms.  Resumed meds.  2010 (est) - started Celexa (dose unk).  2016 (est) - started Effexor, working up to 112.5 mg/day.  Stayed at this dose for many years.

2023 - Feb. began linear tapering off Effexor. Switched to hyperbolic tapering in April 2023.  By July 12, 2024 at 1.36 mg / day.

July 13, 2024 - up-dosed to 1.44 mg / day to address severe withdrawal symptoms.  Felt somewhat better by next day; symptoms continue to improve.  Held until 21 Dec, final dose 1.4 mg/day)

Dec 21, 2024 - resumed tapering.  1.36 mg/day.

Other meds:  75 mcg/day Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism

Supplements:  Boron, Magnesium Threonate (3 per day of 2000 mg with 145 mg Mg), Vitamin E (every other day), Lugol's iodine (4 drops/day); Cod liver oil (1 tsp); 1 capsule DHA-1000 Fish oil in evening; Adrenal "cocktail" once or twice pd, with Vit C, B-2 (SP Cataplex, 2X daily), and Methyl B-12 (NOWFoods 1,000 mcg, 1X daily).

feelslikemonday Rookie

feelslikemonday

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Hi Jane 

 

I have updated my signature :) and in the process noticed I spent 2 weeks on the same dose - but I guess that's ok! Perhaps the accidental 2-week hold is why I am not feeling any symptoms at the moment.

I just checked out the brass monkey method and can see that I will probably need to slow things down at some point. However, while the 1mg/1 ml per week is still working for me, I think I will continue. The 3-ish percent per week reduction is the sweet spot for me, and I will see if I can keep it within that range the rest of the year - which will mean I need to slow my reductions in a month or two

 

Yes citalopram is certainly a powerful drug even in the smallest dose! Still very worried about my 2 previous failed attempts - with the horrific brain zaps have caused me any permanent brain damage - god I hope not :( I wish I knew then, what I know now!!!

 

Thanks for keeping in touch :) 

 

 

 

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My Citalopram Journey.

Two failed attempts to stop between 2011 -2022 (can't remember the exact date), caused by tapering too fast, with horrid withdrawal symptoms. Brain Zaps, dizzy spells, and rage/anger issues. I had no idea that I was withdrawing, my doctor had never heard of these symptoms. I felt like a freak and resigned myself to being on AD's for the rest of my life. In 2023 after much consideration, research (and finding out I wasn't alone/a freak), I started my 3rd and hopefully last taper - this time slowly. It was a tough decision based on how horrible my withdrawals were during my two failed attempts.
2011 - 2022: fluctuated between 20mg - 30mg

2022 = 20mg
2023 = 10mg 
2024 Jan - jun = 10mg, July - 5mg, Aug - 5mg, Sept - 5mg, Oct - 4.0mg, 3.9mg, 3.8mg, 3.7mg. Nov - 3.6mg, 3.5mg, 3.4mg, 3.3mg, Dec - 3.3mg, 3.2mg, 3.1mg, 3.1mg

2025 = Jan - 3.0mg, 2.9mg

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