EchoNomad37: Citalopram Cold Turkey at 10mg, 8 weeks off

[EchoNomad37]

I took Citalopram for 11 months but decided to stop abruptly after experiencing a paradoxical reaction, including hypomanic symptoms and increased depression. My family doctor assured me that tapering off was unnecessary at my dosage, so I followed his advice. In the initial weeks after stopping, I experienced irritability, dizziness, depression, anxiety, headaches, and significant cognitive challenges. Now, 8 weeks later, I'm considering reinstating the medication after learning more about the effects of these medications in the body. I've gathered the necessary information to start Celexa again at a dose of 1 mg to 0.5 mg, based on recommendations from this site. I'm curious if anyone has successfully reinstated this far out or if it might not be advisable. Currently, I'm struggling with symptoms similar to ADHD, which are seriously affecting my ability to work and complete tasks. I've been struggling with insomnia and generally don't feel like myself. My ability to write things out or make decisions is severely diminished, and my motivation is at an all-time low—I keep saying to my family that I feel like I've lost the "script". Recently, I've developed tinnitus, which only adds to my concerns that I may be having worsening symptoms from protracted withdrawal. My doctor suspects bipolar depression based on the symptoms I experienced before stopping Citalopram and has prescribed Seroquel. I'm quite apprehensive about starting an antipsychotic. Citalopram was my first experience with antidepressants and psychiatric medication. I'm 32 years old. Thank you in advance for your help.

Edited November 30, 2024 by Emonda
Name to title

[Erimus]

Hello, and welcome to Surviving Antidepressants. We are a peer support forum to assist in tapering off psychiatric drugs safely, or recovering from psychiatric drug withdrawal.

 

Your first task is to create a drug signature, with the following:

 

• All current medication you take, the dose you take, when you started the drug, and when you made dose changes
• All current supplements you take
• An accurate history of recent drugs, taken in the last 12-24 months
• Dates for recent should be written as 7 Oct 2023, or Oct 7 2023, or early Oct 2023, or mid Oct 2023
• A history of drugs taken 24 months ago and beyond - if applicable
• Dates for historical drugs can simply be listed as start and stop years
• Please do not use 07/10/23 // 10/07/23 as this is intepreted differently around the world

 

• Please leave out symptoms and diagnoses.

 

• Click this link to edit your signature: Edit your signature here.

 

20 hours ago, EchoNomad37 said:

I'm curious if anyone has successfully reinstated this far out or if it might not be advisable.

Many here have had success with miniscule reinstatements. At 8 weeks out you're still in good territory for a succesful reinstatement. I would advise starting with 0.5mg. The brain often requires much less of the drug than we think, and it's always easy to increase after a few weeks as required.

 

20 hours ago, EchoNomad37 said:

Currently, I'm struggling with symptoms similar to ADHD, which are seriously affecting my ability to work and complete tasks. I've been struggling with insomnia and generally don't feel like myself. My ability to write things out or make decisions is severely diminished, and my motivation is at an all-time low—I keep saying to my family that I feel like I've lost the "script". Recently, I've developed tinnitus, which only adds to my concerns that I may be having worsening symptoms from protracted withdrawal.

All of these are normal for somebody in acute withdrawal. Protracted withdrawal is a term reserved for when symptoms continue beyond 6 months post-cessation.

 

20 hours ago, EchoNomad37 said:

My doctor suspects bipolar depression based on the symptoms I experienced before stopping Citalopram and has prescribed Seroquel. I'm quite apprehensive about starting an antipsychotic.

Any diagnoses given to you whilst on psychiatric drugs, or after abruptly stopping them, is a myth. Most pyschiatric diagnoses are a myth, in fact. Many doctors and psychiatrists feel the need to label and prescribe to every patient that enters their office. You'll be enlightened to know that many people are labelled with "bipolar" after an adverse reaction to a drug, after rapidly changing drug, or after suddenly stopping a drug. If you were experiencing periods of mania or months long depressions, and you'd never touched a psychoactive substance, I would be concerned. Alas, you are not any of those things, and just need to gently aid your nervous system with some of what it is craving.

 

I'd advise you to tell your doctor whatever is necessary in order to keep receiving your citalopram and, I cannot stress this enough, please do not take an antipsychotic. Prescribing seroquel in your circumstance is malpractice at best, and psychotic at worst.

 

Regards

Erimus

Edited November 30, 2024 by Erimus

[LostInCanada]

Welcome to SA. You are in great hands with @Erimus.

I too want to back up what he has stated. I successfully reinstated paroxetine at 3 months off a cold turkey. 

22 hours ago, EchoNomad37 said:

My doctor suspects bipolar depression based on the symptoms I experienced before stopping Citalopram and has prescribed Seroquel.

This is how they cover their own ignorance and arrogance in regard to these drugs. He was wrong in telling you to just stop citalopram and he is wrong about some suspected condition. 

2 hours ago, Erimus said:

advise starting with 0.5mg

Remember more is not better. Give this dose time to work. Your body is experiencing major trauma. Time, patience and acceptance goes a long way. 

So glad you found us. ♥️🙏

[LostInCanada]

@EchoNomad37 hey buddy. Just noticed you live north of me. After my fiasco at the hands of a BC psychiatrist, my GP said psychiatry here is a sh*t show. Couldn't agree more and it really is worldwide. 

 

[EchoNomad37]

Hello, thank you for your comments and support @Erimus and @LostInCanada. 

 

I was in to see the psychiatrist end of last week (for the first time) and checked back on this thread. I am still really struggling here with anhedonia and ADHD like symptoms, I know I wasn't like this before. Coffee and cannabis don't affect me the same way, which usually got me ready to work or relax. I struggle to get in the right mood to be productive at work or home. The insomnia is still bad, I've tried a lot of supplements to help with that (GABA, Melatonin, Valerian Root, Rescue Remedy). I really am fortunate I have the work I do (at home) or else I probably would loose my job. It is agonizing to get through most tasks. My brain just can't focus or concentrate very long.

Well, the psychiatrist has told me it seems like I have bipolar disorder and has hadned me a script for Lamotrigine and Seroquel. I am really concerned based on what I've read here and heard I am going down a drug cascade path and being misdiagnosed. I am surprised they do not have any brain scans or test they do before you take these drugs, especially with my family history of diabetes.

 

But I do have some concerns about my mood, and whether or not I have disorder. I have reached out to more counsellors and psychologists to book an appointment in January. I have in the past gone through cycles, but those coincide with employment, loss of employment, freelance projects and being a salesperson. Certainly now that I've experienced Citalopram withdrawal, it reminds me of the period of time after experimenting with drugs (in 2013) and the resulting low that followed, though I rebounded much better back then (perhaps it was because I was younger). 

I still haven't reinstated Citalopram yet. I am concerned about what the doctors told me about bipolar. Being on citalopram was great, I kept a more tidy house, I was excited for work everyday and loved my job, but then I was cheated on by my partner, and I became impulsive and spent a lot of money to make myself feel good and get out of my living situation with my partner. It's difficult to separate that situation from the effects of Citalopram. It felt like I became manic when I was greiving the loss of my relationship, like the Citralopram kept me up and that was the opposite of what my body wanted. Then everything came crashing down, suicidal thoughts went crazy and that's when I quit the drug in the first place. It seems scary to reinstate it, though I want to be free from this malaise I am in. My doctor and pyschiatrist certainly won't support me going back on Citalopram, so I would only be able to reinstate for so long before I run out of the 20 pills I have left.

 

Hope you both have a great week - Season's Greetings!

[Erimus]

On 12/16/2024 at 4:50 PM, EchoNomad37 said:

Well, the psychiatrist has told me it seems like I have bipolar disorder and has hadned me a script for Lamotrigine and Seroquel.

I mean this in the nicest possible way. Your psychiatrist is an idiot, and you do not have bipolar disorder. No diagnosis given after the use of psychiatric drugs or psychoactive substances is an accurate reflection of your mental condition.

 

On 12/16/2024 at 4:50 PM, EchoNomad37 said:

I am surprised they do not have any brain scans or test they do before you take these drugs

There is no brain scan that will reveal mental "illness", unless you have suffered a traumatic brain injury.

 

On 12/16/2024 at 4:50 PM, EchoNomad37 said:

But I do have some concerns about my mood, and whether or not I have disorder. I have reached out to more counsellors and psychologists to book an appointment in January. I have in the past gone through cycles, but those coincide with employment, loss of employment, freelance projects and being a salesperson. Certainly now that I've experienced Citalopram withdrawal, it reminds me of the period of time after experimenting with drugs (in 2013) and the resulting low that followed, though I rebounded much better back then (perhaps it was because I was younger). 

You don't have a disorder, your mood is fluctuating due to your use of psychiatric drugs and psychotropic substances over the last 10 years. If you wish to stabilise your mood I'd suggest reinstating a small amount of citalopram, and I'd advise that you avoid psychotropic supplements like SAM-e and 5HTP. Stop poking your brain chemistry with different things. If you cannot obtain any further citalopram you will have to push through drug free.

 

On 12/16/2024 at 4:50 PM, EchoNomad37 said:

Being on citalopram was great, I kept a more tidy house, I was excited for work everyday and loved my job, but then I was cheated on by my partner, and I became impulsive and spent a lot of money to make myself feel good and get out of my living situation with my partner. It's difficult to separate that situation from the effects of Citalopram. It felt like I became manic when I was greiving the loss of my relationship, like the Citralopram kept me up and that was the opposite of what my body wanted. Then everything came crashing down, suicidal thoughts went crazy and that's when I quit the drug in the first place.

These drugs alter your brain chemistry, which changes your personality and the way you behave. How your brain reacts to stress is also completely altered whilst on these drugs.

[LostInCanada]

Hey @EchoNomad37

The sooner you reinstate the better the chances of success. Prior to 3 months is ideal.

Why won't your doctor give you a prescription?

On 12/16/2024 at 8:50 AM, EchoNomad37 said:

the psychiatrist has told me it seems like I have bipolar disorder and has hadned me a script for Lamotrigine and Seroquel.

Please understand they haven't got a clue what they are dealing with when it comes to withdrawal so they just throw out another label and a few more drug prescriptions. Thousands on here can prove the truthfulness of this. I was experiencing full on withdrawal and the psychiatrist told me that it couldn't be, that it must be another mental illness surfacing due to being off paroxetine. I never had a mental illness in the first place. Only a super normal reaction to a violent crime committed against me.

You are in this position due to psychiatric drugs and have to figure out for yourself if you want to break free of it or climb aboard the psychiatric merry go round.

Because your CNS is compromised experience on here has shown that cannabis can quickly start working against you. I am glad you are reducing it. Also 5 HTP  and sam-e can be problematic supplements. 

On 12/16/2024 at 8:50 AM, EchoNomad37 said:

want to be free from this malaise I am in.

You need time, acceptance and patience especially if you do not reinstate.

[Catina7]

HI @EchoNomad37, please trust what your fellow members are telling you.  It's a hard pill to swallow that the doctors with the white coats and degrees on the wall don't have the slightest clue about withdrawal.  This site exists for that very reason....because they are poorly educated.  We've got your back!  

[EchoNomad37]

Thanks so much for all your support! I really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences—it means a lot to me.

 

So, in a bout of insomnia after seeing the psych last week (and not taking the drugs they prescribed), I decided to try a tiny 0.5 mg dose of citalopram. I dissolved a 10 mg pill in 20 ml of water and measured out 1 ml. At first, I didn’t feel anything, but 24 hours later, my mood actually felt a bit lifted. I haven’t taken any more since then because I’m nervous I might be doing something I shouldn’t. This week, though, the night sweats came back, which I assume is my nervous system reacting to that tiny dose.

 

Today, I’m meeting with my family doctor, and I’m going to try really hard to convince him to prescribe citalopram in liquid form. I’ve brought it up before, but it was quickly dismissed, so I’m hoping I can find the right words this time.

 

If he doesn’t agree, I might just start on 0.5 mg doses for a week over the holidays and see how it goes. The only thing I’m not sure about is what happens if it works—how would I even go about weaning off such a small dose?

 

I’m also worried about a lot of things right now. Will I ever feel passionate or creative again? Will the tinnitus I got during withdrawal stick around? I feel like I’m not myself—when I talk, I sound like a bumbling idiot compared to the sharp, confident person I used to be. I’m scared I’ll lose my job in January if my mood and focus don’t improve. These past few weeks have really driven home how unproductive I’ve been—most of my projects are unfinished, and I feel like I just need to step back and take a full week to rest.

 

[LostInCanada]

15 minutes ago, EchoNomad37 said:

meeting with my family doctor, and I’m going to try really hard to convince him to prescribe citalopram in liquid form.

It is not available in liquid form in Canada. Unfortunately our laws here do not allow it to come across a border. You can get the pill in 10 mg which will lessen waste. 

It is not highly soluble so crush completely and always stir thoroughly before extracting.

19 minutes ago, EchoNomad37 said:

0.5 mg doses

I think this is a good dose for reinstatement. Because of the paradoxical reaction I would caution against going higher. 

21 minutes ago, EchoNomad37 said:

Will I ever feel passionate or creative again? Will the tinnitus I got during withdrawal stick around? I feel like I’m not myself—when I talk, I sound like a bumbling idiot compared to the sharp, confident person I used to be

You will heal. Reinstatement takes time...months. Be kind and patient with yourself. Don't overthink it. Just try to alleviate as much stress as possible and allow healing to take place. Work in harmony with your CNS.

[Pickamew]

On 12/16/2024 at 11:50 AM, EchoNomad37 said:

the psychiatrist has told me it seems like I have bipolar disorder and has hadned me a script for Lamotrigine and Seroquel.

Hi, EN37! A little late to your thread, but my Dr. was pressuring me to start Seroquel for insomnia after stopping Lex. I was also told I have a “mood disorder” and to try it or I would eventually have to go to an inpatient facility because I would go psychotic due to lack of sleep. Refused to take it; especially after reading that it’s possible side effects can be worse and permanent compared to SSRIs. Who knows, maybe I have a mood disorder, but want to work on it outside of meds, and my sleep is very close to normal now at three months off. I think the main issue I still have with it dealing with the tinnitus that the stopping the meds caused me. 

[EchoNomad37]

Thanks @LostInCanada for that info, I didn't know we couldn't get the Liquid form actually. About to see the Doc and tell him about my plan anyways. I have no refills left so hopefully he will refill/repeat my Citalopram RX today. I just counted I actually have 40 x 10 mg pills left so approx. 4 months of supply if I throw out the liquid mixture every three days.

Hey @Pickamew Thank you for chiming in, your experience exactly mirrors mine. I do actually feel better with the ADHD/tiredness symptoms this week, so I am probably getting better, too. The tinnitus issue though scares and annoys me too, I hope that it resolves for you with time. I really like listening to music and film and now I have this loud noise constantly mainly in my right hemisphere. There have been one or two moments where the noise changed, popped and disappeared for a minute, but then came back. I hope a reinstatement in my case might resolve this and calm my CNS as @Erimus has so kindly explained.

[EchoNomad37]

Following up! I told my family doctor that while I don't disagree with the psychiatrist's diagnosis or expertise, I'd like to try treating the acute withdrawal symptoms I believe I have from cold turkeying citalopram 12 weeks ago. This time I showed my family doctor this wonderful article from the Royal College of Psychiatrists on Stopping Antidepressants. It includes info on making a solution from a pill and tapering small doses which reassured him about my plan.

 

So just now I've resumed at a dosage of 0.5 mg, prepared using a 20 ml solution made from a 10 mg pill, with 1 ml carefully extracted. Hoping this works to get rid of my ahedonia, anxiety and tinnitus and stops any possible further negative withdrawal effects.

 

Thank you so much everyone for your help! Merry Christmas.

[ShortTermAntipsychotics]

13 hours ago, Pickamew said:

Hi, EN37! A little late to your thread, but my Dr. was pressuring me to start Seroquel for insomnia after stopping Lex. I was also told I have a “mood disorder” and to try it or I would eventually have to go to an inpatient facility because I would go psychotic due to lack of sleep. Refused to take it; especially after reading that it’s possible side effects can be worse and permanent compared to SSRIs. Who knows, maybe I have a mood disorder, but want to work on it outside of meds, and my sleep is very close to normal now at three months off. I think the main issue I still have with it dealing with the tinnitus that the stopping the meds caused me.

 

It is easy for your Dr to just say you have "mood disorder". Also bare in mind that diagnoses from psychiatry are subjective compared to real medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, heart problems, where all can be proven with medical tools like blood pressure test, blood test, MRI and etc. So how to prove that you have mood disorder? Probably with her own check list and diagnostic menu and that's it. So is there something wrong with the brain? Mostly not.. It is just a subjective observation that is overly alarmed to further prescribe their drug. The only issue the brain is facing now is that it is going through withdrawal symptoms from the psychiatric drugs taken. A book name "Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal" by Dr Peter Breggins is a good book to understand all these overprescribing going on in Psychiatry. Almost all the fancy diagnostic term Psychiatry created is a joke/fallacy to make money in the expense of peoples' health/life. Back in the olden days when psychiatric drugs are limited, patients are much more healthier and happier with psychotherapy. The number of diagnoses are significantly lower than today as there were less psychiatric drug to sell/offer. 

 

[LostInCanada]

9 hours ago, EchoNomad37 said:

I told my family doctor that while I don't disagree with the psychiatrist's diagnosis or expertise, I'd like to try treating the acute withdrawal symptoms I believe I have from cold turkeying citalopram 12 weeks ago. This time I showed my family doctor this wonderful article from the Royal College of Psychiatrists on Stopping Antidepressants. It includes info on making a solution from a pill and tapering small doses which reassured him about my plan.

You handled that masterfully. Good on you. So happy. My GP was hard to convince but once he saw the results he has come around. Looks like you are having a similar experience. 

One day at a time. Just be patient. Keep a daily journal listing symptoms and relate them 1-10.

We are here for you. Keep us in the know. Hope you can enjoy some downtime during the holidays. ♥️🙏

[EchoNomad37]

Hello,

I wanted to share an update following Christmas. I've been taking 0.5 mg of Citalopram at night since 19 Dec (over the last 9 days), and my Garmin smartwatch sleep chart indicates an improvement in sleep quality (from ~50 to ~75 out of 100 score) - I also feel a lot better, presenting with less anxiety and brain fog. This rebound could be due to restarting the medication, but also taking a break over the holidays, incorporating new supplements, and a reduction in chronic stress. At the same time, I've also reduced THC in cannabis from +25% to 2% and have now quit smoking cannabis. 

After researching Lamotrigine and possible underlying causes of tinnitus associated with SSRI use, I’ve realized I should focus on reducing glutamate levels and stabilizing blood sugar in my brain. Interestingly, I've read over 90% of individuals with tinnitus may have hyperinsulinemia—temporary spikes in blood insulin levels, which can increase the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. This connection caught my attention, especially as Citalopram itself has been linked to diabetes. My father developed Type 2 Diabetes about 15 years after taking Citalopram, adding another layer of correlation for me. Notably, my tinnitus began about four weeks after stopping Citalopram, and 12 weeks later, a psychiatrist prescribed Lamotrigine based on my symptoms.

During my research, I came across this resource recommending supplements to lower glutamate levels. The symptoms associated with excess glutamate closely align with my withdrawal experience:

• Restless mind
• Inability to quiet the brain and relax
• Disorganized thoughts or difficulty focusing
• Excessive worry over minor issues
• Feeling easily overwhelmed
• Depression
• OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

I've also watched this video which talks about SSRIs disrupting several brain systems: Allostatic load, Noradrenergic Period, and Dopanergic Trafficking.

 

These findings have led me to believe that Citalopram withdrawal has contributed to these ongoing issues. The supplements I've introduced since 26 Dec are Ginkgo Biloba, Black Seed Oil, Alpha Lipoic Acid, PQQ, Berberine and Bacopa.

I am noticing less of a ring in my ears, the Tinnitus is getting better.

Sharing these thoughts because it may help someone in the future. Thanks again everyone for your encouragement and insights.

 

[LiSha0510]

Hi @EchoNomad37,

Just wondering how you are doing since the reinstatement.

I came across your feed.

 

Thank you. 

[EchoNomad37]

Hello,

Despite the advice shared on this forum, I’ve decided to start Lamictal. Last week, I felt my sleep was gradually improving, but after New Year’s and transitioning back to work, I completely unraveled. I became a nervous wreck and have been unable to get anything done these past few days—I’m simply not ready to return to work.

Unfortunately, I don’t feel I have the luxury of time - I am going to loose everything I've worked up to in my career over the last 5 years because of the hypomania and resulting down with Citalopram. I’ve procrastinated and avoided my responsibilities for too long due to the overwhelming stress caused by my brain fog and depression. Now, I have no choice but to take action.

While reinstating citalopram may have offered some relief, I’ve noticed concerning symptoms that suggest PSSD. Over the past few days, while taking 0.5 mg of citalopram, I’ve experienced numbness in my testicles and perineum, similar to the sensation of localized anesthesia. This has become more pronounced, and I’m worried this means I’ve missed the window for reinstatement and may now face worsening side effects.

I don’t know what to say. Yesterday, I took my first 12.5 mg dose of Lamictal, and I just took another 12.5 mg today. Surprisingly, I feel more focused. Last night, for the first time in over six months, I was able to sit down and read a book.

For full transparency, I’ve come to believe I likely have Bipolar II. As I reflect on the recurring depressive episodes throughout my life, I can see a clear pattern emerging.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

[LostInCanada]

I am glad you are feeling better. You have to do what works for you. I personally have no faith in the labels psychiatry had put out there. 

Hopefully you will do okay. 

The advice on here is solid so I encourage you to continue to investigate and apply as much as possible. 

Learning non drug ways of coping are definitely beneficial. 

Take care ❤️🙏

[Erimus]

Diagnostic labels are just tools to put people in boxes and then prescribe the allocated drugs for those boxes.

 

4 hours ago, EchoNomad37 said:

For full transparency, I’ve come to believe I likely have Bipolar II. As I reflect on the recurring depressive episodes throughout my life, I can see a clear pattern emerging.

Your "episodes" are drug induced. Read your own signature and link it with your "bipolar" events.

 

I wish you well in your life. If you ever need help tapering psychiatric drugs you know where to look.

Edited January 5 by Erimus

[Altostrata]

On 1/5/2025 at 10:05 AM, EchoNomad37 said:

While reinstating citalopram may have offered some relief, I’ve noticed concerning symptoms that suggest PSSD. Over the past few days, while taking 0.5 mg of citalopram, I’ve experienced numbness in my testicles and perineum, similar to the sensation of localized anesthesia.

 

By definition, PSSD (post-SSRI sexual dysfunction) emerges when you are off the drug. If taking the drug initiated the sensation, what you have is an adverse drug effect. This is not PSSD.

[EchoNomad37]

Hello, everyone. Thank you for your patience. I’ve been struggling and feel deeply conflicted about psychiatry since 2013 when I was put in a psych ward for a night after my first drug binge in University. For context: I’ve experienced low moods ever since losing my Grandpa the summer before high school started after coming back from a Disney Land vacation, but I’ve also had periods of elevated energy and impulsivity. For example, I’ve made major decisions like dropping my classes to create feature-length films in high school or leaving film school (despite having a full tuition scholarship) to pursue global studies—only to abandon that path five months later. I then spent four years travelling the world with no money to make a documentary. I've also dropped off the face of the earth several times in my relationships (including professionally). I spent five years drinking ayahuasca in search of emotional healing. More recently, while on citalopram, I spent $22K in just one month on consumer goods (which was fueled by being cheated on by my partner, who turned out to be a complete narcissist). I've struggled with my sexuality, whether I am gay or straight, and flipped between those. I've also had several concussions as a child and teenager. I've experienced sexual abuse by a faith leader. I've also experienced intimate partner violence in two recent relationships and my partner was incarcerated.

My life has been anything but typical, and while the Bipolar II diagnosis seems to align with these patterns, deep down I feel my mood shifts are tied to external factors—like the success or failure of my career, business ventures or relationships, or being bullied in school. This inner conflict has been difficult to navigate, and I just wanted to share where I’m at right now.

Right now I don't want to take the Lamotrogine pill that's sitting in its pill bottle. This would be my 7th day taking it. My symptoms over the last 7 days have changed. Now I am experiencing:

• Improved mood/motivation and positive feeling
• PSSD symptoms have almost disappeared, I do feel something down there, but it's changed/reduced (Is the Citalopram kicking in at .5 mg)?
• Improved sleep the last three days
• Less ringing in my ears (tinnitus)

My dose of Lamicatal is 25 mg the last two days. Citalopram continued at 0.5 mg since December 19 (the last 23 days). 

So I've taken Lamictal for 6 days total starting at 12.5 mg and then moving to 25 mg. But considering stopping today out of fear about where this is leading me.

 

I do believe @Erimus when he says that these shifts in mood/impulsivity are probably be related to drug use. It's unfortunate I didn't get the help I needed in High school or college. Several times I went to counsellors and the doctors complaining about my anxiety and depression. But I was turned away (one doctor said in 2012 you can't be this depressed after reading the MDD inventory he gave me and told me to come back in a few weeks if I was still feeling that way, unfortunately, peer pressure got me with intense street drugs in those next few weeks and away we go). But you guys are saying Doctors and Psychiatrists don't have the answer, so I am at a loss of what to do.

 

I feel depressed most by society/external causes. I feel depressed about this whole topic.

 

For more context, I never even took the Covid vaccine and I refuse to wear masks, I've even spent the last 4 years advocating against Covid vaccines and measures  - I've avoided psychiatry up until last year when I couldn't sleep due to persistent panic attacks and was prescribed Citalopram and not wanting to become depressed when moving into a new city I took the pills, noticing an instant effect in my mood (so much so that I never questioned the drug until my depression returned worse than ever 11 months after.) I was probably the least likely to take these pills but my older sister was the one who wanted me to try pysch drugs and I don't want to hurt my family in the future. Though the rest of my family does not want me to take drugs.

 

One question, If I quit Lamictal now after 6 doses will there be a withdrawal? Should I stop taking it? Is the Citalopram kicking in again? I have no idea anymore... 

 

 

 

[LostInCanada]

I don't think you should have a problem since it has been just 6 days. You could always go one day 12.5 mg, the next day divide the dose again, etc till you hit zero 

This link is good as well.

 

[LostInCanada]

1 hour ago, EchoNomad37 said:

 

 

I feel depressed most by society/external causes

I think this is true for most if not all of us. This is a normal reaction (depression/anxiety) to horrible circumstances many of us have had to face. It is okay to feel. We don't need to be drugged and numbed.