☼ Kostas

[Kostas]

Hi, 

I am Kostas from Athens Greece, and I would like  to post my story. 

After suffering a burn out in my demanded post at work, not been able to eat, sleep, exhausted and non functional, was prescribed 20 mg citalopram. 

Started 10 mg for 1 week, and then 20.

Side effects few and tolerable  for 3 weeks, and then dramatic improvement and completely functional in week 8. 

Got them for 9 months, June 1994-march 1995.

Then 10 mg for a month 5 for 2 months and off. 

Start relapsing after 2 months, and reinstated August 1995.

10 mg 1 week and then 20, 

August 95- August 96

Then tapering 6 months and off Feb 97.

Very well till October 99, then relapse and reinstated 20 mg January 2000.

On the drug Jan 00- September 01,

Tapering 6 months, and off from March 02.

Another relapse on October 03,and another reinstatement 20 mg, from 

October 03- October 05

Then, very slow tapering for 7 years 

October 05- October 12.

10mg 2006, 5 2007,2.5 2008, 2 2009, 1 2010, 0.5 2011, 0.25 2012.

Off the drug from Oct 2012 till today. 

WD symptoms although not thought so back then, 

Nov 2012 slight tinnitus, till today

June 2013, frequent urination and nocturia, much improved now. 

2014 muscle tightness, and tired. 

Not too bad, but deterioration during stress. 

This continues on and off till today but have adjusted. 

June 2015 palpitations and arythmia for one month, and gone by then. 

October 2016,pain in the legs and shawder for a 2 months. 

April 2017, slight insomnia, agitation, tiredness, pain in the muscles and weak legs, agrivaded all symptoms under stress. 

Waves and windows till beginning of August, and improving now. 

Decided to try not to reinstate, since I am relatively functional 70%, but not happy with the situation! 

Any advice welcome! 

 

 

[scallywag]

Kostas -- Welcome to Surviving Antidepressants (SA)

 

Thank you or posting a thorough account of your history with citalopram.  Your last dose was Oct. 2012?  Would you put that in a signature that will appear below all your posts? Signatures aren't visible in the mobile version of the site that is shown on phones. Even if you can't see it, moderators and helpful members use your signature to make sure they give you the correct information.

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

Are you taking any other medications for any reason?

 

Here's some information about withdrawal symptoms:

What is withdrawal syndrome.

The Windows and Waves pattern of stabilization.

How your brain responds to psychiatric drugs - aka "Brain remodeling"

Youtube video, 4 minutes: Healing from antidepressants

 

This is YOUR introduction topic -- the place for you to ask questions, record symptoms, share your progress, and connect with other members of the SA community.

 

I hope you'll find the information in the SA forums helpful for your situation. I'm sorry that you are in the position that you need the information, but am glad that you found us.

[Kostas]

Many thanks for your reply, and useful links you sent me! 

Yes my last dose of citalopram ( seropram in Greece), was back in Oct 2012. 

I am taking NO OTHER DRUGS or supplements  at the moment, and only occasionally using some paracetamol for any minor pain. 

Just wondering if these symptoms which has made me at the moment about 70% functional but improving lately, is it possible to appear after so many years off the drug! 

Delayed withdrawal after such a long time?? 

However, since I am able to work, take care of my self and going around in general, I am just waiting and see. 

Only setback, I am afraid to organize any holidays at the moment. 

Thanks 

 

[ChessieCat]

 A request: Would you summarize your history in a signature - ALL drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly?

• Please leave out symptoms and diagnoses.
• A list is easier to understand than one or multiple paragraphs. 

• Any drugs prior to 24 months ago can just be listed with start and stop years.
• Please use actual dates or approximate dates (mid-June, Late October) rather than relative time frames (last week, 3 months ago)
• Spell out months, e.g. "October" or "Oct."; 9/1/2016 can be interpreted as Jan. 9, 2016 or Sept. 1, 2016.
• Link to Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

[Kostas]

Good morning,

Thanks for your response. 

I do not take any drugs or supplements,  in the past 24 months. 

Previously, my citalopram history is summarized as following. 

Citalopram 20 mg

 

Mid June 1994- end March 1995

Then tapering 3 months 

Mid August 1995-end August 1996

Tapering 6 months 

Mid January 2000-end September 2001

Tapering 6 months

Mid October 2003-end October 2005

Tapering 7 years. 

Off any drug from October 2012 

Thanks 

[ChessieCat]

Please put this in your signature:

 

 

Citalopram 20 mg

Mid June 1994- end March 1995 Then tapering 3 months 

Mid August 1995-end August 1996 Tapering 6 months 

Mid January 2000-end September 2001 Tapering 6 months

Mid October 2003-end October 2005 Tapering 7 years. 

Off any drug from October 2012 

[Kostas]

10 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

Please put this in your signature:

 

 

Citalopram 20 mg

Mid June 1994- end March 1995 Then tapering 3 months 

Mid August 1995-end August 1996 Tapering 6 months 

Mid January 2000-end September 2001 Tapering 6 months

Mid October 2003-end October 2005 Tapering 7 years. 

Off any drug from October 2012 

Sorry, 

Don't know how to do it! 

[Kostas]

Hello again, 

Just a thought about the muscle pains

experienced during withdrawal. 

This is a symptom which troubles me still from time to time! 

Ssris affect the serotonin, which is present in most systems, including the peripheral nervous system, and the muscular one. 

During withdrawal, there is an upregulation of its receptors, and an increase of serotonin. 

This chemical, Is well known as a pain inducing agent, and is the main ingredient in the venom of many insects and snakes for this purpose. 

Any increase, could actually make us feel painful, till homeostasis eventually occurs, and we feel relieved. 

Just a thought! 

[Altostrata]

Hi, Kostas. How are you doing now?

 

Withdrawal symptoms are not due to the action of any particular hormone or neurohormone, the cause is much more complex.

[Kostas]

6 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

Hi, Kostas. How are you doing now?

 

Withdrawal symptoms are not due to the action of any particular hormone or neurohormone, the cause is much more complex.

Hi Alto, 

Much better than when first contacted the site. I am functioning well, and people around can hardly notice that there is any problem with me. 

However I am still very hesitant to organize a new lengthy vacation as I was used to do in the past, in case I have to face any symptoms which will make me feel uncomfortable! 

Hope to get more confident with myself in the near future. 

I tested recently myself by deciding to fly from Athens to Prague staying in  a nice hotel for a few days, and went well! 

My thoughts above were just referring to the muscle pain issue, and not to the withdrawal in general. 

Congratulations for your site. 

Good night and best regards 

Kostas 

[Altostrata]

Very happy to hear you're doing better.

 

I added our cheerful "here comes the sun" symbol ☼ to the title of your Intro topic, to show you're recovering.

 

Please continue to let us know how you're doing. I hope you will add your story to our Recovery Success Stories eventually!

[Kostas]

14 hours ago, Altostrata said:

Very happy to hear you're doing better.

 

I added our cheerful "here comes the sun" symbol ☼ to the title of your Intro topic, to show you're recovering.

 

Please continue to let us know how you're doing. I hope you will add your story to our Recovery Success Stories eventually!

Μany thanks! 

When feeling ready and confident enough , I will certainly do. 

Best regards 

[Kiaza]

How old were you when you were prescribed citalopram? I have been in acute withdrawal for 4 years now and I'm hoping that I will soon start to gain my former functionality back.

[Kostas]

1 hour ago, Kiaza said:

How old were you when you were prescribed citalopram? I have been in acute withdrawal for 4 years now and I'm hoping that I will soon start to gain my former functionality back.

Hello Kiaza 

I was 40 years old when I was first prescribed 20 mg citalopram, for a burn out I had due to work stress. 

No problems on the drug and withdrawing, but mild symptoms gradually appeared 4 years off it! 

Still have them one year after appearing on and off, but improving. 

However I am quite functional I admit, despite my disappointment of what happened so far out! 

Take care. 

[Kiaza]

Can't believe that you got symptoms after several years. These drugs are truly poisons. Hope youll recover completely soon!

[Kostas]

1 minute ago, Kiaza said:

Can't believe that you got symptoms after several years. These drugs are truly poisons. Hope youll recover completely soon!

Many thanks Kiaza. 

 

You are a young person, and I believe that if you follow the advice here, do not despair, and having support from your family as I see you do, there is plenty of time to fully recover. 

 

I am a scientist in the biochemical field, and I fully believe in the ability of the brain to recover from these drugs, if do not abuse it and you give it sometimes plenty of time! 

 

The pattern of waves and windows is a solid proof of it. If there was a permanent structural damage, it would never be like that. 

 

Please do not despair and take care of yourself! 

Best regards 

Kostas 

 

 

[Carmie]

Hi Kostas, 

 

It was great to read you’re recovering. This will brighten many people’s day on this forum.

 

Yes, the windows and waves pattern certainly shows that one can recover and that the damage is not permanent. 

 

Thanks for sharing your story💚

[Kostas]

Many thanks for your post here Carmie. 

I am truly in a good place, since I hadn't the valuable help from the mods  of this site, during my weening of the drug!

Especially if I consider the very difficult situations a lot of people are facing here during their withdrawal. 

I am still not confident enough to write a success story, since being shocked of what happened to me, after 4 years off the drug, when I was just enjoying my life! 

When I do, I will try to give more details of my story and advice to the people here. 

Take care of yourself and best regards 

Kostas 

[Carmie]

9 hours ago, Kostas said:

Many thanks for your post here Carmie. 

I am truly in a good place, since I hadn't the valuable help from the mods  of this site, during my weening of the drug!

Especially if I consider the very difficult situations a lot of people are facing here during their withdrawal. 

I am still not confident enough to write a success story, since being shocked of what happened to me, after 4 years off the drug, when I was just enjoying my life! 

When I do, I will try to give more details of my story and advice to the people here. 

Take care of yourself and best regards 

Kostas 

 

Hi Kostas, 

 

It’s amazing isn’t it how you can all of a sudden get symptoms many years later?  I’m so glad though that you’re doing well now though. 

 

I will definitely look forward to reading your success story when you eventually write it 💚

[Kostas]

Hi my friends, and happy new year! 

 

I have decided  to make a small update on my situation after a long time , in order to give you some encouragement at the start of 2019.

 

It is not written as a success story yet, since I am still afraid not to wake up the wd beast! 

 

So briefly, ( you can read my story at the beginning of my intro topic), after 18 years on citalopram on/off( including my 7 years of very slow tapering), my 3 past unsuccessful attempts to come off and  a pws scare 2 years ago, now for almost a year I am free of any symptoms! 

 

Physically and mentally I am feeling fine, and now at 65 I am enjoying my life better than at my 40s when started the drug. 

 

This year finally I managed to plan and  take my 15 days holidays from Greece, to Scotland and Wales, without being stressed out and having a wonderful time. 

 

Also, although comfortably retired, I decided to accept the proposal from my old company to return part time to work for them, in order to add some more challenges to my life. 

 

Physically I eat, sleep, socializing and going around quite well, feeling happy and most importantly making plans for my future life. 

 

It is hard to believe that such drastic change happened almost suddenly from my past dull life, but it did!

Let's hope that it will continue like this.

 

So, in a nutshell, good things can happen to us even after the scare of wd, with patience and support from anywhere we can get it. 

 

Will update you if anything change for better or worse 

Keep walking!! 

Kostas 

[JasonK]

Hi Kosta,

 

I am also Greek but I am based in London.Well done on your recovery!Are you active in the Greek forum as kostas62?

 

Best Regards,

 

Jason

[Kostas]

Hello Jason, 

Glad to hear from you, and thank you for your kind words! 

 

Yes you are right, sometimes I participate in the Greek forum under Kostas62, If I have something useful to say. 

 

Many times I advice people with difficulties during  wd symptoms, to visit this site for advice. 

Unfortunately too many young people have been cought in this trap! 

Keep well

[lexicon]

On 1/7/2019 at 10:53 AM, Kostas said:

Hello Jason, 

Glad to hear from you, and thank you for your kind words! 

 

Yes you are right, sometimes I participate in the Greek forum under Kostas62, If I have something useful to say. 

 

Many times I advice people with difficulties during  wd symptoms, to visit this site for advice. 

Unfortunately too many young people have been cought in this trap! 

Keep well

 

Hello Jason and Kostas,

I am Greek too, from the USA.

Can you please send me a link to the Greek forum?

Thank you so much.

Wishing you healing blessings 💕

Love, Lexicon

[Kostas]

4 hours ago, lexicon said:

 

Hello Jason and Kostas,

I am Greek too, from the USA.

Can you please send me a link to the Greek forum?

Thank you so much.

Wishing you healing blessings 💕

Love, Lexicon

Hello Lexicon, what a surprise! 

I hope you are doing well in the USA! 

 

The Greek forum, you can find it at

www.phychology.gr

 

You can then look at the forum - activity stream ect. 

 

Best wishes 

Kostas 

[lexicon]

9 hours ago, Kostas said:

Hello Lexicon, what a surprise! 

I hope you are doing well in the USA! 

 

The Greek forum, you can find it at

www.phychology.gr

 

You can then look at the forum - activity stream ect. 

 

Best wishes 

Kostas 

 

 

Thank you dear Kostas ( my brother's name )😊

The forum shows posts from 2012 to 2017.

Is there a currant forum?

Or maybe I am not navigating correctly?

Thank you Kostas,

Warm regards,

Lexi

[Kostas]

Hi again, 

What I am typing in the Google search engine , is :

 

Phycology forum activity stream 

 

 that's brings me to 

www.phychology.gr >forum >for... 

 

pressing that, shows me the Greek page which is updated till today. 

I do not know how could this works in USA. 

 

Maybe Jason, who finds it from England, could elaborate further! 

 

In any case, it was nice talking to you, and wish you, your brother and your family the best. 

 

Kind regards from sunny Athens 

Kostas 

[ChessieCat]

I think it was spelled incorrectly.

 

https://www.psychology.gr/forum/forum.php

 

Translated:  https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=el&u=https://www.psychology.gr/forum/forum.php&prev=search

 

Edited February 11, 2019 by ChessieCat

[Kostas]

Many thanks Chessie for your remarks. 

 

Hope that this will help Lexi! 

Best regards 

Kostas 

[lexicon]

On 2/11/2019 at 3:52 PM, ChessieCat said:

I think it was spelled incorrectly.

 

https://www.psychology.gr/forum/forum.php

 

Translated:  https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=el&u=https://www.psychology.gr/forum/forum.php&prev=search

 

 

Thank you so much, dear Cat 😘

I appreciate the link, very much.

Wishing you blessings.

Love, Lexi

[lexicon]

On 2/11/2019 at 10:23 AM, Kostas said:

Hi again, 

What I am typing in the Google search engine , is :

 

Phycology forum activity stream 

 

 that's brings me to 

www.phychology.gr >forum >for... 

 

pressing that, shows me the Greek page which is updated till today. 

I do not know how could this works in USA. 

 

Maybe Jason, who finds it from England, could elaborate further! 

 

In any case, it was nice talking to you, and wish you, your brother and your family the best. 

 

Kind regards from sunny Athens 

Kostas 

 

Thank you so much, dear Kostas for the info, and the kind words ☺️

Please say hello, to our beautiful Motherland 💖

Wishing you blessings.

Love, Lexi

 

[Carmie]

Hi Kostas, 

 

Enjoyed reading your update. I’m glad you’ve been doing fun things, like travelling. I’m so glad you’re doing so well, reading stories like yours is certainly good for the soul. 

 

I noticed you haven’t put in a drug signature. Could you please put one in so we can see your medication at a glance. Thank you. I see Scallywag gave you the link above, just press on it. 

 

Wishing you all the best in your continued healing.💚

[Kostas]

Good morning Carmie and thank you very much for your kind words and wishes! 

 

Still doing well, with only the occasional ups and downs of normal life, and really hope to continue this way. 

 

Concerning my drug signature, I have also mentioned in the past that I am only working through my cell phone and I was unable to do it properly. 

 

However my drug story is simple, and mentioned in detail in my first post. 

Nothing has changed in my drug story from that one through the time , till now. 

Hope that this is helpful. 

Wishing you all the best in your journey. 

Kostas

[Carmie]

Hi Kostas, 

 

Again, I have to say I’m so glad that you’re doing so well, I’m very happy for you. 

 

I don’t do things on my phone but I’ve read others saying you can’t do your signature on it. I do everything on my iPad, the only thing I do on my phone are phone calls and smsing. I’ll be that one person on the bus that’s enjoying the scenery while everyone else is on their phones. I feel like the odd one out.😂😂

 

I wish you all the best in your continued journey too.💚

[ChessieCat]

Hi Kostas,

 

Please create your drug signature using the following format.   Keep it simple.  NO diagnoses or symptoms please - thank you.

• details for last 2 years - dates, ALL drugs, doses
• summary for older than 2 years - just years and drug/s

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

[ChessieCat]

Hi Kostas,

 

Please create a drug signature.  This has been requested several times.  When you post in other members' topics it means that they can see your drug history at glance.  Thank you.

 

 

[Kostas]

Hi, 

I am going in the site only through my mobile, and was not able to make a drug signature, although tried a few times in the past! 

 

Any way, my drug history, is described I detail, in my first post here. 

 

Best regards