mariella: weaning off Cipramil / Celexa / citalopram

[manymoretodays]

And a bit more about maths here, as well as the stability of Cipramil........the generic name for it citalopram.  The brand name in the U.S. is Celexa.

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/2022-making-a-celexa-solution-yourself/

 

"I now know what you are trying to say about introducing liquid form. I don't know how to get 1/8 of a tablet though"

 

As long as you are consistent with your cutting you should be okay mariella.

 

Let us know what you decide and how it goes, okay?

 

Edited June 26, 2018 by manymoretodays

[mariella]

Thanks for the link it helped a great deal. 

There was a post about making the change from pill to liquid and will cause a bit of nausea and it will only last a few days until my stomach gets use it. I'm willing to do that. I've been through worse. 

With my dose I'm going to do a 1 to 2 ratio, so for I'll just double the amount I need to syringe out. 

I really appreciate you helping me manymoretodays. I'm confident now with my process 😊💚

[mariella]

5 days into my drop, 2.5mg down to 2.4mg, and I can tell things are going on. I just can't tap into them. Is it possible such a small drop, can make a difference? I know theyre not withdrawal symptoms like I experienced when I tapered too quick. 

It's so hard to push through when something is dragging you down. I try to listen to my body when it needs to rest but I get afraid of the anxiety that comes afterwards. Just so afraid to sit still. 

 

 

[Carmie]

On 6/30/2018 at 12:17 PM, mariella said:

5 days into my drop, 2.5mg down to 2.4mg, and I can tell things are going on. I just can't tap into them. Is it possible such a small drop, can make a difference? I know theyre not withdrawal symptoms like I experienced when I tapered too quick. 

It's so hard to push through when something is dragging you down. I try to listen to my body when it needs to rest but I get afraid of the anxiety that comes afterwards. Just so afraid to sit still. 

 

 

 

Hi Mariella, 

 

Yes, even the smallest drops can effect us, some of us are more sensitive than others, especially if we’ve been on and off lots of different meds. 

 

When withdrawals get bad I just distract myself all the time. I’ve watched whole tv series in no time while crocheting blankets for friends. Just the same stitch over and over to give me something to do with my hands. 

 

I can still rest but I’ve distracted myself and I don’t need to look at the crochet, it just comes automatically. It actually relaxes me. 

 

Find something you like to do and do it to distract yourself. Crosswords, painting, colouring in, listening to music, watching DVDs or Netflix, crafts etc etc

 

You might feel anhedonic and cant really enjoy it but the aim is to distract yourself from the symptoms. 

 

Sending hugs🤗

[mariella]

On 7/1/2018 at 6:48 PM, Carmie said:

 

Hi Mariella, 

 

Yes, even the smallest drops can effect us, some of us are more sensitive than others, especially if we’ve been on and off lots of different meds. 

 

When withdrawals get bad I just distract myself all the time. I’ve watched whole tv series in no time while crocheting blankets for friends. Just the same stitch over and over to give me something to do with my hands. 

 

I can still rest but I’ve distracted myself and I don’t need to look at the crochet, it just comes automatically. It actually relaxes me. 

 

Find something you like to do and do it to distract yourself. Crosswords, painting, colouring in, listening to music, watching DVDs or Netflix, crafts etc etc

 

You might feel anhedonic and cant really enjoy it but the aim is to distract yourself from the symptoms. 

 

Sending hugs🤗

Hi carmie, I got into crocheting myself and it's exactly what I'm doing with the unsettled feelings. Netflix and movies are a big help!! I push through and it last for awhile. I've got to learn to sit through the anxiety. That will be a challenge!! 

[Carmie]

On 8/18/2018 at 10:39 AM, mariella said:

Hi carmie, I got into crocheting myself and it's exactly what I'm doing with the unsettled feelings. Netflix and movies are a big help!! I push through and it last for awhile. I've got to learn to sit through the anxiety. That will be a challenge!! 

 

Hi Mariella, 

 

You sound like you’ve got your distractions down pat too. Good for you!

 

How are you doing now after that last drop?💚

 

 

[mariella]

Hi Carmie, it's been 2 months now and it's a hell of a roller-coaster!! Im struggling with my reality, side effects and not sure of withdrawals and because of all that I'm holding onto that dose for at least another month. Depression has kicked in worse than before, I'm hoping it's because of coming off the meds. 

I'm housebound a lot, which I get triggered a lot from. But I'm just not good with the outside world. I do push myself when I need to though, for groceries and paying bills. 

I want this to pass so quickly. 🌻🌻🌻

[mariella]

Is there a Facebook page or group that I can follow. I'm needing more support. I'm isolated and Im needing more contact with the outside world. I gave social anxiety and then all this other stuff with withdrawals.

Thinking of you all and I hope you are all managing as best as you can

Xxxxx

[ChessieCat]

Here is the link.  It's a FB page that one the SA members started:

 

i-started-a-private-facebook-group-for-sa-members-only

[mariella]

Thank you chessiecat! 

[mariella]

Can someone tell me how long I can leave my liquid solution out of the fridge for?  I make it myself with plain water. I think I read it somewhere, but I can't remember. Thank you!! 

 

Edited March 8, 2019 by ChessieCat
Highlighted the word "out"

[ChessieCat]

It's better to refrigerate the DIY liquid because this helps to slow the growth of any bacteria.  DIY liquid can be stored for about 3 days.  So you can get 4 doses out of one batch.  The first dose is at the start of day 1, and then count 3 more periods of 24 hours.

 

If you need to take it somewhere with you it might be better to include a small freezer block with your dose to keep it cool.  Or if the environment you will be in will not be too high, then wrapping in a small piece of cloth (eg a fabric face towel) might help to keep it a bit cooler than the surrounding temperature.

[mariella]

Thank you chessiecat! 

At the moment I'm diluting at 10mg tablet in 20mls of water to get my dose of 2.3mg for 4 days. 

I'm thinking of when I get down to 2mg tablet, because I can't keep it in the fridge for more than 3 days, I can't do the 10mg/20ml solution. What can you suggest??? 

[ChessieCat]

Citalopram comes in these dosages:
- Tablets, oral 10 mg
- Tablets, oral 20 mg
- Tablets, oral 40 mg
- Solution, oral 2 mg/mL

 

You can either continue using 10mg tablets and disposing of what you don't use.  You will still get 4 doses out of a 10mg tablet.

 

OR you could change over to prescription liquid.

 

If you change over to prescription liquid it is best to do a cross over.  This is gentler on your system.  Each of these combinations for 3 to 7 days:  3/4 DIY + 1/4, 1/2 + 1/2, 1/4 DIY + 3/4.

[mariella]

I can't get a prescription for the liquid, my doctor doesn't know I'm tapering slowly. 

I was actually thinking that maybe I could cut the tablet in half and dilute 5mg tablet with 10ml water then the last 1ml I can save it for the next dose I make and just syringe out 1ml from the new dose. Does that sound doable chessiecat? 

I want to try and use all of my medication because I don't know if my doctor will give me any more scripts. 

[ChessieCat]

Yes, but you will need to be as precise as possible.  You might want to consider getting a scale so you can weigh the tablet.  You could crush the tablet and weigh the powder and then add it to the water.  This would be more accurate.

[mariella]

Oh ok. I appreciate all your help chessiecat 🏵️🏵️🏵️

[ChessieCat]

On 2/13/2018 at 2:49 AM, Gridley said:

This is your introduction topic -- the place for you to ask questions, record symptoms, share your progress

 

I've moved the posts about liquid her to your Introduction.  Please continue to post in this topic.

[mariella]

Ok, thank you 😊 😊

[mariella]

On 3/9/2019 at 2:00 PM, ChessieCat said:

You might want to consider getting a scale so you can weigh the tablet.  You could crush the tablet and weigh the powder and then add it to the water.  This would be more accurate.

Would that mean I could save the rest of the crushed powder for my next solution. 

[mariella]

Can I keep my solution out of the fridge in the winter time? 

[mariella]

For the last two days I've been having trouble breathing. And it feels very uncomfortable under my ribcage. It's hard to take deep breaths. I know it's a side effect of Cipramil/celexa because it use to happen a lot when I was on 40 and 60mg.

I've been on 2.3mg for 8 1/2mths. I was going to wait until I reach a full year to do my next drop, because I did a quick taper from 20mg to 2.5mg.

Can someone advise me in any way.??

[ChessieCat]

Please update your drug signature so it is current.  Thank you.  Account Settings – Edit a signature

 

If you think that it is a side effect, you could try making a small reduction to see if you are okay to start tapering again. You could make a test reduction of 2.5% or even less.

[mariella]

Updated my signature, chessiecat. Where can I go on this site to see if others on Cipramil have experienced the same with the breathing?

[ChessieCat]

Your signature still looks the same.  Make sure that you click on Save underneath the signature box.

 

shortness-of-breath-and-other-breathing-issues

 

Cipramil = citalopram = Celexa

[mariella]

Thanks for the link chessiecat and signature updated now 🤗🤗

[ChessieCat]

2018 January 9th 15mg Cipramil, January 12th 10mg Cipramil 

January 20th 5mg Cipramil, February 4th 2.5mg. June 25th 2.4mg, September 17th 2.3mg

 

So these dates are all 2018 and none are 2019?

 

[mariella]

That's right chessiecat, I'll go back to it and make it more clearer 🤗

[mariella]

Could someone lead me the way to get info on GABA supplements while tapering off cipramil? 

 

[ChessieCat]

I like to use google and add survivingantidepressants.org to my search term.

 

gaba-gamma-aminobutyric-acid-tablets-capsules-liquid

 

kavinace-phenibut-or-phenyl-gaba-for-sleep

 

gaba-reuptake-inhibitors-gris-gabitril-tiagabine

 

[mariella]

Thanks Chessiecat!!

[mariella]

I'm down to 2.2mg if Cipramil. I'm struggling a lot with my mind and stomach. I know I need to eat more but I'm struggling to know what to eat. I don't have the mental energy to cook a lot. I think the time i struggle the most is the daytime meals. Cipramil also is giving me a ravenous appetite but when I put something in my stomach it either hurts or I feel nauseous. I really need a bit of guidance here, I'm so stuck. If anyone has any ideas I would really appreciate it.