Jump to content
SurvivingAntidepressants.org is temporarily closed to new registrations until 1 April ×

☼ Windsor77: Celexa - it's time for peace


Windsor77

Recommended Posts

I am a GAD sufferer, who got onto the path of Zoloft in 2011-12.  I took it well and with minor side effects endured to the 200 mg point through  December 2014, when I tapered off.  By June 2015, I was experiencing severe anxiety, worse than I’d ever experienced before, and relentingly went back to the Zoloft, yet this time, it only made me feel terribly shaky and ill.

 

So at that time, my GP switched me to 20 mg Lexapro.  It worked even better for the anxiety, and had little muscle twitching compared to the Zoloft.  Until August or September of 2017.  I began to feel like I had a nervous system problem, very shaky, very ill.  Doc suspected Serotonin syndrome.  I quit cold turkey at his direction.  By December 2017 I was an emotional wreck, crying, anxiety, depression....ridiculous, and not like me at all.  Understand that I had only dealt with anxiety, the depression and crazy emotions were new to me.

 

I went back to 50 mg Zoloft in early December 2017.  The side effects were worse than the usual, shaky, vibrating feeling inside, tingling jaw and face, but amplified.

 

One month ago, my doc switched me to 20 mg celexa.   The side effects are the same.   I am planning to taper, 5mg at a time, for 2 month periods, 15, 10, 5, etc.  

 

From what I have read on this site and others, I believe now that my “relapse” moments in the past were really just withdrawal.  My doc now wants me to stay the course on the celexa, but to see a neurologist.   Why does he not suspect that the symptoms I am referencing are the med, not an undetermined neurological issue? Unfortunately, I think I already know the answer.  

 

i appreciate any feedback,

 

thanks

W

 

Edited by ChessieCat
spacing

Zoloft- 2010-2014 Lexa Aug 2015 Oct2017 Zoloft 50mg. Dec 17-May18

Cital 10mg May-18 to July 16 18

9.0 cital to 6.5mg,  July 30 18

7.0 mg cital liquid - until 11/23/18 /5.0 mg cital liquid - 7-13-19 4.6mg cital liquid - 7-14-19 - 8-13-19/4.2mg cital liquid - 8-14-19 - 9-13-19/4.0 mg cital liquid - 9-14-19- 11-20-19 -3.8mg-11/19-1-20. 3.7mg 6-20 3.2mg currently at 3.0mg cital liquid. 
2/20 added sodium alginate for gerd - caused updose. 

pantoprazole added 6/20. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hello, Windsor, and welcome to SA.

 

If I understand your post, you plan to reduce from 20mg Celexa by 5 mg every two months.  I believe this is a bit too fast, especially at the lower doses, and could land you in trouble.  At Surviving Antidepressants, it is recommended that a person taper by no more than 10% of their current dose with at least a four week hold in-between decreases.  The 10% taper recommendation is a harm reduction approach to going off psychiatric drugs.  Some people may have to taper at a more conservative rate as they are sensitive to even the smallest drops.   In the link below, "Tips for tapering off Celexa," you'll find instructions for making nonstandard dosages.
 
 
 

Depression and crazy emotions are common withdrawal symptoms.  
 
 

 

When we take medications, the CNS (central nervous system) responds by making changes over the months and years we take the drug(s). When the medication is discontinued, the CNS has to undo all the changes it made. Rebuilding the neurotransmitter production and reactivating the receptor and transporter cells takes time -- during that rebuilding process symptoms occur.  
 

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 I am glad that you found us.
 
 
 
 
 

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

Link to comment
  • ChessieCat changed the title to Windsor77: Celexa - it's time for peace
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Windsor and welcome,

 

Please create your drug signature.  Dates, ALL drugs, doses - no symptoms or diagnoses.  Thank you.  Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment

Chess is,

i thought that I already did that..?

Zoloft- 2010-2014 Lexa Aug 2015 Oct2017 Zoloft 50mg. Dec 17-May18

Cital 10mg May-18 to July 16 18

9.0 cital to 6.5mg,  July 30 18

7.0 mg cital liquid - until 11/23/18 /5.0 mg cital liquid - 7-13-19 4.6mg cital liquid - 7-14-19 - 8-13-19/4.2mg cital liquid - 8-14-19 - 9-13-19/4.0 mg cital liquid - 9-14-19- 11-20-19 -3.8mg-11/19-1-20. 3.7mg 6-20 3.2mg currently at 3.0mg cital liquid. 
2/20 added sodium alginate for gerd - caused updose. 

pantoprazole added 6/20. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

When we join we are asked to list our drugs, but that is only visible to the Admin.  The drug signature is different.  I got confused about it when I joined.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Please add the date you started taking pantoprazole 40 mg .  Thanks.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment

So I’m looking for some thoughts from the group, as on May 3rd, my doc switched me directly from 50 mg sertraline to 20 mg citalopram.  No taper.    

 

I have begun to experience the trembling/twitching feeling in hands and legs, coiled up spring feeling in the muscles, and general tense feelings.  I am not sure whether this is the lack of sertraline, or the introduction of the citalopram.   It is manageable, but very distracting, and I constantly worry it’s a separate neurologic issue. (Meaning, the anxiety for which I took the meds in the first place is back)

 

No choice but to ride through it, but any thoughts/opinions are appreciated. 

 

Edited by ChessieCat
spacing

Zoloft- 2010-2014 Lexa Aug 2015 Oct2017 Zoloft 50mg. Dec 17-May18

Cital 10mg May-18 to July 16 18

9.0 cital to 6.5mg,  July 30 18

7.0 mg cital liquid - until 11/23/18 /5.0 mg cital liquid - 7-13-19 4.6mg cital liquid - 7-14-19 - 8-13-19/4.2mg cital liquid - 8-14-19 - 9-13-19/4.0 mg cital liquid - 9-14-19- 11-20-19 -3.8mg-11/19-1-20. 3.7mg 6-20 3.2mg currently at 3.0mg cital liquid. 
2/20 added sodium alginate for gerd - caused updose. 

pantoprazole added 6/20. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment

After a 6 month reinstatement of sertraline, my GP switched me to citalopram one month ago.   This past week, I’ve had a pretty significant increase in the internal vibrating feeling and random muscle twitches. ( usually biceps, forearms and quads). I don’t really have what I’d consider tremors, more like i am HEAVILY caffeinated. ( If I am holding a paint brush, My hand would feel jittery and shake for a second.).  I know that I have read others versions of this, and, since I’m prone to health anxiety and searching Dr. Internet, I am fighting the war inside my head, rational logical side knowing it is the medicine, the fear side telling me it has to be ALS, MS, or Parkinson’s.   

 

My GP, who I really like, said if symptoms persist, he’d like a neurologist’s opinion....which triggered a brief panic attack.   I don’t want to waste money or time by seeking reassurance, but I also want peace of mind.   It’s pretty tough right now honestly. 

 

I am really puzzled by the way these drugs seem to just stop.  I took escitalopram for 2 years and I never noticed it!!!!  Then, all of a sudden, last fall, I start with the same jittery feelings I am still having on these meds.   Could this be serotonin toxicity? Could the ssri, simply just not work for me anymore?   I am trying to find an answer.   I have found that one of the vitamins I was taking at the time had a grapefruit concentration in it. That plus my pantoprazole, all which interfere with CYPxxx, might have been elevating my levels.   The only saving grace I can go back to is the sheer fact that, in between, while not on these meds, the shaking wasn’t present.   I guess I’m just looking for a bit of.....reassurance. 

 

Edited by ChessieCat
spacing

Zoloft- 2010-2014 Lexa Aug 2015 Oct2017 Zoloft 50mg. Dec 17-May18

Cital 10mg May-18 to July 16 18

9.0 cital to 6.5mg,  July 30 18

7.0 mg cital liquid - until 11/23/18 /5.0 mg cital liquid - 7-13-19 4.6mg cital liquid - 7-14-19 - 8-13-19/4.2mg cital liquid - 8-14-19 - 9-13-19/4.0 mg cital liquid - 9-14-19- 11-20-19 -3.8mg-11/19-1-20. 3.7mg 6-20 3.2mg currently at 3.0mg cital liquid. 
2/20 added sodium alginate for gerd - caused updose. 

pantoprazole added 6/20. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
5 hours ago, Windsor77 said:

This past week, I’ve had a pretty significant increase in the internal vibrating feeling and random muscle twitches.

 

There are many existing topics on this site.  I used google and searched survivingantidepressants.org shaking and found this topic:  tremors-shaking-body-vibration-internal-trembling

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment

All- just to clarify- I mistakenly listed my citalopram dose as 20mg.  It is actually 10 mg. Daily.   Sorry for any confusion.  

Magnesium and fish oil seem to have calmed a lot of the shakiness.  Though it’s only been a few days,  I hope the result is not psychosomatic. 

Zoloft- 2010-2014 Lexa Aug 2015 Oct2017 Zoloft 50mg. Dec 17-May18

Cital 10mg May-18 to July 16 18

9.0 cital to 6.5mg,  July 30 18

7.0 mg cital liquid - until 11/23/18 /5.0 mg cital liquid - 7-13-19 4.6mg cital liquid - 7-14-19 - 8-13-19/4.2mg cital liquid - 8-14-19 - 9-13-19/4.0 mg cital liquid - 9-14-19- 11-20-19 -3.8mg-11/19-1-20. 3.7mg 6-20 3.2mg currently at 3.0mg cital liquid. 
2/20 added sodium alginate for gerd - caused updose. 

pantoprazole added 6/20. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment

DAll.....I’m at my wits end.  I cannot keep telling myself that the tremors are all ssri related.  I need the reassurance of a neurologist telling me that I don’t have a terminal,  degenerative disease.    Do I know that this is irrational, yes.  Do I have GAD, yes.  Is my 10mg of citalopram working.... no.  Just making me shake and relapse with obsessive health anxiety.  Am I withdrawaling from the 50 mg  of sertraline that my doc switched me to citalopram with no taper?  I don’t know.  Not dealing well right now.  

Zoloft- 2010-2014 Lexa Aug 2015 Oct2017 Zoloft 50mg. Dec 17-May18

Cital 10mg May-18 to July 16 18

9.0 cital to 6.5mg,  July 30 18

7.0 mg cital liquid - until 11/23/18 /5.0 mg cital liquid - 7-13-19 4.6mg cital liquid - 7-14-19 - 8-13-19/4.2mg cital liquid - 8-14-19 - 9-13-19/4.0 mg cital liquid - 9-14-19- 11-20-19 -3.8mg-11/19-1-20. 3.7mg 6-20 3.2mg currently at 3.0mg cital liquid. 
2/20 added sodium alginate for gerd - caused updose. 

pantoprazole added 6/20. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment

Is it possible that I am hitting a wave?  10 months off escitalopram.... took Zoloft in between, taking citalopram now.   Nothing is working except my overactive nervous system. 

Zoloft- 2010-2014 Lexa Aug 2015 Oct2017 Zoloft 50mg. Dec 17-May18

Cital 10mg May-18 to July 16 18

9.0 cital to 6.5mg,  July 30 18

7.0 mg cital liquid - until 11/23/18 /5.0 mg cital liquid - 7-13-19 4.6mg cital liquid - 7-14-19 - 8-13-19/4.2mg cital liquid - 8-14-19 - 9-13-19/4.0 mg cital liquid - 9-14-19- 11-20-19 -3.8mg-11/19-1-20. 3.7mg 6-20 3.2mg currently at 3.0mg cital liquid. 
2/20 added sodium alginate for gerd - caused updose. 

pantoprazole added 6/20. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment

@Windsor77 Hi. Just wanted to put this out there in hopes that maybe it can help.

 

I tried re instating the Wellbutrin at 150xl about 6 weeks after I stopped the Wellbutrin 300xl cold turkey. That did not work. So, my dr added Remeron 15mg. That did not work. So my dr increased the Remeron to 30mg. That did not work. She had me increase the Wellbutrin to 300xl. With each addition, I got worse and worse. She then wanted to switch me to Lexapro. I filled the script but decided not to take it. She then said, lets try Prestiq. Again, I filled the script but did not take it. Something in me said "no". I started weaning off the Remeron and off the Wellbutrin 300. I am completely off the Remeron and holding on the Wellbutrin at 150 until I get stabilized then I will wean that. What I have learned, from experience and this sight, is that once your system has become overactive, none of these drugs help it. Some people do have good luck with low dose reinstatement. That said, the Wellbutrin 150xl, may have helped, but slightly. My system was already upside down and inside out. 

 

I am learning that it is time and patience, acceptance and a lot of self care, along with exercise and healthy eating, that is going to heal us. I am 13 months into my journey and, while I have seen a lot of symptoms go, the biggest and hardest are still with me and I have a feeling they are going to be the last to go. 

 

Wishing you good days and strength. 

Started Wellbutrin 300xl mid July, 2009. Stopped Wellbutrin 300xl cold turkey May 8, 2017

Started having symptoms started June 2, 2017. Started Wellbutrin 150xl July 7, 2017

Started Remeron 15mg August 15, 2017. Increased Remeron to 30mg October 4, 2017

Increased Wellbutrin to 300xl November 24, 2017. Lowered Wellbutrin 300xl back to 150xl January 8, 2018

Started weaning off of Remeron 30mg. Cut to 22.25mg January 11, 2018

Cut Remeron to 15mg January 18, 2018 Cut Remeron to 7.5mg January 25, 2018

Cut Remeron to 3.5mg January 30,2018. Stopped taking Remeron February 1, 2018

Currently taking: Fish Oil, Magnesium, Calcium, Vit D, Progesterone,

Hormone Replacement Pellets-Estrogen Testosterone 

Link to comment

Thanks Mirage.  I appreciate the feedback and sharing of your experience.   I saw my GP today. He prescribed citalopram liquid.  My pharmacy cannot get the liquid until Monday.   That will be the day my taper begins.  I’m optimistic, but not expecting an easy ride.   I am very hopeful to start the road to recovery from these meds.   Right now, if the vibration and jitters would stop, Id be the happiest person in town. 

Thanks, wishing you the same positivity and perseverance 

Zoloft- 2010-2014 Lexa Aug 2015 Oct2017 Zoloft 50mg. Dec 17-May18

Cital 10mg May-18 to July 16 18

9.0 cital to 6.5mg,  July 30 18

7.0 mg cital liquid - until 11/23/18 /5.0 mg cital liquid - 7-13-19 4.6mg cital liquid - 7-14-19 - 8-13-19/4.2mg cital liquid - 8-14-19 - 9-13-19/4.0 mg cital liquid - 9-14-19- 11-20-19 -3.8mg-11/19-1-20. 3.7mg 6-20 3.2mg currently at 3.0mg cital liquid. 
2/20 added sodium alginate for gerd - caused updose. 

pantoprazole added 6/20. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment

I received my first ticket to the long road to freedom today, my liquid solution.   I am proudly tapering 10% to 9mg beginning today.

 

The last two weeks were really difficult, like a surging (wave) of anxiety, and hypochondria focused on the shaking side effect of the citalopram.  In the past two days, I feel nearly 100%.  No exaggeration.   I must be honest and admit that on last Thursday, I forgot to take my dose. (I never do that).  I felt so much better by Friday evening (I take at night) that I suspected the med was the cause of the shaking and twitching and vibration after all, not some nefarious lurking catastrophic illness.   I was tempted to skip again, but I didn’t.   I felt great with little symptoms on Saturday.   I skipped deliberately.   I know that this is not the advice or practice of this site, and I do not plan to do the every other day routine.  I just wanted to document how much better I felt doing this.  I began to wonder today if I had just faced the dreaded 10 month wave from stopping citalopram last Sept.  is this possible?  Even though I have taken Zoloft (6months) and citalopram (1 month) in between?  It sure felt like a wave.  

I went back to the regular dose last night.   Tonight, I will embark on my taper, carefully and calmly.  I fully expect the ups and downs.  I actually want them. Part of this life change is actually learning how to deal with the anxiety rationally and learning to ignore the noisey tenant who mouths off from time to time, but will be with me for life.      

 

It then occurred to me after, so many years of wondering “why me”, that anxiety is a narcissist.   Having grown up with one, and encountered many (occasionally in the mirror), I know how they work.  They have the upper hand when you are down, they thrive on the tiny cracks in our confidence, they demand constant attention, and grow more powerful when they get it.   Maybe after all, for me this anxiety, though likely genetic, manifests due to the experiences we go through at certain points.   The deep pain we all sometime experience burns in to the mind as the most vivid of memories, in many cases more so than the happiest times.   Our brains revert to the conditioning they received......that which caused us to doubt our inner compass and fear the uncertainty of life.   When we are taught that we must be prepared for everything, or we are inferior, the uncertainty of life becomes a huge obstacle.  

Oh well, enough psudo-philosophizing.   

 

Sending strength and peace to all

W

Zoloft- 2010-2014 Lexa Aug 2015 Oct2017 Zoloft 50mg. Dec 17-May18

Cital 10mg May-18 to July 16 18

9.0 cital to 6.5mg,  July 30 18

7.0 mg cital liquid - until 11/23/18 /5.0 mg cital liquid - 7-13-19 4.6mg cital liquid - 7-14-19 - 8-13-19/4.2mg cital liquid - 8-14-19 - 9-13-19/4.0 mg cital liquid - 9-14-19- 11-20-19 -3.8mg-11/19-1-20. 3.7mg 6-20 3.2mg currently at 3.0mg cital liquid. 
2/20 added sodium alginate for gerd - caused updose. 

pantoprazole added 6/20. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • 4 weeks later...

The rollercoaster ride continues.   Feeling very shaky, anxious, constant thoughts that I have ALS due to what I am supposing is hyperreflexia and akathisia.   Feel like I’m watching my family do their normal routine but I just can’t be there. 

Still tapering, but when I take the meds, I get surging shakiness and the CNS side effects go into overdrive.  I really feel like the descriptions of mild serotonin syndrome. 

I am seriously considering just stopping the 8mg of citalopram.    

 

Any insight or thoughts are are greatly appreciated.

still hanging in here. 

Zoloft- 2010-2014 Lexa Aug 2015 Oct2017 Zoloft 50mg. Dec 17-May18

Cital 10mg May-18 to July 16 18

9.0 cital to 6.5mg,  July 30 18

7.0 mg cital liquid - until 11/23/18 /5.0 mg cital liquid - 7-13-19 4.6mg cital liquid - 7-14-19 - 8-13-19/4.2mg cital liquid - 8-14-19 - 9-13-19/4.0 mg cital liquid - 9-14-19- 11-20-19 -3.8mg-11/19-1-20. 3.7mg 6-20 3.2mg currently at 3.0mg cital liquid. 
2/20 added sodium alginate for gerd - caused updose. 

pantoprazole added 6/20. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment

One month into a liquid taper of citalopram, at 9 mg.   The medicine still makes me incredibly shaky feeling. And in the last week, big waves of anxiety.   I am assuming the shakiness is either hyperreflexia or akathisia, not sure which.  

 

The side effects make me feel like the descriptions of mild serotonin syndrome that I have read. No fever or confusion, but the physical feeling is like having low blood sugar or hyper caffeination. Not tremor, as I lay perfectly still when relaxing. Though when I reach for something is when I notice the jittery feeling in my arms and legs.

 

I switched one for one from sertraline to citalopram on May 3.   I had been on sertraline since December 2017 after CT’ing escitalopram for the same side effects.     Am I now feeling the result of the switching from sertraline?  Or am I still feeling withdrawal from CT’ing escitalopram back in September?   

Any thoughts or opinions are very appreciated.   

Frustrated. 

Edited by manymoretodays
just spacing

Zoloft- 2010-2014 Lexa Aug 2015 Oct2017 Zoloft 50mg. Dec 17-May18

Cital 10mg May-18 to July 16 18

9.0 cital to 6.5mg,  July 30 18

7.0 mg cital liquid - until 11/23/18 /5.0 mg cital liquid - 7-13-19 4.6mg cital liquid - 7-14-19 - 8-13-19/4.2mg cital liquid - 8-14-19 - 9-13-19/4.0 mg cital liquid - 9-14-19- 11-20-19 -3.8mg-11/19-1-20. 3.7mg 6-20 3.2mg currently at 3.0mg cital liquid. 
2/20 added sodium alginate for gerd - caused updose. 

pantoprazole added 6/20. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Windsor,

Have your symptoms notably increased? 

 

It appears you tried a bridge from 50mg of sertraline to an equivalent dosage of 20mg citalopram in May.  And then rapidly went down to 10mg?  And I'm editing here.  I just saw that your bridge or shift over to citalopram was clarified by you........that it was started at 10 mg.  So that's a huge factor in what most likely is pretty severe acute withdrawal going on right now.  50 mg of sert is equivalent to 20 mg of citalopram(I just double checked an equivalency chart).   

 

And......I notice that you did a switch to liquid citalopram too on July 13th.  Did you do any kind of crossover from tablet to liquid?

If not, you may still be adjusting somewhat to the change in absorption of your citalopram.  It looks like you did the switch to liquid AND your first taper of 10% all at once.  We usually treat a change of formulation just like a medication change and don't recommend a taper at the same time. 

 

One thing that might help is trying to eat at more frequent intervals.........high protein, low sugar stuff.

 

Have you gotten over to our symptoms and self care section yet?    And then in this section there:  non-drug techniques for coping you'll find a whole list of indexed coping skills to pick and choose from that may help.

 

I think you may still be adjusting to the bridge you did, from sertraline to citalopram,  the recent change in formulations of your citalopram, AND certainly withdrawal symptoms from your first 10% taper down from your 10 mg dose.  As well as essentially cutting your dose in half prior to this.  You've made a lot of changes in just 2 plus months........actually in the last years time.    Our brains and nervous systems like stability.

Rule of 3 K's: Keep it simple,......

 

Even though these feel like side effects of the medication..........it's really hard to know exactly.  You may want to hold for a full 6 weeks or more now, work on non-drug coping skills, and then consider tapering by even less than 10% of the 9 mg dose next time. 

 

If you feel really stuck and are making absolutely no progress you could also try a mini updose to something like 9.2 mg.  Try and hold off on that for now though, and let's check out your math BEFORE you do something like that. 

 

Just post updates, questions, and progress here on your main introduction page.  You may have noticed I moved this post from tapering back here.  It just helps to keep your information all in one place.  And I apologize, if you have been feeling neglected,  as we've all been really busy lately,  we are all volunteers, with lives and work and families.........I'll try and keep an eye out for your postings in the future.

 

Meantime......could you update your signature as well.  Make sure to just get dates, name of medication, and dosages in there.  That's the section that appears below.  It really helps save us time and is appreciated.

 

Do wander around the site freely.......see what you can learn, support others, etc.  You are in the right place now.  B)

 

You might want to read through this again as well: What is withdrawal syndrome?

I found this nugget about 4 posts down in ^, that talks about the differences between side effects, adverse reactions to meds, and withdrawal symptoms.  Maybe it will help.

 

Try and go back and review some of those other links that Gridley gave as well shortly after you arrived.

All for now.  Please keep us updated.

 

Love, peace, healing, and growth,

mmt

Edited by manymoretodays

Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks.

Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988.  In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm.

Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time).

5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014)

12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs.  My last psycho med ever!  Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016.  And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed.  Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022.  Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜

None of my posts are intended as medical advice.  Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider.  My success story:  Blue skies ahead, clear sailing

 

Link to comment

No huge increase- just the same tingling feeling going down my arms and legs.  Jittery muscles and it’s constantly there.  My anxiety has me utterly convinced that this is ALS, Parkinson’s, or some other non diagnosed neurological disease.   

I’m just trapped. When I take my dose. The onset  of shakiness is noticeable and utter misery.   If I stop, then  I’ll get severe withdrawal.   Benadryl helps a bit.  Three weeks ago, I was dosing every other day and I felt 100% normal.    Right when I started the liquid.   I just can’t stand the all body feeling. Like I’m so jumpy feeling. Any unexpected loud noise makes my body jolt with anxiety.  Like my CNS is.....hyper-sensitized.   I can tell myself that the deadly disease I fear is just my sensitive CNS, but it just doesn’t compute.   I really want to see a neurologist.   But I know what they’ll say. 

 

 

 

Zoloft- 2010-2014 Lexa Aug 2015 Oct2017 Zoloft 50mg. Dec 17-May18

Cital 10mg May-18 to July 16 18

9.0 cital to 6.5mg,  July 30 18

7.0 mg cital liquid - until 11/23/18 /5.0 mg cital liquid - 7-13-19 4.6mg cital liquid - 7-14-19 - 8-13-19/4.2mg cital liquid - 8-14-19 - 9-13-19/4.0 mg cital liquid - 9-14-19- 11-20-19 -3.8mg-11/19-1-20. 3.7mg 6-20 3.2mg currently at 3.0mg cital liquid. 
2/20 added sodium alginate for gerd - caused updose. 

pantoprazole added 6/20. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Mentor

oh Windsor77  we have all been where you are now, it's very common to be convinced that there must be something else going on, that all these awful symptoms can't "just" be from withdrawal

 

but they most likely are. If you can afford it and you think it will reassure you, then go ahead and see a neurologist, but you/we are pretty sure that they wont' find anything wrong

 

the symptoms of WD are very distressing. But there's things you can do to help get thru them... distracting yourself, meditating, gentle exercise, epsom salt soaks and so much more. check out the self care threads, loads of good ideas there

 

you're going to be ok, it will just take a bit of time

 

check out my signature, and you'll see I've got a VERY long history on psych meds. I am now 10 mos off the last one of them and basically doing very well except for  the occasional bad day or couple of hours here and there (today has not been grat, so I've been hanging out on this forum, as it's been a place of safety and comfort for me thru this long journey)

you're going to feel better in time. 

 

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
Link to comment

update:  

i have returned to 9mg.  I plan to take the advice to hold for a period of time. 6 weeks, I guess.   I feel a little better.  I definitely can tell that the higher the dose, the shakier I feel.  I have been taking first thing in the morning.  I may consider going back to doing so right before bed. 

One reason that I am on the way out of the rumination cycle is because I was reading an article about hypochondria and how it overlaps with abs differs with OCD.   The calm started.   I don’t have some undiagnosed disease.  I have severe hypochondiasis.  I still don’t feel so hot about these side effects, but I did get a bit of release from the grip of adrenaline fueled rumination.  

May heart is still pounding, but the adrenaline has almost subsided and my thoughts are much clearer/closer to normal. 

The control freak part of me is telling me to call my doc and switch back to lexapro, since that actually worked well for a long time.  Lord knows I never had the shakes with it, just some weight gain.  I’d gladly take back my mini spare tire right now for peace of mind.   Part of me is ready to just go back and move on with my life, on meds, and not look back.  I’m not scared, but I have some trepidation about how long I can endure the adrenaline/rumination train. If this is the result of stopping forever. 

I will say that I am surprised at how 1mg can make this much difference.    But again, as ManyMore states, I have foolishly done too much too fast and tried to rush and control this process.  I have a hard time not being in charge....

 

hanging in here.  

Hope you all are too. 

Zoloft- 2010-2014 Lexa Aug 2015 Oct2017 Zoloft 50mg. Dec 17-May18

Cital 10mg May-18 to July 16 18

9.0 cital to 6.5mg,  July 30 18

7.0 mg cital liquid - until 11/23/18 /5.0 mg cital liquid - 7-13-19 4.6mg cital liquid - 7-14-19 - 8-13-19/4.2mg cital liquid - 8-14-19 - 9-13-19/4.0 mg cital liquid - 9-14-19- 11-20-19 -3.8mg-11/19-1-20. 3.7mg 6-20 3.2mg currently at 3.0mg cital liquid. 
2/20 added sodium alginate for gerd - caused updose. 

pantoprazole added 6/20. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment

I believe I have solved Last August’s escitalopram failure as being a result of taking 4 different things which all are metabolized by CYP2C19: 

 

  1. Taking a protonix with escitalopram

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4297217/

The effect of comedication with PPIs on the serum concentration of SSRIs is more pronounced for omeprazole and esomeprazole than for lansoprazole and pantoprazole, and escitalopram is affected to a greater extent than are citalopram and sertraline. When omeprazole or esomeprazole are used in combination with escitalopram, a 50% dose reduction of the latter should be considered.

 

  1. Taking Peppermint Oil as prescribed by GI doc: (see interactions tab)

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-705/peppermint

 

 

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with PEPPERMINT

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver<br /><br /> Peppermint oil might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking peppermint oil along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking peppermint oil, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver<br /><br /> Some medications that are changed by the liver include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), and pantoprazole (Protonix); diazepam (Valium); carisoprodol (Soma); nelfinavir (Viracept); and others.

 

  1. Taking Green Foods supplement with Grapefruit extract:

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-946/grapefruit

 

 

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with GRAPEFRUIT

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver.<br/><br/> Grapefruit juice might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking grapefruit juice along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking grapefruit juice talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.<br/><br/> Some medications that are changed by the liver include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), and pantoprazole (Protonix); diazepam (Valium); carisoprodol (Soma); nelfinavir (Viracept); and others.


 What a mess.   The green food pill was my honest mistake.  How could the docs not be aware of the interaction with the CYP metabolism?

Zoloft- 2010-2014 Lexa Aug 2015 Oct2017 Zoloft 50mg. Dec 17-May18

Cital 10mg May-18 to July 16 18

9.0 cital to 6.5mg,  July 30 18

7.0 mg cital liquid - until 11/23/18 /5.0 mg cital liquid - 7-13-19 4.6mg cital liquid - 7-14-19 - 8-13-19/4.2mg cital liquid - 8-14-19 - 9-13-19/4.0 mg cital liquid - 9-14-19- 11-20-19 -3.8mg-11/19-1-20. 3.7mg 6-20 3.2mg currently at 3.0mg cital liquid. 
2/20 added sodium alginate for gerd - caused updose. 

pantoprazole added 6/20. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
18 hours ago, Windsor77 said:

The control freak part of me is telling me to call my doc and switch back to lexapro, since that actually worked well for a long time.  Lord knows I never had the shakes with it, just some weight gain.  I’d gladly take back my mini spare tire right now for peace of mind.   Part of me is ready to just go back and move on with my life, on meds, and not look back.  I’m not scared, but I have some trepidation about how long I can endure the adrenaline/rumination train. If this is the result of stopping forever. 

I will say that I am surprised at how 1mg can make this much difference.    But again, as ManyMore states, I have foolishly done too much too fast and tried to rush and control this process.  I have a hard time not being in charge....

 

I don't think you would find any instant relief from going back to Lexapro/escitalpram.  Or much relief at all.   As you may have already experienced, many A/D's do "poop out" after awhile, and you might end up with continuous low grade depression, alternating with more severe bouts.  Or worse......going back to the ever changing prescription wheel.   Ultimately......it's up to you though.  Your not foolish Windsor.......did I really state it that way?  Apologies.  Your one of the smart ones, I think we all are who land here.......consider it fortunate. 

 

Have you tried any techniques yet to minimize some of the ruminations.  I'll leave you with a couple of links that might help you find some further coping that helps.

Dealing with emotional spirals

Important topics about symptoms

 

And so frustrating, eh?  Doctors aren't really good at prescribing medications.  I often wonder if pharmacists would/could do a better job.

Drugs.com is a good site to check out drugs and interactions on........before you get a prescription filled, and perhaps even before you leave a doctors office.  They sometimes get mad if you question them.......well, that's their problem.......they get paid.

 

And yay!  A little bit of brain clearing is great........looks like you took advantage of it and did some research too.

And hey......my GER(reflux) pretty much cleared, once I got off some of more offensive psych drugs.  Is that what you take the pantoprazole for?  In any case, I'll leave you the link for tapering off stomach acid blockers.  Tips for tapering off stomach acid blockers

 

 

Love, peace, healing, and growth,

mmt

 

Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks.

Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988.  In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm.

Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time).

5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014)

12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs.  My last psycho med ever!  Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016.  And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed.  Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022.  Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜

None of my posts are intended as medical advice.  Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider.  My success story:  Blue skies ahead, clear sailing

 

Link to comment

ManyMore- 

The “foolish” comment was my own addition.  I certainly didn’t infer anything but kindness from your post and opinion of my situation. 

My reflux is due to a hernia, but my Gerd hasn’t been bad since I stopped it, unless I overeat or drink. 

I think, as you suggested, I’ll get stable (including getting used to these d#*n shakes) and then SLOWLY taper.  I don’t want to be on these forever.  But I have to be honest and say that when Lexapro did work, it worked well, and I just wonder if the CYP thing derailed everything.    

How long should I wait if I try to go back to lexapro to finally taper off?

thanks again for your thoughts and counsel. 

It is very reassuring and immensely helpful. 

Zoloft- 2010-2014 Lexa Aug 2015 Oct2017 Zoloft 50mg. Dec 17-May18

Cital 10mg May-18 to July 16 18

9.0 cital to 6.5mg,  July 30 18

7.0 mg cital liquid - until 11/23/18 /5.0 mg cital liquid - 7-13-19 4.6mg cital liquid - 7-14-19 - 8-13-19/4.2mg cital liquid - 8-14-19 - 9-13-19/4.0 mg cital liquid - 9-14-19- 11-20-19 -3.8mg-11/19-1-20. 3.7mg 6-20 3.2mg currently at 3.0mg cital liquid. 
2/20 added sodium alginate for gerd - caused updose. 

pantoprazole added 6/20. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • 3 weeks later...

Yay for stability.  Until today, the shaking has been nearly non existent.  I’ll just have to tolerate it.  12.5 mg of Benadryl does the trick.   Still on 9mg.  

Feel fine and thinking fine otherwise.   Back to traveling and hobbies.  Finding pleasure in the things I enjoy and people I love.   

Wondering when to reduce from current dose. 

 

Thanks in advance

Zoloft- 2010-2014 Lexa Aug 2015 Oct2017 Zoloft 50mg. Dec 17-May18

Cital 10mg May-18 to July 16 18

9.0 cital to 6.5mg,  July 30 18

7.0 mg cital liquid - until 11/23/18 /5.0 mg cital liquid - 7-13-19 4.6mg cital liquid - 7-14-19 - 8-13-19/4.2mg cital liquid - 8-14-19 - 9-13-19/4.0 mg cital liquid - 9-14-19- 11-20-19 -3.8mg-11/19-1-20. 3.7mg 6-20 3.2mg currently at 3.0mg cital liquid. 
2/20 added sodium alginate for gerd - caused updose. 

pantoprazole added 6/20. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
46 minutes ago, Windsor77 said:

Anyone on here currently using this?  I am wondering how it works for anxiety. I have read that there is no “high”. I figure I might try it....but looking for any other member experiences.   I know that the last time I smoked marijuana was very calming, I wasn’t “high”, my mind was just only thinking about one thing at a time.  But I’m not really interested in the high feeling.  From what I read the CBD doesn’t interact the same as actual THC. 

Thoughts and comments appreciated. 

 

Your post has been moved to an existing discussion on this topic.

 

Unfortunately there was an issue when several CBD topics were being joined.  The mods are trying to reconstruct this topic as best as possible.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment

Bad week.  Stress at work is the main culprit.  Worry, palpitations, anxiety, dread, no desire to do anything, and FATIGUE!!!!.   Laying around sucks.  Staying busy is the key.    I have to say I was considering going back to Lexapro this week, hoping for it to take me back to my pre-CT/ withdrawal self.   Then I decided that I am on the journey, and I don’t want to start over.  If I could just get the shakiness to stop, I’d be fine.  It’s strange, you know?  Can I be still be in PAWS from ct lexapro back in October, having reinstated Zoloft, and now citalopram, while still on 8.6mg?(thanks brassmonkey slide method)   

 

Can the two simultaneously occur?  

 

Should i I switch back to the equivalent dose of Lexapro.

 

Is is anybody listening to me? (A little billy Madison humor). 

 

Thanks,

W77

Zoloft- 2010-2014 Lexa Aug 2015 Oct2017 Zoloft 50mg. Dec 17-May18

Cital 10mg May-18 to July 16 18

9.0 cital to 6.5mg,  July 30 18

7.0 mg cital liquid - until 11/23/18 /5.0 mg cital liquid - 7-13-19 4.6mg cital liquid - 7-14-19 - 8-13-19/4.2mg cital liquid - 8-14-19 - 9-13-19/4.0 mg cital liquid - 9-14-19- 11-20-19 -3.8mg-11/19-1-20. 3.7mg 6-20 3.2mg currently at 3.0mg cital liquid. 
2/20 added sodium alginate for gerd - caused updose. 

pantoprazole added 6/20. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment

Hi Windsor,

 

I'm sorry you had a rough week.

 

I'm tapering citalopram myself and I am very surprised how powerful

This stuff is. I cannot believe it actually but so many people have told me this.

I updosed 1.5 mg five weeks ago from 16.5 to 18.5. I still feel like I'm in an emotional rollercoaster

Every day. It could be WD from the months before when I tapered from 25 to 16.5 mg.

 

Hard to tell but it could very well be that you are in withdrawal and your nervous system is still out

Of balance. I have learned here that stability is key here. Even if you think a higher dose will be better for you.

 

I have had this many times..... getting desperate and updose to get instant relief.

Every time I post such plans here I am strongly advised to make no change in dose!

 

Perhaps some moderator will answer your question, this is just something I have learned here the last few months.

 

I hope you get better soon!!

 

Cheers

Jozeff

Sep- 2016 - Okt 2017 citalopram some months 15 mg some months 20 mg

Nov 2017- Apr 2018 citalopram 25 mg

Apr 2018 -  Jun 2018 citalopram 3 month TAPER too fast  from 25mg to 16.5 mg (0.1 mg per day decrease, felt horrible and crashed)

Jun 2018 - Aug13th 2018 citalopram trying to stabilize at 16.5 mg for 5 wks

- August 14th 2018 - April 29th 2019  citalopram 18 mg (1.5 mg updose).

 

2019 apr 27 : START taper citalopram @ 18 mg: 29Jun 16.4 mg / 19aug 15.4 mg / 25aug 15.2 mg / 30sep 14.0 mg / 4dec 13.1 mg

2020  03Jan 12.75 mg / 28Jan 12.29 mg / 18Feb 11.83 mg, 25Feb 11.68 mg hold.. / 7May 11.33 mg hold...., 4Aug 10.98 mg / 5Dec 10.0 mg 4 month hold...

2021 30mar 9.8 mg / 06apr 9.5 mg /  13apr 9.4 mg / 14may 8,5 mg / 04jun 8,0 mg / 11jun 7.75 mg, 02jul 7.35 mg /  09jul 7.2 mg hold 3 weeks during holiday /31jul 7 mg/ 8aug 6.8 mg / 15aug 6.63mg / 22aug 6.5mg / 1sep 6.3 mg / 8sep 6.15 mg / 15sep 6.0 mg / 22sep 5.9 mg / 29sep 5.8 mg / 04 oct 5.65 mg / 10oct 5.55 mg / 17oct 5.45 mg / 24oct 5.35mg / 30oct 5.25 mg hold 3 wks / 22nov 5.15 mg / 01dec 5.1mg / 12dec 5.0mg / 20dec 4.85mg / 30dec 4.70mg

2022   08jan 4.5 mg / 16jan 4.4 mg / 23jan 4.3 mg / 27jan 4.2 mg / 18feb 4.1 mg / 25feb 4.0 mg / 04mar 3.9 mg / 11mar 3.75 mg / 18Mar 3.65 mg / 09apr 3.55 mg / 16apr 3.45 mg / 23apr 3.35 mg / 01may 3.25 mg / 8may 3.15 mg / 17may 3.10 mg / 28 may 3.0 mg / 7jun 2.94 mg / 18 Jun 2.88 mg / 27 jun 2.84 mg / 05 jul 2.80 mg / 16 jul 2.75 mg / 23 jul 2.70 mg / 01aug 2.65 mg / 09aug 2.60 mg hold 5wks / 18sep 2.55 mg / 25sep 2.5 mg /02oct 2.45 mg / 10oct 2.40 mg / 19oct 2.35 mg / 27oct 2.30 mg / 05nov 2.27 mg / 14nov 2.25 mg / 22nov 2.20 mg / 29nov 2.10mg / 09dec 2.05 mg / 15dec 2.0 mg 

2023  hold 2.0 mg for 5 months / 05may 1.95 mg / 14may 1.90 mg / 24may 1.87 mg / 02jun 1.85 mg / 17jun 1.82 mg / 27jun 1.79 mg / 07jul 1.75 mg / 31jul 1.72 mg / 12aug 1.69mg / 27aug 1.67 mg / 04sep 1.65 mg / 09sep 1.63 mg / 22sep 1.61 mg / 27sep 1.60 mg / 12oct 1.58 mg / 18oct 1.56 mg / 31oct 1.54 mg / 06nov 1.52 mg / 18nov 1.50 mg / 04dec 1.48 mg / 11dec 1.46 mg / 22dec 1.45 mg / 28dec 1.44 mg

2024 01jan 1.43 mg / 06jan 1.42 mg/ 10jan 1.40 mg hold /

Link to comment

It’s so weird. I decided to move my dosing to the evening before bed, so I have not talked my 8.6mg today.   Guess who doesn’t feel shaky?   

 

I will not CT this stuff again, but I am Soooooo tempted to reduce by more than 2.5%next week.    It truly is like night and day.  

 

Anyone got any thoughts?   Could it really be the current dose of citalopram that is making me so shaky/tremorish?

Zoloft- 2010-2014 Lexa Aug 2015 Oct2017 Zoloft 50mg. Dec 17-May18

Cital 10mg May-18 to July 16 18

9.0 cital to 6.5mg,  July 30 18

7.0 mg cital liquid - until 11/23/18 /5.0 mg cital liquid - 7-13-19 4.6mg cital liquid - 7-14-19 - 8-13-19/4.2mg cital liquid - 8-14-19 - 9-13-19/4.0 mg cital liquid - 9-14-19- 11-20-19 -3.8mg-11/19-1-20. 3.7mg 6-20 3.2mg currently at 3.0mg cital liquid. 
2/20 added sodium alginate for gerd - caused updose. 

pantoprazole added 6/20. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

You could try splitting your dose and taking it twice daily.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Q:  Before you changed the time you took your dose where you taking it with anything else?

 

If yes, then the combination of the two may have caused the problem.

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment

I was taking my dose first thing in the am with nothing else.    I have felt shaky and had minor kinetic tremor since I reinstated Zoloft.   I found relief taking the Zoloft at night, but switched to celexa cause I thought it might have less shakiness side effects.   I waited until 9pm to take it today and had 90% less shakes.  I felt great.   

I guess my CNS is sensitized from ct of Lexapro last October.    I like the idea of twice a day. 

Thats one I’ve never tried. 

Zoloft- 2010-2014 Lexa Aug 2015 Oct2017 Zoloft 50mg. Dec 17-May18

Cital 10mg May-18 to July 16 18

9.0 cital to 6.5mg,  July 30 18

7.0 mg cital liquid - until 11/23/18 /5.0 mg cital liquid - 7-13-19 4.6mg cital liquid - 7-14-19 - 8-13-19/4.2mg cital liquid - 8-14-19 - 9-13-19/4.0 mg cital liquid - 9-14-19- 11-20-19 -3.8mg-11/19-1-20. 3.7mg 6-20 3.2mg currently at 3.0mg cital liquid. 
2/20 added sodium alginate for gerd - caused updose. 

pantoprazole added 6/20. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

To split the dose times it is better to do it gradually by moving a partial dose by 1 hour each day.  In your case, now you are taking it in the evening, move take it 1 hour earlier.  You might find that you are okay with moving it by 2-3 hours, but you might find that moving it further apart might be more convenient.  The doses don't need to be half and half, and they don't need to be 12 hours apart.  The idea of splitting the dose is so that you are still getting the full dose but hopefully won't get the dose dump like you are now which may be causing the issue.

 

Please keep daily notes on paper of the times and dosages and when your symptoms occur.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

A question out of curiousity, when you were taking your drug in the morning, was it before you had eaten?

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment

Definitely was taking on an empty stomach.   But after being nearly symptom free all day yesterday, 20-40 minutes after dose, the shakiness returned. So not sure it is an empty stomach issue.  It is present today.   

 

So so if I don’t take it, the shakiness subsides, but then I’ll crash with wd.   So, I’m screwed. 

 

Just realized that I am now 11 months from when I ct’d  the lexapro.   I feel good today. That’s a blessing.   Still wishing I could taper the citalopram faster, since I’ve only been on this for 3-4 months.    I’m sure the answer is no. 

Injust really need to be rid of the shaking and tremor. 

Zoloft- 2010-2014 Lexa Aug 2015 Oct2017 Zoloft 50mg. Dec 17-May18

Cital 10mg May-18 to July 16 18

9.0 cital to 6.5mg,  July 30 18

7.0 mg cital liquid - until 11/23/18 /5.0 mg cital liquid - 7-13-19 4.6mg cital liquid - 7-14-19 - 8-13-19/4.2mg cital liquid - 8-14-19 - 9-13-19/4.0 mg cital liquid - 9-14-19- 11-20-19 -3.8mg-11/19-1-20. 3.7mg 6-20 3.2mg currently at 3.0mg cital liquid. 
2/20 added sodium alginate for gerd - caused updose. 

pantoprazole added 6/20. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment

12.5 mg of Benadryl helps relieve the shakes and palpitations.   So that’s my current regimen. Taken as needed.  Generally once a day in mid morning, as by evening I feel much better, which follows many of the same stories I have read from others in wd.  

 

Zoloft- 2010-2014 Lexa Aug 2015 Oct2017 Zoloft 50mg. Dec 17-May18

Cital 10mg May-18 to July 16 18

9.0 cital to 6.5mg,  July 30 18

7.0 mg cital liquid - until 11/23/18 /5.0 mg cital liquid - 7-13-19 4.6mg cital liquid - 7-14-19 - 8-13-19/4.2mg cital liquid - 8-14-19 - 9-13-19/4.0 mg cital liquid - 9-14-19- 11-20-19 -3.8mg-11/19-1-20. 3.7mg 6-20 3.2mg currently at 3.0mg cital liquid. 
2/20 added sodium alginate for gerd - caused updose. 

pantoprazole added 6/20. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use Privacy Policy