Fromthenetherlands: cold turkey citalopram brain fog / concentration problems

[Fromthenetherlands]

Hello everybody,

 

First of al I would like to excuse for my English, since it is not my native language. In august 2020 I started using citalopram (first 2 weeks 10 mg and then raised to 20 mg). I used it until february 2021 and quit cold turkey midst february 2021. One of the side effects of citalopram was intolerable concentration problems. I used to have very sharp cognitive abilities, but almost immediately after starting with citalopram my cognitive abilities declined. My memory was awful and I could not conceptualize and make connections any more. I first thought that it was a temporary phenomenon, but it did not fade away. In february 2021 I started with a new job, which requires high intellectual effort. I kind of got in to panic because of the still present cognitive issues. Midst the month february I decided to quit cold turkey. The first two weeks were really not different to hell on earth. I had awful physical symptoms and enormous brain fog. I expected the problems to fade away within 3 to 4 weeks because that was the official indication. The reality  was however very different. the physical symptoms faded away within  3 weeks but the mental ones still are with me. I have been having awful headaches and and indescribable awful form of brain fog. It has been 4 months now since i have quit cold turkey. The first three months were awful, and I thought I would never ever recover. Since this month however I finally have clear moments. The development of the clear moments gives me hope. The length of their presence is getting longer each day now. I expect to get fully recovered. The only sad thing is that it seems that it takes a hell of a long time to get recovered fully. I wanted to share my experience with people who are in the same position. For now my message is: don't loose hope we will get better! One thing I also want to share with you is that I have been in contact with two psychiatrist. I was really shocked by the fact that that they really did not have any knowledge about possible long-term side effect of ssri's. It was really frustrating. Luckily I found other sources on the internet like this website where I could find an explanation and recognition. 

 

 

Edited June 5, 2021 by Gridley

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, Fromthenetherlands.  Your English is fine.

 

To give members the best information, we ask them to summarize their medication history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly.

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

You are experiencing antidepressant withdrawal.  You will heal, and the fact that you're now experiencing clear moments and that they are increasing is a very encouraging sign of recovery. The mental problems you're experiencing, including brain fog, are typical symptoms of withdrawal.

 

Yes, it can take quite a while to heal, but you are making great progress.  I understand your shock and frustration at the doctors' ignorance, but the fact is that the vast majority of doctors know nothing of withdrawal.  So that you have a better idea of what you're experiencing, here is some information on withdrawal and the healing process.

 

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

See number 4 in the following checklist of typical antidepressant symptoms for "trouble concentrating" and number 45 for headaches.

 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

The following link explains the process of the clear moments you're experiencing.

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

When we take psychiatric 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.  

 

These explain the healing process really well.

 

Brain Remodelling 

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems. Get supplements that are single ingredient (not mixed with other types of supplements).

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can complete your drug signature, ask questions and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.

 

 

 

Edited June 5, 2021 by Gridley

[getofflex]

7 hours ago, Fromthenetherlands said:

One thing I also want to share with you is that I have been in contact with two psychiatrist. I was really shocked by the fact that that they really did not have any knowledge about possible long-term side effect of ssri's. It was really frustrating

Unfortunately, this is all too common.  Most psychiatrists are ignorant of the effects of SSRI's and other psych meds, and don't know how to help their patients get off of them properly.  I'm glad you found us.  Yes, it does take a very long time to recover from this.  It requires a great deal of patience.  However, rest assured that your nervous system should eventually heal from this.  

[Fromthenetherlands]

Update: I am in a very bad phase of brain fog. Drives me crazy. Anyone experience with same situation? Is this normal? Getting truely depressed can barely function at work.

[Altostrata]

Hello, @Fromthenetherlands

 

Brain fog is a common symptom of withdrawal syndrome. How have your symptoms changed in the last 6 months?

 

Many people find fish oil and magnesium supplements helpful, see

 

https://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/

 

https://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/15483-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

You might try a little bit of one at a time to see how it affects you.

[Fromthenetherlands]

On 6/14/2021 at 11:07 PM, Altostrata said:

Hello, @Fromthenetherlands

 

Brain fog is a common symptom of withdrawal syndrome. How have your symptoms changed in the last 6 months?

 

Many people find fish oil and magnesium supplements helpful, see

 

https://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/

 

https://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/15483-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

You might try a little bit of one at a time to see how it affects you.

 

thanks for your reply. It was going better after three months, but now I am again in awful brain fog. It is really terrible. 

[getofflex]

Yes, brain fog is very common in AD WD.  I've had it since I started getting off Lexapro.  I still have it, but not as bad.  I'm confident that you and I will both improve in time.  It takes a long time for the nervous system to heal, as it is very complex, and tied to all the other systems in our body.  Here is a thread about brain fog:  

 

Brain Fog

Edited June 16, 2021 by getofflex

[Fromthenetherlands]

Thanks for your reply. It feels as if I have lost my identity. So awful. Have never been this depressed in my life. Wouldnt have touched the medicine if I knew…

[getofflex]

These drugs do awful things to many of us.  I'm very sorry you are feeling depressed.  I can relate, I've been there myself.  Here is a thread about dealing with the depression and painful emotions we have during withdrawal:  

 

Neuro Emotions

[Altostrata]

Have you had any alcohol or started other drugs in the last 6 months? Alcohol can upset a sensitized nervous system even more.

 

Withdrawal brain fog is very common. You just have to do the best you can while you allow it to go away. Good habits for general health can help. How much exercise do you get every day?

[Fromthenetherlands]

I try to walk every day a few km and run a bit if possible.

 

[Altostrata]

How do you feel after getting some exercise?

[Fromthenetherlands]

I causes a little bit of relief. My main problem now is processing information. Reading more then a page is really difficult. It requires an enormous amount of energy. How long will this last? Wil I recover fully? I was pretty positive, but am scared now. Would appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance.

 

[Fromthenetherlands]

I have heard that I will have to quit my new job. This is so sad. I have no words for the drug industry neither for the medical professionials who have no idea what these drugs cause. I am so sad and so angry. I feel disabeled and so hopeless..

[Fromthenetherlands]

I would appreciate reactions, someone?  How long will my cognitive impairement last?

[Hanna72]

Hi @Fromthenetherlands

I am so sorry to hear that you are struggling. Those cognitive symptoms are extremely uncomfortable and can be scary at times. Unfortunately none of us in here can predict how long your recovery will last. It’s very individual. You were not on the drug for very long, so I think that will be some advantage for you. 
Yes you will recover, it takes time, and I am sorry that I can’t give you more precise answers. We would all like to know when we will recover but what I am sure off is that we WILL.

I would try not to over think the situation if possible, rather let those thoughts that follow your cognitive symptoms be. 

Stay strong and hang in there.

[Fromthenetherlands]

I was wondering. I have always slept well (before and during AD use) and am still sleeping well. I am very thanfull, in particular because I have read that sleepproblems are a common side effect. So I wondered, is this a good sign and will a healthy sleeppattern fasten the healing proces? 

[Fromthenetherlands]

I have a lot of sensations in my head.is this normal?  

[jozeff]

What do you mean exactly?

 

 

[Fromthenetherlands]

It Is as if my brain is beeing kneaded. Different fysical sensations in my head. 

[Fromthenetherlands]

Update: hi everyone. Conceptualizing and understaning things when communicating listening and watching is going better. Still not the old level but i”m happy that there is a positive development. Reading however is still really an issue. Has someone experience with reading issues. Does someone know what causes this specific problem? I would really appreciate any advice/tips. Thanks in advance! 

[Fromthenetherlands]

@Altostrata

[Fromthenetherlands]

Someone?

[Altostrata]

Good sleep enables healing, yes. It's a lot better than no sleep.

 

You are still only 5 months out from cold turkey. You can expect waves and windows of withdrawal symptoms, such as head pressure, for months. See The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms

 

Easing your way into meditation for a stressed-out nervous system

 

Music for self-care: calms hyperalertness, anxiety, aids relaxation and sleep

 

[KenA]

Hi there @Fromthenetherlands

Just finished reading through your forum and I can tell you that I too had most of the mental symptoms you are describing. I had memory problems, problems with concentration, brain zaps, headaches, blurry vision and just a general overall bad feeling as well. But I can assure you that they all went away! I am almost at 2 years now and I have to tell you I feel back to my old self again. While I was going through the healing process, I had to take it easy on myself. I wasn't able to read books, play video games, or even really watch much TV. I had such a hard time concentrating that I was unable to do those activities. With my job, I had to go to my boss and be honest with him that I was going through withdrawals and I wasn't going to be myself for a while. I was extremely fortunate that I had an amazing boss who allowed me to take on a lesser job role that did not require me to have much mental prowess. 

 

This lasted a good 8-9 months for me but it slowly but surely started to get better. While I waited for the healing, I kept myself busy doing things that didn't require my mind to be working great. I would do paint by numbers, art projects, watch simple nature shows on tv, and spend time playing board games with my kids. Just anything to pass the time. But as more and more time went by, my brain started to heal itself and I was able to do more and more things. Now days, I'm back to reading books again, playing video games, I got my old position back at my job and I'm back to my good ole normal self. The headaches went away which is amazing because I used to get the worst headaches possible when I was taking pills. You too are gonna heal. You just have to wait it out and allow the healing to take place because it will!!! Everyone heals!! Stay strong and keep pushing through this! Distract yourself with simple things to help the time pass by and be gentle on yourself. 

 

 

[Fromthenetherlands]

Hi @KenA,

 

thanks for your message! Did meditation help you? 

[KenA]

@Fromthenetherlands I tried meditation a few times, but personally for me it didnt really do much. It would help calm me down a bit, but I had really bad tinnitus and intrusive thoughts as symptoms so meditation would almost make those worse. So I used distraction as my main way to pass time. Lots of long walks and working on crafts. Of course we are all different and so we each have a unique healing path to walk You will find what works best for you!! Just take each day one day at a time and remind yourself that this too shall pass! It always did for me

[Greatful]

@Fromthenetherlands  I find that meditation is helping me.  I can't always let my thoughts go but that's okay at least I am resting my body. And the more you do it the more calming.  I find that I am able to redirect my thoughts better throughout the day.  Everything takes time and practice.

 I am glad that things are slowly improving for you.  

Be patient with yourself and know that time will take care of everything

[Fromthenetherlands]

Update: Today I had a second opinion at a academic hospital in the Netherlands with a very elite psychatrist. I hoped to find a doctor who could at least give some recognition and some helpful advice. He told me there is no thing as withdrawal for months and It was al psycholocigal. He said also he had never seen a patient in his career who had cognitive problems because of ssri”s.

[DutchMaddy]

What a liar!!  Ask Jim van Os! ( Dutch psychiatrist) Please do not beleave this man. Protracted withdrawal is real. And we all notice cognitive problems. You did not have this problem before. You are highly educated. Beleave in yourself and in neuroplasticity, even though it is a very difficult path to recovery!

take care!

[Fromthenetherlands]

Thanks @DutchMaddy. It was painful to get such a behaviour from a professional. He proposed to reinstate 10mg if “I was still thinking quitting the medicine caused the cognitive issues”. This level of ignorance is not only frustrating but also very dangerous.

[Greatful]

@Fromthenetherlands  I really makes me sad and angry that these doctors who are handing out these drugs like candy can ignore the pain and desperation of  what many of us go through.  There is to much evidence, look at all the forums and fb were there are so many trying to find answers and help.   Sorry for the rant.....

 

There is now reassurance for us now.  Evidence is showing the brain can and will heal.  We just have to be strong enough and patient to let our brain heal.  Do what we can to keep looking forward, move through each day.  Keep reaching out, letting others support and encourage you.

 

Are you still experiencing brain sensations?  I have tremendous amount of brain zapping, electrocution sensations and many more.  These W/D symptoms come in all different ways.  Again goes to show how much these drugs change our whole system.

 

Stay positive and take one day at a time.    

[Fromthenetherlands]

Hi, @Greatful

I have no brain zaps anymore, where I am very thankfull for. I now have different sensations, like pressure etc. I”m very sad you still suffer from brain zaps. It is really disgusting to see psychiatrist being so sure of themselfs  when meanwhile there is so much proof. It makes me so angry. Too lazy to do a scientific research I guess. 

[Fromthenetherlands]

I am sleeping a lot and have zero energy and motivation. Are these common symptoms? 

[jozeff]

Hi from!

 

Well, to be honest..these symptoms are extremely common unfortunately.

 

I have the exact same sensations sometimes. Just unbelievably tired and beyond feeling of even moving my legs.

 

Sometimes this fades away and it tends to get a lot better if I start moving. As soon as I touch my sofa I feel like a brick.

 

I've been reading a lot on these forums  and zero energy and tiredness are very very common.

 

Are there other symptoms you suffer from?

 

Cheers

 

Jozeff

[Greatful]

@Fromthenetherlands Hi, stopping by to see how you are doing?