Flowers: tapering citalopram

[bluebalu86]

Hi Flowers

 

You have been through a lot. Let's hope this will be just a temporary setback. The stress of the hospital visit + not sleeping + missing your daily pill have all affected you, but you will be alright soon. I'm praying for you dear

Let us know how things go

[ladybug99]

Hi Flowers!

 

It was so nice to hear from you. I know, I've been out of the SA loop lately due to events in my life. I'm wondering how you are feeling today. I hope each day brings some relief. Don't fret. You've had a bad hiccup, but you will bounce back to baseline soon. Please let me know how you're doing.

 

Still want to party at "Flower's Beach" once we're all healed!!!!!

 

Hugs,

 

Ladybug99

[melanie]

Hi Flowers!

 

Left you a little note on my thread...

 

Better late then never. Was busy writing replies yesterday as I don't come here often...

 

I hope you're doing well.

 

Keep healing, lots of hugs.

 

x Mel

[bluebalu86]

How are you doing Flowers?

[Flowers]

How are you doing Flowers?

Hi Blue - thanks for asking after me. I have replied on your thread.

 

xxx

[Flowers]

A little update .......

 

You may have already read this on my post on Blue's thread.

 

After the bad times of late  (I was very closely involved when  our best friend here got very ill and had a near death experience) , my husband suggested taking me away on holiday for a rest and change of scene. This threw me into a state of panic thinking about leaving my home, animals and having to go on a plane! I have no problem leaving my home to do the usual things like shopping etc but going to another country was terrifying.

 

My husband has been wonderful supporting me since WD and I knew he needed a break too. i remembered  Blue had managed to get away and this gave me inspiration so  I agreed to go but I was still shaking in my boots about going!

 

At the airport I didn't do too well with all the crowds etc but once through security and practising some mindfulness I settled down a bit. I was worried about feeling claustrophobic on the flight which was always a problem for me pre antidepressants and has reared it's ugly head again since WD.  Amazingly, I was OK and it was only a 2 hour flight and we were there.

 

I did suffer anxiety for a couple of days after arriving at our destination finding it hard to settle. I felt exhausted and giddy and didn't feel like doing anything but after breakfast did some long coastal walks. Within minutes of walking I felt so much better and great to be alive! I started each day with progressive relaxation and did mindfulness when needed.

 

The one thing that helped the most was actually being out of my usual environment where I have a lot of time to think about myself. Staying in the hotel gave me plenty of distractions people watching and some people were so elderly, infirm or disabled  and still trying to enjoy themselves that it made my problems seem  tiny in comparison. I seemed to feel awful if I was sitting around thinking about myself but much better when I was engaged with other people.

 

We managed to get on the beach most days so I did a lot of swimming too. I slept a lot and kept folk on the beach entertained with my snoring!  The week passed very quickly as the days although restful were full. I am amazed that I actually had the energy to do all the things I did. I actually found my sense of humour returning and laughed a lot - mostly at myself!!!

 

It gave me time to reflect that we live quite remotely and don't really interact with people on a daily basis. Too much time is spent thinking about me and how I am as there are no distractions! I am trying to introduce some things we enjoyed on holiday into our daily lives here. We are now intending to drive each day to a different beachfront promenade  just up the coast (the beach where we live is tiny,rocky and deserted in winter) where we can walk the dogs and stop for a coffee (decaf!) or two. Maybe meet up with some friends there or meet some new people to give me something else to focus on. I think this will help the winter days pass much quicker.

 

I just wanted to chart here that I  never thought there would be a time when I would be able to cope with the anxiety aggravated by the fear of leaving my home  so am thankful that I seem to have overcome this obstacle and it  is all part of this long journey to recovery.

[ladybug99]

Flowers, this was a wonderful read! What a great leap of healing you've had to be able to go away on a holiday! And do as well as you did! I'm so happy for you. I think it's a great idea to take walks on other beaches to get a change of scenery. Distraction is a great player in WD.

 

You're making stride, Flowers! Keep up the good work and before you know it you'll be healed.

 

Healing hugs,

 

Ladybug99

[direstraits]

Hi Flowers,

this was so uplifting to read! I'm so happy you were able to enjoy yourself,that'swonderful!

 

I think it's helpful to see others who don'thave it so easy,too...it takesour focus off of ourselves.

 

sending love and hugs,ds

[melanie]

Hi Flowers,

 

Seems like you had a wonderful holiday... Sometimes getting out of your own mind - to look at Nature, other people (part of Nature) is the best therapy one can get. And there is nothing more healing than empathy and compassion.

 

Apart from this "going into the world", one should also be aware of the feelings one has... Therapists always advised me to keep a "feelings diary". I never did, but start to think I should.

 

Hugs, Mel

[freespirit]

Hi Flowers,

 

Good for you in taking the step out of the familiar. Loved reading your description of your time away.

 

I know what you mean about having too much time to think about yourself...This is the downside of living in a more isolated place.

I'm there too, but not sure what to do about it. Can't afford a vacation at the moment...but the idea of short trips is a good one.

 

I'm sure you'll be able to reflect back on your holiday and have that give you courage around taking other steps.

[AliG]

Hi Flowers ,

 

Your update inspired me.  I'm due to go away in a few days as well, and I'm nervous about it.  It's a nine hour flight , and like you I'm worried about  going through security, and the crowds and noise etc. I really feel I'm pushing myself way outside my " comfort zone" , at the moment. Also , the sleep issue, will be more tricky than usual, which is really saying something as it's a big deal.

 

I'm glad you had such a lovely time, after your initial hesitation.  Sometimes , it's hard to know what is the best thing to do. I'm going to follow your lead.

 

Ali.

[luv2knit]

Hi Flowers! So glad you were able to enjoy some time away. It sounds wonderful! Thinking about you, and praying for continued improvement.

 

XOXO

[Flowers]

Flowers, this was a wonderful read! What a great leap of healing you've had to be able to go away on a holiday! And do as well as you did! I'm so happy for you. I think it's a great idea to take walks on other beaches to get a change of scenery. Distraction is a great player in WD.

 

You're making stride, Flowers! Keep up the good work and before you know it you'll be healed.

 

Healing hugs,

 

Ladybug99

Thanks Ladybug

 

It's always good to hear from you. Hope things are going well for you too?

 

xxxx

[Flowers]

Hi Flowers,

this was so uplifting to read! I'm so happy you were able to enjoy yourself,that'swonderful!

 

I think it's helpful to see others who don'thave it so easy,too...it takesour focus off of ourselves.

 

sending love and hugs,d.

 

 

Thanks DS!

 

I hope you are doing OK and getting some sleep?

 

xxxxx

[Flowers]

Hi Flowers,

 

Seems like you had a wonderful holiday... Sometimes getting out of your own mind - to look at Nature, other people (part of Nature) is the best therapy one can get. And there is nothing more healing than empathy and compassion.

 

Apart from this "going into the world", one should also be aware of the feelings one has... Therapists always advised me to keep a "feelings diary". I never did, but start to think I should.

 

Hugs, Mel

Thanks for visiting my thread Mel.

 

I get what you say about a feelings diary. Sometimes it helps to get things on paper to be able to focus on them.

 

Hope you are doing OK?

 

Hugs right back!

 

 

xxxxxx

[Flowers]

Hi Flowers,

 

Good for you in taking the step out of the familiar. Loved reading your description of your time away.

 

I know what you mean about having too much time to think about yourself...This is the downside of living in a more isolated place.

I'm there too, but not sure what to do about it. Can't afford a vacation at the moment...but the idea of short trips is a good one.

 

I'm sure you'll be able to reflect back on your holiday and have that give you courage around taking other steps.

Hi Free

 

Thanks for visiting me here.

 

Hope things are going well for you and you are still getting out cycling?

 

 

xxxxx

[Flowers]

Hi Flowers ,

 

Your update inspired me.  I'm due to go away in a few days as well, and I'm nervous about it.  It's a nine hour flight , and like you I'm worried about  going through security, and the crowds and noise etc. I really feel I'm pushing myself way outside my " comfort zone" , at the moment. Also , the sleep issue, will be more tricky than usual, which is really saying something as it's a big deal.

 

I'm glad you had such a lovely time, after your initial hesitation.  Sometimes , it's hard to know what is the best thing to do. I'm going to follow your lead.

 

Ali.

Hi Ali

 

Thank you. I hope you managed to get away?

 

xxxx

 

Hi Flowers ,

 

Your update inspired me.  I'm due to go away in a few days as well, and I'm nervous about it.  It's a nine hour flight , and like you I'm worried about  going through security, and the crowds and noise etc. I really feel I'm pushing myself way outside my " comfort zone" , at the moment. Also , the sleep issue, will be more tricky than usual, which is really saying something as it's a big deal.

 

I'm glad you had such a lovely time, after your initial hesitation.  Sometimes , it's hard to know what is the best thing to do. I'm going to follow your lead.

 

Ali.

[freespirit]

Hi Free

 

Thanks for visiting me here.

 

Hope things are going well for you and you are still getting out cycling?

 

 

xxxxx

 

 

 

Things are pretty up and down these days...but just hanging in there, as best I can. Yep, still riding a lot..in spite of waning light and rainy days. I hardly get in my 2nd ride anymore, as the days are just too short. But the past few days, have been taking a short walk after dinner instead. I find it helps to get that 2nd bit outdoors...I can manage to stay awake a bit longer in the evenings.

 

Have things settled down for you? Any plans on your taper?? Found any good spots on day trips?

[Flowers]

 

Hi Free

 

Thanks for visiting me here.

 

Hope things are going well for you and you are still getting out cycling?

 

 

xxxxx

 

 

 

Things are pretty up and down these days...but just hanging in there, as best I can. Yep, still riding a lot..in spite of waning light and rainy days. I hardly get in my 2nd ride anymore, as the days are just too short. But the past few days, have been taking a short walk after dinner instead. I find it helps to get that 2nd bit outdoors...I can manage to stay awake a bit longer in the evenings.

 

Have things settled down for you? Any plans on your taper?? Found any good spots on day trips?

 

This time of the year brings new challenges for us that like to be outside doesn't it? Having a walk after dinner is a good idea I think. I find as long as I am able to get out of the house for a walk  each day it helps. Unfortunately, the weather has been rather wet for this time of the year which has hampered my plans!  The town has been hit with the usual problems when the rains come. Landslides, flooding and power cuts.  We have had breakfast out a couple of times in town  watching the rain tip down and passing time with the locals. Also, one of our dogs has a cut paw he got at the beach which is currently bandaged so he is grounded and under strict supervision so he doesn't chew it off! We live down a very steep dirt track which has been challenging since the rain! Thank goodness we have a Landrover Defender or we would be trapped!

I am still not quite ready to taper as I am still getting bad days. Things are improving though and I will be starting as soon as I feel able. I need and want to get off these drugs as know I am getting side effects too.

At the moment there are various people we know staying in their holiday homes around the town, so plenty of socialising if I want it. Trouble is with the dark evenings I just want to hibernate and snuggle up with the cats!!

 

I will keep you in my thoughts and hope you have more 'up' days soon.

 

xxxxxxxx

[freespirit]

Hi Flowers,

 

That sounds intense...flooding, slides, etc. Yes, I think some of us suffer more with the change of seasons. Most days, I'm still spending a couple of hours outdoors...but it's not the same as the summer light. It's much harder to get myself out the door. I know what you mean about hibernation, as I feel that in the dark evenings too..and at the same time, sometimes find it's a little too much hibernating for me. Not easy finding a good balance on these things, especially when things are shifting up and down..and you never know how you'll be feeling. Makes it difficult to plan what to do.

 

I think that's wise that you're holding for now, while still keeping your ultimate goals in mind. Better safe than sorry. I hope things settle for you too...appreciate you thinking of me.

[luv2knit]

(((Flowers))) I hate that you've had to put off your taper, but it sounds like it is the right thing for you at this time. I think many of us are having issues with the changing seasons. Hopefully we will all start to adjust soon!

 

My thoughts and prayers are with you!

 

XOXO

[Flowers]

Last couple of days have seen the arrival of some different symptoms. I have no idea what has triggered this but they have snuck up and caught me unawares!

 

Waking early and feeling nauseous. Tired and sad. Breaking out in a sweat and then feeling so cold. Aches and pains all over. Thought I was going down with the flu but don't have a temperature although I feel like I have one.

 

I saw on symptoms thread that flu like symptoms can present themselves in WD. I have no idea why this would happen out of the blue.

 

Guess I will just have to get on with it until it passes. Whatever next?!!

[Fresh]

Hi Flowers ,  I've just caught up with your thread and really enjoy reading your posts.

 

Here's what I'm thinking:  it's been almost 12 months since you reinstated 30mg citalopram.  

This is probably as stable as you're going to get.

 

At this stage your symptoms are more likely to be from toxicity (meds. not being metabolized and

floating around your system)  than withdrawal (mostly because you haven't withdrawn anything lately). 

If they are leftover/chronic symptoms from all the years on citalopram , they're not going to decrease

significantly by staying on the same dose.  

 

I suspect your body is telling you it's time to begin your taper.  

You may find some symptoms decrease as your dose lowers.

 

bw ,  Fresh

[Flowers]

Hi Fresh

 

Thanks for your reply and taking time to read my post. I am comforted that you always give me valuable advice.

 

I think you are probably right that it is time to taper. I am getting other side effects such as visual disturbances and brain fog which prompted me to  ask my Dr to take me off the drug in the first place. Of course he told me to come off too quickly and I ended up in WD. 

 

This drug is not doing me any good but it is always a big decision when to taper so I appreciate all advice/feedback.

 

I am on a long road trip back to UK next week so won't start anything until I return. I am wondering if my anxiety regarding this is ramping up my symptoms!

 

 I have been mulling things over with my husand this morning and he pointed out that as I have felt a lot better recently, I had a couple of glasses of wine last week - my first for a long long time. Maybe this hasn't helped also. I know it is bad to consume alcohol in WD but I am only human and therefore make mistakes. Not going to touch another drop now!

 

How are things with you Fresh?

 

 

Hugs

 

xxxxxxx

[AliG]

Hi Flowers,

 

It's good to hear from you. I think what Fresh says makes a lot of sense. It might be time to start getting this drug out of your system, completely . 30 mg is a decent amount to be on all this time. You're probably nervous, but maybe it's something to think about very soon. If not now, maybe in the new year. I think that you need to pick a stress free time . The only other thing I can think of is - has anything else changed?  Supplement, anti-biotics , stress or change of routine ?

 

Ali

[Fresh]

Aha , it could have been the wine for sure!  Plus anxiety about travelling.  

 

I'm well Flowers . . . same old , same old.   Summer's coming here so I'm pushing myself a bit more

to spend time outside.  It's a tough gig , lol.   Could be worse.

 

[luv2knit]

Hi, Flowers! I'm no help with taper, and I don't consume alcohol (although that sounds like a possible culprit)! I did want to stop by with well wishes, though!!

 

XOXO

[Fresh]

Happy New Year and welcome back Flowers!

 

How was your trip?

[Flowers]

Fresh! Same to you! Great to hear from you.........

 

The trip was very tiring but wonderful. We travelled a lot visiting friends and relatives and it was so lovely to see them all. We were made to feel very welcome! Christmas is quite low key in Spain so it was great to get into the 'Christmas Spirit' by being in UK and seeing all the houses and streets decorated with trees and lights and more! Needless to say the weather was awful and poured with rain every day! I think i coped with everything pretty well which gave me a real boost.

 

I really have to work on this travel anxiety though cos I go through hell before I set off anywhere. Once I am there I am fine!! I think I had this before I ever started on AD's. Maybe I need to find a counsellor here.

 

Hows things with you? I hope you are feeling well enough to enjoy your summer.

 

All the best to you.

 

xxx

[Flowers]

Can I ask for anyone's thoughts or advice please?

 

I am just about to start my taper with a 5% cut.

 

We were supposed to travel to California last Spring but I was too ill in WD to make it. We would like to go soon and I am just wondering if anyone has had any experience travelling to different time zones and figuring out when to take their meds. The time difference for me would be 9 hours behind in USA so I would be taking the Citalopram at 2pm. I usually take it around 11pm and it makes me drowsy so this could prove difficult!!

 

Any advice would be very welcome.

[LexAnger]

Hi Flower,

 

I raised up the same question before in the thread of 'slowness of slow taper' started by Rhi for my trip plans last year to places 3 hours ahead of my city. I followed her advice taking the drug per my local time and it worked fine. Your situation is a bit more tricky as the time difference is 9 hours. I cancelled my international trip in the past years due to the concern of the time difference, and I take my liquid in 2 hours everyday so it would be waking up mid night and finishing the meds in 2 hours before going back to sleep if I keep it to my local time. Another factor to consider is how long your trip will be. If it's a relatively short trip and the dosing hour is not too inconvenient, I would consider to stick to your local time. It may also depends on how stable you are currently. I remember back to my early tapering before my system is too sensitized, I was able to follow the new time internationally.

 

It's tricky and I know you definitely don't want to get any problems from this and hope more thoughts from others!

 

Wishing you a smooth, relaxing and fun trip!

 

Lex

[Flowers]

Thanks Lex for your input which I greatly appreciate.

 

xxx

[Flowers]

*topic moved

 

Has anyone had any experience of travelling to different time zones whilst tapering? I posted this question on my thread and some of you have kindly given me your views on this for which I thank you but I am hoping this will reach a wider number of you on the forum. My husband and I are considering a trip to California possibly next month. There will be a 9 hour time difference with California being behind us here in Spain by 9 hours. I have only just started tapering off Citalopram and am concerned about what time to take it in a different time zone. It has a strong sedative effect on me and I take it at night usally around 11pm. Within an hour I am asleep. If I have to get up in the night I feel a bit zombie like and drugged and not with it at all. These are the options I have been considering:- 1) I take it at the usual time when I am away (which would be 2pm in California/11pm Spain). I am worried that I would feel drugged for the rest of the day and possibly being awake all night. Like jet lag on roller skates!! 2) I delay taking them on arrival in the country until say 10pm USA time / 7am Spanish time which is 8 hours later than I usually take them. 3) I start now taking them an hour later each night , then 2 hours later and so on for the weeks preceding the holiday until I end up taking them at 7am in Spain/ 9 pm in USA. Therefore it wouldn't cause any problems on arriving in USA. Any experience or input would be really welcome as I have no idea of the impact of changing the time you take drugs when in WD. I am feeling fairly stable at the moment but I don't think it would take much to rock the boat which I am very loathe to do after getting this far!! Hope to hear something back from you guys on this topic.

Edited January 21, 2016 by Petunia
added note

[Altostrata]

I have a few ideas:

 

1. Maintain a wristwatch on your home time (Spain) and take your dose at the same time each day determined by that wristwatch.

 

2. Use a world time app on your phone to figure the same as #1.

 

3. Set a 24-hour timer on your phone to remind you to take your dose (not sure if this gets reset with the time, you'll have to figure that out).

 

4. If you take citalopram at night because it makes you sleepy, you might divide the daily dose and take a small amount in the morning and a larger amount in the evening. This might alleviate the nighttime sleepiness. You'll have to set TWO 24-hour timers, though, one for each dose.

[Flowers]

An update on the above re dealing with taking meds in different time zones.

 

I decided to change taking my meds a little in the morning and then the rest in the evening as per Alto's suggestion. I wanted to find out how I would feel before I travelled as didn't want our holiday to be spoilt by feeling worse.

 

Well, I am sad to say it didn't help really. I ended up feeling really dopey during the day and disorientated. I was finding it hard to function and started to get the beginnings of feeling depressed.

 

After 10 days my husband suggested I stop and revert to my original time of taking the med at bedtime. We both felt that it wasn't worth it to jeopardise my health for the sake of a holiday.

 

It is incredible to think that the time you take meds can have such a bearing on how you will feel day to day. I hope that if I continue to taper satisfactorily maybe in a years time when I am on a much lower dosage it might not impact so much on changing times of taking meds and we can get away then.

 

At the moment I am happy to just concentrate on feeling as good as possible each day and the long haul holidays can wait for a while!

[AliG]

Hi Flowers . I could not find your thread. I'm glad you posted . It's so good to hear from you . I have been wondering how you are doing. Traveling can be very difficult, at times.  Fun , but stressful in withdrawal .   Have you started tapering yet ?  If not , when are you planning to ?  Not pushing , just curious . Are you still having symptoms ?  I agree, there's no rush . You are the " poster girl " for  holding , I think . Are you still on 30mg Citalopram  ?  Let us know what you are doing, re : tapering .

Thank you for your support , F .

Hugs, Ali .