☼ recoverygrrl Celexa (citalopram) withdrawal

[recoverygrrl]

Hi all, am new here and was looking for advice/support as I'm having a tough time coming off celexa (citalopram). I tapered off this drug over 18 months and the closer I got to zero the harder it got. After each reduction in dose the symptoms usually subsided in a couple of weeks  but on the second last reduction they lasted 6 weeks until I saw an amazing herbalist and they settled down after a further 2 weeks. I have now been on zero for 4 weeks and thought I would be ok bc of the herbs but have been struggling. The constant and at times terrifying anxiety is the worst symptom but I am also peeing constantly and have an on off migraine. Does anyone have any idea how long I can expect the symptoms to last?

[Altostrata]

Welcome, recoverygrrl.

 

It can be very difficult to go off any psychiatric drug. Many people find the lower dosages are the hardest part.

 

If I were you, I would immediately take 1mg citalopram. Stay on this for several months, then taper by very, very small amounts. To take very low dosages, citalopram comes in a liquid, or you can make your own liquid.

 

See What is withdrawal syndrome?
 
About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Tips for tapering off Celexa (citalopram)

[recoverygrrl]

Thanks Altostrata- the issue is I want to remain med free to have a baby and because of my age I don't really have several months. I am not keen to start taking the meds again especially if say in a few weeks I'm going to feel ok on zero. What do you reckon?

[Altostrata]

I cannot say how long withdrawal syndrome will last for you. It can last for months or years. Look around at some of the other Intro topics and see what people are going through.

 

Since your symptoms have not reduced over the last 4 weeks, it seems you are not one of those people who get over withdrawal syndrome in a few weeks. If your symptoms get worse, you are looking at a long recovery.

 

The sooner you reinstate a low dose of citalopram, the more likely it is to resolve withdrawal syndrome.

 

Personally, I do not believe developing babies should be subjected to these drugs at all. It's up to you to determine how tolerable your symptoms are and balance that against the risk in pregnancy.

 

A very low dose of citalopram, which probably will reduce your withdrawal symptoms,  is likely to have less effect on the baby than the usual dosage.

 

On top of that, the adverse effects of psychiatric drugs on fetuses occur mostly in early pregnancy.

 

I am sorry you are in this position and having to make these decisions without the advice of a doctor, but there is a vacuum in medicine regarding going off psychiatric drugs and withdrawal syndrome, so they won't be much help.

[recoverygrrl]

thank you. I may give it another week on zero as my symptoms are actually getting a tiny bit better each week and then take a view on it. I am not pregnant yet and feel better about getting pregnant on 1mg than 40mg which was my original dose!!!

 

You are right there are no doctors out there who seem informed or experienced in SSRI withdrawal. It is both upsetting and disturbing!

 

X

[recoverygrrl]

Just wanted to offer up some hope here. I was on citalopram for 11 years and tapered off over 18 months which in hindsight was way too fast. The closer I got to zero the worse the withdrawal symptoms got but I managed them. with the help of a wonderful herbalist, eft tapping, Accupuncture, reiki, spiritual healing, meditation, therapy, fish oil (high strength), vitamins and an iron supplement and am now off citalopram and doing ok. I had a terrible time dropping to zero which has lasted about a month but which seems to be settling now. I felt terror like I had never before!!! but this is subsiding now. I found EFT tapping extraordinarily useful as well as the herbs. I am by no means 100% but the acute suffering is over- I'd say I just have a feeling of nervousness now which actually could be my original condition returning and is very livable with. Wishing you all every success in your journeys! Please note always seek professional medical advice, I am just a regular person saying what remedies worked for me and they may not be suitable for you. Also I kept being advised that each persons experience is individual and the length of recovery time from person to person can vary so much, so for example, even if you have a similar story to me your withdrawal experience could be completely different.

[Altostrata]

Very happy to hear you're doing better.

 

What are your symptoms now? What were the worst symptoms, how long did they last, how did they change?

 

I added our cheerful "here comes the sun" symbol

☼

to the title of your Intro topic, to show you're recovering.

Please continue to let us know how you're doing. When your withdrawal symptoms are entirely gone, please add your story to our Recovery Success Stories !

[recoverygrrl]

Oh god! I spoke way too soon. Have nose dived the past 2 days and feel (almost) back to square one. How is that possible???? Well I am taking your advice and going back on 1mg a day. Sorry to offer false hope!!!!

[Petunia]

I'm sorry to hear that you are not feeling well. When did you drop from 1mg to zero?

[recoverygrrl]

I dropped to zero 7 weeks ago from 10mg every 3rd day. I am going back to the doc on Monday to reinstate on 1mg!!! Will post how that goes