I’ve recently come off Citalapram 40mg cold Turkey on doctors advice to treat severe post infection IBS.
It’s been a ■■■■ two weeks with tears, brain zaps, severe depression, exhaustion, irritable etc, vivid dreams etc
Does anyone have any idea how long the symptoms should last? Should I start feeling an improvement soon.
I’ve been on them 6 years.
Thanks in advance
Hi,if a doctor has told you to quit taking an antidepressant cold turkey then he ain’t qualified to practice. Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome which you are experiencing, is very serious and debilitating with all the heightened symptoms you are currently experiencing. You are supposed to taper off very very slowly, and draw up a reasonable plan with a doctor (proper doctor) over a reasonable amount of time.. Going from maximum dosage after taking for 6 years to nothing, is very serious due to the chance of relapse of your original condition when you first took it,severe depression, anxiety etc.
Im so sorry Mark; I feel for you. I can’t imagine a doctor telling anyone to cold turkey off an ssri especially one theyd been taking for so long and at that dose. Its highly questionable. I dont know how urgent the IBS situation is but if it was an emergency, I would think the doc would have at least given you something else to help with the withdrawal symptoms. Perhaps seek a second opinion?
Thank you Tara.
I can only assume that I have come off cold turkey to combat the severe stomach issues. Been signed off work, losing weight etc.