Hi everyone. I'm 21 years old and I've been taking between 10 and 20mg of Citalopram for about 3 years now. Sometimes I cut down to 10mgs to try to get off it, but I always hop back up to 20.
About 8 months ago I tried to wean off completely, I did it very slowly, 15, then 10, then 5, then I became extremely I'll. I lost 40 pounds, and I only weighed 100lbs. I'm a skinny girl to begin with but this was drastic. I fell into a deep depression and was near suicidal. Nightmares, vomiting, extreme flulike symptoms, it was horrible. So I jumped back up to 20mgs as soon as I realized what was happening to me. Over the next few weeks everything smoothed out and went back to normal.
In the last few weeks ive cut myself back down to 10 mgs. Starting to feel the voidness closing in. Will probably jump back up to 20 either today, or in the next few days.
Is there no hope?
Hello, I know this post is really old now but I found it when I was coming off citalopram recently.
I was on 10mg everyday for years, sometimes I was on 20mg. Medics think that 10mg will have no withdrawal side effects but that is not the case.
I reduced meds to 10mg every other day for at least three months. At the end of the packet I stopped. This was with advice from my GP.
I would say that the first three weeks were the worst because I felt anxious, unsettled, tearful, angry and I did worry that I would never break free of citalopram and even questioned if maybe I was just a narky person!! (I'm not by the way!).
I persevered with support from my fantastic boyfriend who just so happens to be a clinical psychologist so I am incredibly lucky. I was kind to myself, I ran, I stopped drinking wine and I slept a lot. If I wanted to do nothing I did nothing.
Towards the end of three weeks I had two really awful days when I nearly reached for the meds again but if you feel that way don't do it!! It doesn't last! I had to be out and about those days because I was on holiday with my young daughter but if you can cacoon yourself on the sofa then do it. But not forever, face your fears and overcome them. Yes my paranoia was worse during this time but I practiced mindfulness and just took each day minute by minute.
I'm now in my 5th week and I am so glad to be off citalopram. I feel much better without them!! I have my emotions back, yes I get crabby but it is NORMAL. My daughter teases me because I'm crying at happy things and I love being me again!
Don't give up! The side effects do not last I promise. I'm not sleeping as much but I'm getting up awake and energetic. I have been more productive the last few weeks than I have been in years. Be kind to yourself and talk about it. I chose my boyfriend and my closest friends.
I know everyone is different but I wanted to share my experience to give you hope if you are about to wean yourself off. Just go slowly and don't go cold turkey. All the very best.
Hi Mx, This is day 3 for me without Citalopram. I have no side affects. I actually feel real good. I ate too much for dinner and thought I could take a nap on my forklift tonight. That was about it. Its as though I can really feel if that sounds wierd. I can analyize my emotions. I am actually thinking clearer, and am making plans, weight loss goals, etc. It seems too good to be true. Good side effects not bad. Been on only 10 mg for 3 yrs.. Also have hashimotos but thyroid levels are within range at this time. Taking a multivitamin daily. Never miss.