Hi i was put on 20mg of citalopram for panic attacks for about 3 months then had to go up to 40mg. I was only on the 40mg for about a month when i decided to come off them as i didnt like how i felt on them. Im feeling alot better than what i was but now ive started to have feelings that i cant breath or a tightness round my throat, this then sets me off and i have a feeling of panic coming over me. This doesnt last too long but at the time it feels horrendous. I also feel uneasy like something is going to happen. Is this something i will just have to live with or can this still be side effects of coming off the drugs? I would be greatful if anyone can help.
Hi Clare,
Did you come off Cita reducing gradually and slowly over weeks, because if you didn't it must have been horrendous for you?! Everything you have mentioned I have heard from people's posts here that can happen with withdrawl or even after coming off slowly. I have experienced twice in 18 months similar things due to stupidly missing doses and for more than a couple of days, it was awful!
It may also be that you do need just a small dose to help yer seretonin levels for a while there is also 5-HTP to consider after coming off.
Either way make an appointment to see your GP soonest, to discuss. I have not been able to see mine (as she has been off) for 5 months now and that is giving me some minor stress as she know a lot about sticking plasters for the brain and she is an excellent counsellor too!
I'm sure better and more helpful advice will be along soon, hang in there and hope you feel better soon.
Regards,
David
Hi David, my gp told me to reduce my dose from 40mg to 30mg for a week, then to 20mg then to 10mg. I went from 40mg to 20mg then to 10 all within a 3 week period. Ive been off them for a month and felt great at the start. Then i had the pins and needles and felt adgitated, mood swings. Those have all subsided now but this has just started within the last week. I just want to feel normal again. I feel like the tablets made me feel numb and far from myself which was why i came off them. I can control my panic attacks now as i tell myself its just one of those things. Just the feeling of tightness around my throat scares me.
Hmm, not good, too fast, as it is and obviously was in your case.
Usually the recommendation from a GP (who understands and knows about stiucking plasters for the brain) is whatever doseage you are on it must be slower and more gradual at 5mg a time.
So, Day 1 take 40mg, Day 2 take 35mg, Day 4 take 40mg, Day 5 take 35mg and so on until you are comfortable with that. Then it would be Day 1 take 35mg, Day 2 take 30mg and so on again as above until you either get off or feel like it would be better to stay on a low doseage for a while. In the end it takes as long as it takes, just like when you start on them.
It is great (truly) that you have a certain amount of control in dealing with issues. I have found this more possible as time has gone on, even though still on the odd occassion I feel like doing nothing and crawl under my emergency duvet! Lol!
Never want to be your old self or feel normal again, because 9 times out of ten that is what brought us here in the first place. Look forward to moving on and being a better person!
Keep posting more help and advice will come along.
Regards,
David
Tbh i didnt think i would have any side effects as i wasnt on them for a long period of time. I never thought to question the GP about her advice either!. Oh well, hopefully things will get better in the next few weeks and il just have to deal with the side affects in my own way. Nice to get feed back on things like this.
I too have days when i feel like doing bugger all, thats not a bad thing.
Thanks again for your reply.