reducing citalopram

Mental health
1

Hi,

i'm very new to all this and quite apprehensive about sharing my experiences and situation.

Back in university, about 15 years ago, i was diagnosed with clinical depression. i have very few memories of that black period and drifted through life on and off antidepressants. After many years and events i ended up reconnecting with my "teenage sweetheart". We've been together for nearly 5 years i and i absolutely adore him, still. i also have a 7 year old daughter from a previous relationship and this brings with it all the expected ups and downs.

My partner suffers with quite severe depression. This brings its own set of problems, but nearly 2 years ago things got too much and after many years away from medication, i went back to the doctor and was prescribed CTB and citalopram.

i had 6 sessions of therapy and it was mutually concluded. i know the techniques but when stress point hits, don't seem to have the focus to apply them.

My partner also started taking antidepressants at the same time i did. he has recently stopped "cold turkey" whilst i have made the conscious decision to reduce over time.

my 2 main difficulties are:

1. i feel absolutely rubbish and de motivated since reducing. i was on 30mg for about 18 months and 2 weeks ago dropped to 20 mg. is this normal? will it get easier?

2. i believe my partner has stopped in the wrong way making him susceptible negative influences. this makes him easily frustrated and incorrectly fixated on things. these frustrations are more often than not taken out on me ( this sounds so bad when written down, i don't mean anything other than moods...) and because i feel quite vulnerable i take everything very personally.

i guess what i'm looking for are other people's experiences of reducing antidepressant medication in these situations? is the apathy normal in early stages of reduction?

as well as struggling with my own emotions i have to consider my partner, his perceptions, my beautiful daughter, and working full time in , whilst i love it, can best be described as a stressful, emotionally draining job!

Sorry for the lengthy rant, your thoughts and experiences are very much appreciated

x

2

I think you are both going downhill. It makes it very hard to support each other when this is happening. He is likely to be getting the rebound effect. This is a very tough time for you both.

My personal experience is initially joy (?high) when I come off as the sedative effects lift and the anti-depressant effect lingers, this passes over time and then I gradually decline. I've attempted this several times and now wish to stay on Citalopram, which the GP agrees with.

My advice is for you both to restart . When stable one of you could try gradual withdrawl with the support of the other and GP. Never be too proud to admit it's not going right this time and to restart your tablets.

3

Hi gazbaggio,

thanks so much for taking the time to reply.

Having considered your thoughts i have realised that achieving my goal of coming off citalopram at the 2 year stage was clouding my judgement and i was focusing on the wrong thing.

I have, today, gone back to 30ml in the hope that i will start to feel more positive over the next few weeks and give me the strength to support my partner with his struggles.

it does concern me that it may be some time before i feel ready to reduce and come off them altogether but i guess non of us know what is round the corner and the trick is to deal with the now.

thanks again for your comments which have given me a little perspective.

4

You should never abruptly stop antidepressants. Studies show that when antidepressants are taken for 5 years straight, the chance of recurring depression is alot lower. Talk to your Doctor about titrating (decreasing) your dose. If you suddenly stop, you can have very unpleasant neurological symptoms. If you need to keep taking them for depression, keep taking them. No shame in doing what's best for your well being. That is a pretty low dose anyways. Best of luck to you! smile