Stopping Citalopram

nh_user_1145423 · February 18, 2018, 11:54am

Hi everyone.

I have been taking 10mg of citalopram now for 4 weeks. Side effects have pretty much stopped, but I wish to get myself off this drug. I'm concerned about just stopping it and wondered if anyone had any advice on how I would go about doing so. Is 4 weeks too long to go cold turkey? Do I have to taper after such a short time?

anon87974465 · February 18, 2018, 1:00pm

Cold turkey is not very smart..

nh_user_1145423 · February 18, 2018, 1:08pm

So I should taper then? Drop to maybe 5mg?

anon87974465 · February 18, 2018, 1:12pm

Yes

anon87974465 · February 18, 2018, 1:16pm

Have you consulted your doctor?

nh_user_1145423 · February 18, 2018, 1:16pm

Ok. Thanks for the advice

anon87974465 · February 18, 2018, 1:34pm

Hi there why would would you want to stop them so soon. THey need at least another 2 -4 weeks to work well. You have just st gone through the hardest period of side effects!!

nh_user_1145423 · February 18, 2018, 1:37pm

I want my libido back And I feel I can manage my original symptoms which the lifestyle and nutritional changes I have made. The citalopram has helped me, but I don't want to rely on drugs that are potentially a nightmare to come off further on in the future.

nh_user_1145423 · February 18, 2018, 1:41pm

No, but will be doing so before I start reduction

nh_user_956113 · February 18, 2018, 4:11pm

what makes you think that after only 4 weeks you are cured of depression,the medication has not started yet,it takes at least 8/10 weeks for the ssri to settle in your body

anon87974465 · February 18, 2018, 4:51pm

I totally agreed with you march..it hasn't even touch a single serotonin yet.

nh_user_1145423 · February 18, 2018, 5:23pm

I know I'm not cured of depression. I just don't want to be on this medication anymore

anon87974465 · February 18, 2018, 5:27pm

Your libido is very important..

nh_user_699071 · February 18, 2018, 9:41pm

Hi I stopped taking citalopram twice for 4 weeks each time and each time something snapped and I had to go through the whole starting process again. I spent 3 months cutting down from 20 mgs to 10 to 5 even to 2 mgs on my own then stopped for a month but no something flashed in my head and I was back where I started. I take 10 mgs now and have for years on doctors advice with no side effects and leading a happy life.

nh_user_956113 · February 18, 2018, 10:56pm

you will find that by deciding to cut down on your own without the doctor help shows that you were still going too fast and incurring withdrawal symptoms

nh_user_956113 · February 18, 2018, 11:04pm

if you don't want to be on this medication.,does this mean you would rather suffer depression for the vrest of your life.

anon87974465 · February 19, 2018, 1:54am

Hi, in your opinion, how long would it take to taper from 20 to 10 with minimal side effects? Shane