Anyone got any advice for best way to come off Citalopram. I’m currently on 10mg and have been since January. X
Nicky,
Why are you stopping?
Hi will,
Because I don’t want to depend on tablets. My mind is in the right place and I’ve done a CBT course so I’m hoping I can put that into practice. Who knows I may fail and may need to go back on them but I won’t know til I try.
I came off 10mg cold turkey to be honest and didn’t get many side effects apart from dizziness x
I most definitely cannot do cold turkey belle, I remember a few weeks back I missed two tablets and I felt absolutely horrendous like I was back to square one again. X
I just weened myself off of 10mg. I split it in half to 5 mgs over 4 days and then split that in half for 2 days...I also took 1000 mgs of fish oil which actually kept the anxiety away. I had no problems coming off....you must ween....
Nicky,
I wish you an easy and comfortable transition.
Will😎
how long was you on them for to start off with? Did you just one day stop after cutting the 5mg in half? Thank you for taking the time out to offer advice. X
Hi Nicky, after researching the internet for myself, I learnt that the severity of side effects can vary depending on age, weight., half life and how long you have been on them. I have read alot from experts to taper by 10%. For myself, I am post menopausal, have been on them for 3 years and have gained weight, plus have to come off them as have a sensitivity to them. So taking all this into account I will be doing a slow taper and will be alternating dosage for six weeks. The length of time includes allowing my brain and nervous system to settle, and to make sure my work and life isnt affected.
At the moment I am tapering from amitryptyline and was doing great for 5 months and got fed up with length of time so thought I would speed up the taper, huge mistake I have been ill from withdrawal and signed off work. Cita is different in withdrawal.
To come of 10mg my advice to you would be get a pill cutter or ask your pharmacy to cut your pills, then taper by 2.5mg to 7.5mg or alternate between 10mg one night and 5 mg another night until you adjust, could take a month or even 6 weeks depending on how sensitive you are. Then as soon as you feel back to normal go to 5mg, and so on.
Please do not underestimate these meds and how they can affect your brain or central nervous system. You may be lucky and not be affected too much. I have gone cold turkey in the past so have learnt the hard way.
Please let us know how you get on as will be joining you soon with my taper. All the best with this.
Hi Nicky I just wanted to add that I also read alot that people taper down after a few days. That scares me because from everything I have read that will not give your brain and nervous system time to adjust and start making serotonin naturally. What shocked me in the past when I came off them quickly was how some withdrawal symptoms didnt happen until a few weeks later.
I have been on them 3 times in my life and this is my final time. I prefer life coaching, cbt, positive thinking and living a healthy life to help with anxiety. And after years of this very rarely get anxious now, could be due to cita too, and will work harder n myself if this is the case. Sorry for long messages I feel strongly about all this. Final piece of advice, when in withdrawal, go with it, dont panic, take good care of yourself and know it will pass and you will soon be free of them.
Firstly thank you so much for your great advice. I know it’s going to be a long journey and one that cannot be rushed. I missed 2 tablets the other week and that had a massive impact on me, so I get where your coming from when people taper off within 1-2 weeks. I guess everyone is different though. I’m certainly in the right frame of mind to be doing this though and like you have learnt coping methods whilst on my journey. I just don’t want to depend or be ruled by a pill and I think after 5 months it’s a good time to be dependent on my own. Please let me know how you get on with your journey too, if I can help in anyway please let me know. Once again thank you for such amazing advice x
Hi Nicky thank you so much, and yes please with your offer of support if I need it, it helps sharing with people that understand. I also plan my tapers (amitryptyline) around work commitments and take holidays, or plan around bank holidays. Always on a Thursday as know by saturday I will be crying. Cita is different though has a longer half life. Look forward to hearing how your taper is going. Keep us updated.
It’s nice to know your not alone, and you that’s someone I’d going through the same journey as you. If ever you need me just message me or your more than welcome to have my number. I know it can be a scary time going through this and feeling you are alone. If I can help in any way then honestly don’t hesitate to ask. X
Hi Nicky, that would be great, as strong and determined as I am it does take its toll. I really appreciate your offer alot, as joined this website last week as was tired of going through this alone. My friends mean well but do not get it, I always prepare them and then say see you on the other side ha! Goal for today, get up and get ready and move ha! Have a lovely day speak soon. X
Feel free to message me too.
Why did the doctor prescribed the amytriptyline???
Hi Lois, I was prescribed Amit for Insomnia, and Cita for hot flushes.
I don't know why doctor's prescribed that horrible medicine for insomnia when there's ziplocone or Ambien for insomnia without those horrible side effects..and cita for hot flashes works on low dosages.. another thing that baffles me is why doctor's say oh upp your dosage when a lower milligram works just as well..I had hot flashes too on top all of my other symptoms and celexa diminish it..aside from that I take it one day at a time..and hope for the best..
I agree with you, have lost faith in doctors. Whats even more shocking is when I went to the doctors complaining of symptoms (which I now know are side effects) the upped both tablets. Then I went back again, and they did the same thing and told me to watch out for seratonin syndrome. Makes me so angry.
Have also been n citalorapram twice in past once for PTSD and another for anxiety. Which makes me wonder if that was why the doc prescribed it again.