Comments on: Slow withdrawal from Citalopram (Cipramil / Celexa) with minimal side effects?

By: Renee

Renee — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 09:14:41 +0000

Hi there all….. I have just been prescribed Citalopram by my doctor today but havn’t taken them yet. my flat mate suggested I check out what people had to say about it first.
Now Im absolutly terrified. I am a solo mum and my kids only have me to rely on… I am a full time student…. I have a history of depression and anxiety. I usually dont take medication as my first experience 11 years ago was horriffic ( a doctor put me on them and left me to fend for myself) I have since managed (or not managed) with support of friends and “taking time out” from life to get back on my feet. In some cases (I know not very sensible) a friend of mine has given me some of their ADHD meds to help get me through the pressure of exams/deadlines it has worked but as with anything it seems addictive and I don’t want to get hooked.
Im sick of my depression and anxiety getting the better of me… and want to study and get somewhere. Im barely getting through this semester as it is I’m affraid if I start this and it makes things worse I will ruin any chance I had at still passing (usually when Im not deppressed and anxious im an A student)
Are there any Students out there who can share anything about their effects with study…. If I get too sleepy ( I am already) or any duller than I am now I will be in trouble…. has it been ok for students?

By: Donna Farrell

Donna Farrell — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:36:15 +0000

I am 37 and have been on Cipramil (and all the gerneric brands) since my first daughter was born. (She is 10 tomorrow!) Looking back I had had many épisodes of depression over my life, that were never picked up. Always thought it was very much in my genetics as my Mum and Nan also suffer from depression. Started on 20mg back in 2001 and increased to 30mg a few years ago to help with anxiety. It definetely helped. The last 2 months I have been coming down (one month on 20mg, one month on 10mg) . Had Docs advice and help and the decrease was easy – no side effects, just an optimistic feeling of being clearer headed and more äuthentic with my feelings. IE In hindsight I feel I have been sedated and supressessing my opinions while now I am much better at saying what I really think and speaking my mind. (Not always well received.) My Doctor failed to mention that there may be side-effects from coming off them. After about 4 days of having no Cipramil in my body I felt terrible! Much like the original depression. Fearful, terribly sad, anxious, angry, yelling at the poor kids for minor stuff, dizzy, light-headed, nauseaus, bloated, loss of appetite (sure sign of a problem!), breathlessness, exhaustion,heightened sensitivity to loud sounds . Thankfully after a week, the physical symptoms eased and I had a very emotional week – crying, angry, guilt, worry, fear. The next week (this week) is much better. I actually feel positive, I am looking forward to the future, am much calmer with the kids and my husband and am enjoying things again. A Naturopath suggested I take some natural stuff to help with keeping calm. So I am now taking Omega 3, Magnessium which were suggested for their calming properties.( I was already was on Swisse Multi for Women and Swisse Iron – they are excellent for energy) . I am cautiously optimistic that I will be able to do without AD’s, but am still worried about longterm and when life throws up some challenges (I work at a school and am on holidays which helps as life is more relaxed at the moment). But I want to know if there is a test to see if my body is now making its own serotonin (or whatever the missing chemical is). I will try a thyroid test as suggested above by Deana in July. So, slowly does it and expect withdrawal sypmtoms similar to original problem.

By: teresa

teresa — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 06:11:05 +0000

Been on citalopram for over a year now and the Dr is weaning me off slowly, i was on 40mg and hes now reduced me to 20mg for a month then it ll be down to 10 mg, I ve been feeling a bit sick and a bit dizzy now and again but its not too bad, cant wait till im off them, my memory is terrible since i started taking them…
Teresa

By: Fiona

Fiona — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 04:25:22 +0000

I have been on ssri’s for 14yaers .i have tryed to come off them suddenly(no good0 side effects made me feel like i was going to die. Now still on 60mg of citalopam a day , i am very over weight and it is effecting my life. i am frightend to come off the drug as i have a high pressured job and my children rely on me to provide for them. I am going to try over the next year to very slowly reduce the dose. I think i should have my thyroid function tested as i am always yawning and tired. We will see what happens.

By: pat

pat — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 07:12:24 +0000

I was on citaporam for 10 weeks and came off them abruptly, i now know this was wrong to do. 10 weeks on i am still have withdrawal symptoms, very tired, exhausted, anxiety, anyone had similar experience.