Coming off Citalopram...unusual symptom!

[AchWeil]

I have been on Citalopram for over a decade and finally, after a very gradual taper, have come off of them completely. That will be 4 weeks cit-free tomorrow!
It's been an immense undertaking, but I'm a determined (stubborn my hubby would say) individual.
There is a lot of information online re cit withdrawal symptoms, but I can't find any discussion re increased (to the point of being out of control) sex drive. I know the cit affects libido, and it's great to welcome it's healthy return. This, however, isn't what I would call healthy.
Even when I had decreased libido on the cit, I was aware of my husband's needs and my emotional needs, so we didn't go through long periods without sex. Now it is really good again, nostalgic of pre-cit days.
However, even just after a very satisfying orgasm when I should be feeling that wonderful relaxed, sleepiness, I start to get "antsy" and physically crave more. It's almost immediate.
One of the more documented withdrawal symptoms I have experienced is Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). There is a similar feeling in my left arm. A need to move the limb. It's hard to explain, but I feel that the sexual need is a similar thing, and somehow connected.
Well, I'm just going to put it out there...and hope that someone can relate, and can assure me that this heightened craziness will pass.
I am exhausted through lack of sleep.

[violator]

Have you ever heard of Tardive dyskinesia? It might explain some of your symptoms.

I'm on week 4 without meds and I feel like I've got the flu. Feel really awful, have never had headaches like it before.

Please tell me it stops soon?

[AchWeil]

Hi Violator.

Thanks for your input

I saw my GP yesterday.

She feels that my symptoms are pretty classic AD withdrawal.

There is the option of a temporary medication to help me over this stage (not sure what med it is), but I am inclined to shy away from this approach.

It has taken me this long to get Citalopram free...I am sure I'll get through this too. I don't want more drugs in my system.

Mind you, never say never...if it's the right thing to do. At 2 am this morning I would happily have taken something to settle me, and allow a peaceful sleep!

I haven't experienced any flu-like symptoms, but everyone seems to have different reactions to the withdrawal. Did you taper off slowly? I came off too quickly last year, and it was a nightmare...had to go back on and start tapering again...slowly!

Despite my current symptoms, I am glad to have come this far. I won't be going back on them...EVER!

I hope you feel improvement soon x

[violator]

I hear you on the insomnia, I resorted to taking half a sleeping pill last night. I hated doing it but I work evening shifts and am up from 6am with a toddler, I'm afraid of crashing with lack of sleep.
Glad your GP was reassuring, fingers crossed these symptoms don't last too long for either of us!
I started weaning from 10mgs last July, so 6 months in total. I don't think I could have done it any slower, by the end I was taking a crumb in the mornings.

I don't ever want to go back on the medication either, I had a horrific time starting it and withdrawal is no fun either so would very much like to stay SSRI free for good!