Withdrawing from citalopram - electric shocks!

[KenzoBaby]

I've tapered my dose down from 40mg and for the last week have been off completely. But the last couple of days I keep feeling these sensations like electric shocks. Dr Google says this is normal but does anyone have any tips on easing the withdrawal symptoms.

thanks!

Brain zaps. Yeah they are normal. I don’t have any tips as I had to go back on it but just would like to wish you good luck.

Now your off completely and have been for a week I wouldn't suggest starting to take them again, which is the only way to ease the 'electric shock' sensation- it will pass, but you might have reduced a little too quickly (The sensation is completely normal with all similar medications when coming off, not a nice feeling)

It might sound a little bizarre, but try taking an antihistamine- its something to do with interfering with the receptors that cause the sensation, similar to itching.

Hope it passes soon-

Thanks both!
OK, off to try anti-histamines, will report back!

Just wondering if the antihistamines worked for you at all OP? Have the sensations eased as yet?

Hi
I'm feeling a bit better now. It started last night when I got up and started to do a few things round the house. I think that was better than sitting focussing on how shit I was feeling! And today I've been at work so a lot less time to think about it! I took the antihistamines but it's hard to say what has made the difference. I hope to stay off the anti-depressants and therefore not have to go through withdrawal again!
Thanks both for the support!

When I last withdrew from SSRIs I had the brain blips every few minutes for 20 days and on day 21 they decreased suddenly to one or two a day until vanishing a few days later. The first week at least I definitely couldn't have driven my car. I'm back on them atm but glad I kept a record so I'll know next time exactly how long until they clear.

I forgot to say good luck! I loved the feeling of being free from the meds and the extra energy!

I had this. I lasted about a week then decided I couldn't cope and google said it could last months. I ended up taking a quarter tablet (2.5g) every 3 days for a couple of weeks. I then stopped completely and didn't get brain zaps that time. I suppose I had tapered too quickly (6-8 weeks from 10g a day which I had been taking for about 2 years.)
So my suggestion is talk to your gp about tapering slower.