Coming off citalopram and feeling weird

[Headzaps]

I’ve been taking citalopram for quite a while now. I was on the highest dose(40mg) and it is t doing what it used to, so GP suggested trying a different kind but I need to wean off this first.
the last 2-3 days I’ve taken, on the GPs advice, half my usual dose(20mg) and I feel rubbish. Not necessary in more anxious or down but physically. The brain zaps are horrible, I’m tired but can’t sleep, feel a bit nauseous too.
Has anyone any experience of this and how long will I feel crappy?
GP is calling me in 2 weeks to see where I’m up to. Don’t want to feel like this for 2 weeks!

You're feeling the side effects of withdrawal. Stick with it and it will clear in 1-2 weeks usually.

Definitely the side effects of coming off it. Push through and it'll be over. Mine was 1-2 weeks but the most bizarre head fogginess, plus I couldn't sleep well either!

Unfortunately you probably will feel rough until you start the new antidepressant. I came off citalopram to switch to a different one earlier this year. Weaning off was horrible. I felt dreadful for a couple of weeks. Sorry OP - 40mg is quite a high dose and cutting it in half is putting your body into withdrawal. For some people it lasts a long time, but if you're starting a new drug it should stop then.

Do you mind me asking what you swapped to?

Yes I swapped to Escitalopram. Sounds the same but it's a different drug. My withdrawal symptoms went away very quickly when I started it.