Ran out of Citalopram a week ago...

[LittlebearH]

I have been taking it for a few months and seem to be a lot better. I was on 20mg. I ran out last week as I forgot to make an appt with my GP and then the snow arrived but thought I was better may as well do without it now.

However since then I keep getting tingling in my arms and hands. I have been a bit snappy and miserable as I have been tired as keep waking from very vivid dreams.

Is this a coincidence? Will it pass? Or maybe I am not better and maybe the severe anxiety will come back?

I was unsure if I was really depressed as my DD is a bad sleeper and have had a really rough start with becoming a mum (traumatic birth and BF problems) but this has improved since I did CC recently.

Has anyone had this from coming off it?

You did come off it a bit fast and the symptoms you describe cann all be explained as sudden withdrawal symptoms. You were really meant to go to 10mg for a bit before stopping.

It doesn't really matter whether you were really depressed or not - citalopram is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor which means it stops your body from reabsorbing serotonin (''happy hormone'') and you will have gotten used to the higher serotonin levels - that's why you ideally need to withdraw gradually.

Not sure though whether after a week there's much point getting back on if your mood is stable and you can cope with the withdrawal symptoms. Just keep an eye on it I guess and speak to the doc if needed

DH has come off it several times, both suddenly and gradually (he doesn't like being on meds so periodically refuses to take them) and has had all kinds of side effects, including those you describe. The side effects will pass (can take a few months, but usually within a couple of weeks) but I can't say whether or not your anxiety will return, only time will tell - sorry!

I would add that the vivid dreams bit could just be associated with being sleep deprived, it happened to me when DD was newborn and I'm not on any meds. I did have PND without taking medication and just got through it eventually, but whether or not this would be suitable for you is such as personal decision that you really need to talk through it with a good health professional who has time to listen to exactly how you're feeling.

Ultimately, it's up to you, but if it were me I would see the GP and explain how you feel. You can decide together what works best for you.

Good luck!

i always find that when i run out of pills i do get very tingly hands all the time, and my eyes go all weird and tingly too.
NEVER a good idea to let yourself run out or come off them too quickly!

awe littlebearH you cant come off it like that as you will encounter these side effects?if you read up the information you would have seen but then again we hate to read up as it might put us off?get to a doctor asap?even the emergancey unit will take this on board as you will feel terrible ?evan when the doctor take you off this drug you are weaned off it go and see about this now my friend and you will be glad you did and start to feel better again bless you lets know how you get on x

Hi...thanks for your posts!
I think I am alright, but I have got my period now and so was suffering with PMT too. I lobbed a plate accross the kitchen in a rage with DP

I still have tingly hands and having very vivid dreams still but am not feeling too bad now.
I haven't been able to get to drs as still loads of snow about.

I will make an appt for next week to see GP. I am wondering if feeling ok is temporary or if I will start going backwards???