Citalopram withdrawal

[CantGetNoSleeeeeeep]

Hi, I have been on Citalopram for 9 months for anxiety and depression. It has really helped and I have had talking therapy throughout this time for PTSD. My therapist and I have agreed to not see each other but to leave the door open as I've been doing so well.

So... I have decided to wean off my meds. Discussed with my GP who pretty much said do it however you like?! I was going to start in Nov but my DH felt that with the stress of Christmas it might be wise to wait until after so I halved my dose starting 2nd Jan. I was on 10mg now on 5mg. Had a big low about 5 days in and have felt up and down which I expected needed diazepam for X1 panic attack on day 5.

Now I get to the point! I've had the flu since Thursday and I am on the mend but I am soooo anxious and feel freaked out. I keep telling myself this is withdrawal and to hang in thee it will pass but am convincing myself I can't cope without the meds and to go back up. My counsellor told me to get in touch if I need to see her but I feel like I'm failing if I do :( also I really can not afford financially to see her either. I know I am exhausted from the flu but the other side of me is telling me it's not the flu and its me slipping into depression again.

Not sure what the hell I am asking really! I guess does anyone has experience of this? I remember when 8 first started taking Citalopram the 3rd week I had an awful day long anxiety attack which the GP said is common due to the brain chemistry adjusting to the meds, could that be what is happening now?
Thanks in advance for your advice

Thanks Bagel. This was a different GP she seemed better than the initial one. I think you are right. Let's hope I'm not in this limbo too long. X

Stick with her then. While I was coming off my GP insisted on me checking in with her regularly to make sure it was going OK. And yes, she always asked about exercise, how the job was going, what had made me happy recently.

And you're not failing. It's an illness. Just like a physical illness. You're doing all the right things.

Originally you knew you needed help and you asked for it. When you felt ready to withdraw you tried to do it fast because you took advice from a GP who should have known better.

You recognised that that wasn't working, so you took advice from other sources on the best way to cope and now you're re-planning accordingly. Sounds pretty sensible to me.

Sorry you've had trouble with them.

Do remember if you need them, you need them. I agree you should of been supported whilst coming off them in the first place.

Thanks MrsK, Express and Unborn. I did try to do this without involving work but I think you are right MrsK away from work would be a great idea as work is a huge source of anxiety as I'm also public facing and the day can throw anything it likes at me. I could even work but be office based/home based so I will think on that and factor it into my plan.
Congratulations MrsK! Are you going to try and keep at 10 or ru going to try and come off conpletely?i read you can stay on Citalopram in pregnancy as long as you are monitored.
When you alternate doses daily do you feeling different each day or does it feel even?
Thanks again all of your for your kind words. Already starting to have positive thoughts so I'm on my way back up... Definitely learnt a lesson there!

Thinking back, I think it felt even for me when I was alternating, and the slowness meant the shift was gradual enough for me to handle.

MrsK citalopram is one of the safer ones.

Last time I was pregnant I was switched to amitripiline (sp) as it is pretty much risk free.

If you struggle coming off it's always there for a backup. I'm pg again and just been kept on it. I'm pretty much on them for life though.

Massive congratulations

Cant completely agree with PP. You need to put your health before your job. Pleased to hear your feeling more positive.

I'm having a hard time coming down to 10mg but it's only been a few days.If it doesn't get better I will probably look to switch or stay where I am. I think I need to accept I'll also likely be on them for life!

cant I can't really tell the difference each day where I've taken 20 one night and 10 the next. All I know is that I can definitely feel that I'm coming down because the anxiety has crept back up. If you need to take time from work, then do it. As a PP said, your health is the most important thing here, particularly in an unpredictable and stressful job. Sending hugs for a happy Saturday

MrsK I was on 20mg with DD1 twelve years ago. No problems whatsoever she's completely fine.

I was only changed last time due to due other complications. I'd try not to worry too much (easier said then done I know)

How long does all this monkey business last in at my whits end and thinking of taking them again