5-htp/ St John's wort for citalopram withdrawal?

[Thisismyhappyface]

I've been on 20mg citalopram for about 10 months, and I think I'm ready to come off it now. I ran out on Sunday, and have been fine without since then, some dizziness and brain zaps, but ok in myself.

Has anyone taken 5-htp or st John's wort to alleviate withdrawal symptoms?

It’s best practice to come off as gradually as possible rather than cold turkey. If you’re experiencing any withdrawal symptoms talk to your doc about a proper dose down titration. In fact I’d talk to them anyway and see if they can wean you off ‘properly.’ There’s been quite a lot recently research wise about AD withdrawal and GPs are keen to have people not stop suddenly.

Remember St. John’s wort can interfere with hormonal contraception.

I've had very recent experience of stopping sertraline 75mg and going straight on 900mg of St John's wort. Initially wasn't too bad but after a few days the SJW wasn't helping me either so I stopped that. Had tinnitus, dizzy spells and aches and pains for a couple of weeks, but this all coincided with bronchitis (which may well have been my immune system compromised by the ADs).

So now I'm on nothing, sitting in GP waiting room to hopefully get something for the fluey bronchitis.

ADs are never, ever a friendly rabbit hole for me. I wish I would learn my lesson. Best of luck with however you decide to come off.

Thanks both. reenchantment this is my second time on them, and first time I weaned off slowly, but felt bloody awful for months. Was half hoping for a short sharp shock this way!

I'm thinking of you, but be careful in case you get something poorly-making over Xmas and new year while GPs are only open odd hours, or not at all. Hopefully you'll be fine. I agree about the short sharp shock! And you can use painkillers here and there if you need them. Just keep very warm and look after yourself extra well for a few weeks.

And keep us posted!

GP just gave me doxycycline. And expressed his approval that I'd turned my back on ADs again! It's a funny old world...

Following - also coming off 20mg Citalopram and getting the same symptoms, i broke mine in half so was sort of taking 10 and doing so every other day so have now stopped altogether, think we just have to ride it out OP
Hope it goes away soon

OP everyone's different...

I felt terrible on 5htp.

SJW didn't cause any actual problems but be aware it affects other medications, contraceptive pill being my main worry at the time.