Citalopram withdrawal, head zaps & dizziness, when will it stop?

[ScoobyMootoo]

I was on 30mg, been taking this or 20mg for 4 years. I was prescribed it as I had very severe pnd and was suicidal. Anyway, I feel well, have for quite a while. 3 months ago I started tapering off my dose until I got down to about 5mg a day. I stopped entirely 5 days ago. The dizziness and strange sensation in my head are driving me crazy. Anyone know how long it's likely to last? I'm trying not to take anymore citalopram and to ride it out but it's so hard! Thank you.

I still had hallucinations for about 6 weeks after coming off it so I think it does stay in your system for a while.

Ahh those bloody head zaps! I know exactly what you mean!! So annoying!
They should stop pretty soon, how often were you taking it while you were tapering it off?

Yes, the hallucinations too! I had awful ones last night, don't fancy that for weeks. I skipped a day between 5mgs a couple of days and felt fine so thought would go for it. I'm like a bear with a sore head at the moment. Terrible insomnia too but luckily I have prescription sleeping tablets. Can't wait for this to be over.

Has your GP asked you to come off the tablets, OP? What did they suggest for reducing the dose?

I find that by 21 days everything felt better. Brain zaps are the worst I hope you feel better soon

21 days! I was hoping this wouldn't last more than a few days . Haven't spoken to my GP about this. It's something I feel I need to do to put the awful memories of how ill I was behind me. Taking these tablets feels like a constant reminder. I hope that makes sense.

Even once you completely stop it seems to take weeks to be properly clear of them. Hated the fuckers.

I was on 20mg for about 2 years. They weren't really helping me (weight gain, tiredness and lack of motivation didn't help my depression) so I tried to come off them a couple of times cold turkey and got horrendous head zaps and dizziness. I gradually reduced down in the end. 10mg every day for a few wks, then every other day, then 5mg. Think it took me about 3 mths to totally get off them. And even after I stopped talking them, the head zaps continued for a month or 2 but they did become less frequent and not as strong. So glad I did, the weight dropped off and I had more energy. Best of luck.

That's interesting Alphajuno, I've gained a ton of weight since starting this medication. Just not cared enough to do anything about it until recently. Added energy would be a bonus. Still dizzy, knackered n having head zaps but a slight improvement on yesterday so I will persevere. It's been helpful speaking to you all, thank you.

@ScoobyMootoo I have read about a lot of people saying they've gained weight on this medication but you speak to gps and they deny it or just say it makes you eat more. I never had to watch what I ate too much before I was on it but I gained nearly 2 stone and I don't think I was eating more. I'm not a massive eater anyway. It got me so stressed out and I started experimenting with loads of different diets, none of which worked. I eventually thought it might be better not to eat atall and started trying to cut out meals. Not good for someone with anxiety and depression, it was verging on an eating disorder. I stopped the tablets, carried on eating normally and I went back to my normal weight. My mum however is on the same tablets and they've not made her gain weight so they must affect people differently.

I stopped taking 20mg Citalopram 8 days ago cold turkey (had been taking for about 7 months). I rode out some anxiety and depression after about 3-4 days, but my head has been spinning the whole time and doesn't seem to be getting better. Makes everyday tasks like walking and driving hard! Really hope it goes away soon as it's driving me mad. Even typing this out and looking down at the keyboard causes a horrible vertigo sensation.

I had brain zaps and dizzy spells combing off sertraline.

Lasted about three weeks.