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Need to stop citalopram

6 replies

Yorkie177 · 10/10/2022 08:49

Been taking citalopram only 3 days- can’t persevere- feel horrendous. Have called the GP and she said to stop immediately. I know lots feel better after a few weeks but can’t put myself through this- sickness and panic attacks, feeling completely out of it, shaking and cold sweats. Would love to hear recommendations for alternatives: meds or natural therapies. I have tried hypnotherapy which didn’t help.

Bit of context: Have a long term chronic health condition which is usually managed but got quite ill all last year which coincided with a bereavement and obvs the pandemic etc. Even though I got better and condition now managed again I seemed to develop a lot of anxiety when leaving the house- travelling even on short journeys- feeling unsafe, trapped etc, don’t feel I can take up invitations or do a lot of the things I would usually. Any advice gratefully received!

OP posts:
BlackSwan · 10/10/2022 09:59

I'm sorry you haven't managed well with citalopram.

What dose did you start on? I do better on escitalopram... which is similar but different.

Does your anxiety involve racing heart etc? If so, you may find beta blockers really helpful. I wish I had heard about them sooner.

The GP told me they're often the first thing he prescribes for people with situational anxiety. They work completely differently to SSRIs. They keep your heart at a nice even beat - so you don't get jittery. Honestly if you're able to take them give it shot. YOu don't need to take them all the time, just when you're about to be faced with situations which make you anxious.

Yorkie177 · 10/10/2022 11:27

thank you for replying. I was a bit blade about citalopram as took it years and years ago for a short period and had no side effects that I remember at all. I have tried propranolol which didn’t do much at all but almost feel I need to reset in a way and thought these would help. It’s almost like I was really anxiety ridden whilst ill and can’t seem to convince myself I’m ok now and can get on with things. However it’s not depression and I feel fine a lot of the time especially at home, the gym etc whereas now feel I can’t leave the house! Really hoping it’s out of my system quickly 😞

OP posts:
Yorkie177 · 10/10/2022 11:27

blasé! Not blade!

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Yorkie177 · 10/10/2022 11:28

10mg only

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BlackSwan · 10/10/2022 11:44

I wonder whether starting on 5 for a week might have been better.

Yorkie177 · 14/10/2022 20:01

what kind of side effects did you have with escitalopram? I have tried beta blockers and they don’t do anything for me and the problem is I get really bad anxiety every time I leave the house, drive my car for more than 10 mins, get an invitation etc. Just feel I can’t do anything I’d like to.

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