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Weaning off 20mg Citalopram

8 replies

amsustainchange · 18/09/2023 11:30

This is the 3rd time I have tried to get off this medication and I feel terrible. It has been 2 weeks and I weaned from 20mg - 10mg to 0. Have been having dizziness, anxiety, exhaustion, confusion. Do I go back on and stay on 10 for 6 months??? Please help. Thank you am

OP posts:
DustyLee123 · 18/09/2023 11:32

Do you need to come off it ? My DH was told to stay on it for life.

CurlewKate · 18/09/2023 11:32

Can I ask-why are you trying to stop taking it?

jammiedodgerfriday · 18/09/2023 11:34

I'm on 10mg after weaning down from 30mg and I'll be on that dose forever most likely. Works well for me. Don't come off them if you need them!
The stigma around antidepressants upsets me quite a lot. I'm a pharmacist to boot.

ClematisBlue49 · 18/09/2023 17:10

I got off it successfully with no withdrawal issues after taking it for 2-3 years, but it took about 4 months.

I gradually tapered by missing doses (one per week at first), and then alternating between 20mg and 10mg, increasing the frequency of the latter and then cutting those in half etc. It was quite an effort - I had to use a spreadsheet! The Harvard Medical website had some good tips as I recall.

NB this is not advice - I did this on my own. I'm just relating my own experience.

Edit: just to clarify, I was mainly prescribed it for severe anxiety; my depression was deemed mild to moderate.

irisretic · 18/09/2023 17:14

You are reducing your dosage too fast. I weaned myself off it but it took six months from 20mgs with a 2.5mg reduction every few weeks. However, my best advice is to talk it through with your GP first.

DollyTwat · 18/09/2023 17:19

My dr told me the best way to come off was to lengthen the gap between doses

so, if you take it at 10am, wait til 11 the next day. Then keep adding an hour each day
it did take me ages, and I did still get brain zaps for a bit

Wolfiefan · 18/09/2023 17:23

That is way way too quick. You need to speak to whoever prescribed it and come up with a proper plan.

SheilaFentiman · 18/09/2023 17:26

20 to 10 to 0 in two weeks seems way too fast, have you had medical advice?

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