Citalopram- experiences of reducing/stopping

[hasanyoneseenmyairpods]

Hi
Bit of a back story. Had a horrible period in my life starting in 2022, was put on 10mg of Citalopram. This was then increased to 20mg in 2023. I’ve remained on this dose for a while.

I feel things are now at a place in my life where I’d like to reduce the dose with the aim of coming off altogether.

Besides the initial GP consultation in 2022, I’ve never had to a face to face with my GP re the symptoms. I simply request a repeat prescription every month. In 2023 using the online form I said I was struggling and my dose was increased.

Whilst I am grateful for what it has done to help me, I do often feel quite “flat” on them… like even when I am really happy… I feel flat, and a bit delayed in realising “oh I am actually ok”, like there’s a cloud around me.

I intend to talk to my GP about tapering the dose down, I just wondered if anyone has any experience of this and what the side effects were, and how long it took before you were eventually off Citalopram altogether?

Thanks!

I'm doing this now, down from 40mg to 20mg and about to go down to 10mg. I've tapered over the last 4 weeks - 2 weeks on 30, then 2 weeks on 20. Tonight will stst on 10. Side effects - headache for the first 3-4 days when I drop a dose. So I might do 15 for a few days and see how I go.

Good to hear you’re doing it! And a gentle congratulations for getting to this point. Did you consult with your GP about tapering off or have you done it by yourself?

I get the brain zaps for 3-4 weeks whenever I move my eyes, which is weird and annoying but harmless. I think I usually go down to 10mg and then just start spacing the doses further and further apart.

I consulted with my GP and she prescribed me a mix of 10 and 20 mg tablets so I could easily taper down without cutting pills in half.