How long do Citalopram discontinuation symptoms last?

[harasgenster]

So after 14 years, I have finally been discharged from therapy, told to go off medication, and declared officially sane! YAAAAY!

However, I'm finding the insomnia and diarrhoea from Citalopram withdrawal a little dreary! So tired today and so much to do! Anyone had experience coming off? How long did you find you were affected by the symptoms?

Cheers!

[Sparkle1984]

Hi, what dose were you on originally and what are you down to now?

[SarahH]

Slowly, VERY slowly reduce the dose.....................to the point where you are cutting up the tablets into tiny pieces...that's how i did it 3 years ago............

[harasgenster]

Thanks for your replies.

I'm only in the first week! I've cut down over the years until I was on 20mg and now I'm doing the proper withdrawal period, which is 10mg for two weeks, then 5mg for two weeks (i.e. 10 on alternate days), then just two 10mg pills per week.

I'd rather cut down at this speed (which is the GP's recommendation) partly because I'm sick of the pills and partly because I think it might help me with discomfort tolerance.

But I was kind of hoping the side effects were just for the first few days on each two week drop because I've got loads planned for the next six weeks and I want to enjoy it all without feeling tired. But I guess it doesn't matter that much really!

[eternally optimistic]

Hi

Havent post in absolutely ages but thought I would mention that I recently had to have medication review, am on 20mg citalopram and have been since dec 2010.

I am doing OK on the meds but wanted to ask advise on what my doctor thought about me coming off totally, he suggested taking up to 3 months to come off the meds. This surprised me and will consider if I want to stop taking them next year.

Having been on them before and had an 18 month period of taking these before I came off by taking every other day and then halving. This didn't cause me any issues.

J