How best can I come off Citalopram?

Question

I've been on 30m for 2 years and have used the drug in combination with cognitive behavioural therapy which has been a great success (for issues with panic and anxiety) but I now feel that I should come off the pills. Problem is that still get nervous and a bit full of adrenaline at times. It's ok because I can use CBT to get myself back in order. I guess the question is - should I come off or not?

Answer 1

I have been on SSRIs for nine years now and Citalopram for six of them... My doctor says I will probably be on them for life and quite honestly I accept that.

As he says, the benefits to me outweigh any potential harm.

I guess that's the question you need to ask.. do the benefits of the drugs outweigh your desire to come off them?

Why not try a structured plan of withdrawal with your GP down  to say 10mg a day.

This dose is considered to be sub therapeutic but some people cope quite nicely on it... and then at least you have cut down considerably while still having that 'safety net'.

Good luck whatever you decide!

Answer 2

If you don't feel ready, don't do it.  You can safely stay on it for years and years (perhaps all your life).

If you do decide, gradually taper very very slowly---even more slowly than recommended---to reduce the effects.  

When I went off, I did it very slowly (taking 8 months in total to go from 20 mg a day down to 0) and I had no problems, except a couple of those 'brain zap' things, which feel weird but do not hurt.

But, if you don't feel totally ready, stay on it, and stay happy!

Answer 3

You should first talk to your doctor about coming off citalopram. It does come in 3 strengths so it would be easy to come off it gradually by reducing your dose firstly to 20mg then 10mg over a period of time I wouldn't recommend doing it on your own though.  

Answer 4

Citalopram is the right drug, don't get off it is my best advice.

Answer 5

Personally I don't think that you should come off the pills. Certainly not without discussing it with your doctor first.

Answer 6

A big part of panic/anxiety disorders is the feeling of loss of control. You need to be able to come off citalopram but remain in control of your anxieties to prevent panic attacks which can set you right back to square one. I suggest you discuss coming off the tablets with your doctor and CBT specialist as you would probably benefit from a slight up-regulation of your sessions just to prevent you losing all the progress you've made. In any case, you need to come off citalopram in a gradual fashion to minimise side affects etc. Chat to your doctor, but if you feel ready then it's worthwhile giving it a try.  

Answer 7

Really you should have been clear of symptoms for 6mts before you come off citalopram and the fact you still get 'nervous' and 'full of adrenaline at times' means that the symptoms have not fully gone away.

You should only start withdrawl from citalopram under advice of your gp as you will get withdrawal effects. The gp over a number of weeks, will withdrawl the amount you take, probably making you go down to 20mg for a couple of weeks, then 10mg.

If you try to do it quickly, or are not ready to come off them then you will come down to earth with a bang quite quickly

Answer 8

I think this is one to discuss with your doctor and best not on here..Im my opinion having been on citalopram and now on other antidepressants..I personally would say no...

All drugs need to be medicatated properly..and doing it yourself is not the answer.

I wish you well for the future x*x