Celexa (Citalopram) is a drug used to help treat symptoms of major depression. It is considered an SSRI (selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor) which means it influences the serotonin in the brain to help ward off depressive symptoms. It is also used as an off-label treatment for anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). For many individuals, this drug is effective and serves the intended purpose of treating depression.
The problem with Celexa is that many people find that it leads to unbearable side effects including: weight gain and sexual dysfunction. Not only can this drug provoke unwanted side effects, in some cases it just doesn’t work as well as expected. There have also been disputes as to whether the R-stereoisomer of the drug has any effect. Some have argued that it is better to take Lexapro, which is essentially Celexa without the R-stereoisomer.
In any regard, most people that take Celexa will end up wanting to withdraw from it eventually. Most people do not want to be on antidepressants for life in order to cope with depression. There are simply too many side effects and most people notice that the antidepressant effects tend to wear off over time. In any event, if you withdraw from this medication, it is pretty much guaranteed that you are going to experience withdrawal symptoms.
Factors that influence Celexa withdrawal include…
There are various factors that play a role in influencing withdrawal from any psychiatric medication. These factors include things like: time span, dosage, your physiology, and whether you decided to quit cold turkey or conducted a gradual taper.
1. Time Span
How long were you taking Celexa? In general, the longer you take an antidepressant, the more difficult it will be to withdraw from. Your brain becomes accustomed to getting the extra serotonin activity as a result of the SSRI that you are taking. When you stop the drug, your brain isn’t get the extra serotonin that it was getting and may have a tough time readjusting to functioning without Celexa.
2. Dosage (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg)
Most of the time people are on a 20 mg dose of Celexa, but it can be administered at doses up to 40 mg per day. Some people may be on smaller doses than 20 mg, but in general, 20 mg is considered the standard dose. In most cases, the greater the amount of the drug that you have taken, the tougher it is to withdraw from.
3. Individual Physiology
In many cases, withdrawal symptoms are largely due to individual reactions to the drug. One person may experience extreme withdrawal symptoms that last months, while another person may feel back to 100% after a couple weeks of discontinuation. Many individual factors including: withdrawal sensitivity, environment, social support, and physiology can have an influence. If you experience a more extreme withdrawal than most, it could be largely due to individual differences.
4. Cold Turkey vs. Tapering
How did you quit taking Celexa? Did you stop abruptly without conducting a gradual taper? Or did you conduct a gradual taper over the course of a couple months? In most cases, the more slowly and cautiously you taper off of this medication, the easier it is to readjust to functioning without the drug.
If you quit cold turkey, it leaves most people in a state of mental disarray and chaos and the symptoms may be more severe. If you were on a high dose of Celexa (i.e. 40 mg), the weaning process should take longer than someone on 10 mg.
Celexa Withdrawal Symptoms: List of Possibilities
Below are a list of common symptoms that you may experience upon withdrawal from Celexa. Understand that you may experience a few of the symptoms, none of the symptoms, or most of the symptoms – it all depends on your individual circumstances. This list was created to help people so that they know what may occur during withdrawal.
- Anxiety: The anxiety that you experience during withdrawal may be pretty severe. It may be so severe that you feel nervous everywhere you go and/or have panic attacks. This is a result of your brain being left without reuptake inhibition of serotonin.
- Brain zaps: Most SSRIs can lead to a person experiencing “brain zaps” or electrical shock sensations upon withdrawal. These can be very uncomfortable and actually feel like your head is plugged into an electrical socket. Just know that these will subside the longer you are off the drug.
- Concentration problems: Many people report that they are unable to focus during withdrawal. It may be difficult to complete work-related tasks or school work during withdrawal. In many cases the concentration problems are due to the fact that physical symptoms distract our mental focus. Additionally a person may feel mentally slow and/or foggy when they stop the medication – this is likely due to changes in levels of neurotransmitters.
- Confusion: Your cognitive functioning can become impaired when you quit taking Celexa to the point of experiencing general confusion. This confusion may be a result of memory retrieval problems, but could also just be confused thinking.
- Crying spells: Some people report increased depression to the point of crying spells. Low serotonin can cause people to cry excessively. You may cry more than you have in your entire life during a withdrawal. Know that these spells will lessen in severity and eventually stop.
- Depression: Most people feel significantly worse when they stop taking Celexa in regards to depression. Many people feel as if their depression is actually worse than before they took this medication. This is a result of their brain no longer inhibiting the re-uptake of serotonin to the degree that occurred on the medication. It will take an extended period of time to fully recover from the withdrawal depression.
- Diarrhea: Some people experience an upset stomach to the point of diarrhea during their withdrawal. Â This is not as common of a symptom as others, but can be difficult to deal with if you are dealing with this. Â An easy solution for coping with this is to get some over-the-counter Imodium.
- Dizziness: Feeling dizzy is one of the most common symptoms to experience during SSRI withdrawal. If you suddenly stop taking Celexa cold turkey, the dizziness is thought to be longer lasting and more profound than during a gradual taper. Either way, you are likely going to experience some degree of dizziness when you quit. Â The longer you are off the drug, the more this symptom will improve.
- Fatigue: You may feel excessively fatigued for awhile after you quit Celexa. It may be difficult to get out of bed in the morning or even make it through a work day. The tiredness and lethargy may be pretty severe. Just recognize that this will gradually improve and your energy levels will start to return over time.
- Headaches: This is another classic symptom of SSRI withdrawal. Some people feel minor headaches for awhile, yet for others the headaches are pounding and feel more like migraines. Having a headache with dizziness is certainly uncomfortable – but both of these will gradually improve.
- Insomnia: Since some people take Celexa for treating insomnia, it is no wonder that they may actually experience insomnia when they stop taking it. Additionally even if you have never had insomnia before taking this drug, you may experience it during withdrawal.
- Irritability: Most people report a high amount of irritability in the first few weeks when they discontinue this drug. This is because the brain no longer is receiving the calming effect of the drug and it can be difficult to regulate emotions.
- Memory problems: It is common to experience memory problems to the point that you think you have lost your memory. Although you haven’t likely lost any memory, your thinking may be impaired so that your memory retrieval is impaired. As you recover during withdrawal, this will eventually heal itself.
- Mood swings: It’s very common to have bad mood swings when you stop taking Celexa. One minute you may feel pretty good, the next you may feel more depressed than ever. Just understand that these mood swings are all part of withdrawal. They may persist for a long time, but will eventually subside.
- Nausea: Some people experience nausea when they first quit this drug. You may feel nauseated all day and in some cases, want to vomit. Most people do not have nausea extreme enough to lead to vomiting, but it can be a tough withdrawal symptom to deal with.
- Sleep changes: It is very likely that your sleep cycle will be affected when you withdraw from this drug. You may notice that you have crazy dreams and/or that you aren’t able to get a good night’s sleep. You may sleep during the day and be unable to fall asleep at night. Just know that things will return to normal if given enough time.
- Suicidal thoughts: It is very common to experience suicidal thoughts when discontinuing an antidepressant. Any SSRI that is withdrawn from is likely to lead a person to feeling suicidal. Many doctors view this as a worsening in depression, when in reality it is a result of antidepressants causing suicidality upon withdrawal.
- Weight changes: Most people gain weight when they take Celexa – this is a result of serotonin changes. When a person stops taking this drug, they will likely drop the weight that they gained while taking the drug. Â For more information read about antidepressants and weight gain.
Celexa Withdrawal Timeline: How long does it last?
Most doctors will tell you that the withdrawal symptoms should subside within a few weeks of withdrawal. If your symptoms subside within a few weeks, consider yourself lucky and in the minority. Most people experience withdrawal effects over a month after they have quit their medication. I recommend giving yourself at least 90 days before evaluating the withdrawal symptoms.
I have gone through my fair share of antidepressant withdrawals – including that from Celexa and have found that three months time is good for re-evaluation. The problem for most people is that the symptoms are so severe in the first few weeks of withdrawal that they feel as if their life will never be the same. During withdrawal it is important to do your best not to get caught up in the symptoms – rather focus on what you can do to recover as fast as possible.
Things that will help you recover quicker include: eating healthy, forcing yourself to get some light exercise, and getting a proper night’s sleep. If you are struggling to come to terms with symptoms and/or cope, be sure to talk to a therapist or professional about what you are experiencing. It can also be very helpful to talk to others on forums that are also going through Celexa withdrawal – many people that have experienced it are better to talk to because they actually “get it.”
Feel free to share your experience with the withdrawal process in the comments section below. This may give someone else some reassurance that they are not alone in dealing with difficult symptoms. I personally have withdrawn from this medication and know that it’s not easy, but I also know that as enough time passes, you will eventually experience a full recovery.
After taking this citalopram 20/40mg for over six years for severe depression and anxiety I’ve finally weaned off it. Whilst taking this I had really bad brain zaps, visual disturbances, heart palpitations, disrupted periods, panic attacks, anxiety and so much more. Every time I went to my doctor to ask if it was a side affect of the drug they said no.
After some routine blood tests they found my prolactin levels had been really high during the time on the drug. I’ve had to wean off the drug because it has aggravated my pituitary gland and I have a small tumor forming on the left hand side of the gland. The doctor now blames the drug for this.
My withdrawal symptoms have been pretty hard to deal with but my prolactin levels are now “in” the normal range. Hopefully the withdrawal symptoms will settle soon and I can get on with life. 15 days and counting ?
Wow the same thing happened to me re the prolactin levels whilst on Citalopram, they said I had a tumour on the pituitary gland called a prolactinoma, though they put me on another drug for this called Cabergoline and my bloods are back in the normal range, but though I no longe take Citalopram I am still on Cabergoline and may be for quite some time – none of the Dr’s have associated Citalopram with the tumour though are you on any other meds for your prolactin levels. – Shiz X
So ok I’m like one of the few that just ran out of meds. I’ve been on 20 mg for over 6 years. I’m currently going through a divorce and feel like this is the worst time possible to stop something for my anxiety/depression. However I would like to wean myself off. The headaches are definitely getting to me.
Also, I am having nightmares, not just strange dreams. Unsure of where to go from here. Should I start it back and then begin the tapering off or go ahead and stick with the quitting cold turkey since I’m already 5 days into being off of it?
I was on celexa for 2 years, I did a super slow taper and now I am 19 days off. I have body aches, some headaches, confusion and fatigue. I am a little anxious but not at all like I thought I would be. I am hoping that I am nearing the end of the withdrawal symptoms and can soon have my life back. I hope not to ever have to go back on antidepressants but if I do, I will be sure to do my research. Hang in there everyone… there is light at the end of tunnel.
I have been on 20mg Celexa for about five years for anxiety and heart palpitations. It took both away, and the stress I was under went away too. So about 2 1/2 yrs. ago I weaned myself off. I was off for at least 6 months and still had the dizziness. It is the weirdest feeling, and what is really crazy is I felt it in the back of my tongue.
Anyway I had a hysterectomy last May, and went crazy afterward. It felt that way anyway. Very bad anxiety, depressed, a very heavy lost feeling. So the dr. tried another anti-depressant and it made me worse. Back to Celexa I went. I ran out about 5-6 days ago, and thought “I don’t need it” and did not call for a refill. What a mistake. Just had the worst weekend of my life.
Turned 49, and no one that I love dearly even wished me Happy Birthday. So cried, and stayed in bed. Suicidal thoughts along with sleeping almost the whole weekend. Called to get my refill but I am out of refills and it’s Sunday. Hoping the doctor will get to it first thing in the morning. I have never felt so low in my whole life. I think I will be a lifer with Celexa.
So sorry to hear of your awful experince Vicci. I hope you are doing much better now. Have you gone fully back on to Celexa? I have just gone fully off it after weaning off over 18 months and am feeling terrible. Depressed, crying a lot, suicidal thoughts. Much like your experience from the sound of it. Hopefully it will pass before too long!
Been on this for around 8 years. This past week I forgot to get my script filled (down from 20mg to 10 now) Wednesday I took the last one. By Saturday I was a mess, depressed, sweating like a hog, and angry. I can’t believe this stuff has been controlling me like this. Scared the crap out of me, hard time breathing (anxiety I suppose) I had some Xanax and took one of those. Then this morning I found one last citalopram. I had a rough couple days and am glad I found this site. Thanks everyone for the help.
2 weeks on 30mg, down from 40mg which I had been taking for close to 10 years. I am feeling so sad, out of control, crying for no reason. Really hope it improves. Thanks for sharing everyone. Nice to not feel alone.
Stick with it. Went from 20 to 10 and it wasn’t too bad. Read my post. I felt the same way you are Saturday. Check with your doctor. She is slowly reducing my citalopram and wrote me a script for Xanax to have around in case I need it for anxiety. Glad I had it. Helped me.
Hi Sarah!! Yes, around 2-3 weeks I also felt depressed and tired again, for almost every tapering level. But it went away eventually!! Sometimes fast, sometimes slower, but it always went away, so hang in there!! Hope it works out for you!!
I’ve been on celexa for 20 some years and I felt like it wasn’t working for me anymore so the past month I started weaning myself off. I’m off it now and I feel dizzy waves, nausea, crying spells but I didn’t really think it was that I went off until I read this and now it makes sense. I’m glad I’m not the only one and sure hope these feeling stop soon (I’m crying as I’m writing this).
Hi Tina!! Every person is different, most get over the withdrawal after a while (months) some after a longer time ( 1 y -> ) and some don’t..sadly.. But..even if it doesn’t go away it might improve in intensity and frequency! But it was very strong of you to be able to stop after 20 years!!
Been off celexa for 11 days now, cold turkey. I was taking 40 mg. My biggest problem seems to be the crazy dreams and strong swimminess in my brain. The feeling of wanting to shake my head to get the cob webs out. Lol staying strong though this needs to be out of me!
Hi. Having been prescribed Citalopram 20mg approximately six months ago, not for depression as such, but for 24/7 Sciatic pain that was causing occasional “crying sessions”. My GP explained that Citalopram can be of assistance for nerve pain and consequently I took the drug without any research. I must admit that within the first few days.
I felt much better mentally and realized that although the Citalopram did not reduce the pain, it did prompt me to accept the continuous pain. Five days ago, I stopped taking it, as I was fed up with the nausea, tiredness (I could easily sleep most of the day, eat and then go back to sleep for the night) and slight weight gain. I should add that I am up at 5 am every day and in the gym at 6am for a 90-120 minute workout. Three days after stopping, the difference was incredible.
The nausea decreased substantially and for the last two days I have experienced what I can only describe as a “power surge”. My performance in the gym, both CV and weights has literally gone off the scale creating the most profound sensation. I’m sure this will settle once my body has retuned without the drug. Continuous pain can and does depress the individual, but I will not consider taking this drug again. Incidentally, I am 65 years old.
I am withdrawing from celexa for the third time. I hate this drug but the docs keep putting me on it. Never again. I am so depressed I want to die and have the most violent mood swings. Dizzy and tired. Hate it.
Hi. I have been off celexa for about 4 wks. I was on it for about a year. I took it it for about a year in 2009-2010. I weaned off the first time and did not experience any bad side effects. Had I known I would have had to really weigh out my battle against anxiety against what I am going thru now. I have had tingling in my hands and body. Nausea. Gas. Fatigue. Irritability. Stomach and bathroom issues. Dizziness and more dizziness.
It is hard because I always feel self – conscious about my anxiety and going to get help for it. I want to be over it and it seems to be a circular beast that feeds on itself. I don’t want to medicate for treatment but when I get off and withdraw from the drug I feel that I should be back on it. I hope (big word for us who have anxiety and depression issues) that time will alleviate these symptoms… and my fear of it lasting forever.
I am glad I found this site… I really thought I was alone.
Hi there, I have only been on Citalopram for just over a month, not for depression but for anxiety. I have decided I don’t want to be on it anymore. I have tried other antidepressants for about the last 6 months but always get cold feet after about a month cos I don’t want to get hooked on it and stop taking it. My doctor is getting mad with me.
Reading these posts scares me as it seems so hard to wean off. Do you think after 1 month I should wean off or just stop cold turkey. Already in the month I have gained weight and lost sex drive, I also have really bad headaches which I never get and cant get out of bed in the morning. Is there anyone else in this situation?
Wean off. Don’t risk it.
I just turned sixty and I have been on citalopram (40 mg) for 16 years, Wow! I know. Three weeks ago I went off this drug cold turkey, actually I went off of my blood pressure medicine as well. At the same time I started a new way of eating, which is all natural, plant based. At first I had felt the best I have ever felt in my life and this was wonderful. I bought a book “How not to Die.”
I was eating nuts and dropping my blood pressure by 15 points, absolutely fantastic. Then one day after two weeks my head felt funny and I brushed it off and didn’t even give it a second thought. Then my third week. Wow! What a difference, I thought I had a bad case of the flu! My stomach is so nauseous and I had the runs, so so sick, dizzy at times can’t stand the smell of most things.
Sometimes I’m unable to even stand, but I’m not going to go back. I’m on my way forward, sometimes I feel fine and when I don’t that sucks. Good news in three weeks I’ve lost 20 lbs. I just gave it all to God and I know he will see me through, I trust and he loves. So I will continue with my quest to be off all medications. This is my story and I hope it has helped, to hear my story. God Bless All.
I’m grateful for everyones’ stories and comments. I was on 40mg of citalopram for over 5 years, maybe 8, I don’t remember. I decreased to 20 for 2 weeks, then 20 every other day, as per my physician. I started taking St. John’s Wort about 2 weeks into my decreasing dosage. It’s been a little over a week since I’ve finished the citalopram.
Ugh! I have headaches, my head feels like it’s in a vise, hot/cold flashes, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. I’m leaving on a 10 day 40th anniversary trip next week (or supposed to) and am having second thoughts. I’ve taken Tylenol to help with the headaches, and mint tea for the nausea. Does anyone have any other advice? I’m about ready to go back on citalopram so my trip isn’t miserable.
What a wonderful article this is. So helpful as all the comments from every single person. I went on this medication 10 months ago when Anxiety got so bad living in a very abusive marriage. It helped with the daily constant crying, panic attacks, anxiety… Ultimately depression too. Even putting on weight didn’t matter because I felt I could cope.
I am now on my 6th day of going cold turkey from 20mgs. The worst things are the feelings behind my eyes, as though there’s a jolt of lightening and I can practically hear my eyes move which I read someone also had. I think you call it brain zaps. I feel a little sick too with a dry mouth and had a good loud cry today but it’s good to have a release I think.
I feel like I deserve a good cry as long as I get up afterwards and do something nice for myself like walking and listening to the birds sing. Just wanted to tell anyone who’s suffering too that I believe you will get better, I believe I will get better. I believe it.
I have decided to eat better, drink more water, get better sleep, exercise and laugh more and most importantly divorce the man that’s given me scars mentally, emotionally and physically. When I am having a bad day I will come back to this site and I have bookmarked it as no doubt the cold turkey won’t be easy.
Wishing you magic and love everyone. Katie.
I have been taking Celexa for over 15 years. I am determined to stop this medication in an effort to minimize the Rx’s I feel are no longer needed. I originally was put on Celexa for depression due to chronic pain and migraines. Since neck surgery, I no longer have chronic pain, therefore, I would like to stop Celexa. I am concerned about the withdrawal symptoms however, and am a bit frightened about crashing emotionally. Any encouragement is appreciated.
Hi everyone. I have been off Citalopram for thirty days now, after taking 40mg for a period of years, and have been suffering from all the withdrawal effects mentioned. Starting at the time when I stopped completely I have been experiencing numbness, tingling, weakness, and muscle spasms, particularly down the left side from my head to the tips of my fingers. I have been attributing this to withdrawal symptoms, however, the Doctor has suggested this has nothing to do with withdrawal. Has anyone else experienced these as part of their withdrawal experience? Thank you, Anna Rose
I have been on them for 18 years at 40mg for the last 10. I am struggling like hell.
Hi Kimmie. Have you stopped taking it now? Hope you are feeling a bit better.
I have been off Citalopram for 2 months now, and all your stories helped a lot for me. I started with Citalopram 4 years ago in order to reduce my anxiety level. I had a severe panic attack in the car, due to a stressful period in my life. So the doctors prescribed me Citalopram. In those 4 years the anxiety got lower. I don’t know if this was due to the medication, or just the changes in my life.
A half year ago I developed some unexplainable fatigue symptoms, for which I was examined. My blood, heart, echoes were all good. But the specialist in the hospital advised me to stop with the Citalopram, because that could be the cause of the fatigue. I wanted to stop with the medication earlier, but I was too afraid to stop with it. So this advice was the push I needed to actually stop.
I made an appointment with my psych to tell him I wanted to stop with Citalopram. He agreed with it, and told me to first go down to 10mg (I was on 20mg), and then after a week (!?) completely stop with it. He also told me that the side effects probably weren’t so bad. He was wrong. Because I found 1 week on 10mg too short, I took 10mg for a month. After that month I stopped completely.
The first week was so bad. I didn’t feel anything different. The second week the brain zaps kicked in. I thought I was going crazy. Luckily I read that it’s part of the withdrawal, so that eased my mind. Those brain zaps lasted about the weeks. I also had loss of concentration, memory problems and sometimes trouble speaking.
After those 3 weeks the brain zaps stopped, but then feelings of depression and severe anxiety kicked in. The intensity of the anxiety and depression were the highest I ever experienced. Sometimes I didn’t know what to do with myself. Now after 2 months the anxiety and depression are still there, but it seems like they are slowly decreasing in intensity. I hope they will continue to do so.
Like said in the article, I’m giving myself at least 3 months to evaluate. I will update this post in about two weeks to share my experience further.
I hope my story will help someone out there with their fight to stop with this medication! Love from The Netherlands!
I am post withdrawal from Klonopin about 9 months and 4 months from Celexa. I don’t know if what I am experiencing now is still residual from these two meds. I was also on opiates at the same time as the Klonopin for 10 years after a horrific car accident and many, many surgeries. I detoxed 27 times off of opitates and a few times off the benzos during the 10 years, so I am very aware of PAWS, in fact, I educate others now; because it irritates me how the medical field is not.
I’m not sure if the extreme mood swings, horrible anger and aggression bouts that are so unlike me, that happen at the drop of a hat, are from the Celexa or not. My body temperature still fluctuates all the time and my body itches a lot. I’m not sure if these are due to the meds or not, so I’m trying to educate myself further.
I find that if I at least know what to expect, I’ve won half the battle; at least it worked with the opiate PAWS. What has been your experience and research about the long-term effects of Celexa? Thanks for the great article!!
Hi – I’d been thinking about coming off for a while now and found this website/blog – I read through it all and decided to come off cold turkey… It’s been 10 days now and I think as far as the side effects are concerned I am doing pretty well (actually very well) but one thing I am struggling with is the dizzy spells. It’s not so much spells, because for the last five days I am feeling dizzy all the time, I have to close my eyes as my head feel like I’m spinning. The other effects are not so bad, so can anyone tell me how long this will last? It’s starting to really get to me. I’m trying not to worry but it is beginning to stress me. :(
Thank God I found this website and all the helpful comments. I am withdrawing from celexa and klonopin (1mg.) at the same time. Anybody else out there doing this? I am 67 and have been on both for 25 years for panic and anxiety. My family doc told me that I should stop the klonopin because of a recent study that suggests that folks who take this after 65 might have cognitive losses.
He didn’t say anything about the citalopram, but I figured that since they were both prescribed together as a cocktail, I should probably go off both of them. In addition, I am now retired and my everyday stress is way down, so I don’t feel depressed or very anxious too often. One more variable, I was also taking the klonopin for restless leg syndrome and because I have stopped that, I have had to add ropinirole.
God knows what is going on inside my body. I just need to know that this will all be worth it. I have been having a rough time, but now, at least, I know that what I am experiencing is probably withdrawal symptoms. I tapered slowly from 20mg. 1x day to 10mg every other day and then cold turkeyed about a week ago. I probably should have taken it slower as I have been under siege with stomach pain, nausea, insomnia, bizarre dreams and mental fog.
Hello. I just wanted to say I think it will be worth it… Stay strong… I’m only on my sixth day of cold turkey but I understand what you mean asking if it will be worth it. You deserve to feel better, we all do. I’m rooting for you! Katie
I was on celexa for a year and a half and 2 months ago I started to taper from 20mg to 10mg to 5mg then to 5mg every other day. I’ve been without the drug now for 7 days. During the taper process the zaps and dizziness were occasional but now that I’m off the zaps are just constant. My eyes seem to lag behind when my head moves.
The dizziness is a bit better today but not great. I really can’t wait for this to be done. I’m fighting though the symptoms as best as possible but I’ve missed 2 days of work this week due to the zaps and dizziness and how dangerous my job is if you can’t focus.
Lance, I feel your pain. Hang in there. You might want to consider tapering more slowly as even 5mg. a day is a pretty big dose (I have been taking 1mg per day for 25 years and am having a lot of gut and brain fog symptoms getting off even that low a dose. Also having wild dreams and insomnia). I tapered by taking .5 mg every day for about a month and then .5 every other day for about a month and then I cold turkeyed a week ago. It’s rough but having the info from this forum and others sure helps. Bill
I am on a super slow taper… I am down to 10mg and having body aches and some chest pain. Is this anything anyone else has experienced?
Hi, Thanks for the withdrawal advice. I was on 20mg for 14 months. I decided to reduce and then stop taking it. I did this over 3 weeks, with medical advice. The main side effect I have experienced is dizziness. When I move my head it feels like my brain and eyes follow a second later.
I do feel tired all the time and also have the weirdest, unsettling dreams. I will continue to work through these side effects because above all, I want to be me again and feel like I used to. Thank you.
Oh my gosh I had no idea about so much of this! I’ve been on Citalopram for 14 years since birth of my son. I used to be a worry wart so much that if I didn’t have something to worry about, this worried me! But I’m done with these things! I’ve been on 40mg and want to wean off of them and have started taking l-tyrosine to help dopamine levels as I’ve read SSRI s deplete dopamine.
I also want to add Tryptophan and GABA as they raise serotonin naturally but unsure when to start supplementing them as to avoid serotonin syndrome. Has anyone used supplements to aid in weaning off citalopram? I cant believe they still say very little weight is gained with citalopram!!
I have been taking celexa since November 2015 to cope with a traumatic loss, and, initially, I didn’t want to be on an anti-depressant, I just wanted to go to counseling and cope that way. However, my doctor and my family insisted so I agreed to try it.
Upside: it worked in helping me feel better faster than the six weeks my doc said it would take to take effect and I didn’t experience any side effects while taking it. Downside: unfortunately I’ve been much too busy the last month to get a refill, so I thought now would be a good time to quite taking it cold turkey (I was only taking 10mg each day so I thought it would be okay to do so).
I was wrong! Brain zaps, dizziness, headaches, and nausea have become my greatest enemies while trying to detox my body of the drug. I’ve been like this for two weeks and the symptoms haven’t improved. In fact the brain zaps seem to have only gotten worse, in that they happen to me more often then they did the first week. I never wanted to take antidepressants because I feared something like this would happen.
I’m miserable, that’s the only way to describe it. I guess all I can do is wait it out for three months and reevaluate myself then to see if my symptoms will improve, but I’m pretty tempted to punching my doctors teeth in for ever telling me that the drug was safe to take other than a few side effects I may experience while taking celexa.
I am 68 yrs old, been on 40mg daily for 5 years. I tapered off Celexa. 20mg for 2 wks, 10mg for 2 weeks and felt no side effects so stopped. Thought I was lucky. After about two more weeks the side effects hit hard. Crying, depression, anxiety, etc. – wanted to just die.
I had a mini-stroke after being off for a month and still experiencing the withdrawal symptoms. Just wondering if the stress of withdrawal can cause a stroke or mini-stroke in someone of my age?
Hello everyone, It’s ironic that I’m here. I started to take citalopram around 3 weeks and a half ago. It initially improved my mood (I was having previously intense mood swings, anxiety, lack of appetite, panic and worrying thoughts due to diverse problems, but mainly affective), but very soon I experienced its secondary effects. I felt electricized, hyperactive most of the time, and I could barely get any sleep at night.
The last two weeks I’ve been sleeping an average of 3-4 hours each night. But by far the worst secondary effect while being on citalopram was a very intense palpitations that would wake me up in the middle of the night and kept me awake for hours. I’d try breathing breathing techniques but they wouldn’t stop. I had been trying to go along with all of this, but honestly, some days I was actually moody because of the lack of sleep.
I felt energized but at the same time I was pissed off because I felt my body was physically tired. I reached the worst moment past Sunday: my heart started to race three hours after taking the pill (I was only on 10mg), before I went to sleep, the palpitations were so intense I thought I was having a heart attack. I felt shivery and cold. I went to A&E and had a terrible time waiting, and the palpitations only stopped 3 hours after they started.
Imagine feeling your heart coming out of your chest for 3 hours… I talked to the doctor (I couldn’t see my GP due to lack of early appointments…) and suggested me to stop it or taper down taking the dose every other day until I see my doctor. I decided to do the latter (I went back home at 4 am and realized that I had been awake for 24 hours and I didn’t even feel tired!!).
However I “should” have taken a dose today, but I didn’t do it. How funny is it that, since I stopped the medication, I actually feel OK? No withdrawal symptoms, or at least nothing to do with what all of you tell. Yesterday I FINALLY SLEPT without interruptions. I had a tearful moment before going to sleep for a few minutes, and then it went away.
But no anxiety, no sadness, no brain zaps. Maybe it’s too early? Has this happened to any of you? I’m really saddened by all you’re experiencing. I didn’t know this drug could create such problems (I was already quite put off by the possibility of gaining weight and losing my sexual desire, but at the moment I was feeling so emotionally unstable that I didn’t care…).
For me, it did the job of helping my mood (along with intense psychotherapy and other improvements in my life), but it’s not compensating with those horrible side effects. I cross fingers to not suffer any withdrawal symptoms… or suffer them very mildly. I only took it for three weeks, so I don’t know to what extent my brain has got used to it. Be strong all of you. Wish you good luck!
I am on day 10 of withdrawal and must admit I feel really ill. I am so dizzy, having palpitations and feel very down. I keep bursting into tears and am worried if I will get better. I had been on citalopram for over 10 year and am finding this very hard going. Reading up on it helps as you realise that what you are going through is normal. Hoping to feel better soon.
Hi Linda, I’m really interested to read about how you are doing on your withdrawal journey. I have been on citalopram for 10 years too, and would love to come off it. I hope you feel better and get through those rough patches! Are you coming off cold turkey, or are you gradually decreasing the dosage? I have heard from several doctors that it is best to gradually decrease. Julie.
Hi Everyone, I am really grateful to have found this web page today. I recently lost my job and medical benefits as well. As a result, I have chose this time to quit my citalopram. I have been taking a 20mg dose for about 2 years.
I thought I was going crazy. I had no clue what was happening to me. All of a sudden, I felt sick to my stomach, dizzy from sun up to sun down, knock you on your butt headaches, unable to carry out a conversation, forgetting things, terrible sickness in the car, and the sweats, not to mention I fear being anywhere without a washroom near.
I have been 7 days without, and I can now contribute my symptoms to withdrawal. I have been tempted to run down to the pharmacy and beg for a pharmacist’s prescription – Just to make the pain go away. But, I do not want to continue taking the drug as, I saw massive weight gain, and the medication will be unaffordable for me without benefits.
Thanks to everyone who has shared on this page! I feel like crap, but I also, know it is for the best, and I am not alone!!
Thank you for the information. I came off citalopram almost cold turkey. I have never felt so sick in all my life. I was on 40mgs per day for over 10 years. I thought that I was dying of cancer. Never gave withdrawal symptoms a thought, until my sister looked citalopram up and found your comments.
Thank you for posting this information for people to see. I have been off them for 1 month, so still have a fair way to go to be symptom free. At least I know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you once more.
I have been on Celexa 20mg for 8 years. I started taking it because I was having trouble with a family crisis. I do not want to depend on this anymore and went cold turkey over a week ago. Headache, some nausea, irritability off and on, decreased appetite, dizziness and mood swings. The dizziness is getting better and all of this has been tolerable.
I play piano and that helps. Hang in there anyone wanting to ditch this drug. For me cold turkey will get it over with more quickly. I also read that taking Benadryl can help (diphenhydramine), hope I spelled that right, and it really has helped some days. It will make you sleepy but I wasn’t as dizzy.
I am finally am beginning to feel better. Have been on celexa for 4 years and for reasons I won’t go into. My doctor helped me go off of it. What a terrible drug. Followed his orders and was off of them in 5 weeks. I thought… It’s been 12 weeks now since my last 1-4 of a pill and I am just now beginning to feel like I am going to live.
The brain zaps were terrible, heart palpitations, sweats, headaches and extreme fatigue. I thought something was really wrong with me and so did the doctor. I still have a slight zap and some fatigue but am so much better. My advice to anyone is stay off of them. I was put on them because of pain in upper back and they thought that was making me depressed. Thank the good Lord I think I am going to make it.
I am so glad I found this site. I gradually went off Celexa after being on it after about a year. I took my last 10mg dose 3 days ago. I am so glad others have the brain zaps – I could only explain it like it was a short circuit. I thought it was all in my head! So glad to hear of others going through the same thing. I am looking forward to losing the weight and to repeat another persons view – I am ready for the ride!
I have come off Citalopram cold turkey, I have a whooshing feeling in my head and am a bit dizzy. It has only been two weeks so fingers crossed.
Has this got any better yet? I am currently struggling.
These withdrawal symptom experiences are spooky to me. I have been on 20 mg celexa for 20 years for severe depression, and I stopped cold turkey 2 days ago. So far I notice no particular symptoms. When I started celexa, it seemed that a few hours after taking it I was unable to have negative thoughts.
All suicidal thoughts vanished, and I was unable to go down that path of thinking. I could not even think about the plans that I had been making. Doctor said that celexa does not act that fast… maybe not, but something slammed me into mellow thinking. I am hoping that withdrawal symptoms will not occur, especially things like brain zapping and other severe manifestations.
I was on 20mg for about 2 years. I reduced it to 10mg about a month ago. I have had no real side effects after being totally off for almost a week! I feel very fortunate and blessed. Good luck to all and please don’t give up in your withdrawal phase – hang in there!!
I initially started on Zoloft in 1999 for panic attacks and general anxiety disorder. It worked well, but the tiredness and sexual side effects were too much. I switched to Celexa (Citalopram) in roughly 2004. I began tapering off of Celexa in 2014. I wanted to see if I could be ok off of the drug.
When I got down to 5 mg (from 30 mg) in Summer 2015, I started to experience the brain zaps or as I called them power surges, dizziness, forgetfulness, disorientation, mood swings and frequent loose stools. After taking 5 mg every other day for a few months, I stopped taking Celexa in September 2015. Now the real fun began. I started having 9 bowel movements a day which were mainly loose stools.
The urgency to go was overwhelming. After a month of this I went to a Gastroenterologist to see what was wrong. Stool samples showed nothing wrong. No infection, no parasites, etc. I started taking probiotic VSL #3 in the morning (2 pills). That helped somewhat with more solid stools and less trips to the bathroom. I also was prescribed an antibiotics to eliminate any potential bad bacteria.
The loose stools started again within a few days. Stopped the antibiotic. All this time I never thought it could be from stopping Celexa. Never even mentioned it. I started eating less and went to my General Dr. I said I tapered off Celexa over the course of 16 months or so. She said that’s the way to do it and how do I feel etc. Explained the brain zaps and bowel issues.
She ordered a colonoscopy in January. I am 49, so it was about time to have one done anyway. Results: no disease, no polyps, no diverticulitis, no colitis. Great! Why am I going so much? Told this to the Gastro Dr that I stopped taking Celexa. No real comments. You may have IBS. I never had it before… Why now? No answer. Soooo, he has me taking Metamucil once a day.
That helps a lot but I sometimes go into a rough period (like this week) where I cannot stop going. Frustrated. The brain zaps, vivid dreams, dizziness all stopped. I still have crying bursts…very brief…and mood swings. I can handle those. It’s this bowel thing that has me going nuts. can’t plan anything unless I know where the bathrooms are at all times.
Dr’s don’t seem to understand. Anybody out there enduring this situation? I hope this is not permanent. I don’t want to go on another drug to have normal bowels.
Oct 23, 2016 – This is my 2nd time “quitting” citalopram (20 mg). Stopped cold turkey because I ran out (Dr. moved from practice, insurance company changed and was using mail order pharmacy for refills). I haven’t taken the time to rectify everything to get my Rx updated & refilled, so I find myself in withdrawal.
I am 50 years old have been taking this drug in 10-20mg for over 5 years, the 10 mg dose isn’t enough, the 20 mg dose is perfect. I would like to not have to take this / these types of drugs at all but it seems to be the only thing to help my symptoms. I am hoping after reading below, someone may have some recommendations for me. Gradually reducing your dose (some take longer than others) is the BEST way to get off of ANY prescribed drug – no matter what the doctors say.
Lots of varying side effects ranging from mild to severe and can be long lasting. Give yourself 6 months or longer to fully adjust. Most drug companies DO report drug side effects, but DON’T do ANY testing or good follow up on withdrawal symptoms, which is why the doctors have such varied knowledge of them. Trust your body and realize that ANY change you make (drug, food, exercise, sleep, lifestyle) WILL affect you in some way.
Take the time to do GOOD research (not just message boards) and know YOUR body and YOUR limits and that there are others out there who have been there and can help. Grow your support system and stay positive! It can be very challenging, but help is out there! It may sound strange, but I take this drug for relief from monthly symptoms of PMS.
I have had severe cramping and emotional side effects (depression & anger) due to menstrual cycle my whole life. Don’t let anyone tell you that hormones don’t cause/ are a HUGE factor in mental balance. I could write a book about my own experiences with hormones and how, at different periods of my life, have affected my mental state. I take birth control pills to manage and level out my hormones, which helps my severe cramping and lowers the level of my emotional swings.
The problem is that wasn’t enough. I still recognized that I had mental side effects due to PMS. I could set the clock on symptoms that would appear 2-3 days before I would start my period with the most severe happening the day before or day of my period. When I was younger it came in the form of depression, and looking back to my early teens, it was pretty pronounced. Since it only occurred during my PMS time period, I never considered myself “depressed” or suffering from depression or mental illness/imbalance.
Now that I am older, my main symptom is anger. I get angry at the littlest things, everything pisses me off (like feeling true rage) and I literally find myself wanting to do something unrealistic and rash, like leaving (read abandoning) my family because I hate them. THANKFULLY, I have realized that it is ME and not them or anything that they are doing and I have educated myself extensively on mental illness and that I am the one that needs help.
I felt that was/is unhealthy for us to be around each other when I feel this way and they shouldn’t be subjected to my negativity. My lashing out at them causes damaging effects to our families emotional well being, and that is not fair to them. This is why I took / have taken citalopram. It seems to be the perfect drug for curbing these feelings. I like the fact that I don’t “feel” any different- until I stop taking it.
Then I know it’s working, because without it, the rage returns. The last time I stopped taking citalopram, I had a pretty severe bout of depression and thankfully I recognized it as a withdrawal symptom, which helped get me through it. I’m on day 7 without it and this time I’m having pretty severe headaches (migraine pain) and insomnia (I’m writing this at 4 a.m. ;-)).
I also suffered some of the brain fog/ confusion, that someone mentioned, while at work this week, literally loosing my thought in mid-sentence (embarrassing!). I found this thread while searching for citalopram withdrawal because I woke up at 3:30 a.m. with a severe migraine. Took some Excedrin Migraine & that has helped (but I’m still wide awake!!). Also, lots of you have mentioned bowel issues.
I would highly recommend using Imodium (or generic) to manage symptoms. It has been a life-saver for me. Be sure to follow directions (something like no more than 4 pills in 24 hours) on package, but it really works & won’t make you constipated! It is the BEST medicine, in my opinion, to manage bowel issues – either temporary or ongoing. No side effects and no “drug” issues using it. Use when you need it, don’t take it when you don’t need it.
What I’m looking for, is if anyone has had any relief using some more natural therapies? I’m in the process of making some diet, exercise and lifestyle changes and I’d love to use a natural remedy over citalopram, if I could find the right thing. Someone mentioned CBD oil, which is used for epilepsy and seizures successfully. I don’t know if that applies to my needs and I haven’t done my research yet.
I’m pretty sure THC would help calm me, but not legal in my state. What are other natural remedies for a “happy pill”? I think some sort of herbal supplement or combination could be used for me, I just need some recommendations so I can investigate. ANY suggestions would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance! Good luck to everyone and hang in there!
I was on Paxil 20mg for about 6 months, I was having a lot of negative side affects and plus it just wasn’t working. I decided to talk to my doctor about changing me to celexa 20mg. I tried it for a month before just deciding to stop altogether. I again went back to my doctor and he told me to take 10mg everyday for a week the 10 every other day for a week.
I did that and now I am finished. I had bad nausea and headaches in the start of my wean. Now that I’m completely off I’m miserable. The withdrawal symptoms are almost unbearable. Headaches, severe nausea, fatigue, horrible irritability, mood swings, and brain zaps!!
I honestly think that’s the worst, the feeling of have a electric current in my mouth is awful. I’m so tired of feeling this way. I try to get through it but it’s hard to work and function day to day. I just hope that by next week some of this will subside.
I am trying to get off Celexa, have been taking it for 3+ years. But it got to the point where I felt more like a passenger in my life, than a part of it. Also, the adverse effects on my love life were unbearable. I have been off celexa for two weeks now, and the nausea, dizziness, and insomnia are pushing me to almost go back to taking it.
Unfortunately, taking gravol for nausea, doesn’t help the dizziness. And the dizziness really impacts the insomnia. Also I’ve found general aches and pains all over, swollen ankles… I’m glad that I took the celexa years ago, during a period of severe suicidality, but I really hope this doesn’t take three months to clear up.
So relieved to find this page as I was considering restarting Celexa. All the information and hearing all of your experiences has helped me immensely. Thank you, all! Only at 20mg a day for four years I went cold turkey. Thought the dose was low enough not to cause a problem. That was a month ago. Some mild headaches and a brief period of insomnia that resolved (try ear plugs at night. seriously!). Now a month into it, I am noticing increasing irritability, teariness and mood swings.
I sometimes don’t like being around myself very much. I feel shades of my old depressed self returning and don’t know if it’s the lack of drug or it’s the “real” me again. After reading so many accounts, I am encouraged to get through this and not restart. Thankfully, I don’t have those dreaded brain zaps some mention!
I have been taking 20mg of Citalopram for over a year and had over the last few months stated to put on quite a lot of weight which was making me feel depressed. I decided to come off and reduced my intake to 10mg for about a week and now have decided to go cold turkey. I am having dizziness, nausea, headaches and brain zaps (but thought I was just getting a buzzing in my ears so was a little weird) and feel fatigue.
I have taken a couple of days off work as felt I would end up falling over if I went out of the house. However, I feel very positive and proud of myself for making the transition and am hoping to lose the weight I have put on and get my life back together in the next few months. Good luck to one and all.
I’ve recently been off celexa cold turkey for two weeks. Occasionally I get nauseous but the things I’ve had most trouble with is brain zaps, dizziness, headaches and lightheadedness. Also wanting sweet things and over thinking things has been an issue for me. I feel mentally though I’m doing way better. The side effects sure do get to me some days but I do my best.
If anyone has some tips I sure can use some. I was on 40 mg but I had only been on it for about two months so I’m hoping the side effects don’t last too much longer.
I’m having the same issues. I weaned for two weeks and now I’m done and am completely miserable. The brain zaps are the hardest to deal with. Time is the best thing. The longer you’re off of it the better you will feel.
I stopped cold turkey from 20mg to 40mg a day for 15 years. I have been off for 3 weeks now. Experiencing all the symptoms that I read about – some more than others. Have not even considered going back. It is very hard.
I have been in the withdrawal process from celexa for 6 months at least. I took 40-60 mg. daily for 20 years at least. This is the second time trying to quit this drug and there is no turning back. I want anyone reading this to know I understand what you are going through and are not alone.
As I write this I can tell you my symptoms have been and still are… Brain zaps, terrible headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, acid reflux, heart palpitations, sweating, chills, biting skin, fatigue, poor concentration, crying, and moments of extreme anger. Yeah… It’s been a blast and I have no idea when or if this will all end.
I do fear some permanent residual effects due to the dosage and duration I have been on this garbage. I take it one moment at a time cause it changes constantly. To anyone thinking of starting these drugs… make it short term help, not lifelong crutch. For anyone on this already if you can quit do so. The sooner the better, and make sure you do it slowly.
I have no idea who I am anymore nor who I will be at the end of this but one thing I won’t be is a slave to drugs nor more $$$ for Unethical Doctors or pharmaceutical companies. Any drug that would cause this much distress abstaining from is something that will never be welcome in my body again… Be Strong everyone!
I’ve been taking Citalopram 40mg this time for nearly 2 years, but prior to that 20mg on and off for a further 4 years. I’ve managed to reduce this and finally off this but experiencing every symptom that is written for withdrawal off it. There are so many emotions that sort of puts you back in the ‘brink of despair’, but reading peoples experiences makes it easier somehow.
The most difficult ones for me are the excessive sweats and insomnia. I am up at all times in the early hours and just desperate for one good nights sleep – to sleep through. Every symptom seems to have a knock on effect and I feel in a vicious circle. But what will make it easier is now knowing that this is normal and it will subside.
I have an ultimate goal – to be at my daughters forthcoming wedding being ‘me’ again. So along with everyone else going through the same – it is a rocky ride! I have started running again and I’m shattered, anyone have any suggestions for helping me sleep???
I’ve been off the generic Celexa for 3 weeks now and my withdrawal is nothing like described. I am experimenting with medical marijuana and the effects of the strain called Sativa which gives you energy and mood elevation, etc. I’ve smoked for years, but decided to try and see if it will help with my depression and it does!
I use the smoke and tincture and I’m flying just fine. Focus is great. Gotten so many projects completed! Amazing reaction. Yeah, print this comment. NOT! First my energy level was off the charts… today, 3 weeks later, my energy level is still high, but I’m not bouncing off the walls. Second, my mood has been splendid and felt like I was on amphetamines.
I had several concerns with Celexa:
1. I felt more depressive ON the pills than off them and
2. Antidepressants slow the heart down and I have low blood pressure, so I was concerned about the effect it has on my 70 year old heart.
Going off antidepressants was the best thing for me and my wellbeing.
I am 72 and have taken Celexa for most of the past thirty years. Wanting to be free of pharmaceuticals, I switched “cold turkey” to St. John’s Wort. My mood was stable and I wasn’t depressed, however, that supplement caused extreme digestive problems. Since stopping it, I have experienced a range of withdrawal symptoms, including insomnia, headaches, brain zaps, excessive fatigue, and occasional crying. I’m determined not to go back to meds!
Thank you so much for this information. It was the most comprehensive I’ve found and has helped me tremendously. I have stopped taking Celexa for over a month now (slow taper) after having been on it for at least ten years and definitely feel like I have Alzheimer’s. So glad you said it could take up to 90 days, everywhere else said two weeks and that definitely scared me!
I have been about a week without Citalopram. I ran out of my prescription and my doctor is lagging on getting it refilled. I feel very tired during the day, and dizzy. I also have trouble falling asleep at night. I am wondering if I should just stay off it after reading this.
Julia, give it some thought and run it by your doctor but- that’s kind’ve how I began the stop process. I noticed I was “forgetting” to take my 20mg at bedtime more frequently and instead of getting up, I’d just pass for the day. That happened more frequently and I felt fine, so I just stopped.
No problem first couple weeks – a little nausea, headaches and waking up at night but nothing serious. Irritability, mood swings and teariness have kicked in at one month. I really didn’t know what hit me until I found this page. If you know what you are up against, you can do it!
It’s the not knowing and thinking something is really wrong with you that is frightening. Good luck to you!
I have been off Celexa for 10 days. Before I hurt someone, I will begin taking it again today. Who cares if I take it the rest of my life? Certainly not me. I am so irritable that I no longer like myself. Neither does anyone else.
That is why I had to take it in the first place. I had such bad PMS! First it was only for a few days and then it was for two weeks before, so essentially I was highly irritable for two weeks a month. And yes, murder seemed like an option at times lol! The drug helped me a ton. Now I’m menopausal and have just stopped taking it. I have to say it was a life saver and who knows, maybe you will be able to stop or not. At least it is safe for long term use.