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.
I have been on Celexa…well the generic version… citalopram for 17 years now. I have gone up and down on mg over the years but have stayed steady for a good portion of those years at 20mg. I have tried several times to ween off very slowly…if fact one time I weened over a 6-9 month period, but then couldn’t deal with withdrawal effects so would start back up.
I have been reading all these posts and am so encouraged and feel like I can do it this time. I am having some heart issues and my docs think it may be the longterm effects from the medicine since I’ve been on it SO long. Scares me. Im only 40 and I hope going off the citalopram will help the heart issues that have developed. Anyone else been on it 17+ years?
I have been on Celexa for 2 months, 20mg, after a sports related concussion and anxiety. I found the side effects to be unbearable (headache, nausea.) I am trying to wean off of it. I took 10mg today and already have an unbearable headache. Does anyone have any suggestions to relieve this pain? Ibuprofen, aceitomephen does nothing. Also, when do you think I can quit cold turkey to get this out of my system and feel back to normal. Thanks!
I have just read this article having search the web for information about possible side effects of withdrawal from Citalopram. I have been getting increasingly concerned about things that have been happening to me and the only thing I can put it down to is having recently come off a 20mg does of Citalopram which I think I have been taking for 18 months.
I have been feeling very dizzy, bad headaches, nausea but the most concerning weird sensation is this like buzz in my head !! Having done some reading this evening, I think this is what people are referring to as brain zaps. It’s an awful feeling / sensation. Very worrying and I’ve never experienced anything like it before. I keep feeling like there’s something badly wrong with my head.
I’m relieved to read that these symptoms will subside, I only hope they go quickly. I did taper off the Citalopram but only over a 2 week period as I so desperately wanted to get off the drug. I felt I had become far too reliant on it and it had starting to rule my life. Having this information available on this website is a massive help, as it has put my mind a rest a little bit that these symptoms will stop.
It only makes me feel 100% more convinced that I made absolutely the right decision to come off them. Everything I read about this drug seems wrong. So, so many people appear to be prescribed it then just left alone in the wilderness. My GP has never once suggested that I needed a follow up appointment since prescribing me this drug. I’ve just been left alone out there to deal with it all myself.
I just sincerely hope that being on Citalopram has not done any long term damage to my brain ? Can anyone answer that question. These current brain zaps I am getting and dizzy spells with headaches certainly make me feel like this drug has done me a great deal of harm… Thank you for this article it has been very reassuring. I hope my withdrawal symptoms fade fast and I am soon back to normal.
Updated message from 16 Oct. It’s been 7 weeks now and all symptoms have virtually disappeared. Proud of myself because it’s been tough and the lightheadedness has been the worst effect. Really wish I had stopped years ago because I have definitely used this drug as a crutch as opposed to necessity. Hope this helps someone to take the leap of faith.
OK 1st of all why are we stopping this medication? I didn’t go back to new Dr. who prescribed so figured I’d just go off. Been on Zoloft for years, and this one for about a year. So, 20mg. Cold turkey. 3 weeks in & just had my 1st meltdown-crying, definitely been bitchier (yes, it is possible), and today I feel like a have a horrible hangover, have also noticed memory impairment and figured my age (59) was really beginning to get to me-guess I’m glad it may be related.
Realizing now the Holiday season wasn’t the best time to stop. Surprised that side effects are just happening now. Since that’s the case, can I expect them to continue for a while? Knowing everyone is different, thoughts on how long this might last? Is everything going to be OK once I get to the other side?
I am 75 years old, I was given Citalopram 20mg 3 years ago for a Toxic Family problem! I moved away from them. I quit taking it about 60 days ago after slowly backing off. I have had every side effect you could possibly have and still have them. I should probably tell you I always have problems with pills! I consider myself a walking side effect.
I am hoping that by Christmas, I will feel like a human being again! I do have a question? Has anyone tried Acupuncture (with needles) for the side effects? Unfortunately, I do not have one here! When I did have one I went to see her and it helped me so much. That is a requirement for my next move, early next year.
I am tapering off of Citalopram and buspar 40 mg. Been about 2 weeks. I used to love teaching. Lately, I haven’t been able to think straight. I also seem to have lost interest in the things that I used to enjoy. I can’t even study my bible. This really hurts. I don’t know what I enjoy anymore. I am so confused right now. I am hoping this is just a phase from the meds. So glad I found this forum.
Tonia, this is all just withdrawal. I feel much the same, including not being able to read my bible without feeling cynical and bitter (I’ve been a committed Christian my whole life). I know this will pass. And that these feelings are not our fault and are nothing to be ashamed about. God understands. :)
I have been off my citalopram for 2 weeks now after being on it for years, and tapering off slowly over about 18 months. The first week I felt really good – this second week has been hellish. You are not alone in how you feel. I’m convinced from everything I’ve read that these feelings are normal for withdrawal and will not last forever. Our interest in things, and ability to concentrate will return! Don’t give up!
My son was on 20 mg for maybe 6 mos or so and had huge weight gain. His doctor dropped it to 10 mg and he didn’t complain of any problems. We saw his doctor yesterday and she said to just stop taking it. Last night was his first night without it. He slept fine but this morning complained of intestinal gurgling. He made it through the day at school but has had multiple bouts of diarrhea. Couple hours later he started complaining of being nauseated. Is it too soon to be showing withdrawals? I mean, it’s only been one day.
Hi, Everyone is different but I had withdrawals pretty much straight away when I reduced dosage. I had a lot of nausea and digestive issues. Fiona
I was on 30 mg citalopram for 3 years. I tapered off over a period of 3 months. After completely stopping the medication, I went through all the side effects of discontinuation. The side effects completely stopped after 10 weeks of not taking the medication. This site really helped me so I wanted to post my results for those wondering how long before the side effects are gone. Hang in there.
Two weeks in for me and it’s been awful. Thanks for your encouragement Teddie!
I have taken 20mg citalopram a day for about year. I stupidly went cold turkey five days ago and regret it! I have high pitched whistling in my ear and everyone and everything is irritating the life out of me, plus I can’t sleep! I don’t feel depressed, but I don’t like feeling so angry! The drug really sorted my head out, but I hope I don’t have to go back on it!
I am off my Citalopram due to my prescribing physician not renewing my Rx. I am in the process of changing physicians after having issues with renewals- being told it wasn’t listed in my chart and I’d forgotten to let them know I was on it when I came to their office. I’ve been with them for over a decade and they are the ones who prescribed it in the first place!
Reading others’ experiences is helpful. I’m suddenly wondering what my doctor was thinking in putting me on it as I have Meniere’s Disease. It’s really causing me issues with that but at least I have an idea of what to expect while I wait on my insurance company to complete the change. I’m not going to back on the drug.
I’m just going to tough it out with the confidence that it’ll be fine. I’m into my 7th day and if it weren’t for the dizziness and brain zapping on top of the Meniere’s noise that’s permanent I’d be in great shape. But, I am happy just knowing that it’ll pass and all will be fine. Thank you everyone for posting your experiences as it is so reassuring!
Someone stop me now. I think it’s been 3-4 weeks since I stopped. Who knows, the memory thing seems to be one of my biggest problem. I thought the beginning was a piece of cake. But I have since turned into the Green Hulk. I find myself throwing things. I didn’t even consider this behavior was a side effect until my husband did a web search and brought to my attention.
The worst is the insomnia and difficulty breathing that I associate with onset of a panic attack. The fear (fear is not a big enough word) that the panic attacks will return after close to 20 years on the meds is overwhelming. Here’s my problem, I turned to this site for hope. Not really feeling it. Too many people have dealt with withdrawals way longer than I’m prepared to deal.
I need someone to say, “Don’t start those nasty little pills all over again!”
I was on 40 mg Citalopram for three years after being on Paxil for about 10 years. I dropped to 20 mg for a week, then 10 mg for a week, then 10 mg every other day for a week. I have had a few minor side effects-lack of energy, difficulty concentrating… but nothing like I was expecting when I started to research side effects. I think it was all in the tapering! Good luck to everyone!
I have been tapering off citalopram for this entire year, I was on 80mg plus Wellbutrin. I quit the Wellbutrin first by improving my diet and my upping my daily walks to 2 miles. A month later when I tapered back to 40 mg I did well, continued my healthy lifestyle. I was taking melatonin and magnesium and had started some muscle relaxers at night also.
I got down to 20 mg and started having a lot of irritability and crying and sleep problems. I also had a lot of new stresses in my life. My diet got worse and I exercised less. I tried going back up to 40 mg dose and felt HORRIBLE so I stopped all citalopram. This was a couple of weeks ago.
I immediately went through withdrawal where I had suicidal ideas, crying jags, fatigue, nausea, lack of appetite, joint pain, brain zaps, brain fog, did I mention fatigue?
And constant sweating then chills, sweating some more, then chills. Lots of intense dreams. I started taking Sam-E and it is helping me quite a bit. I still feel physically unwell and have the brain zaps and some brain fog, but I am a LOT calmer and not depressed at all. It was almost scary how quickly the depression lifted. No crying, no drama.
I have been sleeping as much as I can, I have been reading books and keeping my brain occupied and trying to walk as the pain in my joints permits.
I also have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia so some of the symptoms are the same. It is hard to know what came first or is affecting me. It feels like I have a low grade flu all the time.
Coming off a 10mg dose after 15 years. Very light headed and dry mouth with nausea. Determined to stick it out. Put on 2 stone and looking forward to seeing this go! Three weeks in now and getting better… Rob
Hi all. I have been taking Celexa for 7 years. I started taking Celexa because of my anxiety and panic attacks. I recently decided to stop taking it because my husband got a vasectomy reversal and we want to have more kids. I thought I was doing okay. The first couple of weeks I was a lot more moody, irritable and depressed, but I thought that was to be expected.
Not bad enough to go back on them. Then this third week I started having severe heart palpations and dizziness. My depression and anxiety were getting worse everyday. Then I had a night with a minor Panic attack. The next day I was a little depressed but ok overall. Then when it was time to go to bed I could feel myself getting anxious so I had camomile tea and went to bed. I laid down at 9:30 and my panic attack started, along with nausea and stomach troubles.
I continued in my panic attack and no sleep until 3:00 when I finally took Nyquil. I fell asleep for a couple of hours then woke in a panic and the attack continued on through the day. I went to my doctor and asked for Xanax and sleep-aids. He gave them to me but he said that it’s not withdrawal symptoms. He said withdrawal only lasts about a week not 3-4 weeks. I really want to stop taking this med but don’t know how. I also gain I think 80 lbs the first year I started taking Celexa. Please help me figure this out. -Krista
Hi Krista, I was on citalopram for depression not panic attacks but I do know that withdrawal is slow, you will get through it although if needed going back on the meds shouldn’t be seen as a failure. Your idea to take the chamomile tea was good, try more of these alternatives.
What about a deep breathing practice just something simple or seeing a counselor to find out what triggers these panic attacks. If you have some mechanisms like the above (herbal tea, meditation, breathing practices, relaxing bath) it may help you feel more in control. Try to take one hour at a time live in the moment.
At the beginning of my withdrawal I found it so hard to focus I had to write down what needed to be done next at work just one thing at a time as I had a tendency to get panicked if I thought of more that one thing or thought of the day as a whole. The withdrawal feelings can be so intense, worse than the feelings you may have had before. I really wish you good luck, you know the answers yourself trust your heart. You will figure it out.
I forgot to add I had a lot of stomach trouble too during withdrawal and I still have a bad stomach. I try natural yogurt and probiotics but I do love my coffee which doesn’t help!
Too many other people feeling just like you too for that doctor to be right! Hope you find a way out!
Hello everyone, I have been totally off citalopram for over 1 year, I have posted 3/4 times above so you can read my story. I fully went off citalopram in Sept 2015 and I can say there is light at the end of the tunnel. I have been very, very up and down emotionally this past year. I had a bad time last Dec and also March to May just full of depressive thoughts, feeling that I didn’t know my own mind, confused, full of worry and panic about everything, crying a lot.
I tried exercise (then worried if I was doing too much or too little), going to bed early, supplements, spending time with/without others, yoga, hypnosis apps, meditation. I have been very close to going back on the drugs as when I’m in the middle of a depression I can’t see any way out or beyond the feelings which are so intense. My breakthrough came when I started counseling in June, during July I hit a bad patch and went to my GP, she suggested another anti depressant giving the same reasons as my other GP 3 years ago (if you’ve a thyroid problem you take medication so if you’ve a serotonin problem take an anti depressant).
I’ve done so much research on this her reasonings just didn’t bode well with me so I just didn’t fill the prescription. I decided I’d ask my counselor who didn’t comment one way or the other so I stayed of the anti-D’s. Thank god. Initially I decided to go to the counselor because I wanted to learn how to cope with depression, I’ve gone past ‘trying to fix myself’. The sessions seem to have helped as the message I’ve taken from her is that depression is a suppression of the emotions and we need to feel these emotions.
Often when things go wrong I feel that its on me (I should have reacted differently, I should feel differently) but I am seeing that maybe others are wrong/selfish/have faults maybe its okay for me to be annoyed/angry with friends. We should try not to be negative about ourselves, we are important too. I’m trying to say I feel good, the withdrawal effects have lessened, I’m learning about myself & putting myself first now, I’m not ‘fixed’ my tendency toward depression is still there but I can look objectively at situations and have a better awareness of where my emotions are coming from and just accept them.
I’ve noticed that my tendency to ruminate has lessened, if I notice that it is starting I just say ‘stop thinking’ to myself instead of spiraling downward. I know some of my problems this year were withdrawal as the anxiety/panic at times was very intense. I have never suffered with this before but I had episodes e.g. when we were on holiday camping I felt that I was going to suffocate I really had to pull back from it strongly also at times I felt I was in a gothic novel, the world was covered with that darkness even in nice situations. That all appears to have stopped for me. Best of luck everyone.
Hi all, It has been really useful reading through everybody’s experiences. I am on day 6 of going cold turkey from 20mg of citalopram which I have been on for around two years. I am experiencing lots of withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, nausea, eye jitters and flu-like symptoms. I am in good spirits with no signs of returning depression but really struggle in supermarkets as I lose my concentration and struggle with the bright lights.
I know it sounds silly but by the end of the shop I can’t remember what I have bought or whether I have got everything!!! Does anyone else experience this? Thanks, Katy
I know what you mean, the same happened to me! I got terrible headaches and light would drive them crazy, I would sit at home in the dark just to avoid it. It does get better though trust me!! I’ve been off them fully for 2 months now and this has totally stopped for me! Keep going you’re doing great!!!! Sophie :)
Try to Take fish/krill oil supplements daily. My headaches stopped after the second day of taking them. I also went cold turkey and was on 20 mg (for 8 years).
My previous comment has not been posted, probably due to me quoting a Herbalist’s explanation of the side effects of Citalopram whilst taking it and when coming off it. So, I will be careful with this comment. I was prescribed Citalopram for sciatic pain and I took the terrible stuff for five months and then stopped abruptly as it wasn’t helping the pain. We all know the side effects when stopping i.e. bloated, weight gain, wind 24/7, diarrhea, nausea etc. My GP refused to accept that these symptoms were due to the Citalopram. I went to a recommended Herbalist, who in 6 weeks has sorted me out. It doesn’t taste nice, but it does the job!!
I am down from 20 to 10mg of Celexa because of loss of sexual desire. I started taking Celexa about 2 months ago and it has been the answer to my anxiety and feel so much better. I am contemplating weaning totally off because of these side effects. I have been open with my partner and he is working with me, but I want to be intimate again. Feeling kind of sad… Is there any alternative or options?
I was on 20mg for 8 years. I have been off for 3 weeks. The first week was a roller coaster. During the first week I had brain zaps at least every 15min and could laugh hysterically or cry on command. I also had trouble staying asleep due to head pains.
I started taking fish/krill oil supplements daily at the beginning of the second week and since the second day of them I have had no brain zaps. I feel normal with normal human emotions again. ?
I have been of Citalopram for 10 years plus. Three years ago I went into a complete panic state for months (nausea, panic, you know the routine). When I went to my doc, she said she needed to up my rx to 40 mg. So, I believed her and went with it. For a while it seemed to work, but then last May I started with the horrible panic symptoms that lasted all day with the too often panic attack visit.
Finally, I went to a naturopath in June and she put me on truckloads of vitamins and minerals. Sadly, the didn’t really help. At that point, I was just sure I was dying of some disease that just hasn’t been found yet. Well, during all of this I ran out of Citalopram and my old doc wouldn’t call any in without a visit and my new doc quit her practice and ignored my emails and calls.
Thus, I gave up and just decided to quit cold turkey. Strangely, the first three days off of the meds I felt better than I had in years. Slowly, I started getting the brain zaps, anxiety, depression, brain fog, forgetful brain, sadness, tremors, temper, and more. It’s been two weeks and I am sticking with it thinking now that my intense anxiety bouts were signs of serotonin poisoning.
So, sticking with this crazy ride in hopes of finding my calm, happy, productive self again. Thank you for listening. My plan is to eat healthy, exercise, smile, help others, and move through it. Wish me luck as I wish you all luck and give you loads of positive thoughts and prayers. What a mess, right?
Cindy, wondering how you are doing now? I am Day 10 off of 10 mg, but I only took them for 5 weeks and it is awful…feel like I will never be myself again.
I took citalopram 10mg for 2 days had a bad reaction. The second day I was dizzy, speech problems, twitching, shakes, and almost an out of body experience. Saw the doctor 3 times in 24 hours of second dose. I also take tramadol 50mg usually a couple times a week for chronic knee pain. I was told the 2 could be taken. It has been 55 hours since taking anything. I feel somewhat better bit still am very restless, shakes and twitching and just feeling chemical imbalance in general. It’s driving me crazy. Hope it does not last much longer.
I have been on citalopram for 11yrs. But all together 20 yrs. Started out taking 10mg. and 2 mos. my doctor upped to 20 mg. I was diagnosed with focal dystonia 3 yrs ago. A friend of mine who is an RN noticed my coughing had increased. She researched citalopram and found that one of the side effects was coughing. I also researched and found that muscle stiffness was also a side effect.
Since my dosage had been upped, I have had a harder time walking. So decided I wanted to be weaned off citalopram. She had me do 1/2 pill for 7 days and then 1/4 pill for 7 days. Was this enough time? I am not sure if I have irritable because I have Leo been sick for 2 weeks with a sinus infection. I may be having anxiety attacks and brain zaps and also very tired.
But my walking has gotten better. Did I ween myself off of them correctly? Will my side effects subside?
I am currently 7 days off of celexa. I was on 20mg for four years and decreased to 10mg for a month. I have not had any brain zaps… Which I admit sound very scary! But I am emotional wreck and very irritable… I feel like I can snap at any moment. I am scared that I am going to be stuck like this. This is one of the hardest things I have went through.
If I feel really bad, I take 2 Benadryl which really helps. I don’t want to switch one drug for another, but on occasion, when I can’t take it anymore, I swallow a couple of Benadyrls. They make me a little sleepy, but better that than being a wreck.
I’ve only been on “the pram” for 3 months this time. I was on the brink of suicide when I started taking them. Not only did it stop the bad feelings it stopped ALL the feelings. However I did feel OK in myself whilst taking them. I went cold turkey 12 days ago because I became SO forgetful.
Of course my withdrawal is no where near as rough someone who has been on it for 3 yrs! I was fine for the first few days and the “zaps” was all I really felt and a bit of diarrhea. But then bang!, after about 7 days I started feeling anxious and I having palpitations whilst I was sleeping. It’s day 13 and I have felt myself sinking a bit more each day.
But, it feels good to feel my sadness. It feels good to cry. It also feels good to be able to have sex again. I am a little disoriented as well. In the last 3 months I have had CBT. I have been making a huge effort to come out of my isolation. I was able to be around people in this time because of the citalopram. It helped me reconnect with people. I am lucky enough to have support from 12 step groups.
But I had to really push myself to go to groups and social things once I stopped taking the citalopram. Work has become difficult. I get really irritable. I can’t switch my head off. Although I feel like crap in the mornings, I talk myself up. I also speak to my sponsor in the mornings. My recovery from depression is possible if I can create a support network that is safe.
Hey guys, It’s currently 337 AM! I’ve been on celexa for about 3 years. I tried quitting cold turkey last year with awful withdraw symptoms and poor concentration to the point of failing my classes!!! I went back on and lowered my dose from 30 mg to 10 mg. I started the weaning process of taking the pill for a couple of months straight than on and off for 3 months. Felt good so I decided to come off of it.
This is my 2nd week and oh boy the symptoms return… I cry ALL the time, mood swings and just feel stomach aches (bloated feeling), loss of appetite and insomnia. My anxiety at this moment is so high I feel as though I’m hallucinating. Does anyone else experience these and does it get better? It’s taking all I have to not reach for the pills. :(
Sam, I read your comments with so much empathy. I am on day 11 of no celexa after weaning off. I have had some terrible, terrible days. I’m like you that I want to reach for the pills and take one. My head is foggy all of the time, dizzy, headache, body aches, nausea, and an all-over miserable feeling. When I think about taking a pill, I remind myself that I don’t want any more of this poison in my system.
If I take any, I will have to do this withdrawal nonsense all over again. No matter what, I have decided to tough it out and do the 90 days with no meds and I pray that I will be back to being a human once again. Every time I feel myself feeling getting depressed and anxious, I remind myself what the alternative is; and that is going back on meds.
I am determined to never let that happen. I wish I could offer you some solid advice on what to do, but all I can say is to hang in there as best you can and remember that you are not alone.
I’ve been on 40mg of citalopram for approximately 2 years. I’ve now decided to taper off them. I’ve come down from 40mg to 30mg and I feel as bad as I felt before going on the drug. I’ve only come down 10mg so is it normal to feel like this?
I am down from 40 mg celexa to 10 mg weaned off since last Februray. At first I was fine no side effects. But the past month has been awful… dizzy, light headed, headaches, nausea, mood swings you name it! I am thrilled to be off the high dose after 15 years but wow need these bad feelings to end!
I have tapered off celexa, it’s been about a week since I stopped taking any and besides crying spells and irritability I am having horrible bloating and stomach pain. I can’t seem to find any advice for the stomach pain, I am exercising and eating healthy, tums don’t work. This is actually my second time coming off Celexa. The last time I thought I had few symptoms but experienced terrible stomach pain but had no idea it was related to withdrawal. The pains lasted over six months and never knew how to relieve them. Help!
Day 8 of tapering from 40mg to 20 mg for 8 years. Thank you guys for writing! I cry over Humane Society Ads, as mentioned before, and am juicing, meditating and connecting with friends (one who is newly off Celexa). I am also staring cold turkey off 5mg of Ambien, as I have black out periods with it. My poor husband knows this may be a rough patch for my body. Question, I am also taking Amitriptyline 10mg at night. Is anyone withdrawing from that and is it the same sort of symptoms?
I was on celexa for over 10 years. I’m down to 1 every 4 days. All I want to do is sleep. The other day I slept 6 hours after only being up for about 1 and a half hours. I laid down because I was so nauseous. I finally passed the swollen feet stage. I have Fibromyalgia and my neurologist is weaning me off because of bruising. He refused to give me another SSRI to replace the Celexa.
I am currently experiencing withdrawals from Celexa. I took Celexa for 5 years and decided to come off of it with the approval from my doctor and tapered off slowly throughout August. Today was probably my worst day, emotionally. I kept needing space and did not want to be around people, because if anyone asked me anything, I would go to open my mouth and I would start crying. I’m so tired and my body hurts.
I am constantly forgetting everything and until I read this page, I thought I was going crazy. It’s really hard to explain to people just how bad I feel and I feel like a nuisance when I need to talk about it. I experience vomiting for a period of time and my weight has been dropping very quickly. Does anyone know of any vitamins one can take to help the feelings of sickness?
I started on anti-depressants almost 15 years ago. Effexor was the first one my doctor put me on. Didn’t work at all for me, all I wanted to do was sleep. Then she put me on Paxil. That didn’t work either. So my next Rx was citalopram. Over the years, I tried several times to get off of them. I really hate taking meds, but when I would go cold turkey (didn’t know that there was a better way), the dizziness, headaches and irritability was horrible. So I would always go back on.
Three weeks ago, I decided that I had enough. I searched for “how to get off of citalopram,” and found this website. I feel like this has saved my life. Learning that I am actually addicted to a prescription really unsettled me. I guess that I never really considered that my doctor would even prescribe something so harsh and not even warn me about it. Withdrawal symptoms? How can that be?
My doctor NEVER said anything to me warning me that getting off of this stuff would be riddled with withdrawal symptoms. After reading what others have written about how their doctors suggested how to get off of citalopram (just stop, or reduce dosage for one week, or take a pill every other day, etc.) leads me to believe that the medical industry really doesn’t understand what they are doing to people by prescribing this stuff.
One comment that was made is that doctors give this stuff out like candy. After standing in line for 45 minutes to get my last Rx (and I do mean my very last), I feel that doctors have a pill for every ailment. No wonder health insurance costs so much. I never realized how quickly the years passed and to realize that I have been on this stuff for so many years is a nightmare in itself.
I am now on day 21 of reducing my meds from 20 mg to 10 mg. Lots of dizziness, severe headaches and no energy. I put on 40 pounds while taking this stuff and I have no self-esteem left. Whenever I asked whether weight gain really was a side effect of citalopram, it was poo-pooed by everyone, especially my husband. I am so sorry that I ever started taking citalopram.
I am looking forward to reducing from 10 mg to 5 mg. My plan/hope is to do 30 days at 10 and then 30 days at 5. Then either go off entirely, or if the dizziness/headaches are too bad, I may do 5 mg every other day. I guess that we’ll see how things work out. Thanks to all who shared their stories. I visit this site every few days for support. It really means everything to me.
My doctor told me that I probably wouldn’t feel anything, even after tapering off of 40 mg. What a crock of crap! I gained 50 pounds while on this and I am having the worst self-esteem issues lately as well. It sounds like you’re tapering off at a much better pace than my doctor put me through so hang in there! You have support and you are not alone!
During withdrawal from Celexa I was exhausted and had a headache but those symptoms seem to have subsided. Celexa killed my sex life! I’ve tapered for months and finally stopped completely several days ago. Already my body is waking up. I had my first “minor” orgasm tonight. It was subdued greatly but it was there.
Thank you for sharing this, Susan. My husband and I have only had sex 1 time for the whole first year of our marriage and it’s been really rough. My doctor tapered me off in a matter of 3 weeks after taking Celexa for 5 years and I was on 40 mg… so I have not been feeling too wonderful but I really hope my sex life returns.
I’m currently in week 4 of tapering and on 1/4 of a 20mg pill of citalopram. I have never felt this depressed in my life, I’m tired, feel sick and achy, headache, brain zaps, severe mood swings, and dizzy spells. I’m glad I found this article because my DR. did not reassure me I would be feeling these things.
I have tried to ween off before but started feeling this way and not knowing that these are common withdrawal symptoms is actually pretty scary. I thought in my head I would never be able to come off my medication and almost felt trapped by this wonderful drug that makes me happy. I am a 30 year old female with 3 small children and a husband who does not understand anything that’s happening in my brain. I pray these feelings go away sooner then later and hope normal is close by… whatever normal may be.
Following 16 years of depression and anxiety – within 6 months of taking these meds I’d recovered completely. I stayed on them for 16 years and then withdrew by halving my meds each time over many months and still had withdrawal symptoms. Unfortunately I had to restart the meds after a few years (stress of family illness) and now after 2 years of taking them again I’ve been withdrawing over the last year by cutting up my 20mg into 1/4’s making each one 5mg (best purchase ever – a pill cutter).
I took 15mg for a few months, then 10mg, then 5mg and lastly I’ve been crushing the last 5mg and taking 2.5mg. Eventually I took 2.5mg every other day, then every 2 days, 3 days etc (over months) and finally 2.5mg once a week then stopped. I’ve had absolutely no withdrawal symptoms at all this time. The slower the better. There’s no hurry to come off them. Doctors need to be re-educated in the withdrawal of these – they’re serious stuff and not to be messed around with.
But… these meds have been my saviour – I got my life back. :-)
Kate, wondering how you are doing now? I am Day 10 off of 10 mg, but I only took them for 5 weeks and it is awful…feel like I will never be myself again.
I was on Celexa for 8 years and was taking about 30-40 mg a day. When it was time for a switch, my psychiatrist cut me off cold turkey. Within a week, I was completely off of the higher-dosage medicine I had been taking for almost 10 years!! She switched me to Zoloft right after. I had the worst withdrawals ever!
My anxiety was through the roof and I couldn’t even prop my head up to eat! I just laid down all day because I couldn’t even stand up I was so dizzy and anxious. From then until about a year ago, I was having full-blown panic attacks and was scared to go in public because I didn’t feel “alive” and I especially didn’t want to have a panic attack.
My home was my only “comfort” place. This level of anxiety didn’t leave me until a little more than a year later. I still have anxiety now, but it is much more manageable and I switched psychiatrists!
Hi, reading some of these are making me feel like I’m not alone which is good for reassurance. But I’m 17 nearly 18 and have been going through really bad anxiety problems for 3 years, I have recently came off citalopram been off them for 3 weeks but I was on a 30mg dose and was on them for 2 years or so, never felt like they were helping me. Been on a few different types of drugs but none seemed to help.
But I was seeing my doctor and he got me off them in 2 weeks which I now know was way too soon from being on a 30mg for a long time. But I am going through some horrible withdrawal symptoms, my memory is so bad I can’t remember things from the day and I feel as if I’m in a dream state and I’m having bad depersonalization & derealisation, it’s like I can hear my self talking but don’t feel like I’m here and don’t feel like I’m me.
Very scary. I’m also having suicidal thoughts and crying spells. Mood swings also. But anyone feel free to email me as it would be nice to talk to someone who understands how I’m feeling. This has been the most scariest thing I’ve had to deal with. My email is laura795shem[@]gmail.com.
Hi everyone. I started taking Celexa almost two years ago. I started on 10mg, and was on 30mg at the end. I was also prescribed 1mg of Ativan for when my anxiety levels were still too high and leading to attacks.
I tapered off (20mg for a week, 10mg for a week, 5mg for a week, then 5mg every other day for a week.) I was hit very hard today by withdrawal symptoms… I just need to know it’ll get better. It’s helpful to read these comments and feel that I’m not alone… even just for a minute. Even if I can’t describe how I feel adequately enough…
Thank you all for being open… I am currently experiencing every single symptom that I had read about: the dizziness and confusion being the worst. I find myself feeling dizzy every few minutes. If anyone has any advice… please, please send it my way. I’m not sure where to go from here.
I don’t know how you all do it without your antidepressants! I have been without mine for at least a month(no insurance for a Dr visit!) And I am a basket case! I can’t talk to anyone without crying my eyes out, my anxiety level is thru the roof, I have hot flashes constantly, I still have brain zaps especially at night. It is enough to make me want to bury myself in a hole.
Thank God my insurance kicks in in about 45 more days… if I last that long! I’m glad there are those who can get off the meds and function normally again, but I am one that can’t. And no I am not bipolar, I’ve been on antidepressants since 1997. Best of luck to you all!
I’m off my tablets a week now and I feel dizzy, sick, very tired and I can’t go to work. Concerned I should be taken off cold turkey?
I start my first taper in the morning. From 40mg. to 35mg. I was on Celexa for about ten years at this dosage, so I’m very nervous about the withdrawals, but really cannot tolerate the side effects anymore. I’ve developed involuntary muscle movements (Dystonia) from the Celexa.
Has anyone experienced the severe fatigue while weaning off of Celexa? I was on 20mg and now cutting down to 10mg. have been taking the 10mg for 2 weeks and I am so exhausted. I can hardly make it through a work day without falling asleep. I have to take at least 2hr naps daily and it’s extremely hard to get up in the mornings for work. Other than that I am handling the side effects well. I was just curious if there was a way to better cope with the exhaustion/fatigue from this. or how long it will last. Thanks.
Getting off Celexa after taking it for almost 5 years. Experiencing brain zaps and am nauseous daily. Worse when I turn quickly or look to the side quickly. This has been going on for almost a month now. Wish the withdraw symptoms would go away. It’s scary.
I’ve been on celexa 40 mg for over three years. It is the only antidepressant that had worked without making me worse. The withdrawals from this though are terrible I get severe crying spells, hopelessness, paranoia and suicidal thoughts. After three years it just now started to feel like it’s not working as well. Praying for the best right now because my mind is not in a good place.
Hi Nimmi thanks for sharing, I’m experiencing pretty much the same as you and feel a bit better knowing these emotions are due to the withdrawal. I really hope you are doing better now.
Wow! Thank you for this article. It was very comforting to read. My heart goes out to those withdrawing from higher doses as I was only on 10mg. I quit cold turkey and after 2 days I began to feel dizzy. Realized probably a withdrawal symptom. Cut the tiny pill in half and will taper myself off. It makes sense my brain is looking for the med. Hang in there! Thanks for the encouragement. P.S. to women: Check with your doc re estrogen/progesterone levels.
How come?
I know this is a very silly question, but… can you go though withdrawal after taking celexa for only one day?
I am on day 10 of withdrawal from Celexa. I first got on the drug in October 2013. It worked great. I stopped in February 2015 and relapsed in depression and got back on the drug in May of the same year. In May of this year, I tried to taper to half the dose. By day 7 I was afraid and weepy and I couldn’t deal with the withdrawals.
Now, I am withdrawing because I want to have babies and I want to be drug free. I am very dizzy ands anxious but I breathe through anxiety and continue to work. When I drive at night, I wear sunglasses because headlights are too bright and hurt my eyes. I have an undercurrent of anxiety and dizziness, but I believe it is from withdrawal. I want to keep going.
How are you doing now? What is the outcome? I have also stopped taking Celexa because I want more babies. I was originally on 40 mg for seven years and then I dropped to 20 mg and then just stopped from there. I have been without for almost 4 weeks and I feel awful. I have severe anxiety accompanied by panic attacks.
My husband died 1 & 1/2 years ago. I had been on celexa 20 mg for a few years and decided to go off it 1 & 1/2 months ago, unfortunately cold turkey. I had symptoms the first couple of weeks but was feeling ok. Right now I feel that the depression is returning and I’m crying often. Any advice would surely be appreciated.
Hello Anita! My situation is different, I was taking antidepressants due to personal problems and not because of things happening to loved ones. But. Perhaps your experience of “returned depression” is the same as mine? I also started feeling more and more tired and depressed after some weeks/month of a tapering stage. At first I believed it was the “real” depression coming back…
But soon I realized that it could be a tapering symptom. To test this idea I sometimes took 1 antidepressant (low dose). Other times I just waited it out and slept more and ate healthy. It always passed for me, so I assume it could be a tapering symptom. What you should do? You could do what I did, stay confident that you can make it and give it time.
Otherwise… try taking low dose antidepressant for a while? The body needs time to adjust and might get some help that way?