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.
Hang in there May. Last night was the first night I slept thru the night in such a long time. It’s been 2 half weeks since I updosed so maybe it’s kicking in. I say this to give you hope. Maybe you will stabilize once the updose has a chance to kick in. Hang in there Kelly, things can get better. No one give up or lose hope. It can take time for the brain to stabilize. I’m going to check back to see how you are doing.
Hi RV -I am so pleased that you got some sleep at last. I took great comfort and hope from your post that soon I may feel better too. Let me know how you are doing and if it’s making work any easier to cope with.
Had a hysterectomy, started on Lexapro, was changed to Celexa (40 mg) and have been on it for approximately 5 yrs. I really want to stop, accidently went “cold turkey” a couple of times when I couldn’t get to the pharmacist. BIG mistake, now I’m getting ready to take on more responsibilty at work and am afraid to start tapering off. I really want to get off this stuff and feel like this group has been through it all. Pray for my family, sounds like they are going to need it. I’ll keep reading posts. I think it will help. Should I tell my employers I’m going to go through withdrawal from a drug?
I told my boss and two closest peers- I’m so glad I did. Otherwise my emotions would’ve caused problems. They were super supportive.
HI all- this thread has brought me some peace today. I was on citalopram for 10 years. 40mg. I have spent 2 years tapering- 2.50 every 6-8 weeks. At 5mg I got lazy and just stopped. Its been about 70 days. I feel more tired than I have ever felt in my life. I am dizzy and feel like my head is a balloon. I went the Dr and was educated on discontinuation syndrome- but there is nothing to help but time. WE CAN DO THIS. Here is what happened to me so far-
week 1 off- dizzy, wobbly, vertigo, a feeling of being outside of my body, feel like the flu is trying to come on
week 2 -3 – all of the above plus extreme crying- all the time- over anything
week 4- 5 dizziness ebbs and flows, have nausea, spontaneous crying is gone but i could be an actress now because i can cry on queue if i want. i sit here alone, sometimes feeling like i want to end my life, I’m not sure what my purpose is, I’m alone. no one can understand this really, except you reading.
I feel like a spec of sand on a beach. BUT, I’m going through the motions. Spending a lot of time alone because I don’t want to fake feeling well, but then the isolation causes depression. Sort of “stuck.” I’m just trying to stay positive and know that time can heal.
RV – how you doing any signs of improvement yet? Really struggling today. My balance is bad and my legs are so wobbly I can’t get about unaided. My husband thought it maybe a good idea to go to the supermarket to get me out of the house and choose something to tempt me to eat. It was awful – so many people and I couldn’t get around or concentrate on anything. I felt so anxious, weak and sick and only felt better once I was back in the car coming home. It’s been 4 days since I increased my dose back up to 20mgs – so hoping things start to change soon. I am supposed to be working too and it frustrates me even more that I can’t. Good luck Kelly and you are doing the right thing with a mega slow taper something that my Dr didn’t know anything about.
I have been on Celexa for 18 years! I started taking them when I started a new doctor, I mentioned I was a little depressed and was put on Paxil, then we tried other drugs, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, finally Celexa. My doctor has me on 20mg but I break them in half so I only really take 10 mg. Quite honestly I feel now the same as I did before…it’s just part of life. My biggest complaint is my lack of sex drive, I have no passion, no interest, my personal description is everything is on mute. I can’t even remember enjoying sex, I just want to experience life again, all the ups and downs, emotions in full range.
I want back the excitement watching the kids play, sadness when things go bad, everything has been flat lining since I started the drugs. What makes me nervous are everyone’s stories on here. Hopefully with a proper taper symptoms can be managed and minimized. I have to work, I can’t take a day off. I’m gonna take a long taper, hopefully life will come back in full color, including the grays and blacks, just as long as I can experience some of the bright yellows and reds in life, and most importantly enjoy my wife and our love life. Men, does it come back? Hope so. Wish me luck.
Thanks May. I can really relate to your post. I had to updose because there’s no way I could function at work. I’m sleeping poorly and feel worn out. I updosed hoping it will decrease the agitation. I just want to stabilize my sleep. Hang in there.
RV I too come on this site everyday – it helps to know there are others struggling too doesn’t it? You don’t feel quite so along in all this. I, like you, have increased my intake from just 2 days ago due to the debilitating withdrawal effects and hope next time to taper back down really slowly. Even if it takes me years! One of the worst withdrawal symptoms I have had has been anxiety and my legs feeling weak, wobbly and unsteady to walk.
So much so that I collapsed on Monday whilst out and got rushed to Emergencies. My BP was 207/117 and I was terrified. They monitored me for the afternoon giving me different meds until I was stabilized and could go home. I think my anxiety just went into overdrive. My Dr has now given me some Lexatin to help with the anxiety and I have to monitor my BP at home closely. I don’t want to frighten anyone but all this possibly could have been avoided if I had gone more slowly with the reduction.
I am feeling calmer today but still have severe depressive waves when I can’t stop crying and everything seems so desperate. I am hoping that the increase in meds will show up soon and make life a little easier. Hang on in there everyone – you have people here who care and are thinking about you. Let’s just try and help each other along the way – can’t ask for more than that. My love and good wishes to all of you.
Hello Lynn, So sorry you are having problems. Were you feeling better mentally so decided to stop or was it that you were concerned about the weight increase? 40 mgs is quite a high dose and I have found from my experience (see previous posts) that this has to be done very gradually with tapering the dose so no wonder you are feeling rough going cold turkey. Maybe you would benefit from seeing a Dr who can supervise your coming off to make sure you are ok along the way. You may need to start taking the med again and then start reducing with a plan discussed with a Dr. I don’t think there is any quick fix unfortunately. Let me know how you are doing.
I’ve been on celexa 40 mg for 8 months and decided to quit cold turkey 3 days ago BC of the way I was feeling. Little did I know, the problems only get worse once you stop taking it. Now I have brain zaps constantly, I’m ALWAYS sleepy, I have serious mood swings and I’m constantly sick feeling. Someone help me! Oh and… I gained 30 pounds. I’ve never been over 115 and now I’m at 140!! Please please PLEASE someone tell me it goes away! I exercise and work on my feet daily! Nothing helps the weight go down. Is it going to go away? Any of this?
Thank you to all who post their stories here. I come here everyday looking for hope. I updosed from 5 to 10mgs because I couldn’t deal with withdrawals and function at work. Hope to re stabilize at 10mgs and try again to taper down more slowly. I really get the idea to taper very slowly. Let’s all hang in there.
I was over prescribed Celexa. I was seeing a psychiatrist that had me on 50mg (yeah, I know, over the recommended amount) and was cut down to 40 mg. No problem. However, I noticed that it was giving me really bad side-effects (insomnia, extreme fatigue, sweating, and generally not enjoying anything) and so I talked with my doc, and he cut me down to 20mg. Again, no problem adjust and infact I felt great. This however only lasted a few weeks.
I had started seeing a naturopath, who ran a food allergy screening–and they said I had sensitivity to cane sugar, oats and yeast. I’ve eliminated those from my diet, and have been feeling better physically, but the Celexa side effects have come back, but to a lesser extent. I’m cutting down to 10mg, and I think I’m going to stick there for a month and then wean myself off. I’m just freaked out about withdrawal symptoms, which sound much like the side-effects I’m getting from the celexa.
I have been struggling with withdrawal for months now, I came off quickly because I had a panic attack mid July and in just over a week I came off them completely. Since August I haven’t had any citalopram so it has been almost exactly 4 months now. I still get brain zaps if I drink alcohol and head rushes to, but I am OK if I don’t drink. If I do exercise my muscles ache a lot my wrists sometimes throb and sometimes the tips of my fingers and toes hurt too. I never used to get that. I did go to a physio and had a few tests on my muscles and nervous system but they couldn’t find anything physically wrong with me. It has reduced in intensity over time so I can only hope it will go soon as I have always been an avid gym goer, and recently I have been put off going :(.
Hi everyone! Well like most of you, I googled ‘side effects of citalopram withdrawal’ because I wondered if I had damaged my brain taking them. I have been on 5mg for several weeks (couldn’t tolerate 20mg so had been on 10mg for the past 18 months after experiencing trauma). After just a week on 5mg the brain zaps started. They continued for weeks mildly and last week I stopped taking them. I have been exhausted and irritable and find it hard to think straight. I took my grand- daughter to the circus and with the light / sound effects, I had about 20 brain zaps within a half hour period!
So after spending most of today in bed barely functioning I googled and here I am. What a relief! Thank you to you all for sharing your experience. My doctor had also never heard of brain zaps, he did wonder if it was the brain waking up again since the citalapram seems to overly calm it. I am not sure, but I am also a counsellor. At best this will help me understand my client’s experiences. Hoping I come out the other side soon… But at least for now I know I’m not alone! Thanks again and all the best to you all.
I stopped taking my Celexa recently. Dr. had me on 20mg each night and .5mg of klonopin 3x daily. I cut down the Celexa over 6 months down to 10mg a night. I recently quit the celexa. (Psychiatric dr. Monitoring my progress). It has been 4 weeks of rough times. Please consult a Dr. to at least have someone who knows what you are doing. I had a plan and knew what to expect. The electrical buzzing you get when you are looking at light and moving your eyeballs is the worst part for me. And the vertigo/dizziness really flips you out. Best wishes for success in your endeavors.
Hi. I was put on citalopram 20 mg in July and then up to 40 mg and have been on that since I have really felt better and much more like myself (apart from the weight gain!!) my family plans were abruptly put on hold in July and I’m desperate to get off these to start my family. I have started to taper the dose down and have gone down to 20mg this week from 40mg and feel terrible! But there are a couple of symptoms that don’t seem to be reported has anyone else had the following: Very painful and reoccurring mouth ulcers and feeling bruised to the touch all over my body and heart burn. Thanks in advance. -Saz
Hi All, Just an update to my recent post. I have learnt a lot from coming on this forum and doing some research of my own. I have concluded, rightly or wrongly as I am not a medic, that slow withdrawal is the answer. I had to make a decision about the debilitating physical and mental effects of coming off Citalopram after 15 years. I have been unable to function on a daily basis for 3 weeks after getting down to 10mgs from 40mgs since September. In view of the length of time and the dosage I having been taking these I think this was too quick.
So, after having a good talk this weekend with my lovely husband who is trying so hard to help me I have decided to take my Dr’s advice and go back up to 30mgs. I took 20mgs last night and think it is too soon to notice any good effects yet. I plan to do this for a few days and then go up to 30mgs. Hopefully things will start to get better soon. I am feeling rather despondent after trying so hard to get off but just couldn’t continue the way I am – feeling terrified of what is happening to me. If I ever try this again it will be over at least a year or so not a couple of months.
My advice to anyone who is thinking of coming off these things is to do it very slowly and under medical supervision. Saz, I haven’t had mouth ulcers but have felt achey all over. Ali, did you taper off your dose or go cold turkey? Lu, I really feel for you being away from home and feeling so bad. Can you not change your flight and just get back home where you can see a Dr? I wish you all well during the withdrawal process. We are all different and I guess some will have the strength to come through this.
I’ve been taking Celexa for about 3 months now and it has worked wonders for me, but I had no idea about these withdrawal symptoms. I have not had any for about a week and I am super irritable, sluggish, and antisocial. Everyone has been so used to seeing me unimaginably happy and now that I’m all gloomy everyone is wondering what is up with me. The most annoying part of this is the ‘brain shocks’ or w.e it is called. It feels REALLY strange like my brain is throbbing, but not in a headache pain kind of way. It’s hard to explain. IDK WTF to do.
30/11/14. Well. Where to start? I just realized today that the ‘illness’ I’ve had for the past week or so is Citalopram withdrawal. I’ve been on 30mg for awhile, moved to Italy 3 months ago and cut down to 20. Ran out of 20 about a month ago and started just taking 10mg. Ran out of 10s a few weeks ago and starting taking my remaining 10mg pills as and when I remembered, every other day etc. Until about a week ago when I ran out completely.
And, well, here we are. The symptoms hit me like a brick wall, and I can deal with the psychological effects, but the physical ones are killing me. Here’s the kicker: I’m in Italy, working. The situation with my living arrangements is so bad that if I put one foot wrong, forget a single task of housework, etc, I will be kicked out on the streets. There’s more to it than that obviously but can’t go into detail here, it’s a long story.
My contract finishes in 2 weeks and my flight home to the UK is on 13th December. I have just under 2 weeks to muddle through, keep it together. I’m not sure if I can do it but I am seriously afraid of what will happen if I get worse. It’s been 1 week of symptoms and I just want (need!) to lie in bed all the time.
I too tried different methods of tapering. Slowly cutting it wasn’t working well. So now I just went every other day and then stopped. Prob not the best approach but I am done being on this stuff after 2 yrs. Gained a lot of weight. Now I’m week one into withdrawal and I’m dizzy,irritable and feel tired. Crazy dreams and then waking up at 5am for no reasons. Oh fun! I had really bad calf cramps during the night but finally that subsided after a few days.
I think it’s just going to take awhile so I am resting when possible, eating clean and drinking lots of water. I think this sucks but I know it’s temporary and I will be feeling better soon. My minor OCD for cleaning came back which I’m actually happy about! Can’t wait to see if the weight comes off. I know exercise is helpful so I have been walking and riding a bike to help my head. Anyway. Good luck to all. I hate that no one tells the problems of getting off this stuff. It seemed so benign.
Hopeful, I have just read your post and can totally appreciate what you are going through. This site has helped me through the last difficult few weeks since I started coming off citalopram. It seems we are all facing the same issues and I really feel for all of you. I have been on Citalopram for many years – probably around 15 and it has always kept me on an even keel on 30mgs a day. In May this year due to various issues my GP suggested a higher dose so I increased to taking 40mg a day.
I felt much better but after a few months I got some side effects like bad dreams, heart palpitations, anxiety, etc. so my Dr suggested that I try to reduce the dose or even try to come off altogether. We decided I would reduce the dose slowly and see if I could get off them. So 8 weeks ago in September I began tapering off really slowly. I went down to 20mgs for about 5 weeks then went down to 10 mgs 3 weeks ago. This is when the trouble started! I have had the most awful side effects feeling hot & cot, flu like pains in my body, tightness in my neck, shoulders and spine, wobbly legs and losing my balance, nausea, exhaustion, increased anxiety and depression.
It feels worse than when I first went on the drug and I am hoping from what I have read here that it is just withdrawal symptoms and not the old problem rearing it’s head again. It has been complicated by the fact that I got a nasty chest infection that needed treatment with Clarithromycin antibiotics which rarely I believe can increase anxiety and depression levels. I take my last antibiotic tonight so hope things settle tomorrow. Talking to my Dr he suggests that I might want to start going back up on the citalopram to 30mgs a day.
I am so confused as I don’t want to get anymore side effects from increasing them again. At the moment I am unable to work or function on a daily basis. I have been snappy to my lovely husband who is trying to understand what is happening to me. I feel I have come this far with the horrid symptoms so maybe I should persevere with the tapering once I feel better at this level of 10mgs. Does anyone, especially Hopeful who seems to have been on this road before, have any advice that might help me decide what to do? Thank you.
I’ve been on these for 8 years and am currently on my 4th attempt at coming off 10mg. These posts are so helpful because it’s a lonely time feeling this messed up. Suicidal thoughts, talking slowly, body aching, vivid dreams, the lot. Tapered off but feel cold and emotionless. Took it slowly but now just existing, what the hell do these pills do to your brain? I feel motivated by these posts to keep going and by my grown up family asking for mum to come back, and to send this stranger away.
I have been taking celexa for 6 years & have also ran out and experienced some horrible side effects. This time I want to stay off of it, I’ve been taking 40 mg. I was relieved to see that the electric shocks I feel through my body when I don’t have the meds is a common side effect… It’s pretty scary. At this point I haven’t taken it for almost 2 weeks, I have felt like I had the flu & terrible mood swings… but most importantly I feel emotions. I hate crying, but I am glad that I don’t feel so cold toward everyone! I realized last night how much of my children’s life I’ve missed from being zombified! Good luck to all of you! I still have 3 meds to come off of after this one, I pray that I’m successful! Happy Thanksgiving!
I am grateful to find this site. I was put on Celexa about the time I put my mother on hospice. Tough time. I guess it helped, because I kept taking it and was up to 20mg. I had an accident and was hurt pretty bad last October. Then, before I was healed up, I lost my mom. Towards the beginning of this year, the 20mg just was not working for me anymore, and of course I was experiencing some side effects – no libido, weight gain, gastrointestinal distress, etc.
So my doc raised me to 40mg, and the symptoms were worse to include mood swings, irritability, quick to anger. Then the diarrhea started in earnest. I woman in her early 50s, I started having alarming ‘accidents’, which was not helped because I am in a wheelchair. I am also a newlywed. We have never gotten to a ‘normal’ life, constantly dealing with my mother’s death, surgeries and other issues. And now we started fighting pretty darn regularly. Well, my spouse left me today, and I am really a mess. This is when I found this page. It helps tremendously to read the stories of others.
All I can say is I’ll take it one day at a time. I am going to do some research on supplementation. There has to be another way! I am going to buy “The Mood Cure” and hope this approach helps. Thank you all for sharing. I will check in as I go through my journey. I think it has been about 2 weeks since I quit the Celexa cold, and I am having many more symptoms than those I shared. My head just cannot organize it all right now.
Its 2:54 am and I cannot sleep! I am suffering from ALL of these horrible symptoms of withdrawal – from vomiting (occasional) to insomnia. I was on citalopram for two years, starting on 20mg then increased to 40mg. I was weaned gradually to 30 then to 20 and 10. I then started taking 10mg on alternate days. I ran out of my medication because I thought I had enough for another month. By the time I received my repeat prescription, I had gone without medication for 4 consecutive days.
I did not have any immediate symptoms and decided I would stop. I did not take any of my repeat prescription. One week after I had stopped the symptoms started with headaches which progressed to migraine type, diarrhea and on a few occasions, vomiting. I am now in the midst of the ‘STORM’. In the midst of EVERY LISTED withdrawal symptom. It is a real horror! I am forever grateful to all who posted their experiences. I now know its not ‘just me’. I am determined to stand up and fight. I don’t want to ever go back on antidepressants! it was a nightmare when I started Citalopram but now it is a real horror to withdraw! I have an appointment with my Dr in two days.
I’m currently going through some major withdrawal symptoms. I’m feeling a lot of the “Zapping” and find it very difficult to get a good night sleep. I also find myself feeling extremely irritable. Do you guys know of anything that can be taken to minimize these symptoms? Any good relaxation techniques, over the counter meds or anything of the like to minimize the symptoms? I would greatly appreciate it. :)
I had been on this drug for many years to treat OCD symptoms. I went off it and not too long afterward (probably about a month), I noticed I wasn’t thinking clearly. I developed irritability, memory problems, and difficultly concentrating. Also, I experienced tachycardia, high blood pressure, sleep disruption, sweating (over a period of about 3 to 4 months). I had to drop college classes because I couldn’t focus well enough to read all the material. I feel dumber and hope that this will go away eventually. It is pretty much a living nightmare.
I love Celexa! It changed my life when I started it about 5 years ago in my early 50’s. After decades of social anxiety, low-level depression, ineffective therapy, etc. I’ve been feeling so confident and content! But, like so many others here, I’ve been thinking about tapering off gradually. After reading this thread I’m not sure that I should since I can’t seem to find any positive experiences about life after Celexa. I have a great health plan so cost isn’t an issue. Is it really worthwhile to quit?
“Decades of social anxiety” to “confident and content” over the span of 5 years. Sounds like you’ve found a treatment that really works. In your case, I would say that it’s probably a much better idea to continue treatment.
WOW glad I found this thread. So nice to know I’m not alone. I quit Celexa a week ago (40 mg for 5 years) cold turkey (I know, not the best idea) for a variety of reasons, not the least of which are weight gain and sexual side effects, but also because I don’t want to be dependent on it anymore. I have been using melatonin and some essential oils to replace it and so far, so good. Some brain zaps, very vivid weird dreams are hot flashes. I also feel as though I have a head cold but not sure if that’s part of it.
I will write more when I’m not in bed about to go to sleep, but you have all realistically prepared me for my tapering off Wellbutrin and Citalopram. I will keep reminding myself that this is a temporary situation. I will also be clean eating which should naturally help as well. Best wishes to each and every one of you. Nice to know I can come here and know I’m not the only one who just wants to be freed from medication and freed from mental issues and trauma.
I’m really tired and emotional today, I’m struggling with riding out the withdrawal or going back up from about 6mgs to 10mgs. I’m really torn and not sure what’s the best approach. I work, and can’t be tired and unstable all the time. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.
I took 40 mg of citalo for 5 yrs. I was getting fat and weaned myself off in two weeks time. I lost all my weight gain in 3 months, but I had severe electric shock feelings when I looked left or right with my eyes. I’ve now been off for over 6 months and all symptoms are gone. Sadly, I gained a new one that I think is unique to me. I occasionally freak out feeling that I center breath through my nose. Even though I can breath ok. I panic and feel like I wanna freak out. It’s unbearable. I can’t shake it, eventually it subsides untill next time. I’ve never had that feeling before taking or during the citalopram. Any one have any thoughts?
I was on citalopram for at least 15 years. Dr recently took me foo to change to another which he said would help the neuropathy in my feet. That is when it all started. I thought it was side effects to the new medication. The worst thing was the nightmares. Yelling so loud in my sleep that I would wake myself up as well as everyone else in the house. I went on line and realized I was going through withdrawals. That is when the Dr and I decided to stop both.
Never had the brain zaps or some of the others, but the nightmares and shortness of breath were bad and although much better still flare up. I thought I was having heart problems until I found this site. I am feeling better, it has been a month off citalopram. Finding this site makes me feel even better. I can deal with what is going on with me now knowing why it is happening. No more nightmares, but not sleeping much which is why I have been on this site since 4 am. Good luck to us all. Can’t wait to be in charge of my own feelings instead of feeling dull.
Interesting comments here. I have been on 10mg Citalopran about five years and I ran out of them last week and just decided to stop. They were prescribed because of depression caused by severe financial problems and my wife being ill. Both problems are still there but I just wanted to see what would happen. I have the brain ‘fogginess’ that reminds me of when I’ve had flu but apart from that it’s OK. It was the fogginess symptom that caused me to to search the Internet and find this blog and it’s reassuring this feeling is normal. Best of luck to everyone especially those with clinical depression and on the higher strength.
Oh my! Took 40mg of citalopram for two years and decided to quit cold turkey. I’m handling the nausea and diarrhea but the stinging or brain zaps and dizziness are driving me stupid! Which in turn makes me wanna tear someone’s head off ;( I’ve been off for 9 days now so I’m going to keep plugging along with lots of prayers! Maybe I’ll be better by thanksgiving…
Hello there – I have been taking 10mg of cit for a just over a month but have decided to taper myself off it as I am only 20 and haven’t tried other ways to help my anxiety and mild depression e.g. therapy. Was just wondering is blurry/ disturbed vision a side effect of withdrawal? Not sure if it just because I’m so tired or because of the withdrawal but either way it’s very strange.
Assuming you haven’t had this problem prior to taking Cit, the likely culprit is withdrawal. I had this same experience while withdrawing from another SSRI. Best wishes.
Hello lovely’s, I just want to throw my 2 pence worth in in support of others going though the withdrawal! I was on Cit for 3yrs at 30mg for bad anxiety and moderate depression, I had been feeling like they weren’t doing anything, and having other physical symptoms too which had no explanation, we’re talking MRI scans, bloods, ect to find why I was feeling quite to bad/off/sick as a dog, and not getting better, not to mention the 4 st that I put on regardless of what I did!
So I thought and thought about what had changed/been introduced since I started feeling this bad, and the only constant was the Cit, so looked though the side effects and Yahtzee we have a winner, I highlighted all the things in the side effects that I had been suffering with and low and behold it was the whole hit list of what the docs had been baffled by! So did some research into others experience and found people in the same boat. So decided that I didn’t want this crap in my system anymore!
Came off, rather quick taper admittedly, but if that stuffs the prob I want it gone! And I really feel for you all the withdrawal has been harsh! Feeling sick, head spins, flushes, feeling generally like crap, pressure feeling in the head, ect you know the laundry list! But what I want to say is, it feels horrible, and you’ll feel SO wrong for a while but remind yourself it’s just the drug leaving and the body adjusting, it’s hard; I won’t deny that! I was feeling like I would have to go back on them, but the greater good and the memory of how crappy I’ve been for the last 3 yrs on this stuff made me plug on.
The first 2/3 weeks were bad – I won’t sugar coat, but I’m now a month off and its subsiding and feeling so much better – and it improves everyday! So you can do it! I have no love for this drug and feel its more harmful than beneficial in the long run. So remember you can do it, it’s hard, but worth it. I would say if you can take off of work then do it! Especially over the 2nd and 3rd week, that’s where it really got me. I hope this helps someone, but you can do it!!! :)
I am soooo glad I found this site. I have been on SSRI’s (Paxil 20 mg for 13 years then Celexa 20 mg for the last 3 years). Originally went to Celexa because Paxil pooped out. Reduced Celexa to 10 mg’s for a year because I couldn’t handle the side effects, then basically Celexa pooped out (or my body decided it didn’t need or like it anymore-don’t know). Since I have retired (I am 63), I decided it was a good time to simply quit, as there were very few stressors in my life. Good thing.
I quit on October 10th, 2014 and for a few days felt okay. Hah, little did I know! Withdrawal symptoms hit like a vengeance. I was dizzy, fatigued, confused, unable to concentrate, walked like a drunken sailor (I don’t drink by the way), vacillated between total lethargy and bursts of energy. had racing and ‘ping-ponging’ of thoughts in my head, muscle and joint aches and pains, and major nausea, vomiting and abdominal bloating, gas, belching, tingling and skin crawling sensations on my arms and legs, and the weirdest, most vivid dreams/nightmares of my life. Didn’t have any headaches or ‘brain zaps’ however; I am grateful for that.
First I read that it would take 2-3 weeks to feel better. Well, I am starting week 4 and although the muscle aches and tingling sensations are gone, I still feel like crap. Then I read 4-6 weeks to start feeling better, then I read it could take up to 90 days (since I have been on them for so long) and I guess if it takes that long, so be it. Going back on them is not an option.
I try to eat healthy foods and am starting to slowly start exercising again. I have started my B-Vitamin supplements and that should also help. But mostly, I just pray a lot and remain hopeful that if other people can do it so can I. Thank you all.
I’ve been off celexa for about 3 months (have been on it 4 times after pregnancies due to post-partum anxiety, was on 20mg for a year and did a gradual withdrawal over a couple months). I don’t seem to have any withdrawal symptoms anymore except extreme anger and irritability, is this normal? I can go from zero to ten in a matter of seconds with my temper, I’ve even considered going back on it due to this. Has any else experienced this? Maybe it has nothing to do with the drug as it’s been 3 months already, I dunno.
Hi Christine, I can relate to the anger and irritability after stopping an SSRI – even after an extended period of time. For me what helped was taking fish oil, proactive steps to calm myself through relaxation / meditation, and talk therapy – which allowed me to vent. Months after stopping medications, I would smash things, want to punch things, and take offense to every little comment.
My anger problems eventually subsided, but since everyone is different, I cannot guarantee the same for you. Were you prone to anger and irritability prior to using the drug? If so, it could have some sort of a genetic basis. If it all started after your withdrawal, then it’s probably something that you can overcome with time and effort. Wish you the best of luck.
No, it’s def been worse since stopping the meds :(
Thank you for posting this. I am only 5 days weaning off of 20 mg. of Celexa AND 50 mg. of Topiramate at the same time. Since I don’t know which is actually causing the withdrawal symptoms, one or both of them, either way, I am having those symptoms… ESPECIALLY today….the 5th day…brain zaps, shaking, irritability, getting headaches, and feeling “sick” in the stomach and overall “flu” like symptoms. I have had withdrawals before coming off meds different ones, and you don’t forget that experience. But I do know that it will be much better once it gets completely out of my system :) Thank you again and good luck to you and everyone else too!! :) KEEP POSITIVE!!! :)
I’ve been tired and crying the last few days. Is this normal? Also, to those who have jobs, how do you function each day, I struggle with thinking should I up my dosage just to get these withdrawals to stop, yet I want off this stuff. Any advice or at least encouragement would be appreciated. I need to know these symptoms will pass. Thank you
It’s 3:38 AM and I give up try to sleep. Brain zaps etc. Taking citalopram for over 4 years. Stopped being of benefit ages ago. Cut down from 40 to 20 to 10 over the past two months. Been off for 5 days. Feel human already but can’t wait for withdrawals to stop. Good luck to everyone else kicking the dreaded citalopram :)
Hang in there Hellen. Hopefully, you can get some rest. It’s no fun trying to function during the day when exhausted. I hope these symptoms do pass. Sometimes it feels hopeless, but we have to press on.
I’m really down and struggling today. Can someone reassure me these symptoms will pass. I’m just irritable. Thanks
It’s good to read of others experiences with celexa withdrawal. I’ve tapored from 20mgs to 5mgs and that’s when some withdrawal symptoms started to kick in. I guess patience is key and good to know there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Good luck to everyone.
I’ve been on an antidepressant of one kind or another since 1989 for severe bouts of depression and anxiety. I’ve had bouts of agoraphobia that can last years at a time then just disappear. I recently have finally been diagnosed as bipolar which, looking back, explains so many if my erratic behaviors and though I’m not happy about it, I don’t feel like a terrible person with no willpower or courage to overcome what those around think I use as a crutch.
I recently ran out of Celexa and had no refills. I take 60mg daily and my pharmacy handles obtaining refills, etc. it’s been almost a week after years on this dosage and I’ve been rather manic. I have had brain zaps but I’m more concerned about what will happen when I start back on it. Will I crash and get really depressed or will I even out? I DO NOT want to crash to the point of isolation and depression, especially during the holidays. This time of year is hard enough to maintain any functioning as it is. Any answers?
Hi Debbie, I wouldn’t be too concerned about starting it back up – especially since you’ve been on it for years. You will likely stabilize on the drug and the symptoms should subside. Unfortunately, since everyone is different, it’s impossible predict whether you’ll experience a crash when you start taking it again. Best wishes.
Tapered off 40 mg (was on for roughly 7 yrs) recently due to pregnancy. The headaches are unreal!!! As is the dizziness. Any suggestions to lessen/dull the symptoms? Having the doc put me into a coma sounds pretty good at this point lol
So informative. I didn’t cut down slowly and told doctor I felt dizzy. His answer: Blood pressure OK, so don’t worry, but I didn’t mention the electric zaps going through my body. My house sold, but not done deal and I have a new job learning computers… I’m managing OK. I took citalopram 40 mg for 2 years, 20 mg for 4 months and 10 mg for 10 days. How long am I going to have to cope with these? And will I lose the 3 stone I put on and get my libido back? At least I understand what’s going on now… and my sense of humour is finally coming back. Love, Lesley
There is light at the end of the tunnel!! About 3 weeks ago I posted on here saying how unsociable I had become since going cold turkey from Citalopram but in the last 3 days I have felt great! Its been about 6 weeks since I last took Citalopram (I was taking 30mg and was on it for 5 years) and at last my emotions and sense of humor are slowly coming back, I feel more confident and less anxious now which I never thought possible. It might be due to me taking 5-HTP, St Johns Wort and Omega 3 oils, who knows but since I’ve been taking these I feel more confident than I ever had.
I still get the odd moments when I suddenly get really tired or go a bit quiet in myself but I think as long as I explain to my family then I don’t feel guilty and it doesn’t add to any stress I might be already feeling, I’m hoping that in another 6 weeks I’ll be almost fully recovered, fingers crossed. I just want to tell everyone on here that you can get better and stop if you really put your mind to it and believe that you can do it. Try to think that any withdrawal symptoms are good as it’s your body’s way of showing you that its ridding itself of this nasty medication. I hope this post helps and gives optimism to others. If anyone needs any advice on the herbal remedies I’d be glad to help :)
After switching birth control pills years ago, was prescribed Celexa to cope with depressive side effects. Have been taking 20 mg Celexa/Citalopram for over 10 years. It’s dulled my sex drive, I’ve gained 40 lbs overall, it makes me grind my teeth in my sleep, and ringing in my ears may be related. Have tried going off Citalopram several times but went back on since the withdrawal symptoms caused some depression. Recently went from 30 mg to 20 mg per day, randomly to 10 mg until last Monday.
I decided to just go for quitting cold turkey and cope with the results. After several days I was weepy, mom going in for surgery. Then I thought, why not let the tears come, better than the meds. Tried Benadryl, then bought some St John’s Wort. Want to try to offset the withdrawal with this and other herbal remedies. I’ve added Rescue Remedy gum, R Garden Vitamin O. Yesterday felt fatigued and took a nap. Later was up til 3 am, wound up. Slept in today, drank lots of water, another nap, hot bath.
I have the bottles of Citalopram but want to hold off going back on them. I can do St Johns, but want some advice about how much to start taking each day. I can start probiotics, I also have a juicer and can add carrot juice. Whoever has tried herbal remedies, please let me know what’s helped you. I’ll give some of these juices and herbal remedies a try. Thanks, and to all of you who are coping with withdrawal, have courage, prayers that we all succeed and can help others leave the little peach pill behind!
6-7 years on citalopram. Started 10mg and it felt like someone turned the sun on. It was wonderful. Increased to 20mg for most of those years until my mother died unexpectedly and increased to 40. That was 2 1/2 years ago. I decreased to 20mg this July as I just felt numb most of the time and the effectiveness was gone. I have decreased to 10mg the beginning of Oct. Felt like I had the flu. Achy, crabby, stiff neck.
I work out 3-4 days a week, and suddenly didn’t want or have the energy to. But emotionally I felt so much better. Only one day of tears and thankfully I recognized it. But it was nice to feel emotion again. The “flu” symptoms passed and I felt much better. Dropped to 5 mg last Saturday. Huge mistake. Too big a drop or too fast even after all that. Tues I went to 7.5 then 5 again every day till today and had to do 7.5 again. Brain zingers big time.
Bad sleep. Hot, cold, headaches. So I will be doing 7.5mg for the next weeks and trying 5 mg in Dec and I’m thinking 2.5mg in Jan. I really just want to be done and feel accomplished in quitting it, but OMG the withdrawals this week, even after already having a bout, were a huge surprise. I suspect I went a bit too quick — one book said one month taper for every year of use, but I felt pretty good then wham! I guess I took them for six years but my anxiety and impatience just wants to be done with the process.
I want to know the worst is over, but I guess I can’t rush it. So happy to have found this site. The comments make me grateful it was only 6-7 years, and bad that it was that long! It is nice to have feedback from people withdrawing from celexa/citalopram specifically. I’m a bit discouraged that even once off expect an adjustment for 3-6 months, but good to know ahead of time. Thank you for your posts everyone it was helpful.
I have been off celexa for a week now after tapering down from 40 mg to 5mg over many weeks. Even with tapering I am experiencing awful withdrawal symptoms, the worst being dizziness, insomnia, and weepiness. I am definitely not myself and pray that I don’t have to wait 90 days for these symptoms to go away. I was on the meds for over 6 years. Any suggestions?
I’ve been on Citalopram for 13 years. I made the decision to come about 5 weeks ago. I was on 10 mg a day. I dropped to 5mg a day then 2 1/5 a day. I had slight dizziness and nausea. I was surprised this was the only side effect. Until just over a week ago. I was VERY up and down with my moods. Tearful and irritable. I’ve been getting brain zaps and my sleep pattern is slightly out. However I KNOW these are ONLY symptoms of coming of the drug. They will pass. And I’m trying to stay positive that I will be a stronger person now I’m off the drug! If you feel it’s the right decision for you to come off the drug… then stick with it, be strong, and ditch the drug!!
I just stopped taking Celexa my doctor said I don’t have to take it anymore. He left me on my ativan. I was only on 20mg but I have been feeling a little dizzy and last night my stomach hurt so badly I thought I was going to throw up but instead I had it all come out the back side. I do feel better off it because I had a rash from it and some nosebleeds. How long will my symptoms last? I was only on it for I think two months…
Decided to stop taking celexa 40mg after over 20 years on it. BIG mistake!!! Just stopped. Not even thinking. Have spent the last week thinking I was going to die! Hot then freezing, so weak I can hardly function. So sick to my stomach I can’t eat. Can’t remember feeling this bad. Lost track of days, thoughts, and 6 lbs in a week. Went to the Dr. thinking I had an ulcer or flu. She set me straight, it was the Celexa!!! Hope I can get through this!!!
I too am having flu like symptoms. I thought I had the flu, but after reading the posts here, now I’m not so sure. I was on Citalopram 40 mg for 6 years starting with my divorce. I went cold turkey 2 weeks ago. The symptoms started almost immediately. After a week, the dizziness got so bad that I actually fainted twice in 15 minutes time. It scared my mother so bad that she convinced me to go to the hospital. They diagnosed me with extreme dehydration, gave me two bags of intravenous fluids and sent me home.
6 days later, I came down with severe flu like symptoms, nausea, fever, chills, night sweats, severe body aches, extreme fatigue. The dizziness is incredibly debilitating. I ride racehorses for a living and being dizzy and off balance can be extremely dangerous. After reading this blog, I am very scared about the withdrawal symptoms. I ran out of my prescription and didn’t want to go back to the doctor, but maybe I should. I can’t function at my job like this. Thank you to all of you here. Good to know that I’m not insane and that I’m not alone in this. Good luck to all of you.