citalopram sudden withdrawal

[Laxido21]

i was prescribed 20 mg citalopram by my gp when my husband had a stroke in 2017, due to anxiety. I was recently rushed into Intensive Care for dangerously low sodium levels. Citalopram is one of the drugs causing this, along with omeprazole and ramipril. The hospital immediately stopped these 3 medications. I am now 3 weeks out of hospital and feel absolutely dreadful. I am very emotional, very angry and irritated, but worst I of all I feel detached from reality and my surroundings. It is ruining my life. Please help me and tell me how long it’ll take me to get back to some sort of reality. My GP won’t put me on any alternative anti depressant as they all cause low sodium. Thank you for reading this. Ever hopeful. Pauline

[The_Butterfly]

oh, that sounds incredibly frustrating and difficult! It sounds like your body is getting acclimated to a new chemical and hormone environment. I don’t have the answer as to the timeline, but I hope it gets better for you soon.

[RamblingGranny]

That’s pretty awful. I take Omeprazole, ramipril and Venlafaxine. According to your GP I’m heading for trouble too!

I have a couple of thoughts. There are some antidepressants that cause less low sodium risk. If you have a psychiatrist ask them. Your pharmacist may be helpful if not.

Presumably you were taking ramipril for raised blood pressure. You should now monitor that. Again there are alternatives.

Hope this helps

[Allotmentmad]

Dear Pauline, I came off Citalopram after being on it for a long time. It doesn't do to stop it cold turkey and any GP would know this! You needed a reduced dose and schedule, i.e. take every other day. However, due to your sodium levels and the apparent need to steer clear of Citalopram there are remedies like St John's Wort which I found helpful - it worked. Your withdrawal symptoms sound very familiar and it seems you've already consulted your GP about this. I'm astonished you've been left high and dry like this. I honestly think your GP could consider a 10mg dose of Citalopram, it's worth a try, every other day. Talk to your pharmacist, they know a lot and if necessary see another GP. You need a much more considered approach. I know how you are feeling, I went through it, but you need the support of a health professional. Don't be brushed off.

[Laxido21 in reply to Allotmentmad]

Thank you for your kindness. I spoke to my gp pharmacist yesterday. He said Kalms may help me sleep! But they will not give me any alternative medication due to the low sodium levels which caused me to go into Intensive Care. So it’s stalemate I’m afraid. I’ve bought rescue remedy and Kalms, so fingers crossed. It’s the detachment from reality that I find the hardest thing to cope with. It seems as tho you’ve come through it, how much longer is the suffering. I wish you all the very best. x

[14566787]

So sorry this has happened to you It's not good to come off antidepressants too quickly they need to be tapered off slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms. I'm currently going through withdrawal from citalopram myself and it's terrible I have went back on but I'm still struggling with the same symptoms as yourself.

I would join antidepressants SSRI withdrawal group on Facebook for help and advice.

[Laxido21 in reply to 14566787]

Aw thank you for your advice, it isn’t easy but try to stick with it. All the very best. x