2 months Post citalipram

[Birdsnestqueen]

Hi I am late fifties I went on citalipram 20mgs about 5 years ago due to stress at work and family difficulties. I felt great on it and plodded along until a couple of months ago when my circumstance had all changed and I began to think there was no reason for me to remain on them. I came off over 4 weeks slowly reducing until I finished. I have felt mean short tempered and snappy ever since. I’m normally quite placid! I ache and I have no energy to do anything. Is this normal - will it pass? or should I go back to the dr and beg for more drugs! Any advice gratefully received.

[Jeff1943]

Maybe 4 weeks wasn't long enough to taper off them and you're experiencing a bit of cold turkey. When I came of diazepam in the 1970s I allowed myself 4 months to come off them successfully. Doctors seem to have no idea how long the tapering off period should be so they pluck a time out of yhin air.

[Birdsnestqueen in reply to Jeff1943]

Thanks so much - I had no idea it was so difficult to come off - your comments have hugely reassured me and give me confidence to continue for another few weeks . Thanks so much.

[slightlyjaded]

I think I remember the doctor telling me that it take several weeks to have it fully out of your system. It sounds like a chemical withdrawal. I’ve been thru that with a different antidepressant

[Birdsnestqueen in reply to slightlyjaded]

Thank you so much for your comment - I feel better knowing it’s not just me! I’m going to continue for awhile longer and hope the withdrawal symptoms reduce over time. I really am very grateful for your response.