Coming off Citalopram

[Hetty56]

Hi everyone

Almost 16 months on from his accident my son is recovering really well - things like being able to focus on more than one thing at a time, being able to enjoy the stimulation of a crowded room. He takes mirtazapine and citalopram which are doing their job. When he found that citalopram made him feel tired all the time he spoke to his GP who suggested increasing the dose. Not surprisingly he’s even more drowsy! He’s stuck it out and is now trying to stop the citalopram (he’s going to stay on he mirtazapine for now). He’s got down from 30mg to 10mg without any effects however, it’s the last 10mg that he’s struggling to cut out. Despite trying to space the doses out he still suffers with side effects if he doesn’t take it after 3 days. Has anyone experienced this and have any useful advice please?

[Hidden]

I took it as normal but shaved a bit off the pills. A few grains at first, then a week or so later a slightly larger bit off. I stopped them with no side effects whatever. Hope this works.

[cat3]

As Jan suggests, a tiny reduction over a longer period is best for avoiding withdrawal. I did it with Diazepam by literally 1/2 ml each week. If you haven't got one, buy a pill cutter from any pharmacist and reduce by 5mg or more per week. xx

[Danger19]

Hello my lovely,

I have Bipolar Affective Disorder, this was not caused by my head injury, I was diagnosed as nuts years ago. I take Mirtazapine but instead of Citalopram I take Lamotragine. As long as the Citalopram is reduced very slowly, the effects he is struggling with should be minimal. Mirtazapine although an anti-depressant helps with sleeping. Could it be this causing the tiredness? Obviously if he is 100% sure it's the Citalopram I don't blame him for stopping but the Mirtazapine does make me sleep and the tiredness does sometimes effect me in the morning. If he struggles without the Citalopram there are lots of other anti- depressants with hardly any difficult side effects. I would be probably be suicidal without my meds.

If you have any questions regarding mental health medications I'm happy to help. There is not a lot that I haven't been prescribed at some point.

I wish you and your son peace, happiness, good health and lots of luck,

Vikki

[Hetty56 in reply to Danger19]

Thank you Vikki. You’ve mentioned some interesting ideas - about looking at the mirtazapine rather than the Citalopram. Sams been through quite a few different medications and some have given him dreadful side effects. His GP is a really lovely lady who has been unbelievably supportive. However, she said there was nothing else he could try which I think was the reason she increased his Citalopram. I’ll suggest he looks at the one you were taking if necessary. I’ll definitely speak to you again

Heather x

[Danger19 in reply to Hetty56]

Sorry to bother you again. I also take Duloxetine which is a good anti-depressant. It comes in 60mgs to 120mgs. I take 150mgs of Lamotragine and 45mgs of Mirtazapine. I have had others but these have been the most successful for me and I've been taking them for years. I'm also suppose to take 800mgs of Quetiapine but I wouldn't advise anyone to take this and I haven't taken it since my accident in January. If he doesn't have much success but is still struggling I would ask for a referral to your local NHS Psychiatrist, I hate to think where I would be without mine.

Ask me anything and let me know how he gets on. You will both be in my thoughts my friend,

Vikki

[Hetty56 in reply to Danger19]

Thank you Vikki for all your help. You certainly have been through the mill - I really hope the meds are working for you. Many of them have such awful side effects and I know it’s a question of finding out which one (or which combination) works for you. Even then I know they can stop working. Thank you again

Heather x

[Hetty56]

Thank you for these suggestions. Although he’s trying to cut down the dose he hasn’t actually tried cutting them down by shaving the tablets - definitely worth doing. Thank you x

[WinB]

I also did the same as Cat did when I was in valium I cut 1/4 out first and then went down to half slow but sure and was okay ..Good luck to Son xxx wish they'd give the pills we take a good check up first lol !!! On themselves !!!