I'm scared of being addicted to Celexa.?

Question

My doctor perscribed Celexa for 2-3 months. Will I get addicted to it? Once I stop taking it, will that cure my depression?

Answer 1

Usually antidepressants are taken for a longer period, from 4-6 months. However, your dr may think that the shorter period is sufficient for the symptoms you are experiencing.

Celexa, like all antidepressants, is likely to cause some withdrawal symptoms if you go "cold turkey" -- not recommended. You could feel spacey, dizzy, flu-like, or even little "jolts" when you move your eyes or head around (it's a weird feeling). It's not good for you and it doesn't feel good either. Unless you develop some kind of serious reaction to the drug (allergy, etc), you should always taper off gradually according to your dr's advice. Celexa is easier to quit than most other antidepressants, fortunately, because it has one of the longest half-lives in the bloodstream and brain cells.

It is not "addictive", however, in the way that heroin or alcohol is addictive -- you will not have cravings for Celexa or feel that life isn't worth living without it.

I have been on and off Celexa several times, and it really helped me. I would be more worried about the effect of chronic, untreated depression than I would about having withdrawal symptoms from Celexa. Good luck, and I hope it works for you.