Question Details: i've been taking a tablet (10mg) every other day for 2 weeks, and not taken one at all now for 5 days, but over the last 2 days i've felt really light headed, dizzy and tingly. is this normal? i know i had some strange side effects when i started on them, but is it the same when i come off?
also, i've been a bit weepie the last few days, without feeling depressed... another side effect?
2007-09-09 22:15:13 · 8 answers · asked by very_slightly_drunk 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
i'm stopping taking them as directed by the gp.
i don't feel bad, just a little odd..
2007-09-09 22:24:38 · update #1
just like Fcuk said, the zaps thing - thats just how i feel!
2007-09-09 23:00:30 · update #2
Everything you describe sounds like SSRI discontinuation syndrome, which is common. The "brain zaps" are frequently part of that syndrome. Some doctors might have cut your dosage in half for two more weeks before discontinuing completely, but 10mg every 2 days is quite small as well. Definitely let your doctor know that this is occurring since he/she may have a preferred way of dealing with the syndrome. Either you'll go back on for another 2-4 weeks at small doses, or you'll just stick it out until it goes away. That's a decision in which a doctor should be involved.
2007-09-10 16:59:19 · answer #1 · answered by TFV 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's absolutely correct that you should slowly withdraw antidepressants like citalopram. It's also worth bearing two other things in mind.
1. How long have you been taking the tablets? It's not uncommon that the underlying depressive process (i.e. the serotonin imbalance in the brain) has not had a chance to recover properly before the treatment is stopped. Some people would say that they should be taken for a minimum of 18 months rather than 6 months. I'm sure you've discussed this with your doctor already though.
2. Citalopram and other SSRI's are well known to cause a condition called SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone), which basically messes up the sodium level in the blood. This can result in funny neurological symptoms like you describe, though it usually happens when people are on the drug rather than coming off. It may be worth checking with your doctor whether he/she would recommend a blood test to check.
2007-09-09 22:39:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I came off it, I was told to reduce the amount very slowly, over a few weeks (10mg down to 5mg for one week, then 2,5mg for a week, then down the the tiniest amount in drop form rather than tablets). I'd get back to your doctor and talk things through with him/her - coming off it too quickly can backfire and leave you feeling low again - don't risk it.
2007-09-09 22:19:35 · answer #3 · answered by Roxy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i missed my tablets for a few days and i had a light head and head zaps, like little electric shocks going through your body, discuss your symptoms with your doc, no point in going back to square one, good luck
2007-09-09 22:36:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you discussed withdrawal with your doctor, citalopram does have withdrawal side effects this could be managed better with help from your doctor.
2007-09-09 22:23:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You must always take note,use a diary,of any side effects of antidepressants,or any other drug you take.They can play hell with your emotions.See your doctor,discuss everything with him,you can work through it together.
2007-09-09 22:22:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor.Stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms.
2007-09-11 13:06:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=13547
has posts from others stopping citilopram.
2007-09-10 12:32:50 · answer #8 · answered by A Guy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋