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Dilemma about weaning off Citalopram
I have been on first 10 mg of Citalopram for 3 months and then 20 mg for 1 month. It was prescribed because I had a serious Cancer surgery, but they got it all. However, during my recovery, 4 family members passed away. i.e. the Rx. But now I do not want to be addicted to this pill, yet my dr. tells me to continue because of the stress I have been thru. I am more afraid of getting off them than continuing taking same. I was fine b4 all this happened and would like to rid my system of the rx as I have such mood swings, horrible dreams, no appetite, don't want to go anywhere or do anything. All the above were supposed to be helped by taking Citalopram, yet seems to have compounded situation. I don't feel suicidal, but I seem to look forward to going at bed at night instead of having a life during the day. Thank you for any suggestions.
Hi, I am on Citalopram for years as was mistakenly diagnosed with depression (i am bipolar 2). I wouldn't say Citalopram is additictive . I would say it is very gentle drug compare to others eg Effexor. However you can't stop taking it once as it will lead into side effects. It happened to me that after just three days of not having it I was very depressed, angry and bit of out of myself. I was on 20 mg. I am still on it but started to take mood stabilaser as well. Other advise as above: counselling and telling your doc. All the best.
As you will know already Citalopram is an antidepressant. It can take a few months for an antidepressant to have any effect.
This particular antidepressant like remar says may not suit you. There are different types of antidepressants. Another reason may be that the dose is not enough or you may require another antidepressant like Amitriptyline to take as well.
Do not cut down the dose of the Citalopram without advice and supervision of your doctor. Any antidepressant whether they are addictive or not, do need to be weaned off slowly. Three months on the Citalopram may not be enough time on the medication, discuss this with your doctor.
You have been through a very traumatic time with going through your cancer surgery and losing 4 loves ones passing away.
The danger for you without any form of help is that you may not be strong enough to deal with these issues and rocket back down to a very low ebb.
As you do not say which country you live, I do not know if your doctor would be able to refer you to counselling. You may benefit with a counsellor who specialises in bereavement. Bereavement not only address loss through death, but should also help you to deal with the loss of your health. Going through a serious operation to remove cancer growth is in itself a very hard a stressful time. Loss of one family member is very hard for a lot of people to deal with, but you have been bombarded with 4 deaths in a short space of time which is a lot for you to deal with.
Do tell your doctor how you feel, he will not be able to help you if he does not know how you feel and the circumstances leading your illness.
You may have group meetings in your vicinity that are for people who have gone through or going through cancer problems and there may also be a meeting group that is for people going through bereavement.
Best wishes.
This particular antidepressant like remar says may not suit you. There are different types of antidepressants. Another reason may be that the dose is not enough or you may require another antidepressant like Amitriptyline to take as well.
Do not cut down the dose of the Citalopram without advice and supervision of your doctor. Any antidepressant whether they are addictive or not, do need to be weaned off slowly. Three months on the Citalopram may not be enough time on the medication, discuss this with your doctor.
You have been through a very traumatic time with going through your cancer surgery and losing 4 loves ones passing away.
The danger for you without any form of help is that you may not be strong enough to deal with these issues and rocket back down to a very low ebb.
As you do not say which country you live, I do not know if your doctor would be able to refer you to counselling. You may benefit with a counsellor who specialises in bereavement. Bereavement not only address loss through death, but should also help you to deal with the loss of your health. Going through a serious operation to remove cancer growth is in itself a very hard a stressful time. Loss of one family member is very hard for a lot of people to deal with, but you have been bombarded with 4 deaths in a short space of time which is a lot for you to deal with.
Do tell your doctor how you feel, he will not be able to help you if he does not know how you feel and the circumstances leading your illness.
You may have group meetings in your vicinity that are for people who have gone through or going through cancer problems and there may also be a meeting group that is for people going through bereavement.
Best wishes.
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