celexa withdrawal

[xie_f]

after being on celexa for 9 months i quit cold turkey.  much to my regret.  
today is the 12th, and i stopped taking Celexa on the 2nd... so it's been 10 days.  i'm having the disorienting electric-shock symptoms all the time (first symptom), i am very irritable, feel like i could jump out of my skin at any moment, and as of today feel like crying at the drop of a hat, or yelling at almost anyone- i feel like i need to be doing something with my hands all the time, or i need to be asleep because i can't really pay attention to much.  

i didn't do my research, and had no idea that the symptoms of withdrawal were so intense.  i'm having more symptoms getting off them than i did being on them.  the reason i stopped taking them was because they made me get fat, and i had even less libido than i did just from the depression alone... not to mention that celexa upset my stomach to an extreme degree that never dissipated.

i tried to call my doctor's office and tell them how i feel just so that i could find out how long it will last, but the idiot receptionist said (in response to the electro-shock symptoms) "what? i've never heard of that." and then proceeded to ask me if "i was only experiencing them while walking on carpet..?"  !!!!!!!  wow.  i can't believe the insensitivity and inanity of that question... as though i could not recognize the difference between static electricity and disorienting electric-feeling currents pulsing through my head, distorting my hearing and vision every few seconds...   yeah.  if i could have reached through the phone and throttled her, believe me... it would have happened.  plus, the b**** still insisted that there were no nurses (which i know there are).

if typed rantings are a side-effect of withdrawal, then i apologize.

[frustratedaslo]

I too am having the same shocking type vibrations in my head and hands and feet. The irritability is awful too!! Just be patient, this will pass.....drink a beer if need be. I was on Celexa for a year and abruptly stopped my meds due to pregnancy, you are not alone. I too normally suffer from anxiety and had the same side effects you experienced *(sexual,weight gain, etc) I am going for no meds in the future due to this type of BS. I don't have bettter advice for you, just know its normal withdrawl and will not last forever. Good luck!

[margypops]

I am so sorry you are going through this, you will get through it, the electric shock symptoms happen when any od these drugs are withdrawn evenwhen you do it slowly,it will last for a while ,just endure it ,keep busy and think each day they will get better take an advil ro pain killer as that helps a little. Tell yourself you are okay and this will pass, and dont be tempted to take a differant one to ease it. I am surprised your Doctor didnt tell you to not go cold turky they know what happens.They call the Elecrtic symptoms Brain Zaps it is like a shock isnt it and a whooshing kind of sound in your head. You will be okay soon, fill your head with positive thoughts and though its hard get on with your regular life.