Antidepressant withdrawal
#135589 - 01/06/05 07:30 AM
|
|
|
|
Linz
Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 8242
Loc: England
|
|
|
Okay, I'm trying to come off Celexa (I think...it's citalopram) and was wondering if anyone has any gems of advice for me!
My doc's been wanting me to get off for a while (I've been on it for years now) and having talked to my MIL who's done it a few times AND having missed a few pills cos I forget them when we went away, I figured I might as well give it a try while Si's at home on leave.
Not doing TOO bad so far. Very tetchy tho. But now I've started getting really dizzy. Like my head's moving round even when I'm still. Don't know if it's the drug withdrawal or my Fibro....? Don't like this. 
Any advice/stories very welcome!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hey Linz,
I just got over a bout of the dizzies recently which I chalked up to Fibro until it became so bad couldn't even open my eyes b/c the dizziness caused a nauseous feeling. I went to the doc and he said it was benign vertigo something about particles in the ear breaking loose and floating around in the fluid inside the ear which throws the body's balance off. Hence the floating outside one's self feeling and dizziness. It doesn't seem to have any rhyme or reason to how it happens. So maybe it could be that? Or could just be the Fibro dizzies b/c Ruchie says this happens to her sometimes she gets the dizzies.
Anyway, Good Luck w/ coming off your ADs and Happy New Year to you.
Christie
--------------------
Christie
~Hoping and Praying for Sleep!~
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Linz, I've tried to stop my AD's a couple of times over the years and never made it more than a couple of months! The first weeks are the worst. Most of the withdrawal effects should go away within about 2-3 weeks. After that time, I realized I NEEDED to be on them for depression and anxiety.
So, if you really want to try and stop, ween yourself, you CAN NOT just stop them completey. Go to half a one everyday for a week or two and than go to half a one every other day and slowly stop them. I was terribly dizzy and had the worst headache stopping them, and I don't typically get headaches. I would get sweaty and shaking and couldn't sleep. These things did go away though in about 3 weeks. Just be patient, it may be difficult. But, remember, if you feel you need to stay on them, there is no shame in that! Good luck, sweetie!! Besure Si knows what you are doing so he will understand if you act a bit odd! 
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hey Linz!
I know where you're coming from, withdrawal from those drugs can be killer! I've come off Paxil (not fun at all) and am now trying to wean off Effexor and am not having a good time.
Some things that I have found to help:
Gravol (or some sort of anti-motion sickness med) will help with the dizziness and accompanying nauseau
Sea Bands: These things saved my life! They really help with the nauseau and dizziness and "yucky" feelings but they don't further dope you up! http://www.sea-band.com/UK/uk_seaband.htm
I've been told a good B complex vitamin will help because it helps regulate seratonin levels, and fish oil is supposed to be helpful as well.
Also, definately make sure to go slowly...you want to wean yourself gradually.
Good luck, I hope you feel better soon 
Kelly
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
No advice for you. I'm on Celexa too and it has helped me a bunch. Can I ask you why you want to come off it? Thanks.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Thanks guys
#136176 - 01/07/05 03:41 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Linz
Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 8242
Loc: England
|
|
|
I'm only coming off them cos I've been on Celexa for 2 years and my doc thinks I should give being without it a try.
I'm being naughty and going cold-turkey.  I know! But when my doc had me reduce my dose the withdrawal was pretty much as bad as going without so I figured I might as well try and survive a couple of weeks of hell rather than dragging it out for months!
Si knows all about it and is trying to be supportive, but keeps on snapping when I get really insane and grumpy. I have such a short temper. I ate a ton of sugar and chocolate today so this had better not last long or my New Years resolution to get to grips with my weight will be dead in the water before I start! 
We'll see. It's been 5 days now and I haven't murdered anyone or been murdered yet, so I guess it's not going THAT badly!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Ughh I wouldnt like to be going throught that right now, I can imagine going cold turkey when you've been on it so long is not gona make you feel great...I really hope it wears off very soon! Nasty medicine!!! Ive been naughty too recently...am meant to be eating more healthily(ie cutting out some sugar) and have so far 2day demolished ridiulous amounts of the stuff! Im not on an antidepressant at the mo, was on amitryptiline(sp?) and didnt find it much help so they gave me prozac(or the equivalent) and I still have the pack sealed...have been too scared to try it a) cos I had a major project due in when first given them and was told would feel nauseous for 1st 2 weeks so couldnt afford to be ill and then it was xmas so didnt want to feel crap then either! Now its the new year am starting back at uni on monday and dont wana get off to a bad start to the year so am put off trying it yet again! Ugghhh...side effects dont you just HATE them!!! 
--------------------
Natalie
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
No advice I'm afraid Linz, just wanted to offer my encouragement and support, If its getting you down you know where to vent.
--------------------
S.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Posts
