I’ve only been taking 10mg of Citalopram for 8 days now and have had every single side effect you can imagine; nausea, drowsiness, severe dissociation, sharp chest and back pain, headaches, confusion, memory loss - the list goes on! I’ve decided I need to immediately stop as the dissociation is making me really emotional, anxious and incapable of completing day to day tasks and it feels like it’s only getting worse by the day. Are the withdrawal effects going to be bad after 8 days? As it’s Christmas I can’t contact my doctor but I can’t bring myself to take it anymore! Any advice would be really appreciated
What will the withdrawal effects be if I abruptly stop citalopram after 8 days?
Question posted by GA23 on 25 Dec 2024
Last updated on 25 December 2024
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
Answers
masso
26 Dec 2024
I recommend you cut the dose by half and inform your Dr. whenever he / she is available.
I believe the 10mg presentation of this antidepressant does not have a split so you will need a pill cutter/splitter, take 5 mg for 3 days then 2.5 mgs for another 3 days, then stop. By now your Dr. will be aware of your ordeal. I say this because if you experienced so many side effects with your current dose, most likely if you stop suddenly you will have withdrawals, believe me, as soon as you cut your dose by half you will feel it, I am aware everyone reacts differently to medications.
Perhaps other members will tell you that it takes a while for your system to get used to the drug, that it starts working after 4 to 6 weeks, etc...
I am answering to your specific needs today.
masso
26 Dec 2024
One more aspect of what I suggested, other members may say that if you cut the pill in half, more of the medication will be released at once therefore the possibility of experiencing more side effects will increase, now, this is true for time release formulations, ER/XR (extenteded release) CR (controlled release), not for IR (instant release formulations) which is the drug you are taking, it is IR.
masso
26 Dec 2024
Here is the answer to your question:
Citalopram and other SSRIs may cause withdrawal symptoms such as:
an electric shock-like sensation in the head
anxiety
changes in mood, such as depression, irritability, and mood swings
digestive issues, including diarrhea, nausea, cramps, and vomiting
dizziness or vertigo
fatigue
feeling “detached” from life or others
flu-like symptoms, including chills and body aches
movement problems, such as loss of balance or coordination
problems concentrating
ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus
sensory disturbances, such as smelling things that are not there
sleep problems, including vivid or distressing dreams
thoughts of suicide
Source: Medical News Today
Related topics
nausea/vomiting, citalopram, withdrawal, side effect, anxiety and stress, dissociation, chest
Further information
- Citalopram uses and safety info
- Citalopram prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Citalopram (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.