About a year ago, I had a series of scary panic attacks and I was prescribed Celexa. I took 10mg of Celexa for almost a year, and it worked. It took away the panic attacks, the anxiety, and the fear. It also took away my passion, my joy, and my enthusiasm. I became a calm, steady, detached shell of myself. I could have kept going like that and been fine, because well, life was pretty easy. I didn't get angry anymore, didn't get frustrated, and did what needed to be done without complaint.
But I decided I wanted my passion back and I wanted to start caring again. I also felt like I was disappearing. I was ready to find out what would happen if I started feeling real, solid, heartfelt emotions again.
Almost two weeks ago, I went to see my doc for an annual. He said, "Stop taking Celexa whenever you want, it's only 10mg." So I did. Almost overnight my sex drive was back, I was enthusiastic, and ALIVE!
But, it was like I was on speed. And I have been experiencing profound dizziness, aches in my legs, annoyingly vivid dreams, and trouble sleeping. The past two days, I've also had tingling in my hands (which almost always comes with tingling in my brain), and I get sooooo incredibly frustrated/intense/overwhelmed, I'm induced to crying. No particular reason, just need to release from this intensity!
I did a little research, and found out that these are withdrawal symptoms. It doesn't make the symptoms go away to know this. It does, however, make me understand what's going on, and that they will eventually subside.
In a way, these symptoms are a chance for me to practice zen and mindfulness.
Crying helps temporarily. And it feels good. It's amazing to feel my body just NEED to cry without having some kind of specific reason or emotion to go with it. It's like jumping up and down or hitting a pillow. It's a way to release the tension that's constantly building up.
I had gained quite a bit of weight on Celexa, and I was sleeping all the time. I can already feel that weight starting to shed, and I'm sleeping normal hours again, except waking up several times a night from aches and vivid dreams.
One of the weirdest side effects I'm getting is that I feel like I'm having every emotion at the same time. Happy, sad, mad, calm, attentive, bored, enthusiastic, frustrated. It's like a flood gate was opened, and all of the things I wasn't feeling on Celexa are coming in at one time.
In a way, it's a time for me to learn, so when all of this withdrawal is over, I can remember that so much of emotion is physical and chemical. Since none of my emotions are being caused by anything but chemicals, I can't blame it on anything. I really hope I can remember this when I'm no longer beholden by the chemistry in my brain, and see my emotions not as my enemy (like I did before I took Celexa), but as a physical symptom.
Or maybe, this is all the withdrawal symptoms talking :)
One positive symptom, although painful at times because the feeling is so intense, is a renewed energy for writing. Almost an obsession. Writing has taken on a similar function as crying—it's a way for me to get some release. This year on Celexa stalled my desire to write to almost nothing. I would write things, but I didn't really care about them. There was no passion. My muse was taking a vacation.
Now, I again have motivation to write and exercise. Maybe it's the feeling that I'm on speed that's causing this, but man, I'm so glad to have my creativity back. Whether or not it's temporary, I'm going to focus on that part of the withdrawal as much as I can, rather than focusing on the spinning, insomnia, and freaky dreams. (And actually, my freaky dreams have lent to some very interesting story ideas!)
I'm trying to focus on what's good, and to keep reminding myself that these withdrawal symptoms will eventually go away. Sometimes, I feel like I'm at the end of my rope, and I just can't take it anymore. Crying, exercising, writing, and sharing my story with others will get me through.
I've had lots of thoughts during this year, and I continue to wonder about the long-term effects it will have on my zen practice. There is a lesson in here somewhere. Perhaps several. Can I have the egolessness enough to see them?
In case you'd like to know, these are the common side effects of Celexa withdrawal. I put a star next to the ones that people seem to complain about the most on the websites that I visited during my research.
- Anxiety *
- Dizziness *
- Fatigue *
- Headache *
- Insomnia *
- Tremors
- Visual hallucinations
- Diarrhea
- Nausea *
- Vomiting
- Restlessness *
- Blurred vision
- Muscle and joint pain *
- Jolting electric "zaps” *
- Tingling sensations *
- Fever
- Abdominal discomfort
- Flu symptoms and general malaise *
- Anorexia
- Agitation *
- Vertigo *
- Gait disturbances
- Sweating
- Irritability *
- Aggression
- Nightmares and/or vivid dreams *
- Confusion
- Memory and concentration difficulties
- Chills and hot flashes
- Crying spells *
- Suicidal thoughts
- Lethargy
- Weakness
These are the suggestions for getting through the withdrawal symptoms. Although it's highly recommended to taper off the medication slowly as a way to prevent withdrawal, it still seems that many people have some symptoms, even with the taper.
- Drink lots of water
- Exercise (swimming, running, walking, biking, etc.)
- Yoga/Pilates
- Meditation
- Talking to a counselor/therapist or friend a LOT during this time
- Eat regularly and healthy
- Avoid alcohol
- Dramamine (mixed results)
These are some things that worked for me, but nobody else had mentioned them in my research
- Crying and enjoying it
- Ibuprophen for the headaches and muscle aches
- Tylenol Simply Sleep (ask your doctor first!!)
- Mindfulness and "watching" all the symptoms like a movie
- Finding the good that is coming with the withdrawal
- Writing, writing, writing
- Playing games (video, board, card, etc.)
- Doing things I love
- And when the anxiety/restlessness/intensity rears its head - remember it's not ME, it's the chemistry in my brain that's doing this.
If you are reading this and are currently going through Celexa withdrawal, you are not alone.
Namaste
Posts
87 comments:
Thank you for a very thoughtful and informative post! There's so much to think about here.
Elizabeth
Hope you are feeling better by now. I went through similar things when I went off paxil the second time (did not have problems going off the first time) and realized that the second time I had been on a time release version of paxil which I think made the difference.
I found very similar things while on paxil...I always thought that it was ironic that I had the choice to be stable emotionally with no sex drive or be depressed with a good sex drive. Luckily I have been able to find relief non-medically (through homeopathy and accupuncture) and a great therepist and have not had to be on anything for the past 7 years.
Good luck in your journey!
Thanks for your post. I am coming off of celexa, too. I started taking it for anxiety about two years ago and haven't take it at all for the last 3 weeks. I have been crying a lot, headache, trouble concentrating, feeling depressed, and tired. That being said, though, on celexa, it did help with the anxiety but it also dulled me. I believe being off this medication is the right thing for me but am weary in the withdrawal symptoms. Your post reminds me this is a process and I will get on the other side of it. Am becoming more engaged in meditation . . . need to add exercise to the mix. Thanks for your post.
Thank you for your post. I am withdrawing from Celexa as I write - zapping headaches and all. It is oddly comforting to know that I am not alone! I hope by now you are feeling better and will enjoy - as I hope to - a future not controlled by celexa! Take care, Nancy
I have been taking 40Mg for quite a while and started cutting it in half to 20mg last week. Withdrawal is not fun, but I'm looking forward to going back to the old me, which was a work-a-holic who actually enjoyed it. Now, as you mentioned, the passion or drive is gone.
I'm fondly remembering my chaotic norm, but Celexa has given me a chance to slow down a bit, get some hobbies, and I don't expect that those will go away. It helped to get through a bad time, but I need to get back to working again!
Thank you everyone for your comments. It's been about a month and a half since I posted this, and I'm happy to say that the withdrawals are completely over.
In fact, when I posted this, I was at my wit's end. And that's when it started to get better. I get the feeling that many of the people who post about their withdrawals on celexa do so at the worst of it. So if you feel like you just can't take anymore, the good news is that you are probably at the summit. It's all downhill from here!
It took another few weeks after this post to completely wean off of the drug. And now I'm back to my old self.
My old self was kind of unhinged, and having a year of no emotions gave me quite a perspective on just how much my emotions and my body dictated my life before. I thought I was in control, but in fact, my body and chemicals were in control.
The hardest thing now is to know that my emotions and body are taking over when I start to get frustrated or scared. I can feel trapped by them. So I'm still learning how to recognize and then manage it when my physical reactions start to take over.
I haven't had any panic attacks since I have gone off the drug. Just knowing how much my emotions were controlled by chemicals running through my body keeps them from coming on. When I start to feel the physical feeling of panic, like racing heart or dizziness, I know it's my body overreacting to something.
If you are coming off of Celexa, it will get better. It will never be perfect, and that's part of the healing, to accept that we are human and our bodies are not perfect, nor are our brains or ego. But it will get better. Embrace who you are, instead of fighting it. You are wonderful. What's happening to you is chemicals, not "you". Let it happen, and it will subside in time.
Good luck!
Thanks for this post! I stopped taking celexa about two weeks ago and I am having very similar withdrawal symptoms. It was nice to read this.
did anyone feel like their thoat is swollen while going thru these withdrawals?
YES!! I have taken these weird coughing fits and it feels like my throat is swollen shut almost. Along with twingy headaches, vertigo, etc..
YES! I woudl take these coughing fits where it felt like my throat was swolle shut. Along with the typical zapping headaches and twinges, vertigo, etc..
Thank you for your post! It was very helpful. I stopped taking Celexas a few weeks ago for the same reasons you outlined: I wanted to feel motivated again. Over the past year I've learned a great deal about not over reacting and caring about other people. I think I've learned enough to me able to manage without the medication although I am grateful it was available at the time. I’ve been feeling strange and it occurred to me I may be having withdrawal symptoms. Now that I know what is going on and that it should end in another few weeks I feel even better. I have the dizziness and leg twitches but I’ll gladly take these if it means I can feel again and drop the weight gain I piled on the last year. :)
Thanks so much for your posts. I have been going through these "brain zaps" and really wanted to know how long I have to endure these feelings.
I can't thank you enough for posting this. You have given me the best info I have received yet, even from doctors. SAD! I thought if I heard or read "slowly" or "in time" one more time I was going to throw in the towel and go back on celexa. I realize we are all different but nobody seemed to be able to give a hint as to a time table. Instant results type of people need some light at the end of the tunnel. THANK YOU
i have been on celexa for 15 years because i have severe panic disorder and deppression, also on klopion. i recently decided that it was time to come off celexa and let me tell you i feel terrible from all these withdral symptoms.i feel so alone my kids and husband dont understand.this is very hurtfull for me.its only been 8days off and istill feel crazy from all of the side effects. when is this going to go away.my doctor tells me it is going to take a while ,but in the mean time these withdrawl s are killing me.i wish i was never interdusted to this medication.my symptoms are dizzyness,anxiety,cant breathe, very bad nightmares that make me terrified because when i wake from them i cant move my body at all.i also get chest pains ,weakness, and my brain always feels in a fog .i could go on with more but i wont .i feel more depressed know than ever because these symptoms are to much all at one time for me to handle.you have to remember i suffer every day with panic disorder also going through menopause alot i know but all is true.i am scared at all times the fear of fear and i feel like giving up .someone please write in with some help.thanks name BD
Oh my, this is in response to the july 21st post. You are welcome to email me...sunflower58@cox.net
Hang in there, it is tuff. But we can do this!
This post has saved my life. I have been taking Celexa for EIGHT years! I can't believe it has been that long and the doctor gave it to me for migraines. Well, it never helped but recently I decided to reduce the dose from 40 to 20 mg per day and the effects have been profound just like Namaste said in May.
Every time I feel as if I'm falling off the edge, I read the post and think, no, no it's just the drug.
I too have rediscovered my soul, my energy, my creativity and my sex drive. My husband doesn't even mind that I feel crazy right now because of the sex!!!!
We laugh about it, but this is so sad, I've lost eight years to this stuff.
I'm going slowly and I'm hoping all these symptoms will get less and less.
I too found that this page is the only source of strength I have had coming off this stuff. I truly believe it has helped my life more than words can say. I read it every day, the same posts over and over.
Hang in there y'all. It is getting better. Now my brain washes are only every couple days and short lived. I am loving it!! OHHHH and the sex....omg!
This website has been a lifesaver. I've been on celexa for 7 years. I am on my fourth day of withdrawl. I feel horrible but am bound and determined to get off of this stuff.
Thanks for all the encouraging comments. My strength comes from the Lord and as the Bible says, "these things too shall pass." God bless you all!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I thought I was going crazy and wanted to check myself in. I reduced my dose from 20mg to 10mg about 3 weeks ago. Almost 2 weeks ago I started having headaches and and muscle and joint pain. It has not stopped. I can't sleep and I too have had the vivid dreams and several other symptoms. I went to the doctor this week and he did not catch this. He sent me for blood tests for everything under the sun.
Does anyone know how long this lasts and will it start again as I drop to the next lower dose? Like you I wanted to feel normal again, but this is not normal.
Thanks for keeping from going insane.
Scott
Bless you. I got on Celexa in the summer of '07 for panic disorder, and just a week and a half ago switched to Wellbutrin. I wanted to go completely off, but my psychiatrist listened to what I didn't like about Celexa and convinced me (in the moment) that switching was a better idea-- mostly because I am getting married in September.
I, too, have gained a lot of weight (30 + pounds), and nothing I do seems to lower the weight. Wellbutrin is supposed to *maybe* help with the weight, and it is considered an "active" anti-depressant. I definitely feel like I have been removed from the tired, listless state of being I have been in over the past 2 years.
I am in school to earn a bachelor's degree, and my lack of interest and energy has made the last couple of years painfully difficult motivation-wise. I am an English major, and writing has always been my passion as well. I also experienced a massive drain in my desire to write, which has had me feeling insecure about my choice of major as well as future career goals.
Some things have improved on Wellbutrin, but I am also experiencing more of the weird balance episodes as I did on Celexa.. except now they're more fequent and more jarring. I just want off it all.
I, too, have read that one should taper off slowly, and I have read a lot of accounts where people still go through horrible withdrawal even after considerable tapering. This angers me to no end. I am going to quit, and I will probably go through withdrawal no matter what. We're essentially prescription drug addicts, and I hate it!
A year ago I tried tapering off Celexa with the intention of quiting, but I apparently did it too fast-- according to the doctor, and my withdrawal symtoms sound just like yours. I panicked and convinced myself that meant I was severely depressed and needed to be on them for life. I feel differently now knowing it is a cleansing process, but I am still not looking forward to it.
Something else I have experienced from being on Celexa is memory loss. It is scary! Simple little things I could've known in my sleep have escaped me! These drugs are B-A-D. Maybe a small dose for a few months to treat a minor problem is ok, but my doctor is happy to keep me going forever. I think many people are dealing with the same from their doctors.
I plan to exercise a lot to deal with the anxiety and overload of emotions this time. I also like your suggestions for meditation, and observation of feelings. Thank you for sharing.
Namaste,
Sherri
I couldn't stop crying as I read Tammy's first post. I've been on celexa for 5 years, and decided 3 weeks ago to start decreasing dosage (I am now off). I, too, had lost me...I had very little emotion and zero passion. My husband said he missed "Donna, unfiltered." And now I am going through the dizziness, horrible dreams, insomnia, and crying jags. Thank you so much for having this blog, and to everyone who has commented. Knowing others have done it will give me strength.
ok gang, I am, for the most part, past the major physical stuff and now it's the inner b*+^* that lives in us that used to only show up for a visit once in awhile but now wants to reside. Now what am I to do with her?
Thanks to everyone for the posts about this awful withdrawal. I've been of Celexa for about six weeks and sometimes the anxiety is almost more than I can bear. I broke down and took some Celexa a while ago to reassure myself that I really feel so bad from the withdrawal. It's kicked in and I feel better, so it has to be the Celexa. So tomorrow, back on the train. The worst "cessation effects", as the shrinks call them, have been anxiety, aching muscles and headaches, flu-like symptoms. The anxiety can be crushing. I've been on SSRIs for 18 years, so I guess I can't expect this to be a picnic.
Thanks for this post. I went off just 3 days ago (from 5 mg - I take the smallest dose and cut it in half!) after being on it for ~3 years. I didn't know why I felt so dizzy and tingly, and thought that I could at least blame the dizziness on it being peak allergy season, even I had no other allergy symptoms... Apparently that isn't the case!
I will say that I'm glad I was initially put on citalopram (celexa). I was unable to hold a job because of panic attacks and had severe social anxiety, in part because of complications from other medical issues. (Straight A "skipped a grade" student goes to college -> gets narcolepsy and doesn't know it -> falls asleep in classes and/or runs out and cries in the hallway to avoid letting the professor see her fall asleep -> eventually drops out.) I wasn't digging myself out of the hole I had gotten in on my own with counseling, etc., and the only thing that helped was the citalopram (after being prescribed 4 other far more horrid things first). But, now that I'm in a stable relationship/job/etc. I wanted out and feel I can do it safely.
Does anyone else feel like they can't remember what happened as well before going on the drug? It's like when I'm on citalopram, I much, much more clearly remember things that happened while I was taking it. I may be superstitious, but that's the biggest reason I wanted out. My wedding is in 2 months, and I don't want to risk that it would be something I can't remember clearly if & when I go off meds in the future.
Oh goodie, another dizzy spell with the swooshing sound between my ears just happened...I read somewhere that the withdrawal can last up to 8 weeks. By pure chance, I stopped taking the pills exactly 2 months before the wedding :) Good timing I think...
Best of luck to everyone going through this... -Melissa
Hi Melissa, best of luck to you. I think one difficulty with this experience is that we all don't suffer from the same problems. Your withdrawal symptoms are very similar to mine, however. I've had some brain zaps, but mostly anxiety, which I suffer from anyway, and muscle/joint aches. I think the aching is the worst part. Tylenol helps some for that. Mostly I have to tell myself that what I'm going through is just for now and that it will go away. I try to treat myself well too, whether it's taking a hot bath or a nap. Just simple stuff.
Jon
I was on cylexa for 2 Years and stopped taking it 5 days ago.I am feeling like have the flu.the mind "ZAPS"Are a killer.i didnt think the withdrawl symptoms would last this long.It sucks.my anxiety feels out of control but I'M JUST hoping it gets better soon.
Aimee, have you talked with your doctor about withdrawing slowly? Most people seem to have better luck than by sudden cessation.
Jon
This is the most helpful site I have found and makes me realize my symptoms are "normal". I was on lowest dose of Celexa for 2 months after falling down a dark hole following an ugly betrayal and break up of a longterm relationship.I had all the side effects and more as described in these posts. My physician switched me to Effexor. After one week of 37.5 mg one time per day I was supposed to increase it to two times per day. The side effects worsened and I also started having tinnitus (ringing in the ears) 24 hours a day. I have never experienced anything so debilitating and crazy making. I weaned myself off the drug slowly but now 3 weeks later still have continual brain zaps and this terrible tinnitus. Has anyone else experienced SNRI related tinnitus? and, if so, any advice on how to deal with it? Thanks.
Effexor was the WORST thing that I ever had to overcome. By far the hardest and no doubt I had the worst withdrawals from it. I did it very slowly but for a couple weeks after the last dose I was ill. And for about 3 days I was actually bedridden with very flu like symptoms. I had a huge brain wash/zap and nearly passed out, dropping to the floor for a couple minutes and when I stood up, the side effects were all over for good. VERY STRANGE! But please do hang in there, it does all go away.
I withdrew from Effexor once. It wasn't much fun! There's a good web site to help with this stuff. You may know it already but if not, it is: http://www.theroadback.org/
It's a free site, no fees. All the info is free. This is not an advertisement. They recommend certain supplements to help with the withdrawal and I must say that they do help, especially for me with the anxiety and muscle/joint pain. It's better today, so I know I can get through this.
Jon
Okay, things are getting worse if possible. In addition to the anxiety and joint/muscle pain, I now have insomnia and nightmares. Hardly sleeping at all, nothing works. I'm going to make it through this!
Jon
Thank you so much for your honest insight on this. I started taking Celexa almost a year ago and I have found that though I enjoy many of the benefits of being on such a medication, I have lost the energy, creativity and pizazz that makes me who I am. I am a shallow shell of a person walking around the world like a zombie. So a few days ago I forgot to get my refill and things happened that blocked me from getting it for the following couple days. So I decided to try to go off it. Unfortunately this means I'm going cold turkey. Today was the beginning of some serious anxiety, crying, irritability, headaches and jolting, brain-zapping weirdness. I feel that anything that causes this much trauma, is something that I don't need. I will take the roller coaster emotions over being a zombie any day.
I was on Celexa (anxiety) for only 20 days before I decided it wasn't for me. I experienced low blood pressure, jitteriness, and dizziness. My dosage was 10mg for the first 10 days, then 20mg for the next 10 days. The next day I dropped back to 10mg. Took that for 2 days, then dropped to 5mg for 2 days. When I first began dropping back on the mg, I had ALOT of dizziness and my blood pressure would spike. Now I'm on my second day of 2.5mg. Tomorrow I'm not taking any of this med. I continue to have dizzy spells, though they seem to not be quite as bad. I did not think I would have experienced withdrawal symptoms, since I had taken it for such a short time. Of course, I was experiencing the dizziness while I was on the prescribed mg. I don't think I had gotten past the original side effects. I'm hoping this dizziness will disappear as soon as the Celexa is completely out of my system.
Becky, I wish you all the luck in the world. Keep us posted! Are you doing this in consultation with a doctor? I've been completely off celexa for eight weeks and am still suffering bad withdrawal, but I was on SSRIs for eighteen years so it may take a while. I'm going to start on a low dose of prozac tomorrow so that will hopefully curb some of the jitters and aches. This is one of the worst things I've ever gone through!
Jon
I have been on celexa now for about 6 years and recently increased to 40 mg. After reading this blog, I think I have experienced some of the same side effects that you all have....weight gain, loss of interest, NO sex drive, etc.
Two weeks ago, I went to a weight loss doctor to help me lose weight. He gave me phentermine to take once a day. After a week, I couldn't tell it was doing anything, I was still hungry. I went back to him and he told me to take 2, one in the am and one at noon. I started doing this about 3 days ago and I feel like I am having the withdrawal symptoms that you have mentioned...bad headaches, bad dreams, aching neck, and jerky legs. I had read that there was an interaction between the two drugs, but still don't quite understand what it is. But what I think is that the phentermine is decreasing the effectiveness of the celexa and causing these symmptoms. And I think the celexa is keeping the phentermine from doing it's job, because I am still hungry after taking 2 pills a day.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should do? I really want to come off the celexa and my Dr. told me a year ago I could try and wean myself off, but everytime I tried, something major would happen and I would put it off. What type of weaning process is there and for how long?
Please help! Thanks
Update: I went on 10mg Prozac yesterday for two reasons. I wanted to confirm that what I've been experiencing is Celexa withdrawal, and if so, to get a little relief from it. I feel much better after two days of Prozac, so that means that I have been going through Celexa withdrawal. So I will take the Prozac for a week, drop it down to 5mg and then stop and pray I don't go through the same nonsense again.
--Jon
I sorta did the same thing except with ativan. Think I had four or five pills, took one then half in am and half in pm then down from there. Helped a BUNCH!
Robin, I'm not sure that I understand your last post. Is ativan an appetite suppressant? Were you taking it and Celexa at the same time?
I've started the weaning process to get off celexa and I'm going to see what happens. My pharmacist told me to take one every other day, then one every two days, etc. until I"m down to one a week. She also said I can cut the dosage while I"m doing this.
I'm ready to feel better and I want the phentermine to work and be able to lose all this weight I've gained while being on Celexa.
Doe anyone out there know if Celexa and Phentermine decrease the effectiveness of each other?
Ativan is a "minor" tranquilizer, similar to Valium. I used something like it to kill the withdrawal effects from Celexa. It helps with the anxiety. I am loath to use it very long because I don't want to get hooked on tranquilizers. I used it for a month and stopped with no ill effects except for the anxiety from withdrawal coming back. I'm now using Inderal which is not addictive. It's a beta blocker, a heart medication, but it does help with the anxiety. Talk to your doctor and use your head.
Jon
Thanks Jon for explaining. I sometimes don't write well, get my thoughts ahead of my words.
I have taken phentermine too. It increases the side effects of withdrawals, or at least it did for me. So I quit taking it until I was weened off of Celexa. Phentermine will increase your anxiety level too so be careful on it with your stress level/reactions.
Robin,
when you were on the phentermine...did it work for you? I had been taking two pills a day and it still wasn't suppressing my appetite. Do you think the celexa has something to do with that?
Lou, 2 pills a day of phentermine is alot. I lost 40 pounds on 1/4 pill per day. My body now compensates for it I think, I can take a half and eat. But I will tell you, phentermine is a tool. You must work with it and CHANGE! The weight will come right back on and more if you don't starting the day after you quit taking them.
I have decided the reason the pills worked for me is that they make me move, moving decreases my appetite and therefor lowers the weight. So the key is to get moving. SUCKS too!
I've been on 40mg of Celexa for about a month and a half. About a week ago I found out I was pregnant. I quit taking my celexa and now I'm having literally all of the withdrawls. At first I thought it was morning sickness but it isn't, I've had 3 kids before this one. And I am going crazy. I don't know what I should do. I've been drinking a lot of water but I have no energy and I feel sick and weird and disconnected. I don't have a OB yet and can't go to the ER or Urgent Care because I don't have insurance since I was laid off. :( Not sure what to do. But your blog was very informative. I hope this goes away soon.
Sarah, you may want to talk to your doctor about withdrawing. I know nothing about how the drug does/doesn't affect your child. I withdrew for two months with the same awful effects then went on low dose (10 mg) Prozac for a week. Now I've stopped and the withdrawal is just coming back. I would have been better off just suffering through it. You have a unique situation though that sound like it needs a doctor's help.
Jon
Thanks for all of your posts. They have been very helpful to me to understand my withdrawal symptoms from Celexa.
I have been off Celexa for 4 weeks after taking it for about 18 months. I got up to 40 mg., then reduced to 20 mg.. I was going to wean myself off slower but just decided to quit. I experienced many of the symptoms everyone in this posting has mentioned - dizziness, fatigue, restlessness, nausea, muscle pain, vivid dreams, tinnitus, etc. These have subsided significantly. I now only feel fatigue and have some bad muscle pain for which I am going to a physio therapist for - advil or tylenol don't seem to help.
I have regained my ability to think clearly, feel more alert when I get out of bed in the morning. These things alone have been worth it.
I HIGHLY recommend Tammy's suggestion of drinking LOTS of water, very regular exercise (for me yoga, walking). Relaxation is very helpful and being sensitive to what your body needs, etc. In my research I also learned that fish oil supplements are helpful in the withdrawal process. Do check into this as I believe that they have been a life saver for me.
I know everyone experiences these things differently, but hang in there. I don't think I will ever go back on Celexa or another anti-depressant again.
Take care out there. A well-lived life is truly a gift.
I have been off of Celexa (20mg) since 8/15. A couple of days later, I started to feel like I had the worst allergies/sinus infection. I also felt dizzy. I got agitated, stayed home most of the time and forced myself to do my usual tasks. I stopped exercising and started focusing on my symptoms. I used to panick about any little symptom and excessively looked it up online - it's what I am doing now. A few days ago, I put two and two together and realized that this could be withdrawal symptoms. It's really bothering me. The worst is the feeling I get of my eyes moving left to right unintentionally when I try to focus on something or if I move my head. Some days are worse than others. I'm obsessing that I may have a brain tumor. I have ringing in the ears, headaches and these movements which bother me the most. Does anyone have the same eye movement problem that I described - the feeling of both the eyes and brain shifting? I'd feel so much better if I heard from someone who has this also. If this is a side effect, I'll deal with it and stop obsessing. I guess this is all part of the withdrawal. Thanks for any help.
Yes, I've had the same effect, and if you read other posts you'll see that this is a common withdrawal symptom.
Jon
Jon
Thanks for responding. Is the eye shifting/jerking considered a brain zap? Do you think it'll go away? I'm determined to stay off of this drug. I wish the best to all who are going through this.
Based on the experiences of others, it will go away. I have seen what you experience with others. I think the most common vision or sensation type feeling is the "brain zap', where you feel like your brain is getting a jolt of some kind. I've had those. The worst problems for me are the anxiety and the aching joints/muscles. I was on SSRI anti-depressants for 18 years so I expect the withdrawal to go on for a while. If you haven't already, do a Google search for "celexa withdrawal." You'll find lots of interesting stuff. I've read that Lexapro is similar to Celexa and there is lots of info about that on the Internet.
Jon
I had the same eye thing going on and the brain swishes. That was the worst part for me too. Hang in there, mine are nearly all gone. Had one in the last week and was a week or so before that since the previous one. It is so much better and I actually feel better too. Lost weight, just a few but every pound counts!
I started Celexa last December for Anxiety attacks (chest and arm pains). I went up to 40 mg fairly quickly.The drug seemed to work and kept me mellow through a big project at work but I was still feeling some pains. In March the doctor upped me to 60 mg. I have not seen anyone else at this level. I started coming off the Celexa 2.5 weeks ago and am down to 15mg for the past three days. While I have had lots of vivid and long dreams and feel a fogginess in the head along with some insomnia I have not had head zaps or muscle aches and such. I have had to take some time off from work to try catching up on sleep. I am going to try 10 mg for the next few days and see what happens. I have a vacation on Oct. 17th and want to try to be free of this. I feel lucky, so far, compared to what some of you are going through and hope that it doesn't worsen as I get to the end.
Good luck! Have you run this withdrawal past your doctor? If not, it's usually a good idea. I'm not trying to scare you but the worst withdrawal symptoms came for me after I was completely off the drug, not during the tapering down period. Just so you know, maybe you won't be as surprised if it happens to you. I have had this same scenario occur whenever I've withdrawn from something, whether it's pain killers or SSRIs. As the heroin addicts put it, once you "jump off" things can get a lot worse.
Stay in touch. The group can be a help.
Jon
Yes. This withdrawal from Celexa was recommended by my doctor. It is the first time I have ever taken anything other than pain meds. I was pleased with the results but don't think the withdrawal is worth it. After reading the forum I have been a bit worried about the symptoms showing up after I take my last pill. We will see. Thanks much. It is a comfort to know I am not alone.
I did 5 mg the past few days and am stopping tonight. It has been difficult with the foggy head and verge of nausea all the time almost like vertigo but not quite. I just want to sleep all day and night. The dreams are still constant (though interesting I must say)The Doctor said I was going a bit fast but perscribed more Lorazepam for me. I had Lorazepam for emergencies but didn't use it much. I do not want to take that much as I know it can be addicting.
I will let you know if it gets lots worse in the next few days.
Work has been great about it but I don't know how long they will put up with me.
Good luck and keep us posted! I had to take 10mg. Prozac for a week after I had been off Celexa about two months as the withdrawal had become unbearable. The Prozac helped and the withdrawal from the Prozac had been less severe than from Celexa. I took SSRIs for eighteen years starting with Prozac when it was new, so I don't expect to get rid of them quickly. It's been a long process but it has gradually gotten better. The symptoms you describe seem to be quite common.
Peace,
Jon
Hi all, just wanted to say "hi" to my friends. I do read often but not post as much as my symptoms are GONE!! I owe all my peace and hope to this website. I looked for years for help and never found it til I found this site. Keep the faith and keep moving forward! We do arrive!!!!
Robbin, thanks for checking in. It's good to hear that someone hasn't gotten past the withdrawal! So tell us, all together, how long did it take before you were symptom free?
Jon
Woops, I mis-typed! I meant to say that it's good to see that someone HAS gotten past the withdrawal. I guess my hands were shaking...
Jon
I kept notes but at this moment can't seem to locate them. I will look for them and post closer to exact dates. People who posted on exactness was a huge help for me. A way of giving me a daily countdown I guess. I do know I tapered off for 6 weeks before the last dose. Be back soon.
I have been off Celexa now for 12 days and I REALLY want to emphasize that stopping a 10/20/40/whatever dose cold turkey is a very bad idea and NOT the best way to stop. Quitting abruptly can set you up for failure. My psychiatrist said that you should ween yourself off by gradually stepping down the dosage - like 5mg at a time. If you feel symptoms you need to do less - it's all about the gradual withdrawal from your bloodstream. You can even take 5mg every other day or what have you - ir descreases the overall amount in your bloodstream but you don't get the intense side effects.
As for me, I have been crying at the drop of a hat in response to any frustration or irritation but my house is clean, I started a blo, I started singing lessons - it's very odd. I am on a different drug now - lamotrigine - and have been for 4 months; I don't know if that is affecting my withdrawal, but based on what the rest of you all have reported I seem to be experiencing fairly typical symptoms. I can't believe I only need 8 hours of sleep!
Anyway, please be careful and if at all possible very gradually reduce your dosages - there is literally no need to rush it and endanger yourself or make yourself miserable.
Thanks for the comment. I took lamictal for a couple of years and it worked pretty well. It took about six weeks to kick in, fwiw. It was one of the few drugs I've stopped that gave me no withdrawal effects. YMMV. Even with the generic it was very expensive. Best of luck with it!
Hi!
I have never been on an antidepressant before the beginning of July of 2009. My PCP put me on 20mg of Celexa and I DID feel better. I noticed that I wouldn't get annoyed as easily and didn't feel so bad, but I was having sexual side effects. There was just no "feeling" there... So, when I went back to the PCP I told her about that and she put me on 75mg of Effexor. I was only on that for a couple of weeks. The rx said to take 1 for 3 days and then 2 everyday after. But, I just took the one. So, this past Wednesday I forgot to take it and later that night I started feeling weird... I guess those electric "jolts" people have been talking about. And the dizziness was the first thing I noticed. I just stopped taking it. I figured that I haven't been on it that long and I didn't want to have to keep taking something. I called the doctor and they told me that where I haven't been on it that long that I shouldn't have the side effects. But, after looking around online and reading about everyones side effects I'm thinking that they are wrong... Should they have weened me off even though I have only been taking these medications for a short period of time? I just don't like feeling like this anymore... I have felt very irritable, tired, anxious, like I just want to cry all the time... And those weird jolts. I thought it was something with my blood pressure or something... I just don't know if I should just take it and get weened down... Just to stop these awful feelings... Any advice would be extremely helpful!!
:)kristin
Kristin, sorry you're having a bad time. Why don't you talk to your doc asap about withdrawing slowly. I used to take effexor and had to withdraw from it very slowly and had no side effects from the withdrawal. The stuff is weird, it's very powerful. I think it's easy for us to underestimate the strength of these drugs. I would be a fool to recommend a withdrawal schedule, but your doctor should be able to manage that. Call him/her tomorrow. To heck with their off days.
Jon
I don't think I'd be able to get in touch with the doctor today. It's kind of like a clinic. The lady that prescribed them to me is a nurse practitioner. I called and asked them the other day. I told them that I was dizzy and they just told me that since I haven't been on it so long, that it shouldn't be from that med. So, I didn't know that I shouldn't have just stopped. I did just take one this morning... Hoping that the dizziness and weird feelings will stop and I'll call the doc tomorrow. I just don't understand why the nurse I talked to didn't tell me to not just stop taking them! Is it possible to have these withdrawl symptoms even though I haven't been on them that long?
:)kristin
My doctor told me I should be fine and have little adverse effects within a week. Wrong! It's been ten weeks and I'm still suffering, but not as much. I took Prozac-like drugs for eighteen years, so I would expect my experience to be the way it has been. No doctor I've spoken to about this has a realistic view of how powerful these drugs are and how long it takes to get off of them. I'm no expert, but I wouldn't think it would be very long before you felt fine. I don't feel comfortable telling you what to do, so use your best judgment. And call the nurse tomorrow.
Jon
Similar account to what others have posted except that like Sarah my main symptom is rages. I had tapered off for a long time before stopping. But any amount of celexa kills sexuality and motivation. Those things are back, but when I find something annoying (which is probably the right reaction for me) I now go into a rage and launch a verbal attack. I hope this passes as I need to hold down a professional job. As for The Road Back, I believe the nutritional approach is helpful but the actual product package looks like an overpriced scam.
I've read of the rage that sometimes occurs. I don't think you're alone. I've had a taste of it myself. After almost three months being away from Celexa things had almost calmed down. It's been a long haul for me. I went on Prozac for a week to settle things down and that helped. As for The Road Back, I basically agree with you. I've tried some of the supplements and they've been some benefit but maybe not so much as their priced tag would have you think.
Jon
Fish oil helps with brain zap! Many people are reporting "brain zaps" from celexa withdrawal. Someone else mentioned that fish oil helps with that and I wanted to second that. The fish oil pretty much eliminates the brain zap, at least in my case. I take the Nordic Naturals; 2 caps per day.
This is a good point. I take all three omegas, fish, flax and borage. It does seem to help. I also take vitamin D and
E every day along with injectable B-12 once a week.
Jon
I decreased to 10 mg from 50mg over a 4 mth period at a rate of 5mg/decrease every 10-14 days.
Now at 10mg, I am feeling it. Anxiety after 5 days and depression and neck and shoulder pain after 11 days. Off work the last couple of days. I am due to reduce to 5mg tomorrow. Any suggestions as to reduce or wait til symptoms get better. Thanks. Brads.
I am 18 and have been on celexa for about a year now for my depression and eating disorder. The past few months i have gained 10-15 lbs and it is very depressing. Once i found out it was the celexa that was causing this i went off. i usually take 40mg a day then one day i took 20mg and then i took none. I have had a couple of really bad panic attacks and crying. Even a few days later i am feeling better other than the constant dizziness and nausea.
I will only get better from here.
I have been on Celexa for almost 9 years and have found the withdrawl process quite awful. I stopped because I am having a sleep study for narcolepsy in 2 weeks and the doctor wants me clear of all meds (Celexa, Concerta)for 2 weeks prior to the test. The plan is for me to resume the pills once the test is completed.
After 9 years I can't remember who I was before taking the pills. People have written that after stopping the meds their creativity and drive for life has returned. Part of me is curious to see what life is like without all of these medications. I am not sure if I should "resume" or try living life med free. One thing I do know is that I can't wait to stop feeling so sick from the withdrawl symptoms.
Hey Everyone,
So here is my little story on being on Celexa. It might not be the best story in the world but it is the truth. Remember everyone's experience is different and this doesn't mean this will happen to you.
It all started with me in June of 2006. I was in the process of getting divorced and was in a deep depression. I was seeing a therapist and asked if i could take an antidepressant. I was prescribed Celexa.
I started taking Celexa and worked my way up to 40 Mg a day. I tell you when I started taking it, I felt like a million bucks. I was what you would say Manic. I was more sociable, it helped me ignore the pain of my divorce, and many more things. I would say this was a happy time for me until October of 06.
In October of 06 I was at a movie and I had a panic attack. My heart started racing and my skin became flush. This is when I started to doubt my medication. I also began to notice that this medication was turning me into an insomniac. I decided I could live with this.
In december of 06 I decided to take myself off of Celexa cold turkey. I had good reason to. My divorce was finalized, I had a good realationship going for me, and much more.
Right away there were symptoms of withdrawal. Panic Attack, Vertigo, Brain Zaps, Nerve pain in right side of body, Hot and Cold feeling, Stabbing pain in occipital area in back of neck.
These things caused me to go to the emergency room like 5 times. They did every test you can imagine. They even did an MRA to see if I had an Aneurism. So these withdrawal symptoms got so bad that in March of 09 I had my doctor put me on Short Term disability for six weeks.
During these six weeks i just rested and tried to tell my body that this pain was my friend. and this pain would still be with me when I got back to work six weeks later. I just decided that it would exist with me but not affect me. It's kind of like in the movie "A Beautiful Mind" when Russel Crowe decided to not acknowledge his skitzofrenic hallucinations anymore. They were there but he ignored them.
So that summer I broke up with my girlfriend and moved back in with my dad. I decided to go back to school. I still had all of these withdrawal symptoms but they were slowly weening away. School helped me take my mind off of the pain. I would say that by Christmas of 07 I was having minimal withdrawal effects. It seemed like they became more like episodes rather than a continuing pain.
The neck pain, dizziness, vertigo, nerve pain in leg was completely gone by christmas of 07. I would say that the brain zaps were completely gone by the summer of 08.
To this day I still get that flashing in my vision but it doesn't bug me. I still get leg jerks every once in awhile. For the most part as of October of 09 I am symptom free. I have not taken a single anti-depressant since december of 06 and don't plan on taking any again in my life.
I am personally torn on antidepressents. It helped me but I also believe it scarred my body as well. No one knows what the long term affects are of SSRI's. I would just say use with caution. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.
Today, life for me is doing pretty good. Yes, life has it's challenges but I know I can deal with it on my own. Please also don't get freaked out and think that my case will happen to you. I believe I was on the extreme end of the Withdrawal symptoms. Please, if you think you can't handle the pain just deal with it and invite the pain to be your friend. It is only temporary and it will go away. Don't give in to taking more of this drug if you don't have to. I believe in all of you! Take care you all!
Great Information on this website!! I have only been off Celexa for about a week now and am starting to feel some side effects - brain zaps, fatigue, flu like symptoms. It is crazy how one little pill can cause so much to go on in your body. I know that my Lord will help me get thru this - without Him, I can do nothing. I love Him with all my heart and only want to give Him the glory for this.
One question - I probably haven't cried 5 times in the past 3 years - is this a side effect of the celexa??? Crying is such a good thing - sometimes I want to cry and just can't. This past week I have cried 2 times. It felt soooo good!!
Thank you so much for this! I suffer from periodic panic attacks but, a series of life crises several months ago sent me to the doctor, where I was diagnosed with full-blown anxiety disorder. I am a “non-medication” person – use only natural and alternative remedies – but, I was so desperate and could not function that I “gave in” and accepted a prescription for Celexa. Then I read the accompanying literature….which scared me MORE than the panic/anxiety attacks….so, I would not take it. Then, 5 weeks ago, I had a worse panic/anxiety episode….went to the doctor again, and was convinced to take it – along with Xanax, as needed. Almost 4 weeks “in” I thought I was feeling and functioning better….until I experienced horrible, scary tingling and numbness in arms and legs….plus shortness of breath….which scared the daylights out of me and sent me to the E.R., where I was assured it was “only paresthesia” (look THAT one up!). Followed-up with my doctor 2 days later and was told to stop Celexa “cold turkey.” I questioned not gradually weaning off, but was told that since I had only taken it for "only 4 weeks," it would be fine. Ha! For the past week, I have experienced most of the symptoms described by everyone here: dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, feeling wobbly, tingling, numbness, headache, insomnia. It’s debilitating! I feel so much better, though, that I am NOT GOING CRAZY….that this is “normal” withdrawal stuff! I’m just so frustrated, because I resisted taking anything like this for so long….and, now I know why! I’ll take the panic and anxiety over THIS….ANY time! Thank you all for sharing your experiences. I wish you all luck and may your symptoms cease SOON….VERY SOON!
Thank you so much for writing this. I am currently in withdrawals after taking the maximum dose of Celexa (40mg) for the past 14 years. I am feeling all of these things but at least I am feeling again. I love it and hate it all at the same time!! Thank you again.
Thanks so much for creating this resource. I have been trying to wean myself off of Celexa for the past 10 months! I was on 20mg and cut it to ten for a few months and then quartered the pills to ~5mg. Each time I lowered my dose, I experienced all the unpleasant and disorienting side effects that you and others have mentioned. I decided I may just have to live with the low dosage until I got the courage to brave the withdrawal again.
Now, at 6 weeks pregnant, I have decided I don't have a choice. Even though some medical providers say it is okay for pregnant women to take anti-depressants, it is still a schedule "C" drug. For perspective, Tylenol is a schedule "B" and I think twice before popping one of those in.
So five days ago, I stopped taking the little "whiff" of Celexa I've been on for the last eight months. The withdrawal has come crashing down on me and I am feeling absolutely awful. The dizziness is the worst, especially since I just recovered from a case of benign positional vertigo. I am hoping that all these symptoms will subside before morning sickness sets in.
Your post and the comments that follow have definitely given me hope that I can come out a better person on the other side of all this mind altering ickiness. In the meantime, I am trying hard to remain functional and keep my emotions in check. The real reward will be getting back to my old self and then giving birth to a naturally healthy and happy baby.
Thanks again and best to all who have shared their experiences here.
Ah, fellow anti-Celexa travelers. Good to know a name for the "brain zaps". Also experiencing tinnitis, tingling lips and tongue tip, slight dizziness. So good to hear from others going through this withdrawal. I find if I have used Celexa before the withdrawal is more difficult the more "on/off" symptoms I have. Never again!
Elizabeth
WOW! I can not even imagine taking 40 mg. Celexa….for 14 years no less! Or, even 20 mg. and trying to wean off for 10 months! I started on 5 mg. (1st week); increased to 10 mg. (2nd week); then (3rd week), max dose of 20 mg. – with side effects so severe and scary (numbness, tingling, shortness of breath, lightheadedness), I ended up in the E.R. – after which my doctor had me quit “cold” – which is what threw me into the horrors of withdrawal!
It was a nightmare – but, I am happy to report that the WORST symptoms subsided after 10 days – and the others are gradually diminishing. In fact, today is Day 17 and I actually think that today is the closest to “normal” that I have felt – physically and emotionally. So, hang in there! It seems like forever, when you’re going through it. But, it DOES get better. I agree with Elizabeth: Never again!
Thank you all for sharing. It is so enlightening – and reassuring. I wish you well – in every sense of the word – on this “journey” and hope your symptoms subside with each passing day – and stop altogether VERY SOON!
I am on day 6 of withdrawal and don't know if I can make it through. Thank you for all of your comments. It helps a lot. I just don't know how I am supposed to get through my two jobs and take care of my two kids. I quit cold because I wanted to get the withdrawal over with. I've tried tapering down in the past but it just takes so long and I still had withdrawal symptoms. But this is really really bad. Praying to God helps because He is with me through it and I will walk through this and see the other side. The question is how long will it take?
Lisa
I was on celexa for eight months and kept gaining weight even thought I was running and eating right. When I finally went to the doctor again I had gained 15lbs. I asked her if it was from celexa and she said no but gave me a perscription for another drug. When I got on the internet I was amazed at the stories from everyone about the rapid weight gain from celexa. I decided to get off celexa and not try anything else. I feel like a real person again. I have emotions and I cried the other day for the first time in months. I guess while I was on celexa I didnt realize how calm I was with no feelings. I am having a few withdrawl symptoms. I am having trouble sleeping at night, sweating or have hot flashes, I can cry again, and being happy, sad and excited somehow all at the same time. I am glad that I got off celexa
I've been on Celexa for the last 4 years. My doc wants me off so that I can try a new pain med for my fibromyalgia. Well, I've tapered off from 40 mg. to 20 mg. to 10 mg, to 10 mg every other day, and this past week to nothing. I'm having freaky symptoms as others have described above. Mostly I feel hugely depressed, and am crying at the drop of a hat. I don't feel good about this, in fact, I'm tempted to go back on the low dose. But I see my doc tomorrow and will let her know how bad it has been. I don't feel myself at all, sweaty then freezing, ringing in the ears constantly, disturbed sleep, etc. etc. I will not go back on any SSRI or any other kind of med like this again. Hang in there -- I've been off now 7 days and counting.
I understand that this is about Withdrawal. I just went to a Nurse practitioner and she thought it was a good idea for me to take 10mg of Celexa. I am having a hard time with making decisions and every so often feel as if a huge amount of weight is on my shoulders. In time it passes... But comes back. I have had many life changes in the past and think that that might be an issue to everything. I got engaged and right now it is at the point where my fiance moved out of my house... I have read some of the side effects and honestly do not feel as if I need this medication. Can someone help shed some light for me. Thanks
Interesting. I find the crying just leads to more crying, and hurts my chest, and I haven't noticed myself writing again - but there is definitely a different way of thinking. I'm switching from Celexa to another SSRI, but the symptoms are nonetheless right on!
Okay; you'd think I would have learned my lesson. I went through a horrible experience w/Prozac last year and I swore I'd never be on SSRI's again. Yet, here I am withdrawing from Celexa and feeling awful.
I went off of my meds last year after my husband almost left me. A year of increasing emotional "zombification" nearly destroyed my marriage. We went through counseling and I tapered off the Prozac and I became myself again. Our marriage was saved, but I went into a deep, deep depression. I went to a psychiatrist right before the holidays last year and she put me on Wellbutrin XL 150mg. It worked for a bit, but then the depression came back. She upped the Wellbutrin to 300mg. That made me start feeling really aggressive anger (so weird for me since I'm such a calm pacifist usually). So, back down to 150mg I went. She wanted to supplement that w/the Celexa 20mg. I said okay in a moment of desperation to get out from under the double blow of depression and over-the-top agitation. Well, 20mg became 40mg and then she added in Buspirone 15mg to help reduce the anxiety that developed.
In the last few months my husband and I started to see those old SSRI demons rear their ugly heads: sexual dysfunction, lack of emotion, inability to connect w/my daughter, weight gain, exhaustion. Last week, I decided enough was enough and I tossed the Celexa into a bag of old coffee grinds and threw it in the garbage.
It seemed like such a good idea at the time. Now, the withdrawal has hit me full force. I have the zaps, dizziness, nausea if I don't stay full, that feeling that I'm not 100% in sync between my brain and body, irritability, lack of temper control, muscle aches, and an overall flu-like feeling. Yuck. This is the first day that I've been able to link this grossness to my cessation of Celexa, though. I guess I was a little slow on the uptake.
On the bright side: I had a rush of emotion return to me last night while watching, of all things, the new "Star Trek" movie. I tell ya, that Spock/Kirk friendship gets me everytime. AND, best of all, my husband and I had the best sex we've had in months! TMI, I know; but, it's so significant to me.
Thanks to this blog, I've been able to finally make that vital connection between feeling horrible and coming off of Celexa. I hope the withdrawal ickiness is gone soon. Today seems to be the worst day so far and it's been one week exactly that I went off the meds. There is light at the end of the tunnel, I think.
So, thank you to anyone who read my long-winded story. It helps so much just to get it all off of my chest in a supportive forum.
-Nik
First of all.. thank you. This post has saved my sanity! I have been feeling all of this and it is awful. I am 7 days free after 5 years of 20 mg and 2 months of tapering off.
Second, to Anonymous on November 1 (I think it was!) I understand exactly how you feel with not being able to make a decision and feeling overwhelmed. I felt the same way for so long. It is debilitating.
I am going to power through this with water, sleep and the knowledge that eventually the crying, depression and hopelessness will go away. Thank you so much!
Thanks for everyone who wrote. I had been on Celexa for 9 yrs mostly on than off. I tapered off only taking 20 mg for the past 9 mths then I went off 2 weeks ago. It was a huge step but at some point I am planning to have a child and needed to get off the celexa.
I know things will get normalize but one huge side affect is feeling off balance and having a feeling of Empty air in my head.
It sucks today I cried about it! I am happy though, I feel things in my life have normalized and I know I can get through it! Either way, thanks everyone for sharing.
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