I have decided to quit Citalopram, reduced the dose for some time, and found I could a couple of days without it and had no withdrawal symptoms!
I decided that I need to fight this depression and other issues without the AD's as I don't feel any better on them or off them so what's the point.
My doctor is not much good, here in the UK I find the NHS a little useless at listening to us.
I've not slept for a long time proper and today was handed a 10 day supply Temazepam to get my sleep pattern back on track. Just the pills in a bottle with no instructions on side effects or anything. Thank god for the internet I've looked it up and decided I don't need to depend on Temazepam to get me to sleep, I personally would rather get up early as I do and read a book, it's not like I am desperate for sleep, I just don't sleep. So the Temazepam will be going back to the chemist tomorrow.
Anyone else often think that staying on AD is not a good idea...
Wow, I also take citalopram (Celexa) and if I go for more than 24 hours w/o it I get major withdrawl headaches. Good job... as long as you discussed it with your Dr. and he/ she's aware that you stopped it. Maybe since the citralpram isn't working there's a better anti-depressent for you? Congrats on tapering yourself off tho that's definitly an accomplishment.
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Alison, sorry you haven't found your medications (or your doctors!) helpful! How very frustrating.
I have been on AD's on and off for over 10 years. When I have gone off, I do ok for a few months and then I am a complete disaster and it takes me months to get back on an even keel.
Have you tried other AD's?
I had a great GP at home who listened to me and was so helpful. When I was really depressed and couldn't get into see a shrink, so had me come into her office 3 days a week just to talk. At the time, I was so depressed, that those were my only outings and the only time I'd even shower. She was SO AMAZING!
When I got here and tried to renew my AD with the NP at my surgery, she was super patronizing, patted my hand, and said "now why do *we* think *we* are depresed?" I absolutely let her have it and actually things have been pretty good since.
I too have great sleep problems and it sure doesn't help with depression or weight loss or life in general.
I hope you find something that works and someone to listen!!
(Have you tried any alternative remedies?)
*Becky- love the avatar*
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* * * * * * * * * * Meds: Metformin 1000mg and Celexa 20mg
* * * * * * * * * * "My grace is sufficient for you." 2 Corinthians 12:9a
Thanx guys.... I tried Prozac a few years ago, no SE on that at first but when I tried it again 18 months later, yuk, really back sick feelings on it & headaches...
I'm glad to hear you are doing ok but it is never advisable to go off ADs cold turkey. You can get some serious problems, depending on the drug and dose. But I'm glad to hear you are trying to manage life without ADs. ADs don't give you the coping skills necessary to deal with life events and going off them without those coping skills can lead to relapse.
i'm on citalopram only just started taking it but did anyone find their pupils went funny like mine are usually quite small and all this evening they are quite big
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Hi,
I went off Lexapro (20mg) cold turkey when I discovered I was pregnant.
My GP gave me a ticking off because its not recommended to stop suddenly and also she felt the risk to the baby was low.
Unfortunately I miscarried and ever I was going to need AD's it was then.
However I've done okay without them. My GP said she would prefer I was on them as she thinks I'm doing it the hard way. But now that she has seen me nearly a month on she supports my decision.
Personally for me the AD's helped a little. They calmed me down a bit. They helped my sleep.
However the significant life saving help for me was my counselling. Im still having problems with sleep and anxiety but I don't worry about them. I let them happen and gradually the anxiety & panic is lessening (and consequently the depression) because Im not giving the anxiety any power.
I think if you are going off AD's you should be having some form of counselling. Or parttake in group therapy, read a book on depression/anxiety(Cognitive behavioural therapy is good) & continue to strike a balance in your life by being social (go to a movie, coffee with a friend) and exercise.
Meditation (which Ive only just started this week) is also believed to be beneficial.
Keeping a journal of your thoughts & feelings also helps.
Good luck!
Citalopram - Quit 
