LadyLuna: Tapering off Citalopram

[LadyLuna]

Hi everyone,

 

I have been on 20mg of citalopram for close to ten years now. I was originally placed on the medication after I was diagnosed with a heart condition, and my Doctor felt I had become depressed due to the diagnosis. In hindsight I believe it was a natural reaction to a shock diagnosis, combined with the fact I had 2 year old twins and was concerned I wasn't going to be able to see them grow up.

 

I have tried twice before to come off the citalopram, once in 2010 and more recently in early 2016. Both times I have followed Doctor's advice to decrease over 4 weeks, and both times I have ended up in a state of depression much worse to what I ever felt before starting the citalopram. I have recently been told my heart function has decreased again (First drop since I was diagnosed 10 years ago), and after doing a little research I can see there is a link between citalopram and heart rhythm problems. I am really eager to try and finally be successful at tapering off the citalopram, though I do plan to check in with my doctor about timing (My heart rate is really unstable at the moment), I do want to reduce really slowly so I am hopeful that would only be beneficial for my heart rather than stressful.

 

Looking forward to getting to know everyone on here

Edited November 18, 2017 by baroquep

[ChessieCat]

Hi LadyLuna and welcome to SA,

 

Sometimes it can been an interaction which is causing issues.  Please put your drugs in the Drug Interactions Checker and copy and paste the results here in your Intro topic.

 

Please note that Spirolactone (in your signature) is spelled incorrectly:  Aldactone / spironolactone

[ChessieCat]

Here is some information about tapering.  SA recommends a harm reduction tapering method of reducing by no more than 10% of the previous dose followed by a hold for about 4 weeks which allows the brain to adapt to not getting as much of the drug:

 

Before you begin tapering what you need to know

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's WD Symptoms Checklist

 

Tips for tapering off Celexa (citalopram)

 

These helped me to understand SA's recommendations:

 

Brain Remodelling

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

This is your own Introduction topic where you can ask questions and journal your progress.

[Altostrata]

Welcome, LadyLuna.

 

With gradual tapering, you most likely can at least minimize your citalopram dosage, which will reduce the risk to your heart. ChessieCat has given you the links.

 

Using a liquid to taper is a good way to reduce by very small amounts. Please let us know if you have any questions.

[Cheeky]

Welcome to the site, your in the right place to taper your citalopram. I wish you all the best on your journey x