|
|
Post by lesley on Jan 12, 2017 15:47:45 GMT
I've been on citalopram for several years, and I'll really like to stop taking it. I've discussed it with my GP, and he's happy to let me manage the timing, length of the process, etc as long as I do it gradually.
However, after about four or five attempts over the last year or so, I'm not sure I can do it. I always get to a certain stage where I become so full of rage and/or grief, that I feel I could really hurt someone (including myself.) I'm normally quite an easygoing person, and can take most things in my stride, and I can't bear feeling so extreme. Like today, I am ready to cut my son out of my life for ever because he wouldn't take the recycling out last night when I asked him!
Has anyone else had this problem? How do you get over it/past it? Usually after a week or so, I am so angry at the world that I start taking the pills again.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 21:47:24 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2017 15:57:22 GMT
I've been on citalopram for several years, and I'll really like to stop taking it. I've discussed it with my GP, and he's happy to let me manage the timing, length of the process, etc as long as I do it gradually. However, after about four or five attempts over the last year or so, I'm not sure I can do it. I always get to a certain stage where I become so full of rage and/or grief, that I feel I could really hurt someone (including myself.) I'm normally quite an easygoing person, and can take most things in my stride, and I can't bear feeling so extreme. Like today, I am ready to cut my son out of my life for ever because he wouldn't take the recycling out last night when I asked him! Has anyone else had this problem? How do you get over it/past it? Usually after a week or so, I am so angry at the world that I start taking the pills again. I think that change in personality is your big red flag that 1) you still NEED the meds. 2) they are working and 3) while you may want to stop you are not physically ready to stop. I made an attempt like this and had the same results so I went back to taking them. A year later I tried again and came off them with no issues like this at all... just a mild headache from the chemical shift. |
|
|
|
Post by myboysnme on Jan 12, 2017 16:00:36 GMT
Why do you want to come off them? I would stay on them because they obviously work. I take antidepressants long term and I cannot come off them and still function.
|
|
|
|
Post by rst on Jan 12, 2017 16:14:06 GMT
What if you bridge to something else that helps manage your emotional health?
So develop a new habit/practice first, then increase the new thing while weaning off the medications. Some things to consider, depending on what works in your life -- vigorous daily exercise, meditation, relaxation and stretching routines, massage, a craft or hobby, writing in a journal, talk therapy, renewed study and practice of your faith . . .
|
|
|
|
Post by leannec on Jan 12, 2017 16:23:23 GMT
What are your reasons for wanting to come off your meds? I ask this because I'm bipolar and could never imagine functioning without mine ... the brain requires a certain chemical balance and sometimes we have to use meds to meet that  Don't feel down on yourself if you need to use antidepressants ... it's nothing to be ashamed of  |
|
|
|
Post by cade387 on Jan 12, 2017 16:27:37 GMT
My sister is trying to take herself off her meds because she can't afford them if the ACA is repealed. She is trying to be prepared, as she is afraid having to go cold turkey upon changes being rammed through. There are too many whatifs. I don't know what advice to give her. She is an adult and it is her call, but I understand her fears both ways.
|
|
|
|
Post by crimsoncat05 on Jan 12, 2017 16:40:15 GMT
I have the same problem / issue, and I've finally realized my brain just doesn't work correctly without the anti-depressant.
I've been taking Lexapro (well, the generic, now) for... let's see... 14 years, now, I think?? And I've tried to stop taking it a couple times. (one time cold-turkey, because I didn't have medical insurance-- don't ever do that!)
I sometimes get lax about taking it regularly; I feel good, or I get busy, and I forget to take it for a couple days... that is all the time I can be off of it without starting to get angry for no reason, lashing out, and for the 'despair' type feelings to come back. Usually my boyfriend can see it pretty easily, and I can tell that something is just 'off' about how I am feeling / acting. Once I actually think about it objectively, I can see that it's because I've not taken my medication.
I used to think something was 'wrong' with me for needing to be on it; like somehow I'm weak, if I can't get off of it altogether. But I finally am okay with that, now. My doctor has told me before that some people's brains will start making the 'correct' levels of neurotransmitters again after being on an anti-depressant for a while, but some people's brains just won't ever go back to making the correct amounts, no matter what.
I look at it as being similar to an insulin-dependent diabetic. I wouldn't expect a diabetic to be able to stop taking their insulin and still be okay, so why do I feel that I "need" or "should be able to" to quit taking my anti-depressant? I think it's still a societal thing, that holdover that somehow mental health issues are 'all in your head' as opposed to actually being a physical issue. FOR ME, it IS a physical issue. Maybe they can't measure the levels of neurotransmitters to SHOW it, but I can tell. So I will continue to take it. |
|
|
|
Post by mrsscrapdiva on Jan 12, 2017 16:54:59 GMT
I went off Zoloft because I was going to try a different type of antidepressants. Even with the most cautious schedule of weaning off, I was miserable. I was so angry and I had rage that was scary. I had the brain zaps and multiple other physical symptoms. After going thru all that, I said if I was rich I would 100% go to a rehab facility to come off these drugs.
I did some research online and some websites say that there are otc supplements you can take to help with the symptoms. I remember reading that a large percent of people that try to come off Zoloft just emotionally and physically can not put up with the withdrawal symptoms and they end up going back to the medication.
What you are feeling is withdrawal symptoms.
mentalhealthdaily.com/2015/03/19/10-best-supplements-for-antidepressant-withdrawal/
|
|
|
|
Post by scrapmaven on Jan 12, 2017 17:18:25 GMT
I would talk to your psychiatrist about this. If you need the medicine keep taking it and don't feel bad about it. There is no need to suffer. Perhaps there is a different med that you would work for you. Coming off of this stuff w/o your doc's help is really hard. Do it w/guidance.
|
|
|
|
Post by jenjie on Jan 12, 2017 17:25:34 GMT
I'm paying attention to this thread. I guess it's been a year that I've been on lexapro but I talked to my dr about weaning off. He wants me to wait til March in case of seasonal depression in winter. I think he's right, the first week of January was especially difficult for me. But I'm going to pay attention and see how I respond when weaning off so I don't go off before I'm ready.
|
|
RosieKat
Drama Llama
PeaJect #12
Posts: 5,690 
|
Post by RosieKat on Jan 12, 2017 17:41:04 GMT
Some people need antidepressants long-term, others only need them for a shorter period. They can be very hard for some people to come off of. I've generally seen the advice as only cutting tiny amounts of it at a time. I'm not familiar with that exact one, but if it's a pill that can be cut, I've seen the recommendation to just take the tiniest sliver of it off at first, and take that remaining 90% or whatever for 2-3 weeks. Then take off just the tiniest amount again, etc. Some people really react to the smallest change, and so need to make it an almost imperceptibly gradual reduction. If it can't be cut, see if you can get it in smaller dose pills. And yes, I agree with others, if you do still need it, there's nothing wrong with that. But with your doctor's agreement, I don't see why you can't try.
|
|
|
|
Post by kernriver on Jan 12, 2017 18:27:51 GMT
I know I need to take Prozac until I die. I.ve had depressionsince I was little. And didnt get on meds til I was 40. Thats a long time to be depressed. Luckily, I dont mind taking it. I am a much happier, easier going, pragmatic person when on the meds.
|
|
|
|
Post by fruitysuet on Jan 12, 2017 18:36:30 GMT
I have the same problem / issue, and I've finally realized my brain just doesn't work correctly without the anti-depressant.
I've been taking Lexapro (well, the generic, now) for... let's see... 14 years, now, I think?? And I've tried to stop taking it a couple times. (one time cold-turkey, because I didn't have medical insurance-- don't ever do that!)
I sometimes get lax about taking it regularly; I feel good, or I get busy, and I forget to take it for a couple days... that is all the time I can be off of it without starting to get angry for no reason, lashing out, and for the 'despair' type feelings to come back. Usually my boyfriend can see it pretty easily, and I can tell that something is just 'off' about how I am feeling / acting. Once I actually think about it objectively, I can see that it's because I've not taken my medication.
I used to think something was 'wrong' with me for needing to be on it; like somehow I'm weak, if I can't get off of it altogether. But I finally am okay with that, now. My doctor has told me before that some people's brains will start making the 'correct' levels of neurotransmitters again after being on an anti-depressant for a while, but some people's brains just won't ever go back to making the correct amounts, no matter what.
I look at it as being similar to an insulin-dependent diabetic. I wouldn't expect a diabetic to be able to stop taking their insulin and still be okay, so why do I feel that I "need" or "should be able to" to quit taking my anti-depressant? I think it's still a societal thing, that holdover that somehow mental health issues are 'all in your head' as opposed to actually being a physical issue. FOR ME, it IS a physical issue. Maybe they can't measure the levels of neurotransmitters to SHOW it, but I can tell. So I will continue to take it. This is me and exactly how I see it and explain it to others too. |
|
|
|
Post by lesley on Jan 12, 2017 23:23:26 GMT
Thank you everyone for your input. And I think you're all correct, I probably do still need the meds. I think I wanted to stop them because they were first prescribed to treat reactive depression. At the time, I was under a lot of stress (DD was very ill, DS was struggling to cope, my mum was dying, my marriage was very bad, I was cut off from my family, and my physical health was declining.) Now that most of that stuff has settled, I kind of thought I should be able to do without the 'prop' of medication. But actually you have made me realise that I do still need the treatment, that I might need it for a long time, and at the end of the day, it's okay if that is the case. (You know, I'm very good at telling other people this stuff, but obviously not so good at telling myself!)  |
|
|
|
Post by flanz on Jan 12, 2017 23:32:12 GMT
I went off Zoloft because I was going to try a different type of antidepressants. Even with the most cautious schedule of weaning off, I was miserable. I was so angry and I had rage that was scary. I had the brain zaps and multiple other physical symptoms. After going thru all that, I said if I was rich I would 100% go to a rehab facility to come off these drugs.
I did some research online and some websites say that there are otc supplements you can take to help with the symptoms. I remember reading that a large percent of people that try to come off Zoloft just emotionally and physically can not put up with the withdrawal symptoms and they end up going back to the medication.
What you are feeling is withdrawal symptoms.
mentalhealthdaily.com/2015/03/19/10-best-supplements-for-antidepressant-withdrawal/
I was coming here to post something very similar. I was MISERABLE when trying to wean off of Zoloft, following my doctor's orders. What he said was going to be a simple, three step 12 week process had me suffering a 9 day migraine at week five. I was at my wits end, the pain and nausea were so horrific and non-stop. I scoured the internet for any clues as to what might possibly help. PLEASE READ THIS BOOK ASAP: www.amazon.com/Mood-Cure-4-Step-Program-Emotions-Today-ebook/dp/B000QCTPP8/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1484263708&sr=1-1&keywords=mood+cureHeck, here is one reviewers synopsis of the book. Before sharing it I'll just say that this book saved my life and enabled me to get off of the Zoloft I had taken, with zero shame or embarrassment, for 9 years. It worked great for the first three, meh for the next three, and then I finally came to the conclusion that IT was causing the miserable symptoms it had first cured during the last three years I took it. Feeling as horrible as I did, I was able to use Julia's book because it is laid out with questionnaires at the beginning. My answers to them led me to specific chapter recommendations which then recommended which amino acid my brain was likely deficient in. I have recommended this book to dozens of people IRL and it has helped them too. GOOD LUCK, you can do this! |
|
|
|
Post by flanz on Jan 12, 2017 23:33:17 GMT
oops, here's the review of The Mood Cure by Julia Ross
5.0 out of 5 starsThis is what your doctor should know ...and practice!
By A. T Mauro on September 11, 2013
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
19 years ago I found myself in dire straights. I was clinically depressed. I was promptly prescribed a popular anti-depressant and I managed to climb out. But I didn't stay out. Subsequently I've had years of going on and off meds, side effects, trying all kinds of alternative therapies, etc. Frankly, I had lost all hope until I learned what's in this book.
Here in a nutshell is the supplemental strategy:
There are four major neurotransmitters:
Serotonin
Catecholamines (norepinephrine)
GABA
Endorphin
When we have deficiencies in any of these neurotransmitters, we start having emotional and mental problems.
Serotonin
Serotonin is the number one neurotransmitter deficiency. (That’s why it’s listed first.) It’s the feel-good chemical that makes us happy, hopeful, self-confident, and outgoing. It stops the worry and turns on enthusiasm.
Oh, and guess what is the number one enemy of serotonin? Caffeine. That’s right, caffeine depletes serotonin. So you might want to rethink that latte or cup of green tea.
Serotonin converts to melatonin as the sun goes down, so if you’re low in serotonin, you won’t be able to create enough melatonin — which means you won’t sleep well. If you suffer from insomnia, serotonin may help you.
Catecholamines
Catecholamines (the number two most common deficiency) are the brain chemicals that make us feel energized and give us the ability to concentrate. It’s caused by a deficiency in catecholamines. Need that cup of coffee to get going? You’re most likely low in catecholamines. And if you’re self-medicating with coffee or chocolate, you’re doing damage to your serotonin levels.
GABA
Stressed out? Can’t relax? You might be low in GABA, the third most common deficiency. GABA is a natural tranquilizer and muscle relaxer.
Endorphins
Most people know about endorphins from exercise — the “runner’s high.” Endorphins give us the ability to enjoy our lives and experience pleasure. When we are in pain, endorphins rush in to flush and flood us with pleasurable feelings.
Simply find out what deficiencies you have in descending order and treat accordingly with 5-HTP (Serotonin), DLPA or L-Tyrosine (Catecholamines), GABA (GABA), Exercise (Endorphins).
Note: if you're like me and you mainly have the first two deficiencies (Serotonin & Catecholamines) you'll want to kick the caffeine habit first since you'll likely run into a whole host of problems while taking 5-htp and still drinking coffee, even if its small amounts. While you're taking 5-htp it's raising serotonin, but you'll still be depleting your dopamine/norepinephrine supply, therefore still likely remaining somewhat depressed with little progress towards feeling better. Taking a good dose of DLPA (500-750mg) in the morning should allow you to stop drinking coffee (with little or no withdrawl) and also return your catecholamines to normal levels.
Now, why couldn't my doctor had told me this years ago, instead of giving me an antidepressant that only worked on just ONE of the problems?
|
|
|
|
Post by crimsoncat05 on Jan 12, 2017 23:41:28 GMT
 
Living with depression is TOUGH!! It's hard to NOT feel like something is 'wrong' with you-- at least it is for me sometimes, anyway. I do go through periods of time where I'm... resentful...?? I guess that's the best word... that my brain is screwed up, so to speak, and that it skews my outlook of the world and of myself in such a negative way sometimes. You know, one of these things: "it's not fair!" But I KNOW I like myself a lot more with my medication, and I know my outlook on the world is much more 'centered' with the medication than without it.
I didn't know you started taking antidepressants due to reactive depression, but perhaps it's the same physical thing, a deficiency in neurotransmitter output that your physiology just can't correct any longer by itself.
I had chronic depression for a LONG time (I'm talking, years) before I was diagnosed, and the doctor explained it to me like this: I had gotten 'used to' not being happy / not enjoying life for a long period of time, so my brain cells just didn't make the right levels of neurotransmitters any longer. My current Dr. has said that with medication some people's brain cells WILL go back to making the normal amounts eventually and they can get off the medication, but some people's brain cells just won't bounce back.
ETA: I was trying for a LONG time to replace the chemicals in my brain via emotional eating... and I had also started drinking a bit too much before I finally talked to a doctor about my depression. Both of those things are now under control. For me, taking Rx medication is worth the cost ($$ and any of the side effects, which thankfully are minimal, and I can live with them) in order to keep me healthy mentally AND physically. Now that I've lost 65 lbs, I also know that taking my anti-depressant regularly is part of what's helping me to stay at a more healthy weight. (I just forget sometimes, I guess, when I quit taking it for a few days, lol...)
ETA2: you should also get your Vit. D and B levels checked, as well, of course... since those both have an affect on energy levels, etc.
eta3: not discounting the effects of proper diet, supplements, etc. but just remember that any of that should be done with the advice of your doctor. ANY supplements can have side effects or can possibly interfere with any other medications you may be taking.
|
|
|
|
Post by birukitty on Jan 13, 2017 1:06:05 GMT
Just wanted to add this last piece of advice. I suffered from what was called "treatment resistant depression" for 10 years. What that means is a severe form of depression that was resistant to treatment. My doctor would try a medication and it would work for a few months, and then it would stop. I'd be weaned off and we'd be on to the next medication. Thankfully I am healed now.
My advice is this-if and when you or anyone who takes antidepressants comes to the point of needing to be weaned off of the medication please, please do not do it on the advice of your GP. He/she is not qualified, no matter how good a GP they may be to handle this complicated matter. Only a board certified psychiatrist should be handling your health care at that point. It is a very complicated matter and rushing it, or not doing it properly for each different medication can result in damage to your health.
|
|
|
|
Post by cindytred on Jan 13, 2017 4:13:05 GMT
I look at it as being similar to an insulin-dependent diabetic. I wouldn't expect a diabetic to be able to stop taking their insulin and still be okay, so why do I feel that I "need" or "should be able to" to quit taking my anti-depressant? I think it's still a societal thing, that holdover that somehow mental health issues are 'all in your head' as opposed to actually being a physical issue. FOR ME, it IS a physical issue. Maybe they can't measure the levels of neurotransmitters to SHOW it, but I can tell. So I will continue to take it.
OP: I take citalopram also - have been for 5 years since my son passed away. I can be off of it for about 3 days and then I start crying over something stupid and just can't stop crying. Also, it takes the knots in my stomach away. I'm happy to take it for the rest of my life!
|
|
|
|
Post by pb on Jan 13, 2017 4:29:10 GMT
I know I need to take Prozac until I die. I.ve had depressionsince I was little. And didnt get on meds til I was 40. Thats a long time to be depressed. Luckily, I dont mind taking it. I am a much happier, easier going, pragmatic person when on the meds. This is me...I think my first depression was around age five. My mother says she knew fairly soon that I would have issues but this was back in the days where there wasn't medication readily available. She taught me to look inward, be aware of my moods, lots of self care etc. when I was an adult, I refused medication, I would go into short term therap. I believed I had to do the hard work, etc. PPD depression a most did me in and I still refused meds. Wasn't till I hit peri-menopause that my doctor said, you need to try something different. So I have been on generic lexapro for eight years are so. If I miss a day, I feel it, miss two days my husband notices, three days and my mother picks up on it and we live in separate states. Only wean ear off with a doctor' says care and have a self-care plan in place...meditation, good diet, exercise, yoga, etc. hugs |
|
tincin
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,415
Jul 25, 2014 4:55:32 GMT
|
Post by tincin on Jan 13, 2017 15:43:10 GMT
I've been on citalopram for several years, and I'll really like to stop taking it. I've discussed it with my GP, and he's happy to let me manage the timing, length of the process, etc as long as I do it gradually. However, after about four or five attempts over the last year or so, I'm not sure I can do it. I always get to a certain stage where I become so full of rage and/or grief, that I feel I could really hurt someone (including myself.) I'm normally quite an easygoing person, and can take most things in my stride, and I can't bear feeling so extreme. Like today, I am ready to cut my son out of my life for ever because he wouldn't take the recycling out last night when I asked him! Has anyone else had this problem? How do you get over it/past it? Usually after a week or so, I am so angry at the world that I start taking the pills again. Perhaps you should stay on it. Some people's chemical imbalance never self corrects. I have been on anti-depression meds for almost 25 years and will likely remain on them forever. Works for me. I have no desire to revisit the dark days of my depression. I've tried several times to stop and realized that it is best to continue on my medications. |
|
