Do you need to taper off citalopram?

Do you need to taper off citalopram?

Because this medication is an SSRI and adjusts the serotonin levels in the brain, patients wanting or needing to stop taking Citalopram (Celexa) should taper off the medication with the help of a doctor, instead of stopping suddenly or “going cold turkey”.

Can I cut citalopram in half?

Each film-coated tablet contains 20 mg citalopram (as citalopram hydrobromide). Excipient with known effect: lactose monohydrate. Each film-coated tablet contains 45.72 mg lactose monohydrate. The tablet can be divided into equal halves.

Do you need to wean off citalopram?

How do I wean off citalopram 20mg?

Try either of these schedules for about a week. Then, if you're feeling fine, go down to 20mg /day for one to two weeks. If you continue to feel OK, alternate 20mg/day with 10mg/day for about two weeks. Finally, take 10mg/day for two weeks, followed by 10mg every other day for one week, then stop altogether.

Does coming off citalopram make you angry?

They most likely result from decreased production of serotonin—the neurotransmitter that SSRIs increase in the brain—which can lead to aggression, says psychiatrist Steven P. Levine, M.D. "Rage would be an uncommon, although not rare, experience after SSRI discontinuation," Dr. But the anger never totally went away.

What happens if I stop taking citalopram cold turkey?

Stopping citalopram abruptly may result in one or more of the following withdrawal symptoms: irritability, nausea, feeling dizzy, vomiting, nightmares, headache, and/or paresthesias (prickling, tingling sensation on the skin). Depression is also a part of bipolar illness.

Can I stay on citalopram long term?

Most people take citalopram for 6 months. But in some instances, a doctor may prescribe this substance for 9 months. Long-term use of antidepressants may put people at risk for type 2 diabetes, and SSRIs may cause heart rhythm abnormalities at higher doses.

Do you lose weight when you come off citalopram?

A better appetite can cause you to eat more, leading to increased body weight. On the other hand, Celexa could also reduce your appetite, leading to slight weight loss. Stopping Celexa abruptly can cause problems such as anxiety, moodiness, confusion, and trouble sleeping.

Does citalopram cause weight gain?

Celexa has been associated with slight weight gain, but it's thought that the drug itself doesn't cause this effect. Rather, the weight increase is likely due to improved appetite from taking the drug. A better appetite can cause you to eat more, leading to increased body weight.

Can citalopram cause dementia?

Another study published last year from researchers in Taiwan also linked SSRIs with an increased risk of dementia. However, a U.S. team reported two years ago the SSRI citalopram (sold under the brand name Celexa) appeared to reduce production of the deadly brain plaques tied to Alzheimer's.

How do I wean myself off antidepressants?

Response to dosage dictates best schedule to stop taking medication. Discontinuing an antidepressant usually involves reducing your dose in increments, allowing two to six weeks or longer between dose reductions. Your clinician can instruct you in tapering your dose and prescribe the appropriate dosage pills.

How long after stopping antidepressants before I feel normal again?

Symptoms of antidepressant withdrawal depend on the specific medication you have been taking. Symptoms most often occur within three days of stopping the antidepressant. They are usually mild and go away within about two weeks.

What are the long term side effects of citalopram?

Antidepressants rapidly alter brain architecture, study finds. A single dose of SSRI antidepressants such as Fluoxetine, shown here, can change the brain's functional connectivity within three hours, a new study found.

Can you drink on citalopram?

You can drink alcohol while taking citalopram, but it may make you feel sleepy. It might be best to stop drinking alcohol until you see how the medicine makes you feel. There are no food or drinks you need to avoid while taking citalopram.

What is a brain zap?

Brain zaps are electrical shock sensations in the brain. They can happen in a person who is decreasing or stopping their use of certain medications, particularly antidepressants.

Can citalopram make you tired?

Side effects such as tiredness, dry mouth and sweating are common. They're usually mild and go away after a couple of weeks. If you and your doctor decide to take you off citalopram, your doctor may recommend reducing your dose gradually to help prevent extra side effects.

What are the withdrawal symptoms of citalopram?

Will I lose weight after stopping antidepressants?

But not everyone is able to lose the weight even months after the medication is stopped — and no one knows why. Some suggest that water retention may be responsible for the increased weight, but once the medication is out of the body, the excess water should be lost.