We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Mental

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Citalopram Withdrawal?

By Melanie Smeltzer
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 17,676
Share

Citalopram is a drug mainly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, but is also sometimes prescribed for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), eating disorders, and alcoholism. Although there may be some side effects while taking this medication, there may also be repercussions to quitting, especially if the patient suddenly stops. Some common citalopram withdrawal symptoms include irritation or anxiety, headaches, or fatigue.

As is true with many drugs, antidepressants such as citalopram may cause withdrawal symptoms should the patient go through a rapid tapering process or quit all at once. This is often due to the body purging the drug from its system or readjusting after the patient has become dependent on the medication. Citalopram belongs to a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are said to stay in the body long after the patient stops taking the drug. This often means that many people will not experience withdrawal symptoms, or if they do, the symptoms will be mild and short lived. This is not always the case, however, and some may experience more severe citalopram withdrawal symptoms even if they miss an individual dose.

Many of the most common citalopram withdrawal symptoms consist of sleep-related issues, such as excessive fatigue, vivid dreams, and insomnia. Some may experience mental or emotional problems while going through withdrawals, such as anxiety and confusion, irritability and restlessness, crying spells, or suicidal thoughts. Physical reactions can include a lack of appetite, frequent sweating, nausea, or fever. Although many of these reactions may be mild, some of the more severe responses can include difficulties in concentration or memory, hallucinations, and brain zaps — an electric shock-like sensation.

Since this drug leaves the body so slowly, many feel that citalopram withdrawal can be avoided entirely. Though this is true for some people, others may require help to avoid or alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms that sometimes develop. One of the most common recommendations for this is to work with a medical professional, who will often prescribe this drug in gradually smaller doses to help the patient taper off at an even pace. Living a healthy lifestyle, such as eating well, drinking plenty of water, and exercising, may also help reduce symptoms of withdrawal. Some also recommend taking supplements of vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids to aid in the process; however, it is important to speak with a doctor before starting any supplement.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By bluedolphin — On Sep 06, 2013

@anamur-- Anxiety is a common withdrawal symptom of citalopram. It will most likely reduce or go away completely once your body has adjusted to being off the medication.

It's normal to have SSRI withdrawal symptoms like these. SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain. When you quit the medication, the serotonin levels suddenly decrease and all of these symptoms arise. Give yourself time, things should get better. It can take a month or more to completely adjust depending on your initial dose and how long you had been on the drug.

I found it very helpful to take magnesium and B-complex supplements during my withdrawal because they help reduce anxiety. I also exercised daily and got sunlight to naturally increase serotonin levels. These made withdrawal much easier.

By serenesurface — On Sep 05, 2013

@burcidi-- Did your anxiety return during withdrawal as well?

I'm withdrawing from citalopram right now. I'm not having so many side effects as you did, but I have anxiety again. I wonder if the anxiety is temporary or if this means I still need to be on the medication.

By burcidi — On Sep 05, 2013

They say that citalopram doesn't cause addiction, but I don't agree. I took the medication for three years for anxiety. I was going through a tough time in my life and this medication did wonders for me. After three years, I felt that I was doing much better and decided to withdraw.

I did not go cold-turkey. I spoke to my doctor and reduce the dose slowly, but I was not prepared for the withdrawal symptoms which were worse than I had expected. At one point, I felt like a drug addict going through withdrawal.

As soon as I reduced my dose, I developed a persistent migraine. I had mood fluctuations and was irritated and angry all the time. I had weird sensations in my arms and legs and also had dizziness on and off. I couldn't sleep well either.

These symptoms lasted for about three weeks. They eventually went away while I reduced my dose to basically nothing. But I really was not expecting so many citalopram side effects.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-citalopram-withdrawal.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.