Citalopram Withdrawal

[bednobs]

Hi. My husband had been on citalopram for a couple of years now. He recently had forgotten to take out for about nine days. He feels no different and had had no withdrawal symptoms. It's he"safe" now to just not take it again or can withdrawa symptoms happen at this late stage? Ps I know he should have gradually reduced it

[pixie373]

It's possible, but no harm in seeing how it goes for a while. If the original symptoms start appearing, he could try alternate days.

[chrissa1]

I would say if he hasn't felt any different by now, he's probably ok. My doctor put me on Citalopram after I had been on Escitalopram and I noticed a change after two days, and not in a good way. He put me back on the Escitalopram and things returned to normal.

That was just me though.

[Sqad]

Not an expert on disorders of the nervous system, but i agree with the two posters above, as if nine days have elapsed and he still feels fine, then he is safe now, in my opinion.

[Eve]

I've found it tends to happen quite quickly, few days max initially, as I've always had horrible withdrawal side effects, like weird electric shock like feelings in my head.

[anneasquith]

even on a small doze im surprised he does not have any withdrawal symptoms, although it depends if he took his medication every day prior to stopping or missed days here and there .

[penelope2]

Citalopram can take 4-6 weeks before the recipient feels the full benefits, therefore it can take a similar time for the symptoms of depression to return. I would advise caution.

[maggiebee]

Agree with Penelope. Don't feel your husband should stop taking his medication without first discussing it with his GP.

[andy-hughes]

If your husband has escaped withdrawal effects, he is very lucky!

I think a chat with his GP would make sure he is OK.

[lcg]

he is most at risk of relapsing back into depression by stopping his drugs so suddenly - previous poters are right, it will take 4-6 weeks for the first symptoms to start so please be aware of them and discuss with your hubby now what he wants to happen to him if he becomes unwell again. this is a good plan to make as you can either advocate on his behalf....or go one step further and make an advanced directive! good luck x

[Sqad]

The OP is asking about "withdrawal symptoms" and not "relapse" into depression.
The two, as i understand it are quite different.

Withdrawal symptoms can be headache, pins and needles, drowsiness BUT depression (relapse) needs no describing.

Have i got this right?

[bednobs]

yes, thanks sqad

[Sqad]

OK...then my first post remains un-amended.

[lcg]

i can read....but i do think bednobs should be aware that around 30% of people who take antidepressants long term relapse after stopping suddenly. he may have got away with no withdrawal symptoms, but they also need to be aware of the risk of relapse.

[Sqad]

\\\30% of people who take antidepressants long term relapse after stopping suddenly.\\\

OK, I thought it was nearer 20%, but you are "on the job" so i take your figures and of course you are correct concerning relapse.