Coming off citalopram - does it pass and any tips

[Arienette]

I've been really well since my quetiapine went up. The dr inthe hospital advised to come off citalopram bc she didn't think it was actually doing anything any more.

I reduced to 20mg fine. I wentdown to 10 the other day and I'm feeling quite tired a lot. I feel pretty sad too but I'm mostly able to push through it.

I do have stuff going on that is making me a bit sad and confused (relationship issues for the millionth time)

So it's hard to know is itjust that or is the coming off citalopram making it more pronounced.

My cc said if I start to feel symptoms coming up to just go back on it. I think it's too early though to decide because it's been a few days only. And I've been on it for 3 or 4 years, I forget exactly.

I'm trying to keep doing stuff and going out and exercising. It's increasingly hard to not just curl up in bed which is never a good sign for me. As soon as I allow myself to do that I just slide so I'm trying really hard to try and see it through.

Any ideas or advice for managing this period?

X

[3.45:]

It might help to keep a note of how you are over the next few days and weeks. Maybe use an app to track your mood, or write it in a private journal.

I find tracking moods etc. can be helpful. It's easier to remember, clearer to see progress and you can show your cc if that would help.

You sound well motivated which is great. Don't forget to take some time looking after you. This sounds like a big step after 3 or 4 years. Well done and keep at it - as long as you are happy with how things progress.

[Arienette]

Thanks

I've been wiped out this evening although I managed to go out and have a good afternoon. I suppose taking things a little slower over the coming weeks would've a good idea. And letting myself rest a little more. I have the time to do that if I need to.

It is quite a big thing. It's been mentioned a few times, especially when I've been hypomanic but I've always made such a fuss bc I've been scared to come off it bc of how I was before I was on it. The dr thinks it probably isn't doing much anymore though so that's why I'm coming off it.

I think keeping a note would be useful bc then I can see if things aren't levelling off or if they are early enough to hopefully intervene.

[3.45:]

How are you feeling about how your day turned out?

You sound determined. Did you manage to rest when you felt wiped out?

[Arienette]

Yeah I did thanks. I didn't do as much as I wanted yesterday but I realise (begrudgingly lately) that rest can be a good thing and doesn't always mean I'm heading for staying in bed for months on end. (Which is what I'm scared of. I'm scared to stop)

I managed to run and get up this morning. Negotiated getting my morning meds at night so I can take it as soon as I wake up. Seems to have helped slightly.

I'm also really pushing on working out to feel better about myself and try to manage myself more effectively that way. X

[Arienette]

So I've gone back on 20mg bc things started to not feel right.

Bad anxiety mainly and feeling on the verge of tearfulness again.

And climbing etc didn't help. I just wanted to cry afterwards because of anxiety…

Oh well. Maybe it's just not the time right now.

[3.45:]

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this level of stress right now. Is there anything you can do to feel a bit calmer?

[Arienette]

I'm just making sure to relax. I have PRN and hopefully when I settle on 20mg again it will pass.

I'm making sure to get enough sleep as well and to stay active bc it usually helps. (Although this rain :( )