I am on day 14 of weaning off of Celexa. I feel like my side-effects are getting worse. I am getting dizzy around the same time every day (this has been happening since day one of weaning off). After the dizzyness starts, I cry...pretty much every day. I did not cry this often before I started weaning off. I also get anxiety easier which will last for about an hour. Meditation usually resolves my anxiety. My appetite has not been so great the past 2 days. I have to force myself to eat because I know my body needs nutrients in order to work! Work is pretty stressful right now too but its nothing that I could normally handle. All these symptoms are making me question myself for weaning off of the pills. Are my symptoms normal for someone weaning off of an anti-deppressant? Are they going to go away once I'm done weaning off? I'm confused and frustrated and would appreciate any answers and/or advice. Thank you!
Q: Are my symptoms normal for someone weaning off of an anti-deppressant? Are they going to go away once I'm done weaning off?
Thank you for your question and welcome to HealthCentral's Anxiety Community.
I am not a medical professional and would not be able to give you medical advice.
Some of the common symptoms that occur when coming off an antidepressant include:
Insomnia
Nausea
Sensory disturbances
Hyperarousal
Imbalance
Flu like symptoms
Have you talked with your doctor about how you are feeling? He or she may suggest weaning off the medication more slowly or have other ideas on how to combat some of the withdrawal symptoms.
You can read more about this:
How to Identify and Manage Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms
Eileen
Hi there
How long had you been taking Celexa? And have you asked your doctor about these side effects? He or she is going to be the first person to ask about this and maybe your pharmacist. Were you prescribed this antidepressant for depression, anxiety or both?
In the meantime here is our information on Celexa.
You may also want to check out our Celexa member medication review over on our depression site. This is a post where members talk about their personal experience with this medication.
I guess I would wonder if your symptoms are coming back. Was there a reason you wanted to stop taking medication?
You may wish to look at these patient responses to celexa withdrawal as there may be some good information there. What some doctors do is to prescribe a low dose of Prozac so that the withdrawal symptoms are not so bad.
Definitely speak to your doctor about what you are experiencing.
Hope you feel better soon and thank you for your question.
Oh my...
I am sorry this happened to you. My son is currently taking Celexa so I am listening with great interest to your story.
It was a good idea of yours to seek the help of another doctor...sounds like you have a good one who will take the time to listen to you.
You seem to have a good handle on things to recognize that this job is creating so much stress for you. Your mental health is worth more. I am glad to hear that you are looking for a new job. It is not such a bad thing to keep on with the Celexa if that is what you need right now in order to function...and get through your day. But in the meantime you do have a long term strategy and goal in place.
Thanks so much for writing back and if you are able...please write again just to let us know how things are going for you.
MM
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I went to a different doctor because I was having a mental breakdown if you will, while I was at work last week. The doctor sat and talked with me for over half an hour! He said the symptoms are not normal if I am ready to come off of Celexa. My job is too stressful right now for me to wean off. So, he put me back on the full dosage until I get a job that does not stress me out so much. Luckily, I had vacation plannned that week. I just got back and have been taking the full dose. I feel better but my job is still stressful. I am looking for a new job and once I have better circumstances, I will be able to wean off.