HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

How Can Sleeplessness, Anxiety, Depression, Lethargy And Nightmares Be Treated After Discontinuing Celexa?

default
Posted on Tue, 29 May 2018
Question: Hi there. I was on Citalopram(Celexa) for 9 months. The last 5 months of this 9 month period were spent tapering off from 20 mg down to zero. I have been totally off of this medication for just over 2 weeks now. The brain zaps and dizziness have decreased quite substantially however the following discontinuance symptoms persist....trouble falling asleep, slight anxiety, odd nightmares, consistent moderate depression, lethargy, head pressure. I am wondering if this is normal and generally, for what length of time can I expect these symptoms to continue? How long does it usually take before the Serotonin level increases back to normal? I am hoping that the SSRI did not do permanent damage to my brain. Any words of reassurance would be much appreciated.Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

You may be confusing discontinuation symptoms with anxiety symptoms. Trouble falling asleep, slight anxiety, odd nightmares, consistent moderate depression, lethargy, head pressure -- these are all symptoms of anxiety and depression. You may need treatment with a different antidepressant medication, or with therapy. These symptoms may improve with treatment for anxiety and depression.

Dr. Sheppe
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

Ask a specialist now
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Psychiatrist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
How Can Sleeplessness, Anxiety, Depression, Lethargy And Nightmares Be Treated After Discontinuing Celexa?

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thanks for your question. You may be confusing discontinuation symptoms with anxiety symptoms. Trouble falling asleep, slight anxiety, odd nightmares, consistent moderate depression, lethargy, head pressure -- these are all symptoms of anxiety and depression. You may need treatment with a different antidepressant medication, or with therapy. These symptoms may improve with treatment for anxiety and depression. Dr. Sheppe