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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Celexa

Hello I have been on celexa 40 mg for a 2 to 3 month period. I told my phschologist that I am experiencing a lot of side effects, and we agreed I should stop it. She forgot to tell me if I can get off cold turkey or wean? she has not responded and wanted to ask you. I am 68 yr old female. thank you
Mon, 30 Jan 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
I understand your concern.
Celexa contains 'citalopram', which is an antidepressant and belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used to treat depression.
You should never stop using citalopram suddenly, as you could experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
If you quit cold turkey, it leaves most people in a state of mental disarray and chaos, and the symptoms may be more severe.
If you were on a high dose of Celexa (i.e. 40 mg), the weaning process would take longer than someone who was on 10 mg.
Discontinuing it usually involves reducing your dose in increments, allowing two to six weeks or longer between dose reductions.
You need to reduce 10 mg every two to four weeks (from 40 mg to 30 mg, from 30 mg to 20 mg and from 20 mg to 10 mg) and thus would take about four to six months before you discontinue it completely.
During the process of weaning, if the withdrawal symptoms occur and becomes unbearable, you need to seek medical attention promptly.
Hope the information provided would be helpful.
All the best.
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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Celexa

Hi, Thanks for posting in HCM. I understand your concern. Celexa contains citalopram , which is an antidepressant and belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used to treat depression. You should never stop using citalopram suddenly, as you could experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. If you quit cold turkey, it leaves most people in a state of mental disarray and chaos, and the symptoms may be more severe. If you were on a high dose of Celexa (i.e. 40 mg), the weaning process would take longer than someone who was on 10 mg. Discontinuing it usually involves reducing your dose in increments, allowing two to six weeks or longer between dose reductions. You need to reduce 10 mg every two to four weeks (from 40 mg to 30 mg, from 30 mg to 20 mg and from 20 mg to 10 mg) and thus would take about four to six months before you discontinue it completely. During the process of weaning, if the withdrawal symptoms occur and becomes unbearable, you need to seek medical attention promptly. Hope the information provided would be helpful. All the best.