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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Visual Hallucinations Despite Taking Citalopram?

My mother was on Citalopram for about a year. Then, about 6 weeks ago she decided to stop it abruptly. Now, she tells me that almost every night she "sees" either ants, bugs or crabs crawling on the walls or a silhouette of a man in the room. Could it be the side effect of a sudden drug discontinuation, or it's an early sign of dementia? She is 85.
Mon, 22 Jun 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Your mother is 85 years old and was on Citalopram since last one year. Citalopram is a SSRI drug and abrupt discontinuation of the drug after prolonged intake results in withdrawal syndrome. Serotonin withdrawal usually present with restlessness, insomnia, irritability, brain fog, severe anxiety, changes in BP and some times even confusion and perceptual disturbances like hallucinations. So as she is showing symptoms like seeing ants or bugs in night and this could be occurring due to serotonin withdrawal. This is the reason it is advised to patients to reduce the doses of drug gradually and not abruptly. As her symptoms are persisting I'd advise you to take her to a psychiatrist immediately and take proper expert opinion.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, MD
Psychiatrist.
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What Causes Visual Hallucinations Despite Taking Citalopram?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Your mother is 85 years old and was on Citalopram since last one year. Citalopram is a SSRI drug and abrupt discontinuation of the drug after prolonged intake results in withdrawal syndrome. Serotonin withdrawal usually present with restlessness, insomnia, irritability, brain fog, severe anxiety, changes in BP and some times even confusion and perceptual disturbances like hallucinations. So as she is showing symptoms like seeing ants or bugs in night and this could be occurring due to serotonin withdrawal. This is the reason it is advised to patients to reduce the doses of drug gradually and not abruptly. As her symptoms are persisting I d advise you to take her to a psychiatrist immediately and take proper expert opinion. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, MD Psychiatrist.