Ok i need advice...?!
Question: I was put on Citalopram for depression....But after i had been taking it a month we had to up my dosage to 40 mg instead of 20.....One day all of the sudden i decided to quit taking it....been about three months and im wondering if i should start taking it again beacause i feel really blaaa.....all the time even have trouble admitting it to myself...I think i am afraid i will turn into a druggie.....any advice?
Answers: I was put on Citalopram for depression....But after i had been taking it a month we had to up my dosage to 40 mg instead of 20.....One day all of the sudden i decided to quit taking it....been about three months and im wondering if i should start taking it again beacause i feel really blaaa.....all the time even have trouble admitting it to myself...I think i am afraid i will turn into a druggie.....any advice?
i m worried now too.i also stopped my anti-depresent a week ago bcz i was fed up with sleep side effects.if u don't feel side effects and u r doing good with it y don't u continue..
If your doctor thought it was necessary to double your dosage you should never have quit without seeing him/her first.
It is never advisable to stop taking any type of medication without seeing your Physician. It was prescribed for you for a reason. It's best if you go back to the Doctor and go over your symptoms. Just be honest. That's always the best policy. The Doc will understand, your not the first person to stop taking a medication.
Best of Luck to you. ?
You made a big mistake when you quit. This is a quote from WebMD:
It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for an extended time or if it has been used in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal reactions (e.g., nervousness, headache, numbness, tingling, trouble sleeping, nightmares) may occur if you suddenly stop this drug. To prevent withdrawal when stopping extended/regular treatment with this drug, gradually reduce the dosage as directed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.
It may take 1 to 2 weeks to feel a benefit from this drug and 4 weeks to feel the full benefit of this medication. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
In other words, yes it can be addictive but with proper control from your doctor you have no worries. I have been on other mental illness drugs that were similar the Citalopram for long periods of time. After a while the drug seems to stop working for me. I talk to my doctor and he slowly weens me off of it and then begin a new drug. I have never had a cold turkey reaction. If you decide your sick, go to a doctor, get prescribed medication, take it and then quit taking it on your own, it seems to me like you are wasting money, wasting your time, wasting the doctor's time and practicing medicine without a liceince. Do what your doctor tells you. Even if you do get addicted you will be controling your depression, which is better in the long run. You will not be a druggie. BTW, I take about 8 different mental health drugs. Over the last 10 years, the dosages have changed and the drugs have changed. I would gladly become addicted to any drugs that will help me.