Citalopram

I’ve also been taking Citalopram for five years, since my DH was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I also take Mexazolam for anxiety. I haven’t had any side effects as far as I am aware, although I am very forgetful which makes me wonder if it is due to the medication.

Sorry this is of no help to the OP. Hope you can ask the doctor for advice. I’ve tried to wean myself off but can’t cope with the headaches. I don’t think I will ever be off them.

How long have you been on the reduced dose? It may take you a bit of time to adjust, so see how you go after a couple of weeks of so.

Oh, I do have very regular peculiar and vivid dreams.
Never associated it with Citalopram.

I was on Citalopram (20mg) for many years, but changed to Mirtazapine some months ago, and feel better on that. I just stopped taking the Citalopram, went straight onto the Mirtazapine (not advised) and felt VERY strange indeed, for almost a week.

In all the time I was on Citalopram, my BP was never altered, and I didn't have dizziness. I had excessive yawning (it's listed as a side-effect) and peculiar dreams.

You might ask your provider if they'll take a look at your blood sodium levels. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as citalopram, can cause what we called secretion of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone. This means that your body secretes too much of a hormone that causes you to retain water, which can dilute out your sodium levels. This can be picked up by a blood test.

If your sodium levels are too low, you might ask your provider what you can do to bring them up.

I have been taking citalopram for about five years now and have no problems.
Last year my GP suggested I came off it at a time my H was getting worse with his dementia, she was totally unsympathetic to my needs but now things have changed I have started to only take one every other day and then every two days until I can leave them off.
My dose is 20mgs.

That happened to me when I was taking Candesartan so I rang the GP and had a phone consultation. She'd persuaded me to go on a low dose but I'd refused and that was about 5 years ago so no more meds for high BP since as it's been normal to low, plus I added salt to my cooking and that seemed to help as well.

You can change from Citalopram from one day to the next. No need for any waiting. A family member did.

Ask to change to fluoxetine 20mgs. It's very similar. I get no side effects.

There are things you can do to raise your blood pressure. You can add salt to your food and drink more, both may help. How low is it? If very low the doctor should be told. If you have a BP machine you can monitor it 4 times a day for a week and work out the averages. Sometimes this is a better way than in the surgery where some of us get 'white coat syndrome'.

jeannie I haven’t had any direct personal experience of citalopram, but I do know it’s best to come off it gradually.
If I were you I would ring the surgery and ask if the doctor can call you back. Explain how unwell you feel.
Alternatively email the practice manager and ask if the doctor could email or phone you.

I hope you get some response and feel better soon