[Guest]

I had been taking Celexa for about 3 months, when I stopped taking it one day. Since then I am having many side effects, such as feeling anxious,sweating,upset stomach, dizziness,headache,tremors. I feel like I am outside my body. I have been experiencing these symptoms for over 3 weeks now. what is wrong with me? I just feel like crap.....wondering if I am going through withdrawl. Is there anyone who is having the same problem?

 

[mcsiegs]

It sounds as though you are experiencing typical withdrawal symptoms. If you were on the medication for 3 months, quitting cold turkey definitely wasn't the best idea. In three months, your brain got used to the new chemistry (picture drinking a couple cups of coffee every day for 3 months, and then not drinking one day - take that times 10)

If you continue experiencing this after a couple more days, call your doctor. They may put you back on the Celexa, and then have a more controlled withdrawal.

 

[dakotajo]

How did you feel before the celexa and while taking it?

 

[Guest]

Before I started taking the medication I was having major panic attackes. I am now really messed up. Sweating really bad, shaking, sick to my stomache, and the worst part of it is that I am having horrible thoughts. Thoughts I have never really had. I am scared of myself and am living in a nightmare. Not sure what the hell to do. All I know is, this isn't me.

 

[university girl]

Talk to your doc. Did you quit cold turkey or ween yourself off?

 

[terri*]

Hey Eryn...You need to start over on your withdrawing off of the Celexa. IMO...NOW. I withdrew from Lexapro and tapered over a 4 month period. I still had some anxious, ill feeling moments ,but knew what they were.

You are having very clear withdrawal symptoms. I read that you said you "stopped taking it one day". If you can reach your Doctor tonight, I would do so. If you can't reach the doc, if you have any Celexa left, I would take one of your regular dose and see if your symptoms subside. If they do, there is your answer and it will also answer the question of "should I just stop taking this med cold turkey?".

My experience with cold turkey withdrawal was sweating, shaking, feeling tremours run all over my body, not being able to sit still, not being able to lay down, trying to run from the sensations, throwing up, totally escalated DR to the point I might as well have been having a bad acid trip. Nasty and awful. If this sounds like you...please seek immediate help for yourself.

Hope this was of some help.
terri

 

[dakotajo]

Hi,

Im sorry you are feeling bad. You are obviously in a terrible anxiety state. If you had panic/anxiety before the drug than its very hard to say wether its withdrawal or not. Ssri withdrawal can be a bit nasty but it generally doesnt last very long. My guess its just a little bit of leftover withdrawal on top of your normal high baseline anxiety. Unfortunately its enough to tip the scales and send you into a mental torture chamber. Ive been there and I know its no fun.

As pointed out, you might want to begin the Celexa again. If it doesnt make you feel better in a day or 2 than its probably not withdrawal. Did the Celexa help you while on it? If so you may want to reconsider going back on an ssri. In my opinion, they are a good long term anxiety management drug.

Joe

 

[Guest]

I just wanted to say thank you to all of you for helping me out. I took a dose of my Celexa tonight, although I still feel outside of myself, the symptoms have lessend. I am not sure what tomorrow brings, but I see now that there is something wrong and I have to fix it now. I was wondering how long anxiety lasts....I mean you can't live your life like this....there has to be a solution. I feel like I am nuts. And really, what the hell is there to be scared of.....I hate this disability. I call this a disability because that's exactly what it is to me. Thank you again to you all.....sometimes it's nice to know there are people there that understand...for soooo long I have felt alone.

 

[dakotajo]

Hi,

I understand how you feel. Anxiety can make you feel like you are going to go crazy, but trust me, it wont happen. Its miserable but it wont make you crazy and it cant kill you. Id stick with the Celexa and in time you will feel better.

Joe

 

[Guest]

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone that replied to my post. I was going through such a hard time at that point, and it was comforting to know that there were others like myself...so once again thank you, and I am feeling much better since going back on the celexa.

Eryn