Celexa Discontinuation: Experiencing Symptoms, Seeking Remedy, and Knowing When Emergency Help is Necessary
In the realm of antidepressants, Celexa (citalopram) is a member of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) family. If you're considering switching from Celexa, doctors may advise moving to an SSRI with a longer half-life, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), to decrease the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
When it comes to discontinuing Celexa, a gradual tapering process is crucial. However, there are other effective methods to prevent and manage withdrawal symptoms. These include temporarily restarting the antidepressant to restore serotonin levels, switching to a longer-acting antidepressant like fluoxetine before discontinuation, and using medications to address specific withdrawal symptoms as necessary. In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe treatments like benztropine to tackle symptoms such as movement problems.
A "cross-taper" approach, where the dose of citalopram is reduced over a few days while starting a different antidepressant, can also help minimise withdrawal symptoms during transition.
It's important to note that the withdrawal syndrome is usually temporary and most severe in the initial days following discontinuation.
In the context of pregnancy, Celexa can pose challenges. Exposure during the third trimester may lead to complications in babies, necessitating hospital stays with breathing support and tube feeding. On the other hand, stopping Celexa during pregnancy can trigger withdrawal symptoms and a return of depressive symptoms. Untreated depression during pregnancy can also cause health concerns for both the baby and the pregnant person.
If you're experiencing prolonged Celexa withdrawal symptoms, it's essential to consult a doctor. These symptoms can appear within a few days of stopping the drug and may last a few weeks before gradually improving.
Doctors may taper off Celexa over a period of several weeks to several months, depending on how long it has been taken. Celexa is FDA-approved for treating depression in adults, but it may also be prescribed for conditions such as alcohol use disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, postmenopausal flushing, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
People experiencing Celexa withdrawal may need to speak with a doctor if the symptoms affect their everyday life. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms may start later or last longer than usual. People using SSRIs for long-term treatment may experience persistent withdrawal symptoms on stopping, including disturbed mood, depression, emotional lability, mood swings, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, impaired memory, and suicidal thoughts.
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or a return of severe depressive symptoms should call 911 for emergency help. Untreated depression during pregnancy can potentially lead to higher impulsivity, dysfunctional social interactions, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional difficulties in the child's development. Pregnant people with untreated depression may be more likely to engage in risky behaviours such as smoking, illicit drug use, unhealthy alcohol use, and poor nutrition.
Depression can occur due to imbalances in chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, and low serotonin in the brain may contribute to depressive symptoms. People with Celexa withdrawal may need to speak with a doctor, who may advise them to restart Celexa and gradually reduce their dosage or offer support for withdrawal symptoms.
Untreated depression during pregnancy can also put the pregnant person at higher risk of postpartum depression and suicidality. Celexa contains the active ingredient citalopram.
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