Shane asked
How do I taper off of Celexa after 1 year?
Answer
It is recommended to taper antidepressant medication, such as Celexa (citalopram), to prevent the withdrawal symptoms and a potential worsening of depressive symptoms. Tapering is recommended even in those who have taken antidepressants for as little as 4 weeks.
Below, we talk about the potential withdrawal effects of Celexa as well as common tapering strategies.
Potential Celexa (Citalopram) Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms from Celexa (citalopram) are often noted by the acronym FINISH:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Imbalance
- Sensory disturbances
- Hyperarousal
If withdrawal symptoms do occur, they usually begin within one week of when you start your taper and generally last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. While they are more often than not mild in nature, they can be difficult to tolerate at times. If withdrawal symptoms are particularly bad, it would be prudent to lower your dose at a slower pace.
How To Safely Taper Off Celexa (Citalopram)
There is not one single recommended tapering method and everyone's situation is unique. It is important to speak with your doctor regarding the best course of action in your specific scenario. Having said that, there are a variety of medical journals that recommend certain tapering methods for Celexa, such as this:
- Decrease dose of Celexa (citalopram) by 5 mg to 10 mg every one to two weeks until discontinued. Monitor for withdrawal effects or return of depressive symptoms.
- If withdrawal effects occur, raise dose back to a previously tolerated level and taper more slowly (e.g. 2.5 mg to 5 mg every two to three weeks).
The chart below uses Celexa 40 mg as an example for an appropriate taper:
Celexa (Citalopram) Taper
| Starting Dose (mg) | 1st Dose Reduction (1-2 Weeks In) | 2nd Dose Reduction (2-4 Weeks In) | 3rd Dose Reduction (3-6 Weeks In) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celexa | 40 | 30 | 20 | 10 |
To reiterate, the above is simply an example of one recommended tapering method for Celexa that has been used successfully. The tapering method you employ should be based on a discussion with your doctor and your specific medical situation.
