Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Hi There, I Have Been On Citalopram For 9 Years
Question: Hi there,
I have been on Citalopram for 9 years for anxiety. My family has a history of heart problems and afib so I don't want to be on it anymore.
I was on 40 mg and now on 20. My symtoms have not changed from 40-20.
My questions are:
What are the long term issues that can arise from taking citalopram?
I am down to 20 mg. how do I taper off from here after being on the drug for so long?
what natural supplements can I take to help me with coming off the drug?
My current symptoms are:
hard to relax
hard to concentrate
fear of a panic attack
avoidance behaviors
I feel like i am managing everything extremely well. I keep adivan with me just in case but i have not had to take it.
I have been on Citalopram for 9 years for anxiety. My family has a history of heart problems and afib so I don't want to be on it anymore.
I was on 40 mg and now on 20. My symtoms have not changed from 40-20.
My questions are:
What are the long term issues that can arise from taking citalopram?
I am down to 20 mg. how do I taper off from here after being on the drug for so long?
what natural supplements can I take to help me with coming off the drug?
My current symptoms are:
hard to relax
hard to concentrate
fear of a panic attack
avoidance behaviors
I feel like i am managing everything extremely well. I keep adivan with me just in case but i have not had to take it.
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcarmagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
First of all I like to inform you that cardiac side effects of Citalopram are very rare and not so common especially withing therapeutic dose range. However if you have excessive concerns than there are better alternatives including various SSRIs and SNRI group of medications.
Coming to your questions
Q. What are the long term issues that can arise from taking citalopram?
A. There are nothing which is called long term cardiac side effects although chances of Erectile Dysfunction increases with duration of dose.
Q. I am down to 20 mg. how do I taper off from here after being on the drug for so long?
ANS. Decreasing dose of Citalopram by 20-25 % every one to two weeks depending on the response of body.
Q. what natural supplements can I take to help me with coming off the drug?
Ans. 5 HTP. L- Threanine or S Adenosyl methionine can be useful supplements. I feel 5 HTP should be the first choice as per available details.
I hope this answers you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcarmagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
First of all I like to inform you that cardiac side effects of Citalopram are very rare and not so common especially withing therapeutic dose range. However if you have excessive concerns than there are better alternatives including various SSRIs and SNRI group of medications.
Coming to your questions
Q. What are the long term issues that can arise from taking citalopram?
A. There are nothing which is called long term cardiac side effects although chances of Erectile Dysfunction increases with duration of dose.
Q. I am down to 20 mg. how do I taper off from here after being on the drug for so long?
ANS. Decreasing dose of Citalopram by 20-25 % every one to two weeks depending on the response of body.
Q. what natural supplements can I take to help me with coming off the drug?
Ans. 5 HTP. L- Threanine or S Adenosyl methionine can be useful supplements. I feel 5 HTP should be the first choice as per available details.
I hope this answers you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
