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Should I Take Citalopram Despite Having Side Effects Like Dizziness And Drowsiness?

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Posted on Tue, 18 Aug 2015
Question: Hi I came off 10mg per day of citralopram 12 days ago. I had been taking the drug for a year. I am having awful side effects ie permanent dizziness, sleepiness and reduced hearing. I only came off them because the pharmacy didnt have my pills ready when I needed them and I was then away for 12 days. I am back now and wondering if I should just collect my prescription tomorrow and continue as before. Will this make the dizziness/sleepiness worse? Should I just run with going cold turkey now I have started albeit by accident?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It shouldn't be stopped cold turkey

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

citalopram and similar drugs are not supposed to be stopped so fast because the symptoms that initially led your doctor to prescrige this drug to you may recur. You'd better consult your psychiatrist if you'd like to stop it.

Dizziness and sleepiness are well known side effects that may trouble some patients. I've never heard or read about hearing problems. Perhaps you should check this symptom for another cause. If you do start the drug again, you'll have an indirect confirmation (or you won't) that the symptoms can be attributed to the pill because they're supposed to reappear. If they do, then it's almost certain that the pill caused them in the first place. If not, then perhaps other causes will have to be sought.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (6 minutes later)
HI

Thanks for fast reply. I just want to know is it safe to go back on 10mg a day tomorrow having had a 12 day break? Will the current symptoms subside? My Dc is away on holiday now until 10th Aug hence my asking on here. I know dizziness, sleepiness and slight tinnitus are normal reactions but just want to know if going back on 10 mg per day as from tomorrow will benefit the chemicals in my brain.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I believe that you should

Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!
This drug was prescribed to you for a reason. You should continue to use it as prescribed. If the side effects interfere a lot with your every day life then you should discuss the matter with your psychiatrist. Perhaps an alternative option can be tried.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (27 minutes later)
Thanks very much!

I will contact my surgery tomorrow and tell them my intention to go back on the citralopram tomorrow at 10mg per day as before and let them know we have spoken.

Obviously I will just check they advise this too and will then contact my GP when he is back from his hols.

Thank you for your time and answer.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 minute later)
Brief Answer:
that's the best thing you can do

Detailed Answer:
You're welcome.
I agree with your decision.

Kind Regards!
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3810 Questions

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Should I Take Citalopram Despite Having Side Effects Like Dizziness And Drowsiness?

Brief Answer: It shouldn't be stopped cold turkey Detailed Answer: Hello, citalopram and similar drugs are not supposed to be stopped so fast because the symptoms that initially led your doctor to prescrige this drug to you may recur. You'd better consult your psychiatrist if you'd like to stop it. Dizziness and sleepiness are well known side effects that may trouble some patients. I've never heard or read about hearing problems. Perhaps you should check this symptom for another cause. If you do start the drug again, you'll have an indirect confirmation (or you won't) that the symptoms can be attributed to the pill because they're supposed to reappear. If they do, then it's almost certain that the pill caused them in the first place. If not, then perhaps other causes will have to be sought. I hope you find my comments helpful! You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information. Kind Regards!