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Switched From Effexor(venlafaxine) To Celexa (citalopram)

Updated October 30, 2014
Brandon Says:
Sun, October 5, 2014

Hi....Here's the short version of my story. I was on effexor for 13 years, started out at 37.5mg for probably 9 years and had absolutely No problems with anxiety. I was so good that I decided to stop taking it. Felt great for 3 months then I had a terrible attack in the middle of the night. Went to doc she put me back on and all said and done was up to 225mg to make me feel "normal". From there I stayed on that dose until about 6 weeks ago. Again I woke up in the middle of the night with a panic attack. Unfortunately they don't just stop, they go on for days and weeks! I immediately went to my doc and she upped me to 300mg of effexor, after a couple weeks we decided it just wasn't working anymore. We chose citalopram as the next option because my brother has had success on it. We made a plan for the switch and here it is......
Immediately drop to 150mg of effexor and start 10 mg of citalopram
In 4 days drop to 75 mg of effexor and stay ay 10 mg of citalopram
In 4 more days stop effexor completely and stay at 10 mg of citalopram.
I followed the plan and when completely off of effexor I started with the full attacks again so she upped me to 20 mg. that's where I've been for 18 days. My days are a roller coaster, some I feel fine others I have anxiety.
My question is has anyone out there done this switch and what was the outcome. Is it too early to say if citalopram will work for me? Any input would be appreciated.

1 Reply

1
Verwon Says:
Thu, October 30, 2014

Hello, Brandon! How are you? Are you doing any better, yet?

That was a bit of a rapid taper, so you are most likely experiencing both withdrawal symptoms from the Effexor, as well as side effects of the Citalopram. Too rapid of a withdrawal can also cause rebound effects, which could make your anxiety and panic attacks worse than they were to begin with.

To really see if the Citalopram works for you, you'll need to be off of the Effexor and taking it for 3 to 4 weeks, at one steady dose. ITs common side effects may include nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, headache and weight changes.

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