For instance, let’s say the citalopram is treating depression. It’s best to continue taking your medication until you haven’t had any symptoms of depression for at least 6 months. This reduces your risk of relapse. Major life stressors that can make it harder to stop your medication include separation, divorce, job loss, moving, illness, or grief.

Don’t stop your medication without your doctor’s approval. Everyone responds differently to stopping a medication. Work closely with your doctor to monitor your response and develop a schedule that works for you. Be patient while you are tapering off your medication. Getting off of citalopram or any other antidepressant too quickly can make you sick, set back your treatment progress, or put you at risk of developing suicidal thoughts.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend alternating between your current dose and a lower dose. For example, if you’ve been taking 40 mg of citalopram per day, they might have you alternate between 40 mg and 20 mg doses every day for 2 weeks (which would be equivalent to taking 30 mg daily). [4] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Your doctor may have you halve the pills you already take, or they might prescribe you citalopram in liquid form to make it easier to take. If you have only been taking the citalopram for a short period of time, such as less than 2 months, you may only need 1-2 weeks of tapering. [5] X Research source

If you have any questions about your tapering schedule, talk to your doctor. Remember, your schedule is designed to meet your needs, so don’t switch to someone else’s plan just because it worked for them.

Agitation Anxiety Dizziness Headaches Confusion Heart palpitations Sweating Nausea Vomiting Insomnia Nightmares Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet Shaking

For example, you might write, “Today I felt really stressed, and I had a headache most of the morning. ” In this case, your headache might not be related to the citalopram. However, you might talk to your doctor about withdrawal if you experienced a headache several days in a row.

Keep in mind that withdrawal often includes physical symptoms that aren’t typically part of depression or anxiety. For example, you might experience body aches, tingling of your hands and feet, or tremors. If you have physical symptoms, it’s more likely that you are experiencing withdrawal. [10] X Research source

Walk during your lunch hour or after dinner. Spend more time outdoors. Join a recreational sports team. Take a dance class. Try a fitness streaming service or DVD. Join a group fitness class at the gym. Swim laps in a pool.

Eating a diet rich in whole grains, fiber, lean protein (such as poultry breast or fish), fruits and vegetables, and healthy sources of fat (such as seeds, nuts, and vegetable oils). Cutting out sugary, greasy, and processed foods.

If you’re planning to spend more than 20 minutes in the sun, protect your skin with sunscreen and appropriate clothing (such as a hat, long-sleeved shirt, and sunglasses). Talk to your doctor about whether you might have a vitamin D deficiency. If so, they may recommend taking a supplement. If you live in an area where you don’t get a lot of natural sunlight, ask your doctor or psychiatrist about trying light therapy.

Sleep well every night by following a bedtime routine. Relax every day by taking time for yourself, engaging in a hobby, or expressing yourself creatively. Spend time with people you care about. Eat healthy meals based around fresh produce and lean protein. Spend time in nature.

Let people know you might need help. Say, “I’m going to stop taking citalopram, so I might need more help around the house for a few days,” or “Right now I’m struggling with my emotions because I just stopped taking citalopram. Is it okay if I call you when I need support?”

If you already going to therapy, continue going to your appointments as you transition off of the citalopram. If you don’t go to therapy, ask your doctor for a recommendation or look for a therapist online.

Switching to a long-acting antidepressant isn’t right for everyone, so follow your doctor’s advice. They’re more likely to prescribe it if you have been taking the citalopram for several years.

Keep in mind that most people don’t need these medications, so your doctor might decide they aren’t right for you.