Stopping an anti-depressant

So I've been on an anti-depressant (Celexa) for about a year and a half now. I was originally only supposed to be on it for 8 months but because I never seem to have a stress-free time in my life, I have stayed on it longer. Anyways, my psychiatrist wants me to try to get off of it now that I have learned how to relax so that I can see how I do on my own. She thinks that I will do well (I hope she's right!). Anyways, I am really worried about possible withdrawal effects that I could experience during the weaning off process. This is because I had a very hard time getting on the medication in the first place (Very bad initial side effects!). It made my anxiety a thousand times worse than normal for a few days and just being out of it and waking up in the middle of the night feeling really weird, etc. I was determined to wait it out, and the medication ended up working for me. I'm just afraid I will go through a similar experience while trying to get off of it. I plan on decreased slowly. I'm on 20 mg and am (starting today) going down to 15 mg for a week or 2 (depending on if it gives me side effects), then to 10 for a while, then 5, and then none. My psychiatrist actually suggested I do it more quickly than this, but because I am so scared, I am doing it more slowly.

Anyways, my question is, have any of you come of off an anti-depressant and what was it like for you? What should I expect as far as withdrawal/side effects? Also, any reassurance that it might not be too terrible would be greatly appreciated..

Thanks,
toutserabon

Well I've never been on Celexa but a couple of years ago I was on Citalopram for a few months but it wasn't doing anything for me (except giving me chronic insomnia!!) so I came off of it, and to be honest I don't remember one withdrawal symptom that I had. I've just come off of Mirtazapine 5 days ago as it was giving me unpleasant tremors as a side effect, and so far I've had no withdrawal symptoms.

Good luck coming off your medication, hopefully you won't experience any withdrawal symptoms!

strachan, citalopram is just the generic of celexa (and I am also on the generic so it is the same thing). I am glad to hear that you did not have any issues with withdrawal. I know that it is different for everyone, but it is good to hear about a positive experience.

kitt, yes I think a big thing for me will be trying not to overthink potential problems. I am a big worrier and could potentially cause my own withdrawal effects just from being so paranoid about it (and not from the actual withdrawal from the drug). I will keep this in mind and try to do my best not to worry.

getting by, I have never tried meditation, but I will have to look into it because I have heard so many great things about it. I've just never been very confident that I could do it. But maybe if I could learn it, it could help me to maintain being relatively calm after I am off of the AD.

Thank you all for your feedback! I really appreciate all the help that I get from you all on this site and yes getting by, I will be sure to keep you all posted on how it goes.

:)
toutserabon