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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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May Any Damage Occur Due To Cancellation Intake Of Cetalopram 20mg ?

I have been taking Cetalopram 20 mg a day for almost two years. At the moment I am living in a country where this kind of medicine is not regularly available. It will also not be possible for me to legally receive it from another country. What shall I do ? May any damage occur due to cancellation of its intake ?
Mon, 31 Jan 2011
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi Vadim,



Citalopram belongs to SSRI group of antidepressants. If you have tolerated and benifitted from it for two years and now are unable to get it, then first evaluate the need to continue it. If your psychiatrist feels you still need an antidepressant two years after being well, then ask him if he could change it to any other available SSRI type antidepressants. This may help as all of them act in the same way.



If stopping it is thought to be the best option to take, DO NOT STOP SUDDENLY. You will have to keep reducing some fixed dose of medication periodically and then stop.



Yes, if you stop suddenly, it will cause something called as withdrawal reaction/problem as it is short acting unlike long acting antidepressant like Prozac/fluoxetene.



Hope this helps.



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May Any Damage Occur Due To Cancellation Intake Of Cetalopram 20mg ?

Hi Vadim, Citalopram belongs to SSRI group of antidepressants. If you have tolerated and benifitted from it for two years and now are unable to get it, then first evaluate the need to continue it. If your psychiatrist feels you still need an antidepressant two years after being well, then ask him if he could change it to any other available SSRI type antidepressants. This may help as all of them act in the same way. If stopping it is thought to be the best option to take, DO NOT STOP SUDDENLY. You will have to keep reducing some fixed dose of medication periodically and then stop. Yes, if you stop suddenly, it will cause something called as withdrawal reaction/problem as it is short acting unlike long acting antidepressant like Prozac/fluoxetene. Hope this helps.