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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Are Less Sleep And Light Headiness Due To Change Of Medicine?

I have been on Celexa for 15 years with variable doses over the years. I had recently been on 30 mg and felt I needed a change. My doctor abruptly took me off and started Wellbutrin 150 mg daily. For 5 days now my sleep has been poor and I am lightheaded and have low mood. Is this common? should I have weaned off celexa/
Tue, 20 Sep 2016
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Diabetologist,  's  Response
Abruptly discontinuing Celexa (citalopram) can cause such symptoms called as withdrawal symptoms. But Wellbutrin (bupropion) can also cause similar side effects.
As Celexa was discontinued abruptly, more likely it is the withdrawal symptoms for Celexa. But under what circumstances was there a need to change the drug is not mentioned.
Wellbutrin affects drug levels of Celexa. So one has to be very cautious if they are used concomitantly. I would have been very cautiously starting Celexa at minimum dose to counteract withdrawal symptoms and gradually taper it off.
But if the Celexa was stopped due to unbearable side effects, then I would have continued my patient on Wellbutrin with lowering the dose and/or treating symptomatically.
Please consult your psychiatrist for deciding on the future course.
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Are Less Sleep And Light Headiness Due To Change Of Medicine?

Abruptly discontinuing Celexa (citalopram) can cause such symptoms called as withdrawal symptoms. But Wellbutrin (bupropion) can also cause similar side effects. As Celexa was discontinued abruptly, more likely it is the withdrawal symptoms for Celexa. But under what circumstances was there a need to change the drug is not mentioned. Wellbutrin affects drug levels of Celexa. So one has to be very cautious if they are used concomitantly. I would have been very cautiously starting Celexa at minimum dose to counteract withdrawal symptoms and gradually taper it off. But if the Celexa was stopped due to unbearable side effects, then I would have continued my patient on Wellbutrin with lowering the dose and/or treating symptomatically. Please consult your psychiatrist for deciding on the future course.