I was dxed with Anxiety (and ADHD) this fall and take 40 mg of Celexa per day. My thinking when I started it was that the anxiety was coming from being called down all those times with ADHD. I don't remember being anxious as a child (but I do remember the symptoms of ADHD). My first anxiousness was during my first pregnancy (6 years ago).

Anyway, is there a chance I will eventually be able to be weaned off the Celexa? I definately need it at the moment. I forgot to take it once and practically flipped out a few hours after I should have taken it about something that normally wouldn't bother most people.

Also if I forget to take Celexa then I am badly bruised within hours. Anyone else experience this? My research says that Celexa withdrawal causes this.

Hi there Happy Feet,

I think that there is a chance that if you are in therapy, particularly working with someone who specializes in anxiety disorders, and are receiving behavioral modification therapy, that you could eventually get off of medication for that particular disorder.

As for the bruising, I am not sure where you got your information - but here is what I have found about Celexa (I take Lexapro - kissing cousin of Celexa - stronger though):


Discontinuation of Treatment with Citalopram
During marketing of Citalopram and other SSRIs and SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), there have been spontaneous reports of adverse events occurring upon discontinuation of these drugs, particularly when abrupt, including the following: dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory disturbances (e.g., paresthesias such as electric shock sensations), anxiety, confusion, headache, lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, and hypomania. While these events are generally self-limiting, there have been reports of serious discontinuation symptoms.

Patients should be monitored for these symptoms when discontinuing treatment with Citalopram. A gradual reduction in the dose rather than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible. If intolerable symptoms occur following a decrease in the dose or upon discontinuation of treatment, then resuming the previously prescribed dose may be considered. Subsequently, the physician may continue decreasing the dose but at a more gradual rate Abnormal Bleeding
Published case reports have documented the occurrence of bleeding episodes in patients treated with psychotropic drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake. Subsequent epidemiological studies, both of the case-control and cohort design, have demonstrated an association between use of psychotropic drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and the occurrence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In two studies, concurrent use of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or aspirin potentiated the risk of bleeding. Although these studies focused on upper gastrointestinal bleeding, there is reason to believe that bleeding at other sites may be similarly potentiated. Patients should be cautioned regarding the risk of bleeding associated with the concomitant use of Citalopram with NSAIDS, aspirin, or other drugs that affect coagulation.
Hyponatremia: Cases of hyponatremia and SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion) have been reported in association with Citalopram treatment. All patients with these events have recovered with discontinuation of Citalopram and/or medical intervention.
Hyponatremia and SIADH have also been reported in associated with other marketed drugs effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder.
Activation of Mania/Hypomania: In placebo-controlled trials of Citalopram, some of which included patients with bipolar disorder, activation of mania/hypomania was reported in 0.2% of 1063 patients treated with Citalopram and in none of the 446 patients treated with placebo. Activation of mania/hypomania has also been reported in a small proportion of patients with major affective disorders treated with other marketed antidepressants. As with all antidepressants, Citalopram should be used cautiously in patients with a history of mania.
Seizures: Although anticonvulsant effects of Citalopram have been observed in animal studies, Citalopram has not been systematically evaluated in patients with a seizure disorder. These patients were excluded from clinical studies during the product’s premarketing testing. In clinical trials of Citalopram, seizures occurred in 0.3% of patients treated with Citalopram (a rate of one patient per 98 years of exposure) and 0.5% of patients treated with placebo (a rate of one patient per 50 years of exposure). Like other antidepressants, Citalopram should be introduced with care in patients with a history of seizure disorder.
Interference with Cognitive and Motor Performance: In studies in normal volunteers, Citalopram in doses of 40 mg/day did not produce impairment of intellectual function or psychomotor performance. Because any psychoactive drug may impair judgement, thinking, or motor skills, however, patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that Citalopram therapy does not affect their ability to engage in such activities.
Use in Patients with Concomitant Illness: Clinical experience with Citalopram in patients with certain concomitant systemic illnesses is limited. Caution is advisable in using Citalopram in patients with diseases or conditions that produce altered metabolism or hemodynamic responses.
Citalopram has not been systematically evaluated in patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction or unstable heart disease. Patients with these diagnoses were generally excluded from clinical studies during the product’s premarketing testing. However, the electrocardiograms of 1116 patients who received Citalopram in clinical trials were evaluated and the data indicate that Citalopram is not associated with the development of clinically significant ECG abnormalities.
In subjects with hepatic impairment, Citalopram clearance was decreased and plasma concentrations were increased. The use of Citalopram in hepatically impaired patients should be approached with caution and a lower maximum dosage is recommended.
Because Citalopram is extensively metabolized, excretion of unchanged drug in urine is a minor route of elimination. Until adequate numbers of patients with severe renal impairment have been evaluated during chronic treatment with Citalopram, it should be used with caution in such patients


The only bleeding mentioned was a GI bleed - which would not cause bruising. This was also mentioned that it was caused in conjunction with use of an NSAID. Are you on other medications (especially OTC meds?), particularly something like Ibuprofen, or Aspirin?

I did not see anywhere that it causes a decrease in platelets (which is a prime cause of bruising). However, my research was brief. The PDR is essentially the bible when it comes to drug researching - and it is not listed in there - but new research is done every day. I do think that the bruising thing is something you should mention to your doctor - and make sure you let him/her know about any over the counter meds or vitamins, or supplements you might be on.

Good luck with the anxiety issues.

Thank you for responding. After thinking about it, I accidentally took my husbands allergy medication in place of celexa that morning so it could have seomething to do with it. On the other hand, I really don't feel comfortable on the celexa so Icalled yesterdaya nd the doc told me to quit cold turkey. I did but I'm anxious (ofcourse LOL) about this. I've decided I'll stay in all weekend for the most part and try to do the same after work every other day. The idea being not to come into contact with anyone other than my family.