Posted by 49er on February 8, 2011, at 11:10:50
In reply to Been on Paxil 12 Years - Can anyone relate?, posted by acleme1 on February 3, 2011, at 11:29:26
> Hello all. I have been on Paxil 40 mg/day for about 12 years now. I can't believe it's been that long, but how time flies. I am a 36 year-old male now, so I was about 24 years old when I took my first pill. At the time, I was diagnosed with pretty severe GAD and Panic Disorder.
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> Sometimes, I wish I had never started the medication - but I know that it has helped me to live a more full and productive life. Lately though, I have been worrying about what the long-term effects of this medication are?
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> Paxil wasn't meant to be taken for more than 6 months to 1 year from the research that I have been able to gather. For me, it's now been 12 years! What, if anything, is this medication doing to me and my brain chemistry?
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> I tried once about 9 years ago to just quit cold turkey. I wanted to see what it was like without the medication. I was fine for about 4 days, then all hell broke loose. At the time, I wasn't aware of the "discontinuation syndrome" that is so common with SSRI's. I eventually got back on the medicine, and have been on it ever since.
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> Is there anyone out there that has taken Paxil or a similar SSRI for 10+ years? What does your P-doc say about using the medication long-term...possibly for life?
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> Is there any benefit to trying to come off of the Paxil, and using CBT therapy + benzos "as needed" to manage the anxiety?
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> I guess I'm just hoping to hear from some of you guys that have been on SSRI's for many years. How are you doing, and do you plan to take this medication the rest of your life?
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> Thanks for any input. AC.Hi,
As one who slowly discontinued meds after being on them for 15 years, knowing what I now know, I have gotten off of them alot sooner.
You might want to visit http://www.paxilprogress.org as that is a support site for people who want to discontinue their meds. I found their slow tapering strategy (10% of current dose every 3 to 6 weeks) very helpful.
Many people on the site have found CBT to be very helpful. In studies I have seen, over time, CBT wins out as the most effective treatment for anxiety.
Even if you chose not to discontinue meds, it is a good site to have bookmarked in case you change your mind.
Most psychiatrists in my opinion, greatly minimize the side effects and long term use dangers.
poster:49er
thread:978604
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110130/msgs/978912.html