![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by LISABECK on October 26, 2000, at 21:17:55
Okay, here's my second medication post. I'm also weaning off Paxil. Each time I go down 5mgs, I go through 4-5 days of nightmares, depression, and despair. It's really scary. I've managed to get myself down from 30 to 10mgs since the beginning of August, but what a job this has been. The worst part is that depression is not even my primary problem. I'm taking Paxil for anxiety attacks. I probably shouldn't say this, but I would never recommened this medication. I've read so many testimonials about paxil withdrawal lately.
Anyway, has anyone here gone thru this experience??
Posted by S. Howard on October 26, 2000, at 21:54:25
In reply to Paxil and Withdrawal Symptoms-Unbelievable, posted by LISABECK on October 26, 2000, at 21:17:55
I sometimes get foggy about things but I am sure I heard my psychiatrist say that if paxil worked for me, I would be on this medication for life. I made her repeat it: she said "for life".
What's more, I was hospitalized for depression earlier this year and had to attend several daily "classes" on the ward. The primary reason for these group sessions was follow-up, out-patient care to avoid relapse and readmission.They warned us over and over that many patients stop taking their medication once they feel better, and this could be a serious, even fatal, mistake.
Take your pills, girl.
Posted by LISABECK on October 26, 2000, at 22:08:32
In reply to Re: Paxil and Withdrawal Symptoms-Unbelievable, posted by S. Howard on October 26, 2000, at 21:54:25
The thing is that I've never been diagnosed with depression, and I'm fine after I go thru the withdrawal. That's what I was trying to say; it's just the withdrawal part. I suffer from Panic Disorder/Agoraphobia and Generalized Anxiety, so I was given the Paxil for that reason.The reason I'm going off it is because it has not worked at all for me, and I have gained too much weight, but mostly becasue it doesn't work. Anyway, this is why she is trying the Topamax (which I posted about also), since it's working for the patients she has with panic disorder, and it does not cause weight gain!
Posted by Leonardo on October 27, 2000, at 11:34:45
In reply to Paxil and Withdrawal Symptoms-Unbelievable, posted by LISABECK on October 26, 2000, at 21:17:55
Hi Lisa
I have come off Paxil several times, and not had too many problems, unlike some. Usually, you only hear the horror stories! My main problem was headaches, worst when I came off from 30mg per day. Recently I have taken 10mg per day max, which was OK for my anxiety, and that was easy to get off. You might want to try continuing it at a low dose. I found 20 or 30mg was all side effects and no benefit, 10 or even 5mg has a calming effect with little side effects for me. It does nothing for my depression though, I combine Paxil with reboxetine for that.
Good luck
Leonardo
> Okay, here's my second medication post. I'm also weaning off Paxil. Each time I go down 5mgs, I go through 4-5 days of nightmares, depression, and despair. It's really scary. I've managed to get myself down from 30 to 10mgs since the beginning of August, but what a job this has been. The worst part is that depression is not even my primary problem. I'm taking Paxil for anxiety attacks. I probably shouldn't say this, but I would never recommened this medication. I've read so many testimonials about paxil withdrawal lately.
>
> Anyway, has anyone here gone thru this experience??
Posted by R.Anne on October 27, 2000, at 16:24:25
In reply to Re: Paxil and Withdrawal Symptoms-not too bad 4 me, posted by Leonardo on October 27, 2000, at 11:34:45
> Hi Lisa
>
> I have come off Paxil several times, and not had too many problems, unlike some. Usually, you only hear the horror stories! My main problem was headaches, worst when I came off from 30mg per day. Recently I have taken 10mg per day max, which was OK for my anxiety, and that was easy to get off. You might want to try continuing it at a low dose. I found 20 or 30mg was all side effects and no benefit, 10 or even 5mg has a calming effect with little side effects for me. It does nothing for my depression though, I combine Paxil with reboxetine for that.
> Good luck
> Leonardo
>
>
> > Okay, here's my second medication post. I'm also weaning off Paxil. Each time I go down 5mgs, I go through 4-5 days of nightmares, depression, and despair. It's really scary. I've managed to get myself down from 30 to 10mgs since the beginning of August, but what a job this has been. The worst part is that depression is not even my primary problem. I'm taking Paxil for anxiety attacks. I probably shouldn't say this, but I would never recommened this medication. I've read so many testimonials about paxil withdrawal lately.
> >
> > Anyway, has anyone here gone thru this experience??*********
I have gone off paxil a few times with little or no problems. One time when I was withdrawing from it I was prescribed another antidepressant to take at the same time. The new med. probably covered up any ill effects, I think.
Currently, I am back on Paxil. It is working bettr for me this time. It stopped working for depression for me but now works for the OCD I have. Kind of strange but true. I find it a mild drug compared to some of the others I've had.
Posted by Cherrie on November 2, 2000, at 4:40:38
In reply to Re: Paxil and Withdrawal Symptoms-not too bad 4 me, posted by R.Anne on October 27, 2000, at 16:24:25
I also took Paxil for panic attacks/agoraphobia, I took it for a few years and made the decision that I wanted to be free of it (I have also tried Zoloft, Efexor and Xanax to no avail). The reason being that I was also gaining weight (20kg) and I felt that it was time for me to attempt other ways to cope with my problems. I believe that the only way I was successful is that I went and did an 8 week (2hrs p/week) panic and anxiety group. I learned why things happen and what is going on in my body at these panic times. I was taught how to breathe properly and positive thinking. Then I felt it was time to cut down the dosage, but very slowly is the key to less side effects. Also you may want to try Buspar, I used it briefly after Paxil to boost my feelings of wellbeing, it was brilliant. Depression is a side effect of withdrawal as the feelgood chemicals (serotonin) are a little mixed up.
Remember the key is to work through things and believe that one day you will be able to cope with the panic then cut down the meds, but it may not be your time yet and that is ok. Would you rather be chubby and happy or slim and panic ridden? It's up to you. Please email me if you want to talk or ask me anything else. I'd love to hear how you are doing.
Posted by Cherrie on November 2, 2000, at 4:40:52
In reply to Re: Paxil and Withdrawal Symptoms-not too bad 4 me, posted by R.Anne on October 27, 2000, at 16:24:25
I also took Paxil for panic attacks/agoraphobia, I took it for a few years and made the decision that I wanted to be free of it (I have also tried Zoloft, Efexor and Xanax to no avail). The reason being that I was also gaining weight (20kg) and I felt that it was time for me to attempt other ways to cope with my problems. I believe that the only way I was successful is that I went and did an 8 week (2hrs p/week) panic and anxiety group. I learned why things happen and what is going on in my body at these panic times. I was taught how to breathe properly and positive thinking. Then I felt it was time to cut down the dosage, but very slowly is the key to less side effects. Also you may want to try Buspar, I used it briefly after Paxil to boost my feelings of wellbeing, it was brilliant. Depression is a side effect of withdrawal as the feelgood chemicals (serotonin) are a little mixed up.
Remember the key is to work through things and believe that one day you will be able to cope with the panic then cut down the meds, but it may not be your time yet and that is ok. Would you rather be chubby and happy or slim and panic ridden? It's up to you. Please email me if you want to talk or ask me anything else. I'd love to hear how you are doing.
Posted by k on November 14, 2002, at 21:55:40
In reply to Re: Paxil and Withdrawal Symptoms-Unbelievable, posted by LISABECK on October 26, 2000, at 22:08:32
Hey... well, I am in the middle of that wonderful journey known as stopping Paxil..
I am an adult survivor of severe child abuse, and surprise.. I have been dealing with depression all my life.
I was hospitalized 2 years ago. ( A newly-wed, my husband and I separated. Living in a new country, away from all my family and friends, I couldn't cope and checked myself in to get some help)
The psychiatrist put me on an amazing cocktail of Buspar, Klonapin, Remeron and Paxil.
Over the next two years, as I dilligently worked to deal with this stuff, I became financially and emotionally stable, and began to reduce the chemical cornicopia of drugs that brought their own share of problems.
The first drug I stopped was the Klonapin. A controlled substance, I felt that it was probably the "heaviest" drug in the arsenal. Stopped it cold turkey.. had no ill effects.
Buspar and the Remeron were the next to go. No problems. Felt good about getting off the medications, and no reoccurance of symptoms. I figured Paxil was the safest, easiest to get off of and the least worrisome (???) so I left it for last.
I had been on 60 mg for the last two years. I dropped down to 40 mg for 3 weeks and started getting the wierd zaps, sleep disturbances, and sweating. I did not connect these symptoms to Paxil withdrawal. Went down to 20 mg for a couple of days. Wierd stuff happening, but still didnt connect it to the Paxil. Stopped cold turkey about 6 days ago.
3 days ago, I figured I had the wierdest, bad ass flu of my life. I literally got zapped off my chair by a shock. Head is "full", can't concentrate worth beans (you have no idea what an effort this email is), the zaps in the head and body are almost continuous (really bad when I am hungry, but the nausea makes it hard to eat), diareaha, abdominal discomfort, cant sleep at night, cant stay awake during the day (refuse to nap), crying all the time, mad at my husband, then happy, sweating, dont have the strength to clean my bathtub, struggle to brush my teeth -- (work is obviously out of the question)
The good news... my libido is back.
I finally figured out that I dont have the flu. I volunteer on Thursdays at the Veterans home in King, and I didnt want to take the chance of making the residents sick. I checked out Paxil withdrawal symptoms, and WOW... there it all is.
I am so pissed off about this. I swear that I will kick, scream and fight before I let anyone put me on a mind altering drug again.
As for kicking Paxil, although tempted to take the drug again to feel better, now that I know what is making this happen to me, I would rather kick it fast than draw out the agony. If you are in the least interested in my story, and wish to know, I will keep you in the loop as to what happens next...
(Whee - are we having fun yet?)
Posted by scottlaen on November 15, 2002, at 1:04:10
In reply to Paxil and Withdrawal Symptoms-Unbelievable, posted by LISABECK on October 26, 2000, at 21:17:55
I have tried getting off Paxil (20mg/day) 2 times and have been unsuccessful. I never got these "brain zaps," but I would get extremely sick, both mentally and physically. I've tried cutting down gradually (over 3 months once), but as soon as I stopped taking it, I became very sick. The last time, I tried roughing it out, but after 3 weeks things were getting worse. Eventually I wound up in the hospital where after testing me for everything, my condition was narrowed down to withdrawl. Was it worth this? How long before I felt better and could return to life? Needless to say, I went back on the medication and felt better almost immediately. I vowed never to try quitting again until there was some sort of antidote/medication to help get you off Paxil.
Posted by Geezer on November 15, 2002, at 9:36:23
In reply to Re: Paxil and Withdrawal Symptoms-Unbelievable, posted by scottlaen on November 15, 2002, at 1:04:10
Have you tried substituting Prozac for Paxil (at a low dose), then discontinuing the Prozac. The long half-life of Prozac makes the withdrawal much less sever. I am sorry to know you are having such difficulties, hope things improve quickly.
Posted by JenGirl311 on November 16, 2002, at 21:37:33
In reply to Re: Paxil and Withdrawal Symptoms-Unbelievable, posted by scottlaen on November 15, 2002, at 1:04:10
I know what you all are talking about because I'm currently trying to get off Paxil and I feel worse now than I did when I was on it. I get super tired, to the point that it disrupts my activities like school and work. Also, I have episodes when I feel like I'm out of my body. It's really weird and I hate it. I'm wondering how long this will last until I feel like myself again. Does anyone have an answer?
Posted by scottlaen on November 17, 2002, at 21:05:05
In reply to Re: Paxil and Withdrawal Symptoms-Unbelievable » scottlaen, posted by Geezer on November 15, 2002, at 9:36:23
> Have you tried substituting Prozac for Paxil (at a low dose), then discontinuing the Prozac. The long half-life of Prozac makes the withdrawal much less sever. I am sorry to know you are having such difficulties, hope things improve quickly.
Have not tried Prozac, but I did try exactly what you are suggested above, but with Zoloft. It didn't help the withdrawl from Paxil
Posted by Geezer on November 17, 2002, at 21:38:07
In reply to Re: Paxil and Withdrawal Symptoms-Unbelievable, posted by scottlaen on November 17, 2002, at 21:05:05
Try the Prozac, it has a much longer half life than Zoloft. By allowing the brain to adjust over a longer period of time the withdrawal is less painful. Hope you find relief.
Geezer
Posted by k on November 17, 2002, at 22:10:33
In reply to Re: Paxil and Withdrawal Symptoms-Unbelievable » scottlaen, posted by Geezer on November 17, 2002, at 21:38:07
My symptoms have been as severe as any I've read about. Today, the zaps are gone, but the dizziness is still there, the sweats, the fatigue, and crying..crying.. crying..
The point is, its been a couple of weeks of hell, but its getting better. I may be lucky in that I have a leave of absence from work, and can just exist and take care of myself, but I really feel that substituting even another drug is not right for me. The Paxil was supposed to be safe, etc.. and its only now that I'm off of it that I realize what it did to me... I would not take that chance again.. God willing, I can deal with my stuff without any more psychotropics.. They are way serious and no one really knows how they affect us. My point of view... tough it out.. it gets better.. and its is so worth it..
Good luck..
Posted by amynicole on November 22, 2002, at 11:31:09
In reply to Paxil and Withdrawal Symptoms-Unbelievable, posted by LISABECK on October 26, 2000, at 21:17:55
> Okay, here's my second medication post. I'm also weaning off Paxil. Each time I go down 5mgs, I go through 4-5 days of nightmares, depression, and despair. It's really scary. I've managed to get myself down from 30 to 10mgs since the beginning of August, but what a job this has been. The worst part is that depression is not even my primary problem. I'm taking Paxil for anxiety attacks. I probably shouldn't say this, but I would never recommened this medication. I've read so many testimonials about paxil withdrawal lately.
>
> Anyway, has anyone here gone thru this experience??I begain taking Paxil in December of 1999 for severe insomnia due to work related stress. Within a year of starting Paxil, so by December of 2000, I had changed jobs and felt ready to get off Paxil. My doctor gave me varying doses in order to wean myself off of it slowly. Shortly after lowering my dose, I experienced terrible anxiety and depression. (I didn't have a serious problem with depression before starting Paxil.) Being convinced that my withdrawal symptoms were a remanifestation of the illness that made me go on the medication, I always went back on it.
Here it is nearly December of 2002 and I am still not completely off Paxil. Now that I know about withdrawal, I have made it further than I ever had before with my weaning off the drug. This time I haven't had the emotional/psychological symptoms as much, but the physical ones have been bad, a day or two of "The Paxil flu" several days after each lowering of my dose, the piercing headache, the puking, muscle soreness, nausea, and dizziness. Now I'm down to 2.5/5mgs. every other day. I haven't lowered my dose for about five weeks because I am currently a graduate student and was getting too far behind due to being sick too many times earlier in the semester due to Paxil withdrawal. I'm planning to finally get off of it entirely during the semester break in January. I hope I am successful.
Another side effect of being on the drug I have experienced is weight gain. Though I measure everything I eat, count calories and exercise, I can't lose a single pound of the 35 pounds I've gained since I started taking Paxil.
Because of the withdrawal issue and the fact that my doctors didn't know that I was in withdrawal, I was forced to be on this drug at least two years longer than I needed to be.
I really wish Paxil withdrawal was a phenomenon that was more widely acknowledged. If I'd have understood sooner what I was going through, it would have saved me a lot of pain and turmoil.
Posted by scottlaen on November 22, 2002, at 13:54:09
In reply to Re: Paxil and Withdrawal Symptoms-Unbelievable, posted by amynicole on November 22, 2002, at 11:31:09
Maybe you could say I've given up on it, but I wouldn't want to put my family through that emotional trauma again. I'd rather stick it out on the medication, which is afterall a very safe one. Also- maybe I heard even one success story I may see it different.
Posted by k on November 22, 2002, at 14:41:45
In reply to Re: Paxil and Withdrawal Symptoms-Unbelievable, posted by scottlaen on November 22, 2002, at 13:54:09
Safe ????? Personally, anything that messes with my brain so bad that withdrawal is like this, that NOONE can explain how it works, that there are NO long term studies on.... is not something I would call safe. I think I'd be better off with cocaine or heroin.. at least with those drugs, there are explanations as to why they do what they do...
Success stories.. Mine is one. I have been off for 4 weeks. I have had way bad symptoms, but I have gained emotional clarity and gotten myself back. I dont care if I am sick for the next year.. it is still worth it.> Maybe you could say I've given up on it, but I wouldn't want to put my family through that emotional trauma again. I'd rather stick it out on the medication, which is afterall a very safe one. Also- maybe I heard even one success story I may see it different.
>
>
Posted by amynicole on November 22, 2002, at 15:36:29
In reply to Re: Paxil and Withdrawal Symptoms-Unbelievable, posted by k on November 22, 2002, at 14:41:45
> Safe ????? Personally, anything that messes with my brain so bad that withdrawal is like this, that NOONE can explain how it works, that there are NO long term studies on.... is not something I would call safe. I think I'd be better off with cocaine or heroin.. at least with those drugs, there are explanations as to why they do what they do...
> Success stories.. Mine is one. I have been off for 4 weeks. I have had way bad symptoms, but I have gained emotional clarity and gotten myself back. I dont care if I am sick for the next year.. it is still worth it.
>
> > Maybe you could say I've given up on it, but I wouldn't want to put my family through that emotional trauma again. I'd rather stick it out on the medication, which is afterall a very safe one. Also- maybe I heard even one success story I may see it different.
> >
> >
>
>
I have heard some success stories on a website called quitpaxil.org also. I had trouble getting that page to load today, but try it in the future. There are many testimonials on the site from people who have gotten off the drug, sometimes after much physical and emotional pain, but you can read about other's successes there.
Posted by k on November 23, 2002, at 12:14:09
In reply to Re: Paxil and Withdrawal Symptoms-Unbelievable, posted by amynicole on November 22, 2002, at 15:36:29
No one understands the connection between serotonin and depression.
I was told that depression starts out psychological and then becomes
physical, and thus, I had to take SSRI's to restore the "burned out"
portions of my brain after 25 years of untreated and undiagnosed
depression. Maybe your son is right. - cause if the serotonin
producers of my brain were "burned out", after 6 years of treatment
with one SSRI or another, maybe my brain has taken over again.
Too bad NO ONE did any blood tests before, during or after this
time. It seems that something like that would be easy to track - I
mean, if a serotonin level is "depleted", than there should be some
sort of scale or something that defines that. Then, as treatment on
the SSRI's commences and continues, that level should fluctuate. It
seems to me that IF serotonin is the culprit, than monitoring its
levels during treatment is the only responsible thing to do. NO ONE
does it (except the VA - they do serotonin blood testing for guys
with PTSD claims.) The medical world just prescribes these
enormously powerful, mysterious and EXPENSIVE drugs to just about
anyone suffering from an emotion that may or may not be a disease.
Seems totally irresponsible to me.. not to mention stupid..
Thanks for the opportunity to rant....
K
Posted by jora1188 on October 8, 2003, at 11:55:51
In reply to Re: Paxil and Withdrawal Symptoms-Unbelievable, posted by amynicole on November 22, 2002, at 11:31:09
I started taking paxil in 1999. I was never told that there would be withdrawal symptoms. I have tried four times, unsuccessfully, to wean myself off of this drug. This time I am down to about 3.1 mg every other day, the sweats, the chills, the shocks, the headaches,and just someone touching my skin is HORRIBLE! How long does it take to clear your body of this poison! I was on 12.5 mg dailey, I cut back to 6.25 for almost four weeks, and have been on 3.1 for about two weeks now. Could someone please tell me how much longer I have to go? I appreicate anyone who can help me.
Posted by nucase on March 18, 2004, at 10:20:36
In reply to Re: Paxil and Withdrawal Symptoms-Unbelievable » LISABECK, posted by k on November 14, 2002, at 21:55:40
Hi,
I have been on paxil for 2 years (lase dosage was 50mg) and my doctor told me to get off immediately and to get on another medication. It has been a month and I have been going quite insane (feeling in turn, manic, horrendously depressed, severaly suicidal, on the verge of a panic attack, aggressive, hysterical). I normally don't experience these symptoms. For instance I am often depressed but now there are time I am sobbing uncontrollably.
Question to the group are:
1) What my doctor misguided and irresponsible in telling me to get off like that?
2) Is it normal for me to feel these ups and downs? Somebody suggested that I am probably bipolar II. Actually I might be but I am not sure if this is just the effect of withdrawal.
3) How long am I going to feel like that?
Posted by scottlaen on March 18, 2004, at 12:24:49
In reply to Paxil and Withdrawal Symptoms, posted by nucase on March 18, 2004, at 10:20:36
Hey- no offense, but your doctor is out of his mind.(or her's). Dropping straight off of 50 mg of paxil in a single stride is a receipe for dissaster (in most people).
Myself, I have tried decreasing my dose in the past by 5mg a week, and had major withdrawl symptoms (shaking, panic attacks, digestive- you know). If you even look at the latest information from Glaxo Smith Kline, they tell you to never stop suddently because your original symptopms OR SYMPTOMS RESULTING IN THE STOPPING OF THE MEDS can occurr.
Lately, my doctor has been decreasing my dosage at a rate of 2.5 mg every 14 days and added 10 mg of Lexpro to help w/the withdrawl. It's been a month or so, and I am down to 12.5, and started feeling edgy, so he slowed it to 2.5 mg/month.
If were on 50 mg of Paxil and stopped suddenly, no wonder you are a basket case! Find a new doctor, specifically one that is aware of the very intense withdrawl sickness that can accompany paxil AND who has had experience with it- that is, if you plan to get off the stuff.
Here's your answers- take them for what they are worth. I have been on 20mg of paxil for 6 years, and have been through the withdrawl you are having before
> 1) What my doctor misguided and irresponsible in telling me to get off like that?
Yes- without a doubt. Hopefully he isn't one of these doctors who thinks "it's all in your head." Because DUH- of course it's all in your head! That's where the neurotransmitters for seritonin originate. Not only is he misguided and irresponsible, but I think he has not even picked up an article on the subject in the past 5 years. Get a new doctor, and for crying out loud, take some paxil before you jump off a cliff.> 2) Is it normal for me to feel these ups and downs? Somebody suggested that I am probably bipolar II. Actually I might be but I am not sure if this is just the effect of withdrawal.
90% I would say is the withdrawl. I have felt the same things when I tried stopping paxil cold turkey. This isn't to say that you don't have other conditions. I'm not a doctor- but I know that the symptoms you describe are consistent with paxil withdrawl syndrome.
> 3) How long am I going to feel like that?
I don't know because I refused to let myself get to that point for very long, as I began to ruin all my personal relationships. I have heard that it can take up to 6 months- 1 year, but that's just what I have heard. I also have heard that it varies from individual to individual. Some people can just quit and are fine, while others cannot. Also, 50mg is a very high dosage to just stop taking.
Do yourself some good- consider resuming your paxil until you find another doctor who is competent. Here's a ray of hope- the last time this happened to me, I decided to start taking the paxil again, and within a few hours, I felt almost completely back to normal.Good luck, and get away from that doctor!!!
Posted by scottlaen on March 18, 2004, at 13:30:44
In reply to Re: Paxil and Withdrawal Symptoms » nucase, posted by scottlaen on March 18, 2004, at 12:24:49
Followup on quitting Paxil-
Lexpro seems to help dimish the side effects of gettting off Paxil - at least for me, so I haven't totally given up- I'm down to 12.5 mg/day and feeling ok. Just going to take it very very slow. Why quit all at once and be sick for a year?
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.