Shown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by suebird on February 25, 2004, at 6:03:34
ive been on paxil for almost 6 weeks and still having ups and downs i talk with my pdoc and she said that it can take between 6-8 weeks to get the full dose in the blood im on 30 mgs i just want to feel normal agin mornings are the worst for me anyone else out there going through or have been through this . i took paxil before i was on 40 mgs and it ttok a while to kick in but once it did i felt great just need someone to talk with. thanks suebird
Posted by Sad Panda on February 25, 2004, at 7:15:10
In reply to paxil user, posted by suebird on February 25, 2004, at 6:03:34
> ive been on paxil for almost 6 weeks and still having ups and downs i talk with my pdoc and she said that it can take between 6-8 weeks to get the full dose in the blood im on 30 mgs i just want to feel normal agin mornings are the worst for me anyone else out there going through or have been through this . i took paxil before i was on 40 mgs and it ttok a while to kick in but once it did i felt great just need someone to talk with. thanks suebird
>
>
>I know what you mean about mornings, I've never been a morning person myself :) Just hang in there, it just takes a little time.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by Margit on February 25, 2004, at 7:28:38
In reply to paxil user, posted by suebird on February 25, 2004, at 6:03:34
Mornings were always bad for me, too. I have been on regular Paxil in the past and for the past 1 1/2 years I am on Paxil CR 25mg.
When I started the regular Paxil many years back, it took about 2-3 month till I really felt my old self again. Once I did, there was no stopping me. I went back to school, got a degree and then decided that I really could do without this med. So after 5 years, I stopped. Well, about 2 months later I had a major setback, that took about 3 years to overcome. My doc tried Paxil again - didn't work; then we tried every SSRI, some of the TCAs, Wellbutrin, Nardil, Seroquel, Zyprexa, etc. - they either didn't work or I had major side effects and had to stop them.
Well, to make a long story short, I went to a different pdoc who took a much slower approach. No more constant switching from one med to another. He stopped whatever med I was on and put me on Paxil CR. After a couple of month he added a low dose of Zyprexa. This helped a little, but still didn't get me out. After another couple of month, he added Lamictal. It took about one month and I started to see the end of the tunnel. Another couple of month and I was my old self again.
Today, I am only on Paxil CR; I was able to get off the other 2 meds and remain stable.
So, don't give up; give it a little more time (I know, this is very hard to do) and if it doesn't work out, there are always other options.
Hope the Paxil kicks in for you soon.
Posted by Bill LL on February 25, 2004, at 8:55:45
In reply to paxil user, posted by suebird on February 25, 2004, at 6:03:34
I guess if things don't improve soon, you should consider going back to your old dose of 40mg
Posted by katia on February 25, 2004, at 14:56:49
In reply to Re: paxil user, posted by Margit on February 25, 2004, at 7:28:38
Hi Margit (and everyone else)
I am BPII and just started Trileptal, but need an AD add-on. i am thinking about Paxil as I am slightly anxious. Prior to finding out I am BP, I was on four different ADs, including Effexor and Zoloft. Both of which I had TERRIBLE withdrawals coming off of them. I've heard that people coming off of Paxil also can experience this awful withdrawal - has anyone experienced this? This will be definitely be a factor in deciding which AD i start. Any other s/e of Paxil I should be aware of? I'm also thinking of Wellbutrin.
Thanks-
Katia
Posted by Metalblade on February 25, 2004, at 17:58:19
In reply to Re: paxil user/withdrawals? » Margit, posted by katia on February 25, 2004, at 14:56:49
> Hi Margit (and everyone else)
> I am BPII and just started Trileptal, but need an AD add-on. i am thinking about Paxil as I am slightly anxious. Prior to finding out I am BP, I was on four different ADs, including Effexor and Zoloft. Both of which I had TERRIBLE withdrawals coming off of them. I've heard that people coming off of Paxil also can experience this awful withdrawal - has anyone experienced this? This will be definitely be a factor in deciding which AD i start. Any other s/e of Paxil I should be aware of? I'm also thinking of Wellbutrin.
> Thanks-
> KatiaI have taken paxil for 2 years and have quite or adjusted my intake of it quite a bit. The withdraws are no where near as bad as effexor was. I only get the electric shock feeling for about 3 days after quitting as compared to a month after quitting the effexor. You will also get very very depressed when quiting of course that is probably just the depression coming back.
Posted by katia on February 25, 2004, at 20:45:47
In reply to Re: paxil user/withdrawals?, posted by Metalblade on February 25, 2004, at 17:58:19
Hi,
so I take it you've tried Effexor? Even when I was on Effexor, I had those electrical sensations - I'm very sensitive. Did you experience it ON effexor or ON Paxil - not just in the withdrawal? Did you taper when coming off of Paxil? Do most people get depressed when coming off of Paxil as compared to other ADs? Is Paxil good with OCD?
thanks-
katia
Posted by JohnFromCalifornia on February 25, 2004, at 20:49:53
In reply to Re: paxil user/withdrawals?, posted by Metalblade on February 25, 2004, at 17:58:19
Not everyone suffers a relapse of depression when stopping SSRIs. After two months of miserable side effects on Paxil I switched to Lexapro, and endured different but equally unpleasant side effects. For my chemistry, the side effects WERE the antidepressants, and vice versa.
I stopped all SSRIs two months ago and after 12 days of nasty withdrawal, have had no return of depression. (Important note: My depression was not severe or chronic.)
While I readily acknowledge that some people who are prone to depression need to be on SSRIs all the time, I suggest that not ALL of us do. For those of us fortunate enough to suffer from only periodic and/or exogenous depression, meds with strong side effects to not HAVE to be part of the treatment.
Posted by Metalblade on February 25, 2004, at 21:47:33
In reply to Re: paxil user/withdrawals? » Metalblade, posted by katia on February 25, 2004, at 20:45:47
> Hi,
> so I take it you've tried Effexor? Even when I was on Effexor, I had those electrical sensations - I'm very sensitive. Did you experience it ON effexor or ON Paxil - not just in the withdrawal? Did you taper when coming off of Paxil? Do most people get depressed when coming off of Paxil as compared to other ADs? Is Paxil good with OCD?
> thanks-
> katiaI've only gotten the electric shock feelings as a with draw to effexor and paxil never during tretment. I've noticed I'm kind of an odd ball when it comes to how AD's effect me. I now take lithium to keep my AD's working and no longer have to cycle them to keep them working.
Posted by katia on February 25, 2004, at 21:56:52
In reply to Re: paxil user/withdrawals?, posted by JohnFromCalifornia on February 25, 2004, at 20:49:53
Why were you on ADs then? And just after 2 mos. you were better?
Posted by katia on February 26, 2004, at 2:14:04
In reply to Re: paxil user/withdrawals? » JohnFromCalifornia, posted by katia on February 25, 2004, at 21:56:52
HI,
I'm thinking of trying an AD in conjunction with Trileptal (I'm BPII). I've already gained 20lbs. in the past year. I thought Paxil might be a good med to try b/c I've got some anxiety. But I can't afford the weight gain nor do I wish to go thru' the w/drawal. Anyone NOT gain wain on Paxil????Katia
Posted by francesco on February 26, 2004, at 9:57:29
In reply to Re: paxil user/withdrawals? » Margit, posted by katia on February 25, 2004, at 14:56:49
> Hi Margit (and everyone else)
> I am BPII and just started Trileptal, but need an AD add-on. i am thinking about Paxil as I am slightly anxious. Prior to finding out I am BP, I was on four different ADs, including Effexor and Zoloft. Both of which I had TERRIBLE withdrawals coming off of them. I've heard that people coming off of Paxil also can experience this awful withdrawal - has anyone experienced this? This will be definitely be a factor in deciding which AD i start. Any other s/e of Paxil I should be aware of? I'm also thinking of Wellbutrin.
> Thanks-
> KatiaHi Katia,
I've experienced Paxil withdrawal and I can confirm it's awful. I had to quit cold turkey because it made me manic (but I wasn't on a mood stabilizer at the time and the dosage was quite high because my psychiatrist believed I had OCD).Another side effect I can remember was difficult to achieve orgasm (also Anafranil was better under this respect). Many people experience also weight gain. I found it pro-social, maybe the only med I've tried that gave me this effect (but I can't say how much of this was related to the manic-thing).
I tried also Wellbutrin for ten days and let's say it was not the right med for me (euphemism).
Consider also that if you're on Trileptal your reaction to antidepressants should be different from what you've experienced in the past and that Paxil and Wellbutrin are quite different meds.How is going on with Trileptal ? Any side-effects ? Do you have blunted emotions or slowed cognition ? I'm asking because I'm likely to be prescribed a mood stabilizer and I'm going to see my p-doc tomorrow. Thanks !
Posted by katia on February 26, 2004, at 12:25:59
In reply to Re: paxil user/withdrawals? » katia, posted by francesco on February 26, 2004, at 9:57:29
Hi Francesco (and others)
But did the paxil make you gain weight? Why did the WB not work for you?Trileptal - well it's only been four days. I'm taking less Seroquel and sleeping thru' the night. I'm quite an emotional wreck however - everything makes me on the verge of tears - supersensitive. Like I saw a dog in the road yesterday who had fallen out of a truck and was just sitting/lying in the middle of the hwy. I stopped and put my hazards on and was yelling at everyone to stop. Some guy led him off of the road and his sweet little bloody legs were shaking. I lost it. It was so disturbing to me - so sad. even though the dog was probably ok.
It is right before my period too. I don't know - I'm not as stable as before and since starting the trileptal, I'm still an emotional wreck - just maybe a teensy bit less of an agitated one.
No, cognitive blunting so far. No s/e effects at all in fact.We'll see. I think i really need an AD. And that is what I'm researching now before going to pdoc in a week. I don't need to gain anymore weight and I don't need to be agitated. I need some anxiety quelled. So what should it be?
Katia
Posted by katia on February 26, 2004, at 12:27:58
In reply to Re: paxil user/withdrawals? » katia, posted by francesco on February 26, 2004, at 9:57:29
p.s.
Does it make for an entirely different atypical experience from what most people experience on ADs w/o a MS experience rather than on a MS and then add and AD?
Posted by francesco on February 26, 2004, at 13:48:31
In reply to Re: paxil user/withdrawals?, posted by katia on February 26, 2004, at 12:25:59
> Hi Francesco (and others)
> But did the paxil make you gain weight? Why did the WB not work for you?Unfortunately I can't remember if Paxil made me gain weight. I have been on it for just two months, and I went crazy with it, so gain weight was not my major concern ;-) Anyway, I've read many post about 'Paxil and Weight Gain' and it seems to me one of the most offenders among the SSRIs under this respect. Of course, the average reaction can be or not your reaction ... for ex. many people find Paxil sedating while I found it stimulating.
Wellbutrin is supposed to be weight neutral (in the worst hypothesis) since it's a stimulant AD.
It didn't work for me because I went crazy also on Wellbutrin : ) I became extremely irritable and forgetful, and yes, I had crying spells without any reason (I usually don't cry). Of course your response may vary but it's supposed to be quite agitating (on average).> I don't know - I'm not as stable as before and since starting the trileptal, I'm still an emotional wreck - just maybe a teensy bit less of an agitated one.
My p-doc explained to me that there is a latency time also for mood stabilizers ... you should take it for at least a couple of weeks to see if it works (or so he said). How much Trileptal are you taking ? I'm asking because if my p-doc wants me on a mood stabilizer I think I will go on Trileptal again. I took it for a couple of weeks, and actually I didn't notice any major side-effects.
> We'll see. I think i really need an AD. And that is what I'm researching now before going to pdoc in a week. I don't need to gain anymore weight and I don't need to be agitated. I need some anxiety quelled. So what should it be?
I tried Prozac many years ago and I didn't gain weight while on it. I was on it for just 6 months though and I found it very activating. So it *could* be your med if you're on a mood stabilizer that manages to control your anxiety.
I tried also Celexa for a couple of months and I don't think I gained weight while on it. It was sedating for me, so you have another option to consider. Celexa didn't give me withdrawal syndrome but it did nothing for my depression. Of course other folks will report other things so, my suggestion is expressing your concerns to your psychiatrist and listen to what he says. Best Wishes and let us know : )
Posted by francesco on February 26, 2004, at 13:57:53
In reply to Re: paxil user/withdrawals? » francesco, posted by katia on February 26, 2004, at 12:27:58
> p.s.
> Does it make for an entirely different atypical experience from what most people experience on ADs w/o a MS experience rather than on a MS and then add and AD?I'm not sure I caught the sense of your question (sorry, english is not my mother language).
If your diagnosis is bipolar II and if it's right, then taking a mood stabilizer first and then add-on an antidepressant should be the right thing to do. If I didn't understand what you were asking, as I think it's the case, feel free to ask again using other words : )
Posted by katia on February 26, 2004, at 14:05:40
In reply to Re: paxil user/withdrawals? » katia, posted by francesco on February 26, 2004, at 13:57:53
Hi!
I doubt even English speakers would've understood that!
I asked:
For example - unipolar depressed person takes Paxil and has a certain experience. Bipolar person takes mood stabilizer AND Paxil. Will the experience be much different? Like will I hopefully not be prone to the weight gain or other typcial side effects if I"m on a mood stabilizer too?
Are you Italian?
Thanks-
Katia
Posted by Clayton on February 27, 2004, at 1:45:18
In reply to paxil user, posted by suebird on February 25, 2004, at 6:03:34
I have taken Paxil - 40mg/Day - for three years. By itself, it has only a moderate effect - that is, it alleviated anxiety and depressions only at the margins.
My new pdoc addded a second antidepressant, Remaron. He explained that it works synergistically with the Paxil (Remaron increases the supply of seratonin while Paxil blocks its reuptake. Remaon also increases the supply of norepinephron.)Within several days, I felt like a new person.My SAD was been in complete remission. This combo of antidepressants has ready been the keys to the kingdom for me. I am free of excess anxiety, depression and the hobbule SAD.
Posted by francesco on February 27, 2004, at 7:50:40
In reply to Re: paxil user/withdrawals? » francesco, posted by katia on February 26, 2004, at 14:05:40
> Hi!
> I doubt even English speakers would've understood that!
> I asked:
> For example - unipolar depressed person takes Paxil and has a certain experience. Bipolar person takes mood stabilizer AND Paxil. Will the experience be much different? Like will I hopefully not be prone to the weight gain or other typcial side effects if I"m on a mood stabilizer too?I doubt that it makes a difference in this sense but maybe if you're a mood stabilizer you will be less prone to notice side-effects or to worry about them (just a guess though). Bipolar people seem to worry more about side-effects of treatment than unipolar and this is reasonable ... they (us) have much more to loose (hypomaniac phases and the sense of well being that these phases involve). If you're depressed you just want to be undepressed, if you're bipolar your approach toward therapy may depend on what you're experiencing at the moment.
Sorry, I wandered a bit : )What do you mean by atypical side-effects ?
If you mean nervousness, hostility and so on, I think that mood stabilizers are there for this purpose (at least, I hope so).
Weight gain unfortunately is far from being atypical ... anyway, yesterday I've read that Celexa isn't supposed to increase weight gain in most people. The one who said this was a psychiatrist so, take it with a grain of salt.> Are you Italian?
Yes I am : )
Posted by Margit on February 27, 2004, at 13:53:32
In reply to Re: paxil user/withdrawals? » Margit, posted by katia on February 25, 2004, at 14:56:49
> Hi Margit (and everyone else)
> I am BPII and just started Trileptal, but need an AD add-on. i am thinking about Paxil as I am slightly anxious. Prior to finding out I am BP, I was on four different ADs, including Effexor and Zoloft. Both of which I had TERRIBLE withdrawals coming off of them. I've heard that people coming off of Paxil also can experience this awful withdrawal - has anyone experienced this? This will be definitely be a factor in deciding which AD i start. Any other s/e of Paxil I should be aware of? I'm also thinking of Wellbutrin.
> Thanks-
> Katia
Katia,When I got off Paxil, I started taking SAMe at the same time, so I really didn't have any withdrawals to speak off. Unfortunately, the SAMe wasn't enough to keep me from relapsing.
Prozac and Zoloft caused terrible agitation and I didn't stay on them long enough to have withdrawal.
Celexa didn't work for me.
Effexor was awful to withdraw from - headaches, dizziness, nausea, etc.
Remeron and Nardil were also very hard to withdraw from.
The TCAs were a lot easier to stop.
In my case, the best meds for anxiety were Paxil, Xanax, and Klonopin, in that order.
Posted by Margit on February 27, 2004, at 13:57:15
In reply to Re: paxil user/withdrawals?, posted by Margit on February 27, 2004, at 13:53:32
Oh, I forgot; Wellbutrin made me really anxious, couldn't stay on it.
Posted by katia on February 27, 2004, at 14:11:11
In reply to Re: paxil user/withdrawals?, posted by Margit on February 27, 2004, at 13:53:32
Margit,
Did you gain weight on Paxil? Also were you slowed down?
I don't want either!
AND thanks everyone for the feedback!
Grazie - Francesco!
Katia
Posted by Margit on February 28, 2004, at 1:03:27
In reply to Re: paxil user/withdrawals? » Margit, posted by katia on February 27, 2004, at 14:11:11
> Did you gain weight on Paxil?I did gain about 15-20lbs each time.
> Also were you slowed down?
If you mean mentally slowed down - not really. It was more of a "I don't care so much anymore" feeling. Socially I would do things, I would have been afraid to do before (e.g. giving a speech in front of people, interacting confidentally with others, not worrying so much anymore if I said anything wrong/stupid).
It blunted my emotions somewhat. I still laugh and get sad, but it is more linear.
I do experience more troublesome side effects now, but I think it is from long-time use of an SSRI, which supposedly causes down-regulation of the dopamine system. I have very little motivation, no energy, and hypersomnolence (things I didn't have till about 6 months ago).
I am going to try a different approach, a more natural approach that targets body defiencies or overloads of minerals, vitamins, aminos, and hormones. But that's a different story.
This is the end of the thread.
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