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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by acleme1 on February 7, 2011, at 12:39:25
I am a 36 year old male. I have been taking Paxil 40mg/day for about 12 years. I was originally diagnosed with GAD and Panic Disorder. I have done pretty well on the Paxil for these many years with minimal side effects. Occasionally, however, I have some breakthrough anxiety. When this happens, I am always worried that the Paxil is "pooping out" and I begin obsessively reading about the thousands of Paxil withdrawal horror stories that are out here on the web. Websites like this one and quitpaxil.org are full of people that have tried to quit or are in the process of weaning off of this drug, and they are all going through absolute hell. It really scares me. It's an odd feeling when you realize that you are afraid of the very thing that has helped you for so many years.
I guess my question to you is this. If the time comes that I need to change medications or come off of the Paxil, is it possible to do so successfully having been on 40 mg for so many years? What is the success rate of weaning off Paxil after long-term use (10+ years)? I recently spoke with my own psychiatrist about the breakthrough anxiety I was having, and about my Paxil concerns, and his recommendation was to up my Paxil dose to 60 mg/day or to augment with Buspar. I am a successful Art Director, a husband, and a father. I am so afraid that I will eventually lose those things that are most precious to me if I ever have to come off of this antidepressant. Any insight or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Kind regards.
Posted by RocketMan on February 7, 2011, at 16:09:21
In reply to Obsessing over Paxil withdrawal. Need some help!, posted by acleme1 on February 7, 2011, at 12:39:25
> I guess my question to you is this. If the time comes that I need to change medications or come off of the Paxil, is it possible to do so successfully having been on 40 mg for so many years?
Like many people here, I've tried pretty much all the A/D's. My p/doc of 15 years has "never" weaned me off one A/D while slowly titrating onto another.... straight cross-over... stop one and start the new med the next day. (Not speaking for all, just the way my pdoc does things) with the exception of maoi's.
Paxil worked okay for my anxiety as well. If there comes a time that you do make the change, I would strongly recommend Lexapro. Worked best of all A/D's for my anxiety.
Posted by Phillipa on February 7, 2011, at 18:26:15
In reply to Re: Obsessing over Paxil withdrawal. Need some help! » acleme1, posted by RocketMan on February 7, 2011, at 16:09:21
I've also always done cross tapers. But for me when took paxil I needed a benzo with it. None of the SSRI's or SNRI's have reduced anxiety. But seems the older I get the less meds I need. Benzos included. Taking small dose of lexapro now notice nothing but that is just me. I've heard great things about lexapro. Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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