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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by omi1 on August 5, 2005, at 23:24:43
Hi,
I would appreciate some input:
I was wondering if it's normal to crash really bad after coming off paxil and lamotrigine. I quit cold turkey a week ago and the head zaps weren't too bad. However now I can't stop crying and am having really low thoughts. Am I going to have to start taking these drugs again, or might this be temporary?Has anybody had this kind of experience?
Posted by lushkins on August 5, 2005, at 23:24:44
In reply to crash after withdrawal, posted by omi1 on August 4, 2005, at 13:10:20
Sorry I can't really help. But at the moment I am going through the same thing with coming off remeron. I am also on lamictal but I am staying on this as I think it helps. Perhaps if it was possible you could of gone off the paxil and lamictal one at the time as I would imagine it is hard to tell what is causing what.
How long was it since you last took the medication? Its been 4 weeks since I came of the remeron completly and I am feeling quite low. But the last few days I have not felt so bad.
What you are expereincing could be rebound depression which would hopefully clear up, or it could be a relapse. Thats about all I know, sorry.
Hope you feel better soon
Lushkins
Posted by Racer on August 5, 2005, at 23:24:44
In reply to Re: crash after withdrawal, posted by lushkins on August 4, 2005, at 16:55:54
Well, I don't know about Lamictal -- although the risk of The Rash is supposed to be there if you stop it cold turkey -- but I know that Paxil is known for withdrawal problems. Aside from the good advice you've already gotten -- to discontinue them separately -- I'll add that it might be a good idea to taper off them when you do discontinue them.
Good luck.
Posted by tecknohed on August 6, 2005, at 1:38:15
In reply to crash after withdrawal, posted by omi1 on August 4, 2005, at 13:10:20
Sorry you're feeling so bad omi1. i often get similar withdrawal blues when coming off / switching meds. But I've found one thing that definitely helps me - 5HTP.
It aint too great as a long term theraputic tool, well not for me anyway. But I find it EXCELLENT for coming off any serotonergic meds.
In fact I plan getting some today myself, as I'm coming off meds too.
Just my personal, and well tested quick-fix solution. BUT PLEASE DO NOT TAKE IF YOU ARE STILL ON ANY SORT OF SEROTONERGIC MED!
It's available in the UK and the US too I think.
Take care!
Kev.
Posted by tecknohed on August 6, 2005, at 2:09:58
In reply to Re: crash after withdrawal, posted by tecknohed on August 6, 2005, at 1:38:15
I forgot to add that 5HTP is available from health food shops.
Posted by SLS on August 6, 2005, at 6:46:59
In reply to crash after withdrawal, posted by omi1 on August 4, 2005, at 13:10:20
Hi.
> I would appreciate some input:
>
> I was wondering if it's normal to crash really bad after coming off paxil and lamotrigine.There is such a thing as a "rebound depression", a phenomenon that can be a withdrawal phenomenon separate from relapse. It usually occurs when someone tries to come off of antidepressants to fast.
> I quit cold turkey a week ago
Ah. No good. You are much more likely to suffer a true relapse if you do things like this.
> and the head zaps weren't too bad. However now I can't stop crying and am having really low thoughts.
If this state persists for another two weeks, I would say that it is likely that you have relapsed and that it might be necessary to return to medication.
> Am I going to have to start taking these drugs again, or might this be temporary?
You are bound to get differences of opinion as to what exactly you are experiencing. Mine is that it is still too soon to judge.
What has been your life history with mood illness? How old are you? How many episodes have you had? Are you bipolar? Questions like this will help your doctor decide if you need to be long-term treatment.
> Has anybody had this kind of experience?Yes. I had a rebound depression when I attempted to reduce the dosage of Lamictal too fast. However, the same can also occur with SSRIs like Paxil. As has been mentioned, coming off of Lamictal too fast can produce a dangerous rash-reaction. It can also induce a seizure.
- Scott
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