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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Erin on June 21, 1999, at 1:20:56
I have been off Paxil for two weeks and am experiencing severe anxiety, insomnia, and upset stomach (food has no appeal to me). To further complicate matters I'm in the middle of switching pdocs with my appointment with my new pdoc a week away (my current doc failed to tell me all of the wonderful withdrawl symptoms that I'd go through so I decided it was time to see someone new). I finally called my regular physician and he told me that anxiety is caused by a lack of neurotransmitters - which makes perfect sense - I only wish my previos pdoc had told me to expect this!
Does anyone out there know if withdrawl from Paxil causes insomnia and stomach problems? And, if these things are caused by Paxil withdrawl, is this the result of fewer neurotransmitters or something else entirely?
Also, if anyone has been through Paxil withdrawl before, what did they take to deal with the anxiety, insomnia, and stomach problems? My regular physician gave me a prescription for Xanax which I didn't find all that helpful - it just made me feel completely disconnected.
I'm at my breaking point with this and welcome any feedback-
Thank you,
Erin
Posted by Danny on June 21, 1999, at 2:43:28
In reply to Paxil withdrawl breaking point - please help, posted by Erin on June 21, 1999, at 1:20:56
I was on Paxil for years. It definitely has a sedative effect (some anti-depressants do, some don't). It helps to gradually reduce the dosage (psychiatrists usually recommend tapering off), but I have experienced insomnia from paxil withdrawal. No stomach problems, but anxiety itself can really mess up your stomach. Xanax is a strong anti-anxiety medication, very popular because it's fast acting, good for panic attacks but not for long term use. Ativan is milder, longer lasting, but like any sedative can become addictive. If depression is your problem, a different anti-depressant is usually the best solution. I also recommend some kind of therapy from a non-psychiatrist. There are many mental health resources on the web and dozens of books: It sounds like you could use a little basic info on depression/anxiety.
best of luck, you're not alone.
> I have been off Paxil for two weeks and am experiencing severe anxiety, insomnia, and upset stomach (food has no appeal to me). To further complicate matters I'm in the middle of switching pdocs with my appointment with my new pdoc a week away (my current doc failed to tell me all of the wonderful withdrawl symptoms that I'd go through so I decided it was time to see someone new). I finally called my regular physician and he told me that anxiety is caused by a lack of neurotransmitters - which makes perfect sense - I only wish my previos pdoc had told me to expect this!
>
> Does anyone out there know if withdrawl from Paxil causes insomnia and stomach problems? And, if these things are caused by Paxil withdrawl, is this the result of fewer neurotransmitters or something else entirely?
>
> Also, if anyone has been through Paxil withdrawl before, what did they take to deal with the anxiety, insomnia, and stomach problems? My regular physician gave me a prescription for Xanax which I didn't find all that helpful - it just made me feel completely disconnected.
>
> I'm at my breaking point with this and welcome any feedback-
>
> Thank you,
> Erin
Posted by Deborah on June 21, 1999, at 9:09:57
In reply to Re: Paxil withdrawl breaking point - please help, posted by Danny on June 21, 1999, at 2:43:28
> I was on Paxil for years. It definitely has a sedative effect (some anti-depressants do, some don't). It helps to gradually reduce the dosage (psychiatrists usually recommend tapering off), but I have experienced insomnia from paxil withdrawal. No stomach problems, but anxiety itself can really mess up your stomach. Xanax is a strong anti-anxiety medication, very popular because it's fast acting, good for panic attacks but not for long term use. Ativan is milder, longer lasting, but like any sedative can become addictive. If depression is your problem, a different anti-depressant is usually the best solution. I also recommend some kind of therapy from a non-psychiatrist. There are many mental health resources on the web and dozens of books: It sounds like you could use a little basic info on depression/anxiety.
>
> best of luck, you're not alone.
>
> > I have been off Paxil for two weeks and am experiencing severe anxiety, insomnia, and upset stomach (food has no appeal to me). To further complicate matters I'm in the middle of switching pdocs with my appointment with my new pdoc a week away (my current doc failed to tell me all of the wonderful withdrawl symptoms that I'd go through so I decided it was time to see someone new). I finally called my regular physician and he told me that anxiety is caused by a lack of neurotransmitters - which makes perfect sense - I only wish my previos pdoc had told me to expect this!
> >
> > Does anyone out there know if withdrawl from Paxil causes insomnia and stomach problems? And, if these things are caused by Paxil withdrawl, is this the result of fewer neurotransmitters or something else entirely?
> >
> > Also, if anyone has been through Paxil withdrawl before, what did they take to deal with the anxiety, insomnia, and stomach problems? My regular physician gave me a prescription for Xanax which I didn't find all that helpful - it just made me feel completely disconnected.
> >
> > I'm at my breaking point with this and welcome any feedback-
> >
> > Thank you,
> > Erin
Erin..I am in the process of going from Paxil to effexor..paxil seemed to work ok for a year..but lost effectiveness for me..doc is reducing paxil gradually while giving me effexor. This may sound strange..but when I have a panic attck..I take a shower..Not sure why it helps..but it gradually subsides..you might try it while going through the withdrawl..hang in there!
Deborah
Posted by Erin on June 22, 1999, at 0:08:01
In reply to Re: Paxil withdrawl breaking point - please help, posted by Deborah on June 21, 1999, at 9:09:57
Danny and Deborah-
Thanks for the replies-
I tried 1 dose of Xanax (.5mg) and it just made me feel completely disconnected (not very helpful for anxiety). I have an appt w/ my regular doc tomorrow and hopefully we'll be able to work something out.
Erin
Posted by Victoria on June 22, 1999, at 18:34:21
In reply to Thanks for the replies, posted by Erin on June 22, 1999, at 0:08:01
The Psychopharmacology Tips section has lots of info on discontinuation/withdrawal symptoms. You might check that for ideas (if your regular doc isn't a psychopharm specialist) and maybe even print out some of the infor for him/her. Good luck!
> Danny and Deborah-
>
> Thanks for the replies-
>
> I tried 1 dose of Xanax (.5mg) and it just made me feel completely disconnected (not very helpful for anxiety). I have an appt w/ my regular doc tomorrow and hopefully we'll be able to work something out.
>
> Erin
Posted by Erin on June 23, 1999, at 0:03:22
In reply to Re: Thanks for the replies, posted by Victoria on June 22, 1999, at 18:34:21
Thanks Victoria for the suggestion-
I tried 1mg of Lorazepan last night and finally got some quality sleep- which of course helped curb my anxiety today.
Erin
Posted by a friend youve never met on June 25, 1999, at 0:48:08
In reply to Paxil withdrawl breaking point - please help, posted by Erin on June 21, 1999, at 1:20:56
I had an awful withdrawl from Paxil (a malpractice case indeed) and I just want to tell you that it will be alright. You might experience nausea, anxiety, loss of memory, manic episodes (even if you have no history of mania), severe rage, depression, slight seizures, excess sleep, etc. I just wish you the best. I know how awful it is.
> I have been off Paxil for two weeks and am experiencing severe anxiety, insomnia, and upset stomach (food has no appeal to me). To further complicate matters I'm in the middle of switching pdocs with my appointment with my new pdoc a week away (my current doc failed to tell me all of the wonderful withdrawl symptoms that I'd go through so I decided it was time to see someone new). I finally called my regular physician and he told me that anxiety is caused by a lack of neurotransmitters - which makes perfect sense - I only wish my previos pdoc had told me to expect this!
>
> Does anyone out there know if withdrawl from Paxil causes insomnia and stomach problems? And, if these things are caused by Paxil withdrawl, is this the result of fewer neurotransmitters or something else entirely?
>
> Also, if anyone has been through Paxil withdrawl before, what did they take to deal with the anxiety, insomnia, and stomach problems? My regular physician gave me a prescription for Xanax which I didn't find all that helpful - it just made me feel completely disconnected.
>
> I'm at my breaking point with this and welcome any feedback-
>
> Thank you,
> Erin
Posted by Audra on April 13, 2000, at 11:28:13
In reply to Paxil withdrawl breaking point - please help, posted by Erin on June 21, 1999, at 1:20:56
I am a 16 year old girl that has been on Paxil, risperdal, and lithium for 2 years. 5 days ago I decided to quit them ( did not want to be medicated anymore) and boy have I had horrible withdrawl symptoms. I have horrible headaches, body aches, and irritability. Also, I can't get any sleep. Does anyone have any suggestions for me?
Posted by Victoria on April 13, 2000, at 19:47:50
In reply to Re: Paxil withdrawl breaking point - please help, posted by Audra on April 13, 2000, at 11:28:13
You don't say for sure, but it sounds like you're stopping on your own. That's very tough and sometimes not a wise decision. So my advice would be to talk with your doctor about why you want to stop, what is likely to happen when you do, and how to stop. With a lot of drugs, tapering off--gradually decreasing your dose over a period of time-- is usually easier on the body than quitting all at once. And, on the subject of whether or not to take meds, wanting not to vs. needing to, etc., there are many previous threads discussing this issue, and you might find it interesting to read the various perspectives that people have on that issue. But, above all, don't quit on your own; discuss it with your doctor.
> I am a 16 year old girl that has been on Paxil, risperdal, and lithium for 2 years. 5 days ago I decided to quit them ( did not want to be medicated anymore) and boy have I had horrible withdrawl symptoms. I have horrible headaches, body aches, and irritability. Also, I can't get any sleep. Does anyone have any suggestions for me?
Posted by bob on April 19, 2000, at 23:56:24
In reply to Re: Paxil withdrawl breaking point - please help, posted by Victoria on April 13, 2000, at 19:47:50
If I knew 22 years ago just how much pain I'd go through between 16 and 38 ... nah, sorry, that's not fair, Audra. I can't say whether those 22 years would have been a bed of roses or thorns if I were on meds. It's been more like a bed of shattered glass WITHOUT meds and therapy, but that's a different story.
It's tough on all of us, thinking about taking medication to make us, ahem, "normal" ... it's a harder pill to swallow than the meds themselves. But for some of us (like me), its the best answer around for now.
Like Victoria said, whether that's the best answer for you is something you need to talk about with your doctor. Stay on this board long enough and you'll find that a LOT of grief is caused by people stopping their meds cold turkey on their own.
Talk to your doctor soon, okay?
bob
Posted by Sswift on December 11, 2002, at 6:43:14
In reply to Re: Paxil withdrawl breaking point - please help, posted by bob on April 19, 2000, at 23:56:24
Just recently I've decided to get off Paxil, which I have been on for about a year now. I'm scared to get off(I know there will be withdrawl) I remember how horrible a time it was for me to stop taking Zoloft. Does anybody have any suggestions on how to at least get through the severe anxiety during the withdrawl??
Posted by comftnumb on December 14, 2002, at 0:31:47
In reply to Re: Paxil withdrawl breaking point - please help, posted by Sswift on December 11, 2002, at 6:43:14
Just curious, why are you going off it? I'm going off Effexor and Wellbutrin. Doc cut my dose in half yesterday. Have to get off them cause i'm starting Nardil.
Posted by comftnumb on December 14, 2002, at 0:49:09
In reply to Re: Paxil withdrawl breaking point - please help, posted by comftnumb on December 14, 2002, at 0:31:47
For your anxiety, ask your doctor about a Klonopin. Though technically it's an antiepilepsy drug, it's an excellent anxiolytic (antianxiety) medicine. Docs prescribe it for anxiety all the time. But also note that it can be addictive. Using it everyday for 10 days will not cause addiction. Use it for 6weeks and you have a problem.
Ask for 1-2mg a day. That will take away all your anxiety. It will also make you sleepy when you take it. So take it at night, and don't worry, the effects last 24hours.
That's the best advice I can give. Hope that helps!
Posted by JENIFER on December 15, 2002, at 7:23:21
In reply to Re: Paxil withdrawl breaking point - please help, posted by Sswift on December 11, 2002, at 6:43:14
I need you to go on the Internet and look up all the withdrawal symptoms to Paxil then please go to this address http://www.mbschachter.com/importance_of_magnesium_to_human.htm. This is a study on Magnesium deficiency. You will see that that they are eerily similar in their symptoms. Even with the very odd symptom of "electric zaps to the head" which seems to occur frequently in the withdrawal to Paxil also occurs when magnesium deficiency is present. Magnesium plays a vital role in the support of the nervous system. Paxil is already stated to deplete the body of vitamins but no one has stated anything about the importance of minerals (Magnesium). My suggestion is to support your nervous system when weaning yourself off Paxil with at least 600 mg of magnesium. Remember that must be 600 mg of elemental magnesium otherwise your body will not be utilizing the mineral. I also highly suggest 500 to 1000 mg of niacidimide (vitamin B) which also greatly aids the nervous system. These supplements should help ease your symptoms of withdrawal and possibly could aid your nervous system enough that you may never not have the need to return to a drug like or similar to Paxil. Please email me at doublejmusic2@aol.com with your results if you should choose to try this suggestion. It is low cost and extremely low to no risk. It has helped me immensely and I hate to see so many people suffering with relief at their fingertips.
Posted by katiemom on December 16, 2002, at 14:23:53
In reply to Re: Paxil withdrawl breaking point - please help, posted by JENIFER on December 15, 2002, at 7:23:21
I'm going through Paxil withdrawl right now and I say it is h*ll. I have "electric head zaps", headaches, upset stomache, can't sleep, anxities. I'm also switching my antiPsychotic drug Geodon. I also had such bad dizziness that I felt drunk and was walking into walls. My pdoc gave my 10 days worth of 10mg of Prozac (which stopped the dizzeness) and Klonopin for the anxities. My pdoc say that Prozac has a very long half life compared to Paxil and so it should help transition me off of the Paxil. I have to say I wish I never took it. I saw on a Web site that Paxil is the worse drug to get off off with withdrawl effects. Even worse than Xanax ( and I thought that was bad when I went off of them). Good luck and hope this helps you. Hang in there and make sure you have a good support system. You need it.
Colleen
Posted by joy on December 18, 2002, at 9:52:43
In reply to Re: Paxil withdrawl breaking point - please help, posted by katiemom on December 16, 2002, at 14:23:53
I have weaned off Paxil twice. If it is done at 2 or 3 mgs intervals [by cutting pill assuming it is not CR] every 3 or 4 days, it is much easier to get off, and the withdrawal effects are very minimum. Paxil is a tough med to withdraw from, and I bet the CR is almost impossible. Personally, I don't like extended release drugs. You lose control, and when you have to stop the med, it's much easier to reduce when it's not extended release. Just my personal opinion......
Joy
Posted by jimmygold70 on December 21, 2002, at 12:09:37
In reply to Paxil withdrawl breaking point - please help, posted by Erin on June 21, 1999, at 1:20:56
Having some words with psychopharmacolgists, Paxil has a problem. Many people can't get off it. The world health organization has issued a warning concerning its use.
2 Ways to get off it:
1) Take prozac for some time and then stop. It works well for many.
2) Take risperdal, 1-2mg for a couple of weeks. This should solve the problem completely.Jimmy
Posted by lmoore on December 21, 2002, at 19:49:02
In reply to Re: Paxil withdrawl breaking point - please help, posted by katiemom on December 16, 2002, at 14:23:53
I was on Paxil for six months. The decision was made to stop and I accelerated my own decreasing dosage schedule. I spent only two weeks decreasing from 37.5 mg every day to no Paxil at all. I had very uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms for approximately 1 week. Then, each day got better and better. I still had the symptoms, but they were tolerable. Now, after 4 weeks completely off the Paxil I feel mostly withdrawal symptom free.
I was supposed to switch to Remeron but had such a scare with the Paxil withdrawal that I held off. I discussed this with my pdoc and he was very open to me just staying on the Seroquel 25 mg at bedtime and keeping the Remeron in the drawer if that is what I wanted. He said Remeron is fairly fast acting and that often results are seen within one week. I have the option to start the Remeron whenever I feel I need to. It has just been so many years since I've been off AD meds that I am kinda wondering how I might do off of them.
I just want to encourage you regarding the Paxil withdrawal. It really does get better if you just hang in there. At least it has with me. I have occasional "zaps", but otherwise feel just fine now. Drink lots of water and take walks if at all possible. The exercise does wonders.
Best Wishes
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