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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by JennyAnn on June 2, 1999, at 11:14:45
hiya kitties..after a year on paxil and a failed trial on zoloft, I have cylced myself off of SSRI's. I took 40 mg of paxil for 4 weeks...30 mgs for 3, 20 mgs for 1 and 10 mgs for 5 days...today is the second day paxil-free...I am dizzy, but expected this. I am not sure why I am posting, but I feel very balanced right now...aside from my dizzyspells. I have begun a spiritual journey, which I think has motivated my current decision to end my SSRI therapy. I have expereinced the most incredible lethargy and emotional apathy on SSRI's ...my whole life I have been motivated by anxiety, fear, etc...the lack of these driving forces (or numbing of such) was a relief for while, but i do believe there is a reason that my psyche has evolved the way it has...which is not to say that I always enjoy my psychological pain...but...I am a complicated woman..and I want am now ready to spread myself into my own void...rather than peer at it through the pinhole of paxil...sigh. any feedback? support? I always need it:)
<3<3 JennyAnn
Posted by Dale on June 2, 1999, at 11:58:50
In reply to Evolving Baby, YEAH...:), posted by JennyAnn on June 2, 1999, at 11:14:45
I took myself off of Zoloft (cold Turkey) about a month ago (see post 5/17/99) for several different reasons. Like you, I felt a good deal of lethargy from the meds, and although the relief from depression was nice at times, I always felt like it was someway preventing me from being me. The intensity of my convictions and the poetic and artistic aspects (although sometimes dark) of who I am were virtually dead. Now, after a month I have no regrets. I've started writing again powered by the emotional intensity that I had lost while on meds. I guess I too have plugged the pin hole and have spread myself comfortably into the void.Hang in there.
Take Care,
Dale
Posted by ruth on June 2, 1999, at 13:17:32
In reply to Evolving Baby, YEAH...:), posted by JennyAnn on June 2, 1999, at 11:14:45
JennyAnn,I think it's great. I share many of your feelings
of the relief that the ssri's gave me from fear,
anxiety, self criticism and so forth...but the
apathy, especially creatively, has been hard for me.
Also, I miss my feelings. So far every time I've
gone off meds, I go back on b/c I just can't deal
with the anxiety and fear--however, I still have
the hope that one day I'll be med-free. I'm
inspired by your spiritual journey--it's very brave
of you. Just keep in touch, either through
posting here, or email ruth.eckles@duke.edu. I
think it's important to get feedback on this site
from people who are both on medication, and those
who are transitioning off--the most helpful information
I find is from real people, not just what the dr;s
tell us. I'm sending warm thought and good vibes
your way, and good luck with everything
Ruth
Posted by Wayne R. on June 2, 1999, at 18:26:00
In reply to Re: Evolving Baby, YEAH...:), posted by ruth on June 2, 1999, at 13:17:32
Should you decide that a return to an SSRI is needed at some point you might consider adding Naltrexone which has been shown to relieve the apathy effects in some people. You may wish to see my various postings here beginning in February. Best regards... Wayne
Posted by Erin on June 8, 1999, at 21:05:29
In reply to Re: Evolving Baby, YEAH...:), posted by lindsey on June 8, 1999, at 12:29:20
JennyAnn-
As someone who just finished her last dose of Paxil yesterday (after consistent dosage for three years), boy can I relate. I guess I went on the express Paxil deregulation shuttle though. I went from 50 mg to 0 in 1 week and I don't need to tell you that it wasn't fun.
I initially had tried to go "cold-turkey" but after four days of severe nausea, surreal dreaming, and night sweats my doctor had me ease off the Paxil by decreasing my dose by 5 mg every two days (first she cut the dosage in half to 25mg and then I dropped the 5mg. per day).
The past four days I've still suffered from some nausea but I think that may be more related to my IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) which I rarely have severe problems with.
I know what you mean about feeling mentally "sharper"- yesterday and today my vocabulary seems to have regenerated somehow.
I too have tried Zoloft and received some temporary allievation from my depression. I think my next step is an MAOI. I've also thought about going back to Zoloft and augmenting it with Naltrexone (see Wayne R.'s posts).
Anyhow, that's what my experience has been like- it's comforting to know that other people have dealt with the the same Paxil cesation side-effects.
Take care,
Nicole
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