Is it to late...

[Austin]

to stop taking paxil without withdrawal symptoms? I took one 20mg pill Tuesday evening and one last night (Wednesday). Prior to that, March was when I stopped c/t.

The reason I am thinking about stopping is the insomnia. I am also having second thoughts as to whether or not restarting on paxil is the right thing for me to do -- want to give psychotherapy a try first. But the insomnia is terrible. My body feels sleepy but my mind is completely awake -- many know that this is an uncomfortable feeling. Last two times I was on paxil I was also on ativan, so insomnia was not a problem. Since I got addicted to ativan and suffered a horrific withdrawal, I can't take benzos anymore. And honestly, I don't trust myself with sleeping pills right now...won't even buy them.

So I've been on paxil for 48 hours. Can I just stop?

[Homerbcool]

Austin...the one thing to keep in mind with this subject, is since the med is relatively new, so are a lot of the issues we face, we are kind of like the guinea pigs of Withdrawal....so, I do not think anyone can give you a reply that could be guaranteed...but if I may make a suggestion...try not taking it and see what happens...

So, you c/t in march and start agian two nights ago?...may we know why you restarted....

[LCrawford67]

After only two days, you should be fine. But, you realize that what you're experiencing is because the CT in March. I believe psychotherapy is a great path for you to take, but it's not going to quell your w/d symptoms.

[iwowi]

Hi Austin.

I am surprised that you just started taking 20 mg without taking first 10 mg. I don’t think you should neither go straight from 0 mg to 20 mg or from 20 mg to 0 mg.

I think you be fine getting of Paxil after two days, if that is what you want to do. I can understand your frustration with insomnia and why you are afraid to take anything for sleeping. How about trying something safe, non-addictive and available over the counter like Melatonin?

Let me also quote my husband: “How come now you are afraid to take anything temporarily to help yourself to get through the insomnia and for such a long time you were not afraid to take something as bad as Paxil?” It actually helps me any time I hear it. It is worth to use temporary (no-habit forming) measures to get permanently of Paxil!

[leo79]

I have this sleeping problem at the moment. I badly need sleep but my brain is fried and is not producing melatonin or whatever. It's a nasty state of mind. All the usual supplements don't even touch this. I'm going to order some melatonin. In the past Melatonin is the only thing to work here.
In regards to Paxil, I think you will be ok just quitting after a couple of doses.

[Austin]

Thanks Leo for the advice regarding melatonin. I am confident, however, that stopping paxil while I'm "ahead" will alleviate the insomnia. I'm sorry that you continue to have this problem. Do let us know how the melatonin works for you for future reference.

iwowi -- My doctor put me on 20mgs years ago when I first started the drug. There was no work up to it, just began at 20mgs. With regard to sleeping pills, I do not trust myself to have them right now because of suicidal ideation during depression.

Laurie -- That is my concern...that the w/d symptoms will not go away. I really am not sure what to do. But I am in the process of looking for another psychiatrist right now because it really is best to be under a doctor's care when on antidepressants. If he/she really thinks that I need to go back on, I will probably do it.

Homer -- I restarted on paxil due to a recurrence of deep depression, which may very well be rebound depression from my c/t in March (from 20mgs). You are so right, that we are all guinea pigs. Perhaps we should refer to ourselves as "Paxilnauts." That is why I am blogging when I am on this drug, as accurately as I can, recording my thoughts, feelings, and any side effects while on the drug or withdrawing from it.

[iwowi]

Dear Austin.

Your depression is definitely fueled by Paxil withdrawal. 4-5 month after last dosage off Paxil seems to be the worse and that is where you are right now. Insomnia gets to be severe too.

Your previous suicidal ideations during depression are worrying me. You definitely need good psychiatrist. Not someone who will medicate you, but someone who will listen to you and work with you. Antidepressants should be only used as a last resort!

I want you also to realize that much of suicidal behavior and suicidal thinking can actually be caused by antidepressants. Think for a while. When did you start having suicidal thoughts? Was it when you were on Paxil or before you went on it?

When it comes to Paxil withdrawal effects, they do go away. From many I experienced, many cleared away. The only thing left in my case is the severe insomnia. You know by now the beauty of that withdrawal effect. The light weird sleep, when you would swear you were awake full of dreams or the anxious spring from bad because you cannot lay still. It is all a part off this dance called Paxil withdrawal. It is your body making up for the REM sleep killed by Paxil for many years. It does get better with time, many on this forum will attest to it.

Please, persevere. Do it with me. We will heal and feel better. It will take time, but at the end we will escape this Paxhell!!!!