Will I ever sleep again?

This is my second attempt being Paxil free. The first time was not successful. I blame my timing for that failure.
This time I actually guit HRT first after I heard they told all those women in the study to quit. (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
Then about a month after that I started weaning myself off Paxil. I knew what to expect. I had the zaps and swooshing sounds the first time.
Zaps and swooshing began immediately with the first cut. Then came the dizziness.
This time my biggest problem is my sleep. My brain will just not shut down. It runs like a computer. Sometimes I am actually reading computer screens with pages and pages of information. Then I ask myself "Is this real?" and the pages start to dissolve. I also see people and images that look like they are in a kalideascope (sp).
I am almost afraid to tell this, it makes me feel like a nut!
I know that a lot of women put on HRT's are also prescribed anti-depressants. Would like to know if any other women are having problems like mine? How do you live without sleep?
Also I would like to know if anyone has ever heard that Paxil-like drugs collect in the liver and when you withdraw from them your liver actually puts out more of the drug and you get like overdose symptoms?
I need some help here, I don't want to have to get addicted to sleeping pills trying to be Paxil free!

Hi, B--Do you think a lot of your problem could be attributed to the lack of estrogen in the HRT? That can really do a number on you. There are some good books out there about women and hormones, even including the effect of antidepressants in the mix. I read one some time ago that was very good. (I did a marathon read on SSRIs when first starting to get off this stuff over a year ago.) Just can't remember all details. Suggestion Go to your public library and do a search about hormones/antidepressants.

Not being able to sleep is really typical of menopausal women. Also nightsweats, racing thoughts, etc. etc. It can really cause emotional upheaval all its own--then double it with the mood swings that inevitably come with SSRI withdrawal-whoa! That would really complicate life with trying to get off the SSRI. What has your doctor said about all this? Do you have anyone guiding you in your withdrawal? You might want to wait longer than a month since going off the HRT to let your body/mind adjust. Hormones are so powerful--and the lack thereof is a real jolt to the system. Maybe wait another month before trying to get off the Paxil. When you begin to drop your Paxil dose, do it in very small increments and very slowly between drops. I was at 60 mg Paxil and am now down to 3 mg after almost 14 months--taking it slo-o-ow.

You are subjecting your body and brain to many dramatic changes. I truly feel the slower you go, the more likely your body will make the adjustments without being overwhelmed by the chemical changes and subsequent withdrawal symptoms.

Do you know that there are effective vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter remedies that can lessen the withdrawal symptoms? I'd be happy to list a few if you don't know about them--or check in other posts where they've been mentioned often. For the sleeplessness, perhaps try chamomile tea before bedtime--or a dose of Benadryl that could knock you out. You really don't want to get addicted to sleep aids like Ambien--not a good idea. Do read up on your specific problems. You might find some advice that will make a difference. Good luck and stay in touch!

I have been off the HRT for 2 months and Paxil for about 1 month. I really would hate to start taking either of them again. Surely, the longer I am off the symptoms will start subsiding? I just think I would FEEL better if I could sleep!

Did you talk to your doctor before quitting hrt ? Since I've been through menopause, I've been taking hrt. Started taking it several years before I began paxil. I know what the new study said, but I think it's up to each individual whether to stay on hrt or not. I decided to weigh the pros and cons. And I decided I was better off staying on it - I just cut my dosage in half since they had me on 1.25 mgs. I have annual mammograms to keep a check. I was scared to stay on it at first when I heard the new news. But I do much better being on it-because of hot flashes, night sweats, bad nerves. I would of been a lot worse off than I was with my nerves when I began paxil without the hrt. And believe me, my nerves were pretty bad. Now I have to deal with all this stuff from paxil withdrawal, but I know it will end someday. So it might be a good idea to speak with your doctor about hrt and make your decisions based on you and the pros and cons, not just because of what the new study said. Wishing you better and healthier days.

I began Paxil and HRT 6 years ago. I researched on the WEB before I made my desicion. I felt like for short term use it was fine. My Dr. knew nothing about my decision. Both my doctors thought I could quit Paxil any time I wanted, with no effect also.
I took a half Xanax last night and slept without once waking. This just makes me feel like I am going from one drug to another. I don't have a prescription for Xanax so I don't take them regularly, just when I am wore out from not sleeping.
I truly believe I could handle the menapausal symptoms once I get over this withdrawal of Paxil. The more tired I get the worse the japs and swooshing get.
If I go to Dr. I know I will just get more pills.

I totally understand your thoughts about doctors and pills. The reason I decided to stay on hrt is because my hot flashes were so bad that they made me physically ill. I have to laugh now, but once it was so bad that I found myself standing in three feet of snow in my pajamas only at 3:00 in the morning. Was the only way to cool down. You did make your decision based on a lot of research and that's what counts. When I talked to my doctor about getting off paxil, she said there were a lot more prescriptions out there that could help me. I told her that I did not want to take anything else, I want to see if I can maintain without any. I know we'll all succeed in this sooner or later. Wishing you happier and healthier days.