WHY are we quitting Paxil anyways??

CarlaD · 12-01-2009, 09:11 AM

I have been wondering this.....

WHY are we all trying to quit Paxil?

For me, as far as I know, I have been functioning fine these last 10+ years. However I gained some weight and the sex thing sucks. But Paxil stopped my panic attacks. I am not totally sure WHY I am wanting to get off it. An improved sex drive will definately be a bonus, and if I loose some weight, that is great too. What scares me is that my panic attacks will return. But maybe they won't and I can live drug free?? That would be awesome. I think I'm looking at this as an experiment and hoping for the best. I am a bit confused though. Maybe I will have more energy?? That would be so great! I'm rambling....sorry

Lukster5 · 12-01-2009, 09:14 AM

you'll be surprised if you have a rich diet of vitamins and antioxidants, how much it can help panic attacks and overall health..combat the toxins that are in your body..
remember alot of illnesses happen because we dont treat our bodies like we should.

since95 · 12-01-2009, 09:25 AM

hI CarlaD

I would probably still be on Paxil if it didn't poop out on me 3 years ago. I thought Paxil was a wonder drug for the first 12-1/2 years in the drug. However, it seems that poop out eventually gets the better of all of us if we continue on them for long periods of time. Some people it hits faster than others. These drugs are not meant to be used for long periods of time. If you can wean off while still feeling good, then I say take it! I wasn't able to stabalize the whole 2-1/2 years tapering and it was difficult to say the least.

pboy · 12-01-2009, 09:27 AM

Magnesium can help with panic attacks, and Inositol is said to help with panic disorder.
There's also cognitive therapy to help with it. We should all have been taught cognitive techniques to deal with our problems rather than be put on meds. I wish I had from the start.

ash · 12-01-2009, 09:30 AM

Hi Carla,

Meds like Paxil are wonderful while they work.The trouble is when they stop working, and they all do at some stage. The body just gets tolerant of them.

This is when the proverbial hits the fan. In my case I began withdrawal symptoms whilst still taking the same dose. That was not fun at all. In my time. I have had to tackle my addiction to both achohol & tobacco. These were a piece of cake compared what I went through with Paxil withdrawals.

I consider myself one of the luckier ones in terms of coming off Paxil. There are many horror stories that fellow PPers may chip in.

If they made an AD that worked for ever without any long lasting side effect, we would not have the need for this website

CarlaD · 12-01-2009, 09:32 AM

pboy, how do I know how much magnesium to take? and what is Inositol ? Never heard of that

NewQuestions · 12-01-2009, 09:33 AM

It pooped out on me after about 8 years. The side effects became much worse. I couldn't tolerate any SSRIs anymore.

nickels · 12-01-2009, 09:56 AM

Carla, definitely look into CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to work on the issues that brought you to paxil in the first place. Paxil didn't cure anything, and the problems you had before the meds will likely be there after. Learning coping skills to manage panic attacks has been better for me than any pill.

pboy · 12-01-2009, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlaD

pboy, how do I know how much magnesium to take? and what is Inositol ? Never heard of that

Have a look in the methods of wellbeing section on this site and theres a thread on magnesium, plenty of info to read through.

Its best to start small with magnesium (100mg) and see how you go, I think 600mg is the daily limit but I'd check on that thread. Also make sure its magnesium citrate or glycinate (other forms dont absorb as well).
Inositol is a supplement found in some health stores, some studies have said it can help panic disorder. If you use the search function you will find some threads on it. It doesnt work for everyone.

Songbird · 12-01-2009, 04:31 PM

It made me feel good for a while, more confident, more cheerful, less affected by stress. But over time I got fat, became unmotivated and unable to feel excited about anything, my energy level got lower and lower, I lost my creativity. I've become this bored and boring person who is always too tired to do anything and really can't be bothered anyway. I don't like this person I've become! I want to feel excited again, I want my creativity back, I want enough energy to actually do some of the things I used to want to do, I want to not be fat any more. I want the old me back!

SareBare · 12-02-2009, 01:56 AM

I am getting off the crap because it is bad for you and there are soooooooo many long term side effects from putting this poison in your body and still so many unknown. regardless of if it helps you there are other management methods that are more natural with less side effects. i regret ever putting the stuff in my body and wish i had of tried other methods first.

scotia21 · 12-02-2009, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickels

Carla, definitely look into CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to work on the issues that brought you to paxil in the first place. Paxil didn't cure anything, and the problems you had before the meds will likely be there after. Learning coping skills to manage panic attacks has been better for me than any pill.

Great answer ! I completely agree that Paxil (and any other SSRI) doesn't cure anything - it just buries it for a little while. The side effects are simply not worth it.

inducer · 12-02-2009, 07:40 AM

I would have to be real desperate to pop a pill that kills libido, that alone would be depressing at least for me anyway. Good luck to all of you's.

LCrawford67 · 12-02-2009, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inducer

I would have to be real desperate to pop a pill that kills libido, that alone would be depressing at least for me anyway. Good luck to all of you's.

Well, for one thing, none of us knew that was a side effect and for another, some people actually are that desperate. Libido, when you're suffering, is the last thing on your mind. Once you actually start to feel better from taking that little pill, is when you realize it's gone and thre's not much you can do about it.

That being said, I wanted to quit because I was just tired of taking a pill every single day. I got tired of being fat and lazy and many things had changed in my life and I just didn't feel I needed a pill anymore.

inducer · 12-02-2009, 12:39 PM

Hi LC yes i know you probably was unaware of that side effect i didnt word that too well, it took me 7 yrs to know what was wrong with my wifes libido, it still gets my back up 5yrs after she stopped them.

I wonder what the true number is that suffer from libido/anorgasm is? I hear that for some they actually have an increased libido, its crazy how these things work on the brain.

LCrawford67 · 12-02-2009, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inducer

Hi LC yes i know you probably was unaware of that side effect i didnt word that too well, it took me 7 yrs to know what was wrong with my wifes libido, it still gets my back up 5yrs after she stopped them.

I wonder what the true number is that suffer from libido/anorgasm is? I hear that for some they actually have an increased libido, its crazy how these things work on the brain.

Oh, I wasn't offended

Some folks become hyper sexual, at first, but then that goes away. Some, drugs, like Wellbutrin, don't seem to effect libido at all.

Most people, even with everything we know about these drugs now, are still unaware of all the potential side effects. This is why I will NEVER EVER take another pill, without fully researching it first.

I preach that to everyone too. We've been brought up to blindly trust whatever medication was given to us and, I believe, there was a time you could do that. Not anymore.

12-01-2009, 09:11 AM	#1
CarlaD Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 115	WHY are we quitting Paxil anyways?? I have been wondering this..... WHY are we all trying to quit Paxil? For me, as far as I know, I have been functioning fine these last 10+ years. However I gained some weight and the sex thing sucks. But Paxil stopped my panic attacks. I am not totally sure WHY I am wanting to get off it. An improved sex drive will definately be a bonus, and if I loose some weight, that is great too. What scares me is that my panic attacks will return. But maybe they won't and I can live drug free?? That would be awesome. I think I'm looking at this as an experiment and hoping for the best. I am a bit confused though. Maybe I will have more energy?? That would be so great! I'm rambling....sorry __________________ over 10 years Paxil 30mg, Clonazepam/Klonapin 1mg, Wellbutrin 150mg Nov 9, 2009 25mg Paxil Dec 5, 2009 22.5mg Dec 23, 2009 20mg April 9, 2010 17.5mg

12-01-2009, 09:14 AM	#2
Lukster5 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 143	Re: WHY are we quitting Paxil anyways?? you'll be surprised if you have a rich diet of vitamins and antioxidants, how much it can help panic attacks and overall health..combat the toxins that are in your body.. remember alot of illnesses happen because we dont treat our bodies like we should. __________________ Dec 5th, 2008 - 3 weeks on 10mg paxil for a panic attack (Caffine Induced) Adverse Reaction - Severe side effects began Dec. 26th, 2008 - Paxil Free Note - No prior history of anxiety, depression, or SSRI's in general

12-01-2009, 09:25 AM	#3
since95 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Edmonton Posts: 456	Re: WHY are we quitting Paxil anyways?? hI CarlaD I would probably still be on Paxil if it didn't poop out on me 3 years ago. I thought Paxil was a wonder drug for the first 12-1/2 years in the drug. However, it seems that poop out eventually gets the better of all of us if we continue on them for long periods of time. Some people it hits faster than others. These drugs are not meant to be used for long periods of time. If you can wean off while still feeling good, then I say take it! I wasn't able to stabalize the whole 2-1/2 years tapering and it was difficult to say the least. __________________ Since95 aka Dan -On Paxil for 15-1/2 years. Completed 2-1/2 year taper from 40mgs Paxil - 0. Med free August 24, 2009!

12-01-2009, 09:27 AM	#4
pboy Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: UK Posts: 772	Re: WHY are we quitting Paxil anyways?? Magnesium can help with panic attacks, and Inositol is said to help with panic disorder. There's also cognitive therapy to help with it. We should all have been taught cognitive techniques to deal with our problems rather than be put on meds. I wish I had from the start. __________________ On Lexapro for 2 months & CT'd. Had withdrawal so re-instated. Started chopping tablets. Then crushing into juice. Trying to slowly get off the stuff. 5mg (3 weeks until stabilized) then chopping so unsure how much (2.5 weeks) 4.4mg (4 weeks), 4.2mg (3.5 weeks) 3.8mg (4 weeks 4 days), 3.6mg (3 weeks) 3.26mg (4 weeks 2 days), 3.1mg (2 weeks 5 days) 2.9mg (4 weeks 5 days) 2.7mg (5 weeks 3 days) 2.6mg (4 weeks-ish) 2.5mg (5 weeks), 2.4mg (6 weeks), Now at 2.3mg.

12-01-2009, 09:30 AM	#5
ash Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: London, UK Posts: 208	Re: WHY are we quitting Paxil anyways?? Hi Carla, Meds like Paxil are wonderful while they work.The trouble is when they stop working, and they all do at some stage. The body just gets tolerant of them. This is when the proverbial hits the fan. In my case I began withdrawal symptoms whilst still taking the same dose. That was not fun at all. In my time. I have had to tackle my addiction to both achohol & tobacco. These were a piece of cake compared what I went through with Paxil withdrawals. I consider myself one of the luckier ones in terms of coming off Paxil. There are many horror stories that fellow PPers may chip in. If they made an AD that worked for ever without any long lasting side effect, we would not have the need for this website __________________ first on ADs in 93. Tcs,Prozac, then Zoloft 20mg Paxil in 2003 30mg Paxil in July 2005 Started taper in Dec 2005p ZEROOOO! 6 Apr 2007 Gradual improvement, with some small setbacks Month 8: Bad anxiety & low moods Sadly back on Citalopram Been to 30mg, but now on 20mg 2009 - anxiety issues, getting worse The greatest meditation is a mind that lets go.

12-01-2009, 09:32 AM	#6
CarlaD Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 115	Re: WHY are we quitting Paxil anyways?? pboy, how do I know how much magnesium to take? and what is Inositol ? Never heard of that __________________ over 10 years Paxil 30mg, Clonazepam/Klonapin 1mg, Wellbutrin 150mg Nov 9, 2009 25mg Paxil Dec 5, 2009 22.5mg Dec 23, 2009 20mg April 9, 2010 17.5mg

12-01-2009, 09:33 AM	#7
NewQuestions Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 296	Re: WHY are we quitting Paxil anyways?? It pooped out on me after about 8 years. The side effects became much worse. I couldn't tolerate any SSRIs anymore. __________________ Drug history: Started Zoloft (200 mg) in 1993, experienced major change in side effects (beginning of poop out) in 2003, cycled through every other antidepressant available for the next 5 years looking for relief but they made me worse; last dose of an SSRI (Effexor) was in November 1997, last dose of an antidepressant (Parnate) was in December 2008 and last dose of a benzo (Ativan) was in February 2009.

12-01-2009, 09:56 AM	#8
nickels Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 2,280	Re: WHY are we quitting Paxil anyways?? Carla, definitely look into CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to work on the issues that brought you to paxil in the first place. Paxil didn't cure anything, and the problems you had before the meds will likely be there after. Learning coping skills to manage panic attacks has been better for me than any pill. __________________ Nicole 2000 - 20mgs Paxil for GAD & Panic Attacks 2001 - 30mgs increased to 40mgs 2006 - back down to 20mgs - poop out 2/2007 - C/T off 20mgs - went back on at 10mgs 7/2007 - stabilized then started my taper off of 10mgs 8/2007 - down to 5mgs then found PP and began 10% taper 10/15/2008 - 0! 2/2009 - started CBT to finally work on anxiety

12-01-2009, 04:31 PM	#10
Songbird Queen of the appendage vocabulary Join Date: May 2007 Location: New Zealand Posts: 9,152	Re: WHY are we quitting Paxil anyways?? It made me feel good for a while, more confident, more cheerful, less affected by stress. But over time I got fat, became unmotivated and unable to feel excited about anything, my energy level got lower and lower, I lost my creativity. I've become this bored and boring person who is always too tired to do anything and really can't be bothered anyway. I don't like this person I've become! I want to feel excited again, I want my creativity back, I want enough energy to actually do some of the things I used to want to do, I want to not be fat any more. I want the old me back! __________________ Jul 01-Feb 02 Aropax Feb - Dec 03 Citalopram Jul 04 Aropax Jan 07 - Feb 08 20mg - 5mg Apr 4.5mg 5mg Jun 10mg zopiclone > seroquel Jul 20mg Aug + methionine Oct aropax > loxamine Dec off seroquel 7 Dec 17.5mg 30 Dec 15mg 24 Jan 12.5mg 16 Feb 10mg 10 May 9mg 30 May 8mg 5 July 7.5mg 2 Aug 7.25mg 1 Sep 7mg 9 Oct 6.75mg 8 Nov 6.5mg 18 Dec 6.3mg Appreciation is the antidote to stress - Trust is the antidote to fear

12-02-2009, 01:56 AM	#11
SareBare Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 390	Re: WHY are we quitting Paxil anyways?? I am getting off the crap because it is bad for you and there are soooooooo many long term side effects from putting this poison in your body and still so many unknown. regardless of if it helps you there are other management methods that are more natural with less side effects. i regret ever putting the stuff in my body and wish i had of tried other methods first. __________________ Aka Sarah 2000 20mg Paxil for depression/anxiety 2002 Doc advised stop taking CT - Bad idea 2002 Recommenced 20mg then increased 40mg 2003 several failed weaning attempts 2004 failed C/T again 2005 Dropped from 40mg to 20mg with minimal w/d - go figure!!! 2006 Changed to Lexapro to help wean, symptoms to severe - back to paxil 20mg 2007 Feb 20mg - 17.5mg 17.5 - 15mg 11 March 12.5 26th March 2007 - 10mg Aug 09 - 9.5mg sept 09 8.5mg oct 09 7.5mg Nov 09 5mg

12-02-2009, 07:40 AM	#13
inducer Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 78	Re: WHY are we quitting Paxil anyways?? I would have to be real desperate to pop a pill that kills libido, that alone would be depressing at least for me anyway. Good luck to all of you's.

12-02-2009, 12:39 PM	#15
inducer Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 78	Re: WHY are we quitting Paxil anyways?? Hi LC yes i know you probably was unaware of that side effect i didnt word that too well, it took me 7 yrs to know what was wrong with my wifes libido, it still gets my back up 5yrs after she stopped them. I wonder what the true number is that suffer from libido/anorgasm is? I hear that for some they actually have an increased libido, its crazy how these things work on the brain.

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