Symptoms normal?

[VancouverLiz]

Hi there. I am new to this site.
I have been tapering off Paxil since last September, using a 4 percent solution. For the past few weeks, I have been taking 6 mgs. This is down from 60 back in September.
Once in a while, I have an okay day -- especially if the weather is good and I can go out on my bike.
But I am having a lot of crying spells, as well as diarrhea and cramps. Plus a craving for sweets and a complete lack of interest in healthy eating (which I'm usually good at).
I told my shrink about these symptoms and he suggested I should titrate up again.
OMG, I will NEVER get off this drug, which I have been taking for about 15 years.
I am also taking 40 mgs citalopram while tapering off Paxil.
Just feeling very discouraged and miserable.
Wondering how much longer these symptoms will last.

[obliviousjo]

Hi...I'm a newbie too so can't answer you but you have definetly come to the right place...Years of experience...Welcome aboard!!!!

[scotty]

So you've dropped 54 mg in 6 months and your taking the maximum dose of Celexa? Wow...I'm surprised that you didn't have to deal with serotonin syndrome.
What's your goal, to get off ssri's, or to just get off Paxil?

[VancouverLiz]

Hi Scotty.
Not sure what my goal is at this point. Definitely want to get off Paxil. Are there any decent antidepressants around? I've been on Zoloft (prior to Paxil) and before that, a nasty tricyclic that made me sweat all the time.
Any suggestions?

[VancouverLiz]

Hi there, Oblivious Jo!
Thanks for your post.
I have been feeling really bad, yesterday and today, especially today.
Nice to hear form you.
Best,
VL

[scotty]

Originally Posted by VancouverLiz

Hi Scotty.
Not sure what my goal is at this point. Definitely want to get off Paxil. Are there any decent antidepressants around? I've been on Zoloft (prior to Paxil) and before that, a nasty tricyclic that made me sweat all the time.
Any suggestions?

I would never recommend an ssri, sorry. As you're discovering they don't "last" forever and then you start the searching for one that will work...when in reality they were never designed to work for a lifetime. Once one stops working, they usually all pretty much don't provide what was so good about them in the beginning. The brain doesn't like being altered, and in time will make changes to attempt to achieve a normal balance ie: lower serotonin production, high cortisol, low dopamine...and the list goes on. While some are able to switch(albeit few) that drug effect doesn't last for a long period of time.

These drugs, contrary to what most doctor will tell you, do create a tolerance situation, where you are in withdrawal while still taking the drug. This is when it has to be recognized that it's the drug(and it's tolerance) that are creating the problems, not emotional status.

[mapleleafgirl25]

that is a very fast taper.and you are having withdrawal which will only get worse as time goes on....i would suggest going back up then go to Pharmasave and get your pills compounded so you can taper slow..there is one on Burrard that i go to..i see you are in Vancouver as well..i have been going there to get my pills compounded for almost 2 years now..