I am off the paxil now. For anyone who has never taken a anti-depressant my personl advise is dont do it.
I vagly remember what my life was before paxil and I can not imagine that it was this bad. I have never taken anything that makes me feel so horriable when you stop taking it. This drug has made me into a mad woman.Litterly. It is amazing that a persciption that is supposed to help someone would make them into what I am now. I know a lot of pepele will have a lot of things to say about this post-but right now I need to get it out. I maybe able to keep focused long enough to finish.
In my opinion there is no such thing as "weaning' off this. My body has never felt so horriable as it is now. There are twinges in my head,I'm dizzy, naucious, ...endless horriable feelings. Unless you went through this I can't even begin to make you understand. If I had the choice again to go through my depression and anxiety by myself or go through horriable withdraws of not having it afterwards I would've chose the formar. I will NEVER get on any antidepressant drugs again.
When I first took them they were my life savor(so I thought).Maybe they should put on the warning labal about how wonderful they are at first-but not to ever consider stopping taking them.
I have never taken anyother kind of antidepressant-and I'm sure many people had a hih success rate on others-but I will never trust in that department again. Even through my fuzzy head and nausious stomach I can at least think well enogh for that.
I know others have gone through this but mostly what you hear is about the wonderful things these drugs can do to improve their lives-they don't mention what happens when it is time to get off them.
If you really want to understand check out this site.
http://members.rogers.com/paxilfree/
You will hopefully be able to at least see what happens when you try to get off these wonder drugs.
More later...........

I completely agree with you. I got off an antidepressant after four tries. It was horrible. I forgot what it was like to feel like myself again. I think they are over prescribed and wouldn't recommend anyone taking them unless there is an extremely good reason.

It is an unfortunate fact about antidepressants (and a lot of other drugs) that everyone reacts differently to them. Everyone who is successfully treated for depression goes through the same routine: try first one, then another, until you find one, or a combination, that works. I took probably a dozen different kinds before I got stabilized. It was a struggle and a pain in the discomfort but when we found it, it worked so well I am almost normal.

It is not the drug's fault that you reacted to it (or to the lack of it) as you did, so stop blaming the drug. And please don't go advising other depressed people what they should do on the basis of your single experience - every depressed person needs to see a doctor and be guided by her advice.

I have recently come across a clear and cogent explanation of what happens to the brain during depression and treatment for depression. It might help you understand. If you want it, email me at the address listed in my profile.

Catty (who has made a deep study of these subjects)



[This message was edited by cattywampus on 11-02-02 at 03:11 PM.]

Ladies, I am sorry you have had such difficult times using these supportive medications.

I, personally, do take antidepressants.. and I have not been on them continuously.. just during times of my life when I was unable to function at optimum levels (nursing school and giving birth to 2 disabled kids during the schooling, that sort of time).

I had no trouble stopping taking them (and I've been on several different brands), and they have only improved my life at times I needed the support.

Certainly I don't recommend using any medication without close supervision by a medical professional. These medications should only be used when a real need is perceived by both the physician and the patient. Therapy and stress management should also be part of the use of these meds to reduce or even eliminate the need for them.

There are always 2 sides to every coin. Education and information is paramount in any medical care.

Sherasi, I think you have a lot more on your plate to deal with than most people. I very much admire your will and strength. It appears that your antidepressants are monitored as well as your functional status as it should be. That isn't always the case at all though.

I think they are too quickly handed out to people without much follow up or evaluation of patient status. Many of the side effects are awful and getting off of them isn't easy at all. I am judging from my own experience with these drugs and observation of my patients also.

I was a guinea pig with a few. It was a very bad experience. I didn't feel capable of driving my own car, much less making it to work. There was one that I could tolerate. It eventually made a living zombie out of me. I didn't want to live like that anymore.

I have seen docs give these drugs to people commonly that are supposed to be depressed. Wouldn't you be if you just had a stroke? These people reacted very normally to their situation before being put on an antidepressant. These doctors prescribing them are not psychiatrist. The patients are on multi medications many times making it difficult to isolate side effects that a psychiatrist is very well versed to recognize and make changes according to the best interest of the patient. The addition of antidepressants often caused more problems than they solved because of lack of monitoring. If there was extreme or prolonged depression, a psychiatrist should be handling this sort of problem.

Any doctor will pass out antidepressants like candy today. I think people should be well warned about just what these drugs are and the monitoring needed for the use of them. People should know that a medication is not a cure all for a life change needed to possibly solve their depression. It only makes them complacent to their current situation at times.

I feel strongly that an evaluation should be made by a psychiatrist specializing in these sort of problems to help an individual. If drug therapy is needed, they are the experts on antidepressant use. They will also suggest counseling in addition when needed to help someone have a better life for themselves. Many times people need help for a temporary situation and do not need to be on psychiatric drugs for life.

wildflower--RIGHT ON!!!!!
for the others-unless you have gone through this YOU DON'T KNOW.
News flash-doctor are paid to pass out these antidepresants. What they forget to tell you is the HELL you go through to get of of them. I was on 60mgs. a day. Doctor perscribed. At that point of my life if the doctor said here-take this heroin 2xs a day-it'll make you feel better I wouldn't have thought twice because the "doctor" said it was ok. These doctors find these antidepressants are the mericaile cure. Sure fine-they are at the time. What about after? When you feel all better and no longer need them. A lot of people don't have the will power to go through what you have to to be able to stop taking them-therefore they continue to even if they no longer need them. Which brings me to my point-IT'S ALL ABOUT MONEY!!!!!
I must say I am happy for those lucky few that didn't have any withdraws from the meds( yes I AM blaming the meds for this-and anyone who says otherwise DOESN'T KNOW THIS HELL!!) I wish I was in your part of the small percentage. I have never been addicted to anything in my life-are you calling it coincidence that I feel the way I do now (achy,naucious,dizzy,shakes,ect)have NOTHING to do with the fact I JUST got off the paxil. If you did research on this you must have been looking on the sales pages for these medications and NOT what people go through in real life.
Oh-wildflower-I wanted to thank you for the understanding and support. I envy you for getting through the WITHDRAW of this medication!
Oh-if it ISN"T the medication that is giving me these problems-check out this site
it's called http://paxilprogress.org. Funny-there sure is a lot of other people that have some major wothdraw sypmtoms from something that ISN"T the medication!!!!!!

[This message was edited by Sherasi on 11-03-02 at 02:31 PM.]

Oh, I absolutely agree that Polypharmacy is entirely too common a problem (that is the prescribing of many medications treating many different problems) and all too-often physicians actually are not all that familiar with all of the medications they prescribe. And, many times, these medications do react with each other.. when polypharmacy is REALLY bad, a doc will sometimes prescribe a medication to TREAT the symptoms of a DIFFERENT medication.

One of the misconceptions many patients have is that their doctor is all-knowing and all-seeing. This is most definitely NOT true... NO ONE is omniscient. Patients have to take responsibility for themselves and the reactions they have to medications.

Let me repeat that:

Patients have to take responsibility for themselves and the reactions they have to medications.

This DOES NOT MEAN your doctor HAS no responsibility for the medications you take, clearly he does since you have the prescriptions at all. What this means is you have the RIGHT AND THE RESPONSIBILITY to take a look at what meds you are taking, finding more out about them and requesting a conference with your doctor (if needed) to determine what meds are actually necessary, and how you are reacting to them.

I was actually placed on Paxil about 4 months ago. I developed hand tremors on a Saturday, about a week after I began the med. I called the Answering Service and in the end spoke to the doctor and he instructed me to stop the med and started me on a different med that Monday.

I took Celexa for about 3 months, I closely monitored myself, and how I was reacting to it. I noticed a massive sleeping pattern change and somnolence and so I continued to observe my response to the med. My emotional well-being was much improved, but I continued with the insomnia/somnolence problems. Finally I spoke to my physician about the continued sleeping problems and somnolence. And so he changed my Medication again to Remeron.

The Remeron, so far, has worked very well, and I have seen a major improvement with my alertness and correct sleeping patterns. And I will continue to observe how I do on this med.

I understand addictions do occur, especially with people who are not closely monitored by their Physicians. These are terrible situations and very difficult to kick, as much as any illegal drug. I feel for the rocky journey you have ahead of you... and I commend you each day you make it one step closer to recovering yourself.

Any situation is worth using as a learning experience. My advice to you is this:

#1 Get support with others with the same problem and issues you face.

#2 From now on, closely watch what medications you get prescribed and how you react to them. Ask questions, get feedback from your Doc about how necessary this med is and what repercussions you may have from taking this med and how will it possibly react to other meds you are on.

#3 Speak to your Pharmacist about your meds. He/she is MUCH more educated about meds than your Doctor.

#4 Lastly DO NOT allow your bad experience close your mind to ALL meds and supportive systems.

When you have a terrible automobile accident, and require rehab and therapy for years after, you still drive in automobiles afterward. You know you won't have an accident in every car you ever ride in again.

The same goes with meds. You learn the information that protects you, and you get educated. Meds are Tools, same as cars, same as can-openers and same as anything that makes your life easier to manage or survive.

Don't be afraid of the tool or hate the tool, control the tool and make it work for you.

[This message was edited by Sherasi on 11-03-02 at 11:48 AM.]

I have taken PAxil more than once and it has never given me any problems. The only thing was a mild hand-shaking but it was just at the beginning. To me it kinda worked like a miracle.

I guess every body reacts differently.

Right now I am taking Zoloft, have been for about 8 weeks, I not only do not feel better, I think I am more depressed than ever. My neighbor said I should ask my Dr. about Paxil, but maybe that's not such a good idea. Do most people stay on anti-depressants for life or is it something that you can go off of?

KittyPal that is an excellent question, and one you might also want to speak to your doctor about.

Most people do NOT take antidepressants for long periods of time much less the rest of their life. These medications should be used in conjunction with therapy or other stress-reducing educational resources.

I have taken depression meds on and off. Off when I had less on my plate and could function very well in my life. As stated earlier, I am using these medications as a TOOL toward a better life. I also had some therapy to help me find ways to manage my stress better. I am in the process of developing some techniques so that I can stop using this tool (the depression meds) once again.

As I said in my second post of this thread, you should most DEFINITELY speak with your physician if the med does NOT appear to be helping or even possible hindering you. YOU need to take responsibility and get PROACTIVE for yourself, no one is gonna stand up for you BUT you!! When I felt bad on the meds I was taking YOU BET I was on that phone as soon as possible!

Talk to your doctor about getting referrals for therapy or about work-shops in stress reduction. Also discuss what meds are and are not working for you and get them changed if they aren't. Your insurance might pay for some of these alternatives to meds (at least for a few visits) to get your off the expensive meds sooner. It is in their best interest to keep you as healthy as possible after all. I hope this helps a bit.

Great responses and discussion in this thread so far. Very informative.

kittypal-I'm not a doctor. I speak from only my experance that I am going through right now. I know others have differant ones.
My meds were monitered by a doctor-in fact a doctor who specilizes in antidepressants. I too had side effects from the meds (way low sex drive,hand tremors...) BUT they went away after awaile too. I was peachy while ON the drug. I too thought of it as a miricile drug because I could get through the day without cring or having an anxiety attack. It wasn't the problem of being ON the drug-it was getting OFF them that I'm having the problems with.
Why would I have asked the doctor about how it would effect me getting off them? I am 23 years old! I wouldn't even IMAGINE that something that could help me so much could hurt me SO bad when I didn't need it anymore. Honestly-would any of you think to ask your doctor about it when in a major state of depression? Kittypal-all I say to you is ask about what it will be like to get OFF these medications before getting on them. If someone can learn from what I am going through right now I guess it makes me feel a little better.
How many of you are taking a DIFFERANT medication to conteract side effects from a med your already on? It's a vicious circle!! Like Sherasi said- (by the way Sherasi-thanks!! I couldn't have said it better!)
It was a good comparison about getting into a car accident. It really was-BUT one things for sure- I take the risk of getting into a car out of nessisaty (small town-everythings spread out) BUT knowing waht I know now-I will not put my body through this hell again. Whats really crazy is-it is inside my head. I get little "zaps" in my head and dizzy spells. I can choose to not poision my body ever again by taking medications such as these. If I'm in a car and someone loses control of their vehicile and hits me at least I will know that I didn't do that to myself. Taking Paxil was a lesson learned. A very HARD one I might add-but a lesson learned.
My simple advise-when your looking into a drug your about to take that your doctor gives you-get on the computer and type in the drug of choice with the word withdraws next to it.
I sure wish I would've done that first.
Thanks for letting me vent !!

I had went off Paxil and ritlain cold turkey in I think august. I just decided I didn't want them anymore and stopped taking them. I found them extremely hard to get off of and went through some awful withdrawl. I think the Paxil of course was the hardest. I have alot of family problems hitting me at the same time and still do.My family and doctors had a fit that I stopped my drugs. Im still off of them but, Im also not able to work right now so Im hoping I dont have to go back on the Paxil to be able to do my job again. I have ADD and my doctor thinks I should be on them all the time.

So Im against all drugs which alter you way of thiking but I am learning that there may be a time in peoples life that they do need them.
Sam

From my personal experience, I didn't get a whole lot of information from doctors. I found out by doing my own research. First, I went to my GP overloaded with stress. He gave me Paxil. I threw my guts up and was dry heaving for hours. I felt like something insane for about a solid 24 hour period. I called him back and told him of this wanting a change in medication. I was told to keep taking it. No thanks!

I then went to a psychiatrist that I thought would be better able to deal with stress issues and more familiar with psychiatric drugs. I know my own body. He gave me other antidepressants to experiment with. I was told nothing of side effects from either doctor until complaining about them. I stopped the medications myself that were only making me worse. I was told the side effects go away after a few weeks and to give it a try. I adamantly refused.

It is your body, life, and decision. I personally would not recommend taking anything that is making you feel worse. The best resource that I found about the effects of antidepressants were in magazines and journals written for health care professionals. I didn't like what I read.

Am I wrong in assuming that if your depression is not chemical then anti-depressants will not work? What if you're just mentally out of it? I know some of mine is due to the long struggle with eating disorders, but I also don't know if drugs will even make a difference. All I know is I am sick of the whole thing. The dr. said at your age eating disorders usually just diminish?????? Why? am I so old that I shouldn't care what I weigh, maybe when you get so wrinkled and stooped over it won't matter? LOL, I know it's NOT funny , but that is what was said! Guess I need a new doc. This is a great thread and thanks to everyone who contributed a lot of peopl will read this and get info for themselves or loved ones. winorlose I hope you feel better soon, hopefully withdrawl will not last too long for you.

Yes I belive that you are wrong when you are assuming that an anti-depressent won't work unless its a chemical in balance. I do have a chemical one but, not everybody who uses an anti depressent does. Usually if it is a chemical one then that is when your not susposed to go off you drugs. If one doesnt work then they are to find one that does. someone correct me if im wrong please.

My problems is I just don't like taking them at all. I would love to find a way to function "normally" in the world and my job and all and not depend on these..I still have hope I can.

I think there is so much unknown about human psychology that is an educated guess how to treat depression and other disorders. Physical ailments are treated more seriously than psychological ones. Both are important.

I agree Wildflower.. too many people (read Doctors as well as laypersons) treat the body and mind as separate things. In fact, doctors treat ORGAN SYSTEMS separate from the REST OF THE BODY! I hate to break it to them, but the body and mind all work together as a cohesive whole.. if one suffers.. so does the other.

Example:

Depression (mental based): weight loss, nausea, insomnia, somnolence (physical reactions)

Bleeding Ulcers (body based): anxiety, depression, fear, helplessness, hopelessness (emotional reactions)

You can't separate one from the other, yet we try all the time.

BTW, to provide a bit of perspective: ALL LIFE IS CHEMICAL. The way you see, walk, feel, taste, make love, give birth, ALL things are actions and REactions to chemicals. So, medications actually ALWAYS treat emotional issues by altering the way chemicals in our body function.

(In the case of antidepressants, they slow down how fast the neurotransmitters (such as seratonin) is removed from the synapse after being released.. altering how we feel by allowing the "good feeling" chemicals hang around longer before being reabsorbed by the body for later use.)

Well, as I have seen from my own experience in the clinic, people believe that by only taking their medication, the whole thing is going to go away. This is not true.
Depression makes you perceive the world from a different, sadder perspective. If you have suffered this problem for a long time, medication may help, but it MUST go along with psicotherapy.
For expample, let´s say, my mom dies. I get REALLY sad (of course). So, I start taking antidepressants which make me feel better and take away the sadness. Problem is that when I stop taking my med, the sadness will appear again because i didn´t "work" with my trauma. Unless i face the fact that my mother is dead the depression and the duel will never leave.
So, medications are an excellent support to mental health. But it´s not the only thing necessary to cure the pain.

I don't know what kind of doctors you all have, but my doctor was very careful to explain that if you stop your meds all at once, cold turkey, you are apt to have withdrawals. The only time I suffered (getting off slowly, too) was with Risperdal. I had awful withdrawals from that. But I was well educated and well read enough to know that any medicine is apt to cause problems, especially if you quit it all at once, so I expected it and didn't blame the drug. And to say you're going to avoid drugs in the future because one made you sick is as silly as quitting eating because a cucumber gave you gas. No one has to take medication if they don't want to, but they had better be prepared to live with the consequences, and without whining, hopefully.

Catty

ooooo catty-living up to your name.
Nobody SAID I was whining-but if you read things just a little more CLOSELY you will see that I had said this was a LESSON LEARNED. Thats very great for you that you have such a kind doctor. Not many people do. BUT-do remmeber I said I was 23 years old. I am learning a very hard lesson about trusting doctors. Do recall-the advise that I gave was to check out withdraw symptoms before taking antidepressants. Silly nieve me thought my doctor would've helped me out with knowing this stuff. What a hard lesson to learn that you can really only depend on yourself.
And about those consequnces you were talking about-why would I have EVER thought there would BE any taking a drug thats (supposed)to HELP????
I would choose your words a little better next time. Whinning IS NOT what people that are going to medication withdraws are doing. Reaching out-maybe.
Look-it's not like I was taking pain medications or something that is ABUSED by some people-it was ANTI-DEPRESSANTS.