Antidepressant withdrawal while taking them?

MorganJane:

Just read this and I have had a similar situation with Paxil. Was utilizing 12.5 CR for 17 years successfully. Then, following a surgery I had intense panic and anxiety. It was almost like I went off of the Paxil all at once. That has been a year ago, and I have tried other medications through a psychiatrist, but nothing seems to lift this depression and anxiety. The first try was to up the Paxil CR dose and that failed. It almost seems like we get one shot with SSRI medications. It is almost like the first medication makes you treatment resistant in the future. I am weaning off the Paxil now which is causing increased depression. The anxiety is sort of constant especially in the mornings. Since weaning, my Doctor has me trying one more SSRI, Celexa , to try to break this cycle and lower the depression. And before everyone piles on, I have tried all the alternative methods; TMS, brain retraining, acupuncture, detox, neurofeedback, mindfulness.

Did not get brain zaps; maybe the Paxil was not really working anymore. I have found through research that Paxil use inhibits one of the key metabolizing enzymes used in a lot of phych meds. This is the reason I am trying Celexa because it uses a different primary enzyme. Also did the Gene site test.

Hope you have found some relief.

Just praying that I get some relief from The Celexa. Zoloft and Pristiq did not yield results.

I have not had any good results with antidepressants in many years, only once when I was given Paxil for anxiety and it helped a lot, I felt like a new person rather quickly but after six months I couldn’t cope with them anymore, they just stopped working and I felt worse. I tried numerous brands that had no effect and other brands that caused bad side effects. They found a brand that I use regularly at a very low dose and it helps a little, many people have difficulty with antidepressants.

Which brand is working for you now?

I’m taking Amitriptyline 20 mg. daily, it’s an older antidepressant, it helps a little but if I increase my dose I get symptoms. It’s really frustrating to have this problem because I need something to help me with anxiety and depression, I also take Ativan to help with anxiety.

I’m taking Amitriptyline 20 mg. daily, it’s an older antidepressant, it helps a little but if I increase my dose I get symptoms. It’s really frustrating to have this problem because I need something to help me with anxiety and depression, I also take Ativan to help with anxiety.

It’s all so scary - i used Lexapro twice 10 years ago, and then again 5 years ago, and it worked perfectly. I needed it again, even doubled the dose, but barely working now. I tried Zoloft and it drove me crazy , my body was shaking constantly. I also take Ativan, .5 mg. But not working as well as it used to either. I’m afraid to keep trying new meds.

I’m sorry that you’re having such a rough time with this, it’s not uncommon to go through difficulties finding a medication but in your experience and also mine, we have limited access to resources so we pretty much have to do our own research, I’m still not in a good place and it worries me especially when my physical health is not good, I’m struggling to keep weight on because my mental health robs me of things like appetite and sleep and this just adds to the stress. I sincerely hope that you will find help for yourself, try not to get discouraged and keep reaching for new ideas, it’s about all we have so we have to keep trying, also if you can find a homeopath in your area, they have different options for you and it’s often very helpful.