I weaned off of Lexapro recently of 10mg. Some medications, particularly those for depression or mental illness in general seem to have to be weaned off instead of stopping altogether. I have only found one that can be stopped immediately without being weaned off and that one may just be unique to my metabolism. I began weaning off Lexapro by taking only half a tablet, which was 5mg. After about a week or so, depending on individual symptoms felt, one can successfully completely wean by no longer taking it at all. (This was how I weaned off Lexapro of 10mg). This is not set in stone and may depend on how the individual weaning process is having an effect and worth keeping up and writing down the individual symptoms and side effects to be able to tell your physician. Weaning may be much safer than simply discontinuing to take it immediately and completely, in my opinion. The individual side effects of discontinuing and simply not taking it might prove to be worse.

Paxil is extremely hard to wean off of. You have been on a low dose for only 8 weeks, I think you’ll be fine with a short taper.

Hi sears,

Thanks so much for encouraging news 🙂 appreciated!

Beautifully said Carolyn and I couldn't agree more. It has crossed my mind that perhaps a new antidepressant for me is actually NOT the answer for me. And this is despite a truly awful panic d/o and PTSD of long standing from childhood (I am now 68). I have read lots on PTSD...and discovered that persistent, chronic childhood trauma(s) are extremely difficult to overcome. In my case it was continuous emotional neglect throughout my formative years. And this affected ever single adult decision I made in my life, continuing my trauma marrying an abusive man. The very abnormal becomes normal. Until you truly see what is in front of you. But the mind & body pay an horrific long life price.
And you are so right...seizures are not simply epilepsy in nature. So glad you became aware of this & a medication management specialist sounds like you are more than advocating for yourself.
I wish you all the best as well.

Yes, neri47, childhood trauma(s) whatever they may be - affect brain chemistry, structure and development.
Life long. And sooner or later the mind and body pay the price. I have for 68 years!
Remember loving kindness towards yourself always. You suffered enough and deserve it!
And don't despair. In time, you very well might be able to gradually, slowly reduce your Paxil dose if you wish.
Loneliness is truly awful and affects the heart. I more than understand as I suffer today quite often from it.
Give yourself a major break and be kind to yourself!
My very best wishes to you!

Well I am 76 and its strange to me that I did not start to have major issues with my childhood till I was about 60 years old. I could not speak to my father about it as he passed in 2001. I do not blame my parents, as they were
Parenting the way their parents did. It does not explain to me how they were oblivious of my needs. Sigh.......
I think of it on a daily basis , all through the day if I am not busy doing something. It can be debilitating.
PS I have a problem being kind to myself, but my 3rd
Husband is so kind and loving and trying to make up for
Something he does not understand.
I hope you and I will/can get these awful memories
Of being invisible without drugs
😘

I am taking 25 mg of Paxtil and still very depressed . What should I do . My panic attacks have increased and I have insomnia for 5 mnths and take trazadone 50 mg for 5 mnths and Lexapro 1mg and venaflaxin 300 mg . Please help and advise
I am staying with my sister and want to have one good week even on these medications and recently started having brain fog . I have been a patient of depression for 25 years and bounced back in 3 mnths . I have good and bad days . I am doing physiology and alternate treatments like acupuncture. For 3 days only . Nothing is working I am on wits end . Please help . I don’t want to be a burden on my sister

You’re taking 4 antidepressants?

Thank you kindly Jennifer for thinking of me. Yes, childhood traumas never really leave you...and affects everything in life - so matter what it is or who it is.
I will certainly check out the book you are recommending. I just finished "The Body Keeps the Score"...written by a psychiatrist whose name escapes me right now. It reads like a textbook in many ways so you can only read a bit at a time. So interesting to see how "trauma" actually re-wires and changes the brain. BUT with the right treatments CAN be helped. Thanks so much again, I appreciate it and will check out your book. 🙂

Wow! That's interesting! I felt terrible on it - gave it 8 weeks and then was done.
However my psychiatric NP never told me about the horrible withdrawal I could potentially have.
Disappointing. Your new doctor sounds on point. Good for you!
I am now with a new provider and on Zoloft 50 mg. for PTSD and severe anxiety. I went up slowly, starting at 25 mg. then 37.5 mg. now at 50 mg. I feel much better on this vs. Paxil but wondering if I should even be at a higher dose. It "seems" that Zoloft is the drug of choice for "seniors"...I am sensitive to medications and never had a side effect from it. No weight gain either although I am in the process of changing my eating habits as I have weight to lose. So far 23 pounds. I will give it more time & hopefully we be fine on 50 mg. Thanks for your info 🙂