Help to wean off Paxil/Senior Antidepressants

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!

Thank you Carolyn!
Yes, everything I have heard re: d/cing a mental health medication is never to stop suddenly...all kinds of physical problems can arise. Weaning is the way to go...and you are quite right. I have also found that everyone's body metabolizes these medications differently.
Thanks again for your good thoughts 🙂

You are welcome. I am at an age when I forget stuff. I often forget that my metabolism is sensitive and as a result, I must pay very close attention to my body, my body's reaction to medications, side effects, and symptoms. When I fail to pay attention to the things mentioned previously, I find that what is happening becomes this mystery that neither I nor my primary physician could ever have had our Aha moment. Such has been the case for my having taken, among other medications for other chronic illnesses Welbutrin XL and the dosage increased from 150 to 300, added to 10mg of Lexapro. Only recently through confirmation by someone here and the kind of passing diagnosis by another physician for diabetes did she say my symptoms sounded like a seizure. Symptoms I had been having for well over a year became worse with the increase and inclusion of Lexapro being added I realize that there are many kinds of seizures and not just the one we associate with Epilepsy. It was the only one as a very young child I remember once seeing. In any case, it has made me not only discontinue through weening off medications dealing with my mental illness but made me reach out to a medication management specialist with the information regarding the medications already taken for my mental illnesses, the side effects and that being that I am sensitive hoping that something can be prescribed that I can tolerate without feeling as if the cure is worse or equal to the ailment. I believe we can no longer be passive with our advocacy for help, especially when it deals with our mental health and how we show up for ourselves and if necessary the world at large. Warm wishes to you.

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.

You hit the nail on the head. I too always felt ignored growing up. I was a latch key kid left on my own.
Long story, never mistreated but always felt alone. It affected me as I got older and made me angry and depressed. Can't seem to get under 20 of paxil. I have tried a few times

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 truly understand. I knew my family household was "not right" when I was under the age of 5 but being just a small child could never put my finger on "it". When I got into my 50s clarity began. And continues now that I am 68...like you, I think back to lots of stuff and knew how "wrong" it was...my immediate family all passed now. I always hoped to speak to my only sibling about it but he became developed cancer right after my mother died and was in no condition to talk. So he left me...without the 2 of us ever exploring what we experienced.
But here's the thing. My mother could only "give" what she was given and lost her mother at age 9. She and her sister raised by an alcoholic father until she left the home at age 17 to live with her then married sister who was only 19. Dysfunctionalism literally handed down through the generations. So I received what she received - nothing in terms of emotional love.
Ironically I did not repeat the pattern with my only now adult son. At least I hope so! He tells me no 🙂 If you can not forgive - as I sometimes can not - try to "understand" your parents.
Try to live in the moment. Don't "go back". Buddhism philosophy truly helped me (I am not a Buddhist) and I read several such books. There is no question my mental health disorders started in childhood. Someone told me the most important person in the world to love is YOURSELF. All love begins there and extends outward...a win-win situation. Make a list of self-soothing behaviors for yourself - i.e. meditation, yoga, a gratitude journal, inspiration readings, walks, spa treatments, music, hobbies, nature (I am now into birds 🙂 social activities YOU enjoy - whatever works for YOU. Is this all easy? Of course not but it is doable! You must try to remember THIS MOMENT is the only time we have now. We are members of the walking wounded club and the membership is strong! Being in the past is debilitating. You know this and is only taking away from your life NOW. Sounds like you have a wonderful husband. My husband is too - and he have a truly wonderful childhood. He doesn't "get it" either. So I understand for sure. Believe me, we are not alone. Our parents did what they did...I believe suffering emotionally themselves but the times were different then. Who went into therapy then? Who saw a psychiatrist back in "those days? No one. And we ended us suffering terribly.
Understand your parents. They were "lacking" in so so much. As they "lacked" within themselves and sadly their children paid the price. There is hope no matter how old you are!
You can STILL live a good life! You are alive right now, right? So there is time!
Life is precious...try try try to not waste another moment on the past.
Give yourself a MAJOR break. You deserve nothing less and all the Very Best!