I have successfully weaned myself off of Paxil. It took me around 2 months to get the job done and it was a struggle. I still have some of the side effects of withdrawal but each day they diminish. I went on Paxil 1 year ago when I was having trouble with OCD that got completely out of control when I was having some issues with depression.
Why did I feel it was time go off the drug? I was tired of the side effects of being on Paxil, namely being sleepy no matter how much sleep I got at night and the weight gain. It took me about 4 months to make the decision to wean off of Paxil as I wanted to make sure that the depression did not return. I also discussed this possibility with my doctor.
Anti-depressants have their place and for me Paxil got me through a very tough spot last year. Now I have a lot of activities going on in my life that keep me happily busy and I get out of the house more than I used to.
If you're taking an anti-depressant and want to go off, do not do this until you talk with your doctor and get his/her input. My doctor asked me a lot of questions and started a dialogue with me to make sure I wasn't one of those "I feel better now, so I'm going to quit taking my medication." In my case, he agreed that if I was ready, then I could start to wean myself off. However, he also talked with me about what I would feel in the way of side effects and that if the symptoms of OCD or depression started to return, I was to call him immediately.
Life is good.
3 comments:
I hope you continue to feel well! But remember if you ever feel you need to go back on there is nothing wrong with that either
That's wonderful, Martha!! :) Good for you!
I also suffer from depression and OCD. I recently started seeing a new family practicioner who also practices natural medicine. She advised me to start taking Ashwaganda supplements and I am weaning off of cymbalta. She also tested my vitamin levels and found I am deficient in Vitamin D, magnesium, and iron. I will let you know how I feel. She said it can take two months to get the results. I'm glad you are feeling better.
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