The Ugly Truth Paxil Withdrawal Is Real

The continuation of my antidepressant experience. In the last post, I shared my opinion that antidepressant medications are over-prescribed and overused. I believe that they are also understudied. I began to withdrawal from Paxil four long weeks ago. I knew that I intended to request a change in medication to stop taking Paxil. Aware of the physical consequences, as I tried a few years ago to ween myself from the medication, I knew it was a possibility that my new doctor would probably wish to introduce a different antidepressant medication. ( still I am not depressed but have anxiety and as most, I have stress.) I met with my new doctor. I requested the discontinuance of the medication only to learn that my doctor is very against the use of Paxil and intended to change medications anyway. I was Informed that the doctor felt it is a nasty medication. I learned it was probably the culprit of a 47 pound weight gain without change in diet or activity, strong side affects including changes in sexual health , fatigue and mood swings to name a few. I was asked to discontinue the use of Paxil. If I wanted, I could take half a dose of Paxil with half a dose of the new medicine for one week then discontinue Paxil entirely. In the last four weeks, I followed the doctors suggestions. I've experienced a great deal of discomfort. I've read that the basic unanimous belief amongst the United State government "FDA" and the medical community at large is: THERE ARE NO WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS FROM THE DISCONTINUATION OF PAXIL Yes, there you have it, no withdrawal symptoms only the possible underlying problem resurfacing. I read that many people have searched for answers about how to comfortably, safely and with minimal symptoms stop taking Paxil. I also read from a source that I do not recall that " Paxil withdrawal is second only to heroin" ( unknown source) I have experienced the withdrawal symptoms from Paxil. I'vei experienced: .The feeling that my head is heavy and feels like it will literally fall off. I'm guessing this is virtigo? ?? .Dizziness .Nausea .Stomach Pain .Blurred Vision .Mood Swing and feeling over-emotional .Headache .Thirst and dry mouth .Flu symptoms including aches and pains. .Weakness .Overall Feelings of being sick .Irritation I've had a headache that lasted for 13 days. 13 days. Since, I've had off and on headache. I've taken OTC Tylenol, prescription ibuprofen and even Benadryl. Yet, the headache remained. It has been horrible. I have also had stomach bloating, fullness and fatigue. I realize that I have also been dealing with the new symptoms of the new medication during the last two weeks but the first two weeks of withdrawal were so terrible. I honestly don't understand how the FDA and doctors think there are not symptoms associated with Paxil withdrawal. Paxil withdrawal is real. It will eventually get better. * Please note : I highly recommend seeking the assistance of a doctor when discontinuing the use of any medication. I am NOT a doctor. I've shared ONLY my own personal experience and opinion. Do not use this information in replace of real medical evaluation, consultation and care.

The Ugly Truth Antidepressant Overuse

The ugly truth: Withdrawal from the antidepressant Paxil is real! There is a stigma on the phrase: mental health. The mere mention of mental health often is frightening to many people. The thought of seeing a mental health professional or a diagnosis of a mental health condition produces fear, prejudice and gossip to name a few. In the climate of current soc views, a few mental health conditions are considered to be common and acceptable.For instance, depression is a common ailment that most find to be common and acceptable. However less sociability acceptable illnesses such as schizophrenia, tend to be unacceptable. The common thread amongst minor and major mental health illnesses is the over prescribing of antidepressant medications. Be it depression or a fleating circumstance, physicians are throwing a bandaid over small and large problems alike. The use of antidepressant medications is widely overused. I'm a patient that a physician bandaged up with an antidepressant. I clearly was not depressed as the class of medication would suggest In years past, a doctor may have prescribed stress reduction,exercise or a variety of similar simple suggestions. Instead, the common practice of prescribing an antidepressant was the answer. I was under an incredible amount of stress and pressure: a widow and single parent, stressful job, in the middle of adopting two children,three and a half hours a day spent in the car just to commute to work and school, running a home, an ill child and city life all equaled big stress. I began to have a struggle dealing with the stress. I had a few panic attacks and found myself admitted to the hospital for testing and observation. Immediately, my doctor assured me that the temporary use of an antidepressant would calm the anxiety and all would be well. Fast forward five years and two doctors later and I'm still stuck with an antidepressant that I don't want. doctor actually refused to take me off of the medication. Long story short, I finally found a doctor that will. Although, I do not wish to take any antidepressant medication, at least the new doctor has agreed T to discontinue the Paxil and replace it with a " less harsh" medication. For now, it's a start. I certainly don't want to have an anxiety problem aka mental health condition. So, the withdrawal of the Paxil began approximately four weeks ago. I read a great deal on withdrawal and