Posted by SLS on May 31, 2005, at 17:21:34
In reply to W/drawal or depression? » 4WD, posted by katia on May 31, 2005, at 14:55:15
Hi.
> I went off of Paxil about two months ago and I have not been the same since. I live in fear with anxiety like you. How long do the w/drawals last? Or is this just depression? How can you tell? I'm considering going on another AD b/c of this anxiety, guilt, dread, fear, negative thinking. I'm considering Cymbalta, but do not want to go thru' another terrible w/drawal like I've experienced on Paxil, Zoloft, and Effexor.
You might very well be suffering a relapse of depression with anxiety that is not a manifestation of a withdrawal syndrome. Your description of your present condition included the terms "guilt" and "negative thinking". The feelings of guilt in particular might differentiate withdrawal from depression.
How long was it after you discontinued medication that the depression symptoms emerged?
If you want to choose a drug that isn't so hard to discontinue, opt for a tricyclic. If you want to stay with an SRI, choose Prozac. If you had tremendous success with a particular drug, use that. Cymbalta might not be any easier to discontinue than any other drug. At some point, you have to choose what works and worry about discontinuation if and when the time comes. I would love to respond to Paxil or Effexor. I would not think to place more importance on discontinuation than on remission.
How many times have you been on and off antidepressants? If more than once, why do you feel it is so important to discontinue an antidepressant after achieving remission? Very simply, your brain might need indefinite medication in order to compensate for the chronic dysregulation that produces depression and anxiety. The reason you can continue to remain free of depression while taking the drugs is because the drugs continue to prevent relapse.
I wouldn't wait more than another month before restarting an antidepressant if by that time things have continued to deteriorate. Pay attention to the trend that your conditions displays.
It seems that the discontinuation of these medications can be accomplished with a much reduced withdrawal syndrome when they are tapered properly. There are several methods to do this. They have been described on this bulletin board frequently. Please take the time to review the threads. You might find a method that appeals to you. Abrupt discontinuation and going "cold-turkey" is not an option. It is the worst thing you can do to your nervous system. Doing so often leads to the continuation of withdrawal effects long after the drug is stopped. It is not necessary to suffer.
My advice to you is to first determine a trend in your symptomology. If depressive symptoms worsen, you should choose a drug that works best for you that has the least side effects and worry about withdrawal later.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:501604
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050519/msgs/505924.html