Daisey765: Paxil and Ativan / lorazepam - I want off

[Daisey765]

I have been on Paxil  and other anti depressants   For over 14 years . Paxil the longest which caused over 50 +pounds of weight  and fatigue . When I first got on the Paxil I was in a deep depression all I did was go to work  and back home  and sleep . No social life no interest nothing . Well after being on the  Paxil for about 6 weeks or more . I found relief from my depression I felt alive and joined the world and started enjoying my life . Now over 14 years later  here I am  over weight , chronic fatigue  , high blood pressure and on lorazepam for anxiety  all the side effects from Paxil . I  ask my doctor could I get off the Paxil because it’s not working any more only to be told that’s not a good idea that I could be given something else to take with it. Also if I don’t take the lorazepam I can’t even drive my car because of high anxieties . After doing some research I learned that anti depressants are only to be taken no longer than six months not for decades . I looked at the road back program and the supplements are too expensive and might not even work!!  Can anybody in this forum offer me any advice on how to get off these med 

 

Edited January 24, 2019 by ChessieCat
unbolded

[ChessieCat]

Hi Daisey and welcome to SA,

 

You've come to the right place and I'm assuming that you haven't yet started trying to get off your drugs.

 

SA recommends tapering by no more than 10% of the current dose followed by a hold of about 4 weeks to allow the brain to adapt to not getting as much of the drug.  Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

If we try and go too quickly we can experience withdrawal symptoms:  Dr Joseph Glenmullen's Withdrawal Symptoms

 

Before you begin tapering what you need to know

 

Tips for tapering off Paxil (paroxetine)

 

Taking multiple psych drugs? Which drug to taper first?
If you're not having an adverse reaction from the other medications, taper the most activating drug first. This is usually an antidepressant or stimulant (ADHD drug).

 

Tapering Calculator - Online

 

 

Please create your drug signature using the following format.   Keep it simple.  NO diagnoses or symptoms please - thank you.

• details for last 2 years - dates, ALL drugs, doses
• summary for older than 2 years - just years and drug/s

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

 

 

This is your own introductions topic where your can ask questions about your own situation and journal your progress.

[ChessieCat]

49 minutes ago, Daisey765 said:

I looked at the road back program and the supplements are too expensive and might not even work!!

 

The only supplements which SA recommends are Magnesium and Omega-3 Fish Oil.  Try a small amount, one at a time.  It's important to only make one change at a time:  Keep it Simple, Slow and Stable

 

truehope-the-road-back-labelmesane

 

no-recommendations-for-commercial-programs-to-assist-withdrawal

 

dont-waste-your-money-on-these-supplements

 

Not many medical professionals understand tapering and withdrawal from psychiatric drugs, which is why this site exists.  You might find these topics helpful:

 

How do you talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal?

What should I expect from my doctor about withdrawal symptoms?