JennyW

[JennyW]

Hi I'm a 53 yo mother of three and have been on Aropax (paroxetine) for over 16 years. Have mostly felt good as I was first placed in it to treat anxiety and I am much less anxious now - the monkey chatter went away. The last ten years I have become intolerant to lots of foods, suffered with excessive sweating and for the last six months small fibre neuropathy which mainly effects my feet but is travelling up my legs. No other cause has been identified for this condition and my doctor thinks it may be from the long term use of paroxetine. I have also gained a lot of weight and exercise programs and dieting have not made any difference- I feel old and fat whereas I was always slim and healthy. I need to get off this horrible drug before I develop any other side effects as I refuse to take other drugs to counter the effects of this one. I would like to know if anyone else has these side effects and whether they improved once off the drug.

[Shep]

Hi, Jenny.

 

Welcome to Surviving Antidepressants.

 

Yes, a lot of people report the type of symptoms and side effects you are listing. I'm glad your doctor is aware of the problems these drugs cause, as many doctors are not. 

 

Some information about tapering paroxetine: 

 

Tips for tapering off Paxil (paroxetine)

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Micro-taper instead of 10% or 5% decreases

 

The Brassmonkey Slide Method of Micro-tapering

 

Some information about withdrawal:

 

How psychiatric drugs remodel your brain

 

Healing from antidepressants. Patterns of recovery video (4 minutes)

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

 

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Please continue to use this thread to document your taper and to ask questions. 

[Nelly]

On 4/15/2019 at 7:37 AM, JennyW said:

Hi I'm a 53 yo mother of three and have been on Aropax (paroxetine) for over 16 years. Have mostly felt good as I was first placed in it to treat anxiety and I am much less anxious now - the monkey chatter went away. The last ten years I have become intolerant to lots of foods, suffered with excessive sweating and for the last six months small fibre neuropathy which mainly effects my feet but is travelling up my legs. No other cause has been identified for this condition and my doctor thinks it may be from the long term use of paroxetine. I have also gained a lot of weight and exercise programs and dieting have not made any difference- I feel old and fat whereas I was always slim and healthy. I need to get off this horrible drug before I develop any other side effects as I refuse to take other drugs to counter the effects of this one. I would like to know if anyone else has these side effects and whether they improved once off the drug.

Hello I am 55. 

i have recently been diagnosed with Neuropathy. Symptoms are cold and numb areas on my feet and hands. 

No history of this in the family. The podiatrist said it could be an effect from venlafaxine.meds. I am at the moment tapering off this meds. 

Goid luck with your progress. This website really is the best for advise and guidance. X

[Gracee]

Hi JennyW.  Welcome to SA.   You will find lots of help here from very smart and experienced mods as well as SA members.   Posting your drug history in your signature will get you on your way.   Feel free to ask questions.

G.