About 6 weeks ago I went from 20mg of Paxil to 10mg. I was fine until about a week ago I got increased anxiety and my mind kept thinking weird thoughts and images. Now I just feel sad all the time and my appetite is almost nonexistent. Could this be from going down? Would it take 6 weeks to effect me? Will going back up to 20 help?
Can going from 20mg of Paxil to 10mg cause increased anxiety?
Question posted by missblair140 on 18 Dec 2013
Last updated on 19 December 2013 by Anonymous
4 Answers
Inactive
19 Dec 2013
Did your doc bring you down from 20 to 10? If not that a mistake... You will feel bad when u decrease your own meds if the doc is not trying to cut you down, he/she will put you on something else so that you want feel bad. I would go back to 20 and stay there until the doc take you off the med. Also you should talk with your doc about what you did... I thing that would be best if you want to decrease your meds. Best regards. Bamboos,
amydogs
18 Dec 2013
Yes definitely, Paxil is one of the stronger medications because it not only treats depression but anxiety and panic. I know some people take it for other psychological areas as well. If you want to go off of Paxil you will need to stay the course and let it fully detox from your body. There are many alternative natural things you can supplement with to help you through this and even stay on for support. If you just wanted to see if a lower dose was okay then this may show your body responds better to the 20mg and or is already just used to that level. Even when the doctors say its all out of your system many say "nope I'm still having withdrawal symptoms" everyone is unique. The biggest side affect I felt was anxiety and vertigo. Do you know a Naturopath or Herbalist in your area? Many natural forms of medicine are just as strong or stronger than pharmaceuticals and won't harm your body in any way.
If you need however I don't want too add meds but sometimes Zanax is great for helping the anxiety while going off depression meds. Stay strong, your right were you are supposed to be at this moment. I really live the saying this to shall pass.
amydogs
19 Dec 2013
I'm so sorry I didn't see all of your first post. Weight gain on Paxil is generally the main complaint a few months on it. Yet its so much better than waking up to another day with debilitating depression and anxiety. It works very well so I was just very careful after I gained 40 pounds. I didn't care at the time because I actually had an appetite. Yet even if you are really careful with your diet you may still gain weight. Have you asked your doctor about Lexapro? Its an option for Paxil. However if you feel you'll only be on depression meds a short time find the one that makes you happy. If your on the meds for the long hall you don't want to switch around unless the one your taking just doesn't work at all. It could take 10 years or 4 but your body at some point will not respond to the medicine as it once did. So at that point if your still needing depression medication you'll need to switch to another. Good luck to you, I am available if you have any questions. Blessings Amy
PeggyAn
18 Dec 2013
Normally I would say a slight reduction in Paxil would not cause increased anxiety. In this case, however, 10 mg. is not a therapeutic dose and your symptoms could indeed come back. I am surprised that the Klonapin didn't help you at night even at the low dose. Since it is a controlled substance you are probably better off without it.
kaismama
18 Dec 2013
Yes, but it will take a bit of time. Why did you decrease it? These pills don't cure, they take care of symptoms and when we decrease or stop them the symptoms come back. You felt good because you were on the med.
missblair140
18 Dec 2013
I talked to the doctor about my weight gain caused by the pill, and he said I could go down to 10 mg. He gave me some klonopin to help me sleep at night just in case, but unfortunately that did nothing for me (which is odd). I later looked and realized it was only a .5mg pill, though, so that's probably why.
Inactive
18 Dec 2013
Yes going down will do that and your system has grown to adapt to the 20 mg so decreasing it will have that affect.
kaismama
18 Dec 2013
Long ago I decided that weight gain or not, I was not risking going back to depression. Its the worst feeling I've ever had, and never want to experience it again. You would probably do better cutting to 15 and not 10 for a bit.
Related topics
paxil, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety and stress
Further information
- Paxil uses and safety info
- Paxil prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Paxil (detailed)
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