Getting Off Paroxetine, Onto Sertraline
UpdatedI have used Paroxetine for more than ten years, having used another SRi for several years. Paroxetine was certainly better than the first drug prescribed (Citalopram, I think it was), but I have come off Paroxetine altogether in the last month and discovered some serious issues.
I was taking 20 mg per day from the start.
I read recently that Paroxetine might relate to Dementia so asked about alternatives. I was prescribed Sertraline.
I stepped-down from 20 to 15 mg per day without a problem.
After one week I went down to 10 mg per day for a further week, again without problem. I noticed I was able to think more clearly and my recall improved substantially.
I then went to 10 mg every other day. Within three days I noticed a return of anxiety, panic and insomnia. I was even crying about my situation.
I was given sleeping pills - this helped immensely.
After four days (taking 10 mg every other day) I decided I had to make the leap - I went four days without Paroxetine before starting Sertraline at 50 mg per day.
On day two I was slightly anxious now and then, and felt panic not far away, but from day four anxiety, panic and insomnia were all gone!
I find my stomach is a little sensitive but that's improving. I feel SO MUCH clearer in my head. I had not noticed that my sense of humour was diminished - it's back now.
I drank alcohol when taking Paroxetine (I had always been a drinker but I became somewhat dependant - I drank about 6 units most days, with a very few days off.) The day I took the last Paroxetine was the last time I drank - I no longer miss a drink, I don't feel I need one, there's drink in the house but I simply don't need it. (YAY!)
These two things, a clearer head and better recall, as well as being able to stop drinking, have made the withdrawal worthwhile.
I’m also getting into ‘The Happiness Trap’ – it’s brilliant, it’s like it was written for everyone on an SSRi. Google it and you might find some peace. Good luck – you are not alone, and you will get to a kinder place.
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