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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Paxil; Abrupt Stop and VERY vivid dreams last night
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
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Paxil; Abrupt Stop and VERY vivid dreams last night
by Joe, Dec 28, 1999 12:00AM
First, excuse the length of this post... I'll *try* to be brief.
I am 33, have been seriously depressed for quite some time, with suicidal ideology and taking 30mg of Paxil daily. I've been in therapy but not now and know I need to go back. Enough background?
Anyways, because of the Christmas holidays (pharmacy being closed), bad timing, laziness, etc, etc, I ran out of my Paxil prescription 2 days ago.
Last night, I had the most vivid dreams I can ever remember. It was like "my life flashing before my eyes" and while a bit scary also kinda wonderful. I relived MANY of my early childhood experiences with details down to the clothing I was wearing, friends I was with, etc, etc.
Now, I have stopped my prescription for days at a time previously, although at those times, I was taking 20mg daily. (My dosage was upped recently due to revisited suicidal thoughts.) I realize that, with my suicidal ideology, missing a couple days dosage isn't the wisest thing.... but this didn't happen when I was at 20mg.
However, my question is with my dreams last night. Is this normal considering the circumstances? Why did this happen at 30mg but not 20mg? Are the vividness of the dreams shortlived or will they continue until I am back on my meds (assume a day or two)? Any other side effects I can expect?
Your promptness is greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
I am 33, have been seriously depressed for quite some time, with suicidal ideology and taking 30mg of Paxil daily. I've been in therapy but not now and know I need to go back. Enough background?
Anyways, because of the Christmas holidays (pharmacy being closed), bad timing, laziness, etc, etc, I ran out of my Paxil prescription 2 days ago.
Last night, I had the most vivid dreams I can ever remember. It was like "my life flashing before my eyes" and while a bit scary also kinda wonderful. I relived MANY of my early childhood experiences with details down to the clothing I was wearing, friends I was with, etc, etc.
Now, I have stopped my prescription for days at a time previously, although at those times, I was taking 20mg daily. (My dosage was upped recently due to revisited suicidal thoughts.) I realize that, with my suicidal ideology, missing a couple days dosage isn't the wisest thing.... but this didn't happen when I was at 20mg.
However, my question is with my dreams last night. Is this normal considering the circumstances? Why did this happen at 30mg but not 20mg? Are the vividness of the dreams shortlived or will they continue until I am back on my meds (assume a day or two)? Any other side effects I can expect?
Your promptness is greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS.MD-AJ, Dec 29, 1999 12:00AM
Joe,
The abrupt discontinuation of Paxil may be associated with vivid dreams, which would usually resolve within days of resuming the medication. This phenomenon is more likely with higher doses, in your case, 30mg compared with 20 mg. I urge you to maintain compliance with your medication, resume psychotherapy, and to discuss your concerns further with your treating physician/psychiatrist.
The abrupt discontinuation of Paxil may be associated with vivid dreams, which would usually resolve within days of resuming the medication. This phenomenon is more likely with higher doses, in your case, 30mg compared with 20 mg. I urge you to maintain compliance with your medication, resume psychotherapy, and to discuss your concerns further with your treating physician/psychiatrist.
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Abrupt discontinuation of Paxil may also be associated with symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, shakiness, and insomnia, to name a few. These symptoms tend to be self-limiting, and usually resolve within 1-3 weeks without treatment, and earlier if Paxil is resumed.
Thanks again.
WITH EVERY BEST WISH.....
PETE