Paxil withdrawal

[Cathy]

I am withdrawing from Paxil and starting St. Johnswort.  The withdrawal has been hellish -- headaches, dizziness, and I am an emotional basketcase.  The herb has not yet kicked in.  You seem to recommend consulting a physician to get on another prescription drug while or after withdrawing from Paxil.  But I am interested in getting off all prescription drugs and trying St. Johnswort.  I guess my questions are:  How long is the hell of withdrawal going to last?  My last Paxil was 5 days ago.  And:  What is your opinion on the ability of St. Johnswort to handle depression?

[Frank]

How long to withdraw? Longer than you can stand the quite impressive depression that's a part of it - if you're anything like me. I'm withdrawing from oxycontin (see posts below). I'm taking desyrel which not only helps me taper off (not withdraw everything all at once) the oxycontin, but it helps very much in getting a good night's sleep.

I was trying the St. John's approach, but the intensity of the suicidal urge was too much for me, so desyrel it is. There's also a supplement called SAM-e you might want to look into. Take care if you do to evaluate the danger of the serotonin cascade.

If you stopped the paxil all at once, as opposed to tapering off, I think you're asking for trouble.

Best to you,

Frank