How to wean my hubby off of paxil to something natural for his anxiety???

Hi!  

My husband is almost 34 and has been on paxil since he was around 26.  He has severe anxiety and had trouble even on paxil with his mind getting too "wound up."  Over the weekend, he realized he was out of paxil and had to wait a day to get more.  He immediately started to go through withdrawal.  I have seen this happen to him before, and HATE seeing how quickly this affects him.  I would love to get some advice of how to wean him off to something natural that wouldn't have him so incredibly addicted.  I also have heard that paxil is bad on your liver and possible birth defects!  The trouble with even thinking of doing this is... he is a sales manager in an already stressful environment.  He does not want to try to do this when it would negatively impact his work.  Is there a way to take something to supplement the paxil, while at the same time weaning off the dosage of the paxil?  Also, is it unrealistic to hope that something natural can keep his anxiety at bay as well as paxil can?  He exercises a ton, so that can't be increased much more.

PLEASE HELP!!!!

[cj29]

If the Paxil works, why would you want to get him off of it?  SSRIs like Paxil do have costs vs. benefits, but if the benefits outweigh the costs, then why not stay on it?  Does he want to get off of it?  What does his doctor say?

I initially had a hard time even considering taking a medication like Paxil because of all the horror stories that I had heard, but in reality they are very safe, effective and have been used by millions. There have been even studies done that they might have some long term benefits now as well.   Many medications can affect peoples liver to include statins, bp meds, etc, but for me the question is, would I be better off on it than off of it?

There are many people that do go the natural route or don't take anything at all and I do not think that there really is a correct way to go about it.  I am a proponent of medications like Paxil, however, they do not cure you of anything, but in my experience are a very good tool to have while you go through counseling.

I think the long term knowledge gained through therapy is the most crucial step in dealing with the anxiety.  I have chosen to come off of SSRIs and go back on them, so if he, you and his doctor think that it is advisable that is a choice that you can make together.  I applaud you for being proactive in this....I find it really helps when family plays a role in helping their loved ones.

If he decides to come off of Paxil, remember to do it slowly and under the direction of your doctor.  Since he has been on it for awhile, it will probably be a slow taper.  I had withdrawals but managed them by coming of it extremely slowly when I thought my taper was too fast.  I went back to my doctor and discussed with him, and he put me on a slower taper and it helped tremendously.  

Whatever path you take, just keep an open mind about it and consider all options.  I don't have that much advice for nataural remedies but there are many people here that do.  I find keeping caffeine to a minimum and regular exercise helps me...just like your husband, I do a lot of cardio and it helps my mood tremendously.  Keep us posted!

[lilymoon]

I think its unlikely something natural can help like paxil does even more so as you say even with the paxil he still has trouble.If he wants to try something else maybe he could do so while off from work,like on holiday?lily