Paxil taper or perimenopause?

[thomgirl1970]

Hi,

I'm a 41 yo female and was on 20 mg Paxil for at least 2 yrs.  It did the trick, but I didn't like that it took away my interest in the bedroom scene, and I started seeing a psychiatrist Jan 2012 to start the taper process.  We are doing: 10 mg x 14 days, 5 mg x 10 days, (liquid)- 2.5 mg x 10 days, 2 mg x 10 days, 1.5 mg x 10 days, then stop.  I don't remember how long I've been on the 10 mg, but just before I switched, I had a hot flash out of nowhere.  On the 5 mg for 10th day, and for the last week or two, have had cold sweats once in a while with today lasting a few hours of being totally sweaty and freezing.    Then I have the 2 missed periods and breast tenderness.  OB says its the Paxil, that I'm too young for Peri.  Psych says it's Peri.  OB Nurse says it's Paxil.  Fam Dr. Thinks it's Peri but is doing his 3rd round of hormone testing this week to see what the hell is going on.  *I* wanna know what the hell is going on! :>)  Is it both at work here?  Input would be awesome!  -and guys, I didn't mean to embarrass you.
THanks!    Karri

[remar]

Yes, you could very well have two things going on at the same time. What did your other 2 hormone tests say?

[thomgirl1970]

Thanks.  Yes, I do agree that it's the Paxil causing the sweats.  Last night I couldn't keep a normal temp and this morning in bed I felt like I wanted to crawl out of my skin.  Definitely Paxil withdrawal.  But that doesn't address the female issues, so I guess I have two things going on? This is weird.

[remar]

No, you are not too young to be starting menopause. I know many people that have started in their 30's. Your Dr should check your hormone levels again to see if that's what's going on.I'm glad to hear he's doing that.  Yes, it could be some withdrawal from the Paxil. I went through a little bit of hot flashes when I weaning off it and I'm long past menopause.