Happy but so sleepy and my period is going so long(17 days) - paxil?

Hi,
the drugs i take are:
Glucophage 850mg 3*/day, glybruid(substituted for micronase) 5mg in the am and paxil 20mg with dinner.
Chief complint was that i was tired/sleepy all the time.  slept all the time during the day and had insomnia(my description) at night. dr put me on prozac for a month and no improvement(even sleepier!).  switched to paxil on Oct 5th and within a few days i started waking up somewhat and had a renewed interest in life.  not great but an improvement.  i don't feel sad only sleepy.  mostly all i can think about is when can i go back to bed?  i am upset only in the aspect that by being sleepy i can't enjoy my 3 boys and husband.  i sleep more then i can afford to.  the housework doesn't get done and I feel so guilty about it.  i think, am i just lazy or what? I am a diabetic and my weight just keeps going up and up.  i only eat about 2(big)meals a day and miss my meds 'cuz i am asleep. When i eat i feel unusually hungary.  Now something really strange has begun and i am wondering if paxil can be playing a part in it?  i am almost 45 and have had some peri-menopause symptoms like thinning skin, thining hair, memory loss, and i just started with the last 2 periods being about 9 days late.  but this last cycle is throwing me for a loop.  it started Oct 13 and was fairly light.  then on the 19th it kicked in in ernest.  i have deep red blood, some cramps and some pretty big clots.  but there just seems to be no end in sight!  the only major change has been the introduction of paxil.  is there any information that could link my neverending period to paxil?  I am thinking of stopping the drug just so see if my period will end.  Are there any side effects reported in suddenly stopping paxil?  i have see some for prozac but not paxil.  thanks for you help.
PS if i just have to stay awake for something important i drink caffiene(sp?).  Then i really have a hard time going to bed.

[HFHS MD-JM]

Susan,

     Paxil is a generally well tolerated medication.  Sedation can occur and the recomendation is usually to take Paxil at bedtime.  You also mentioned that your periods are heavier and believe you may be perimenopausal.  The Physician Desk Reference does list "heavy periods" as an infrequent occurrence when taking Paxil (ie> 1 per 1000 patients).
      You present a complicated picture with many factors that are unknown.  It sounds unlikely that all of these symptoms are related to Paxil.  I suggest that you discuss this further with your physician as he knows your complete medical history.
      If you decide(with your physician) to discontinue Paxil 20 mg daily, generally there are no problems.  If withdrawal symptoms(flu-like syndrome) occurs then you may take pPaxil 10 mg daily for one week and stop.  Abrupt changes in doses with Paxil may also cause a similar picture.
      Keep in mind that this information is intended for educational purposes only.  Please see your personal physician for specific health concerns.

Sincerely,

HFHS MD-JM

Keywords: Paxil, menstrual cycle

[Judy]

Have you had your thyroid tested?

[Susan's reply to Judy]

I have had them in the past and all has been normal. like, i want to say maybe 18 months ago, that i am aware of.  my doctor does draw blood to test my long term blood sugar levels 2 - 3 times a year and he may also be testing the thyroid.  i am under the impression he does but we have not discussed it.  my next appt. is early in November and i will be getting blood sugar results then.  i will inquire about my thyroid as well.  thanks for your input.