Paroxetine and Neurological Effects

[thejayfunk]

History:  I'm a 26 year old male who has suffered from some bouts of depression in the past.  My father had a brain tumor removed in his mid-20s and my mother was diagnosed with MS in her early 30s (she also may have had BP disorder, but it could have been the effects of MS). I've always had a hypersensitivity to any drug that could affect my CNS, meaning it usually made me too high (SSRIs & Steroids included).

Long Story Short: Tried to go back on Paroxetine 6 months ago.  Quit after a week...couldn't "come back down."  Have had extremley low libido, lack of empathy, some confusion, difficulty thinking through problems, and have been devoid of many emotions like guilt, remorse, love, etc. Have been atypically charismatic. Only started to regain these emotions last week.  

Can I just ask my doctor for an MRI, or should I seek out a neurologist or psychiatrist?  With my parent's history, I want to make sure get checked out before it's too late.  My GP didn't seem too concerned as MS and brain tumors aren't highly genetic.  

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-SH]

First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.    
   Psychiatric problems are not able to be treated by a single pill.  Each drug to treat depression alters the balance of neurotransmitters in hopes of improving mood.  Each drug works slightly differently, but there has been no significant differences in clinical trials in overall efficacy.  I would suggest that you see a psychiatrist as part of a mental wellness team.  Due to your concerns about MS/brain tumor etc., I would suggest that you see a neurologist.  A good neurologic exam can be even more valuable than a MRI of the brain.  However if you do get an MRI, you need someone who will be able to know what to do with the information.
    I hope this has been helpful.

[Slappy3243]

What dose of Paxil were you on? Don't give up just yet. There are a lot of different SSRI's and Paxil tends to be a rather potent one so you can always try another one or adjust the dosage. You could talk to your doctor about your worries and see what he/she says. You are doing the right thing by being proactive. Good luck.

[thejayfunk]

I hope that someone will be able to respond to this with helpful information.  After waiting several months, I've decided to make an appointment with a psychiatrist.  I pretty much self-diagnosed with one of the bipolar spectrum disorders.  In those who have a predisposition for bipolar disorder (which I do), drugs such as anti-depressants or steroids will knock the person into a state of mania or hypo-mania.  

I'm pretty sure that this is what has happened, but the psychiatrists will not see me for over a month.  I work at a university (as a professor) and being hospitalized for this type of thing would be relatively embarrassing.  I've called every psychiatrist within 100 miles (I live in a rural area).  The soonest appointment I can get is 30 days.  I even know what type of medication I need for myself (most probably a low dose of depakote).  However, I can't get in to see a doctor.  

Does anyone have any suggestions?  This is very frustrating.  I don't want to lose my job and everything else because of this.  How do you get a doctor to see you in the greatest country in the world, with the greatest healthcare system in the world (so say the republicans :) ) ?!!! Please help!!!

[head shaker]

Sounds like your really anxious about having a mood disorder and getting into trouble with it (ie. too up or too down).  A couple suggestions for getting your psychiatry appointment:  
1) Try to get a recommendation from your PCP or therapist (if you are not in therapy already, think about it).  I remember once choosing a psychiatrist out of the phone book and it really wasn't a good experience.  You'll feel more comfortable if someone you trust has referred you; 2) Once you have your list, call again and explain that you don't think you can wait a month.  Usually when someone is in "crisis", they will squeeze you in for that week; 3) If there's still more wait than you can bear, maybe your PCP (primary care doctor) would prescribe something in the interim.  Of course if you really feel in danger, there is the emergency room or emergency services (24 hour crisis line) in most communities.  In most cases, when someone is manic, it is a family member who gets them help because the person with the mania is feeling so good.  This doesn't sound like the case with you, as you seem mostly anxious about mania.  Still, good that you're trying to take care of yourself and nip this in the bud.  Good luck and hang in there!

[thejayfunk]

Thanks headshaker!  I got into the psychiatrist's pffoce this week (it took about a month).  She was great!  She ran some tests & didn't push pills on me.  I'll go back after I get the lab results back.  Nice to have some support from someone.  

Thanks again,

-'thejayfunk'