Withdrawal Effects

[zmann]

After 10 years of use, I have weaned myself off of Paroxtetine and Wellbutrin XL. It took 2 months with the aid of St.John's Wort. Now I have ceased that usage. The downside to this is my sleep cycle is totally screwed up. I an waking at 3-4 am everyday and am unable to sleep during an afternoon nap.

Will a more suitable sleep pattern ensue?

[suziecue40]

I switched from Paxil 75mg, with no weight gain or appetite to Wellbutrin 300 XL with uncontrolled appetite and the inability to feel satiety after eating which has led to mild weight gain. Wellbutrin has been a nightmare for me this last year but I'm not willing to go back on Paxil and possibly subject myself to the torture of withdrawing from it again.
I'm lacking options at this point on what to do.
The Wellbutrin has worsened my sleep disorder.
Medication works differently for everybody though. Good Luck :)

[Suri123]

Hi zmann, hope you are doing better? mspaxil, thanks for sharing your valuable thoughts and experience with Paxil over a long time. I do agree of your opinion that all kinds of non-medication methods to treat insomnia are too difficult, as it requires strong determination to follow the tips versus simply taking a drug. Human body has capacity to get used to do without drugs if it is not absolutely required or due to bad side effects than its usefulness. Anyway it is up to the individual how to go about it. You may also seek a counseling by sleep specialist. Please post your thoughts. Take care.

[mspaxil]

I also take Paxil for a sleep disorder (depression-related insomnia) and have for 11+ years. It works wonderously, but I gained 30+ lbs when I started the medication and have tried for years to lose it, unsuccessfully. I will lose some weight - and believe me, it takes an enormous amount of exercise and effort - but inevitably gain it back because Paxil makes my appetite so strong. I don't want to discontinue the Paxil because it works so well, but I can't take being this heavy anymore, so my Dr. recently added Wellbutrin in the hopes that it will curb my excessive appetite. I have been taking the combination for only two days but I have already noticed that Wellbutrin does indeed curb my appetite (maybe it's only psychological, but so what!?)

I have read that St. John's Wort is ineffective for depression, but if it worked for you, that's great - still, however, use it carefully and let your doctor know what you're doing. An herb may be "natural" and all, but it's still a drug. If your sleep pattern is continuing to disrupt your life, you may still need Paxil and/or Wellbutrin to correct it, so by all means take them!

Suri123's comments & sleep tips (above) are kind and well-meaning, but I've dealt with insomnia for years (before starting Paxil) and I just shake my head and roll my eyes when I hear the relaxation, diet and behavior tips that people give to insomniacs. If you truly have chronic, depression-related insomnia like I do, those kind of things just aren't enough and (at least for me) cause more anxiety when you try them and they don't help.  

Just out of curiosity, why did you stop taking Paxil & Wellbutrin? Was it the side effects? I stopped Paxil on numerous occasions over the years - tapering off over time as recommended - then had to start up again because my insomnia returned every time. So I've basically decided it's a necessary part of my life at this point, and the weight gain is an unfortunate side effect I have to deal with. Did you have this same problem?

[Suri123]

Hi, Relax! Your body may take some more time to get used to do without any medication as you are mentioning of taking Paroxtetine and Wellbutrin XL for quite some years and have now stopped. Hope presently you are not using any kind of medication to assist sleep? You also seemed to be little anxious and stressed out. Keep patience and do your best to go to sleep as usual, do relaxation techniques, regular stretches, listen to some soft music and have a warm shower before going to sleep. It will be good it you can get a short nap in day. Avoid a spicy bulky meal, caffeine, smoking and going to sleep very late. Few sessions of massage can be great help. You can discuss with your doctor if still you don't get proper sleep. Take care and post your thoughts.