depression or ssri withdrawal

[pinetopfirefighter]

I have been on SSRI's for several years now.  I believe originally for mood imbalance.  Anyway, I weened myself  off paxil and started having some nasty anxiety.  That was 2 months ago.  After feeling horribly depressed, lethargic, EXTREME fatigue, dizzy, panic attacks, inability to concentrate, and what can best be described as brain fog. I tried going back on paxil but it was not effective.  I started seeing a therapist and psyc.  They believe it is depression with anxiety, and that I should start a new low dose ssri (which I did starting last night-zoloft 12.5mg).  I have done alot of research and am finding that alot of people are having paxil w/d for up to and over a year.  With depression and w/d symptoms so similar, how can you tell which is which?  Thank you for your time.

[pinetopfirefighter]

The bad thing is........  my therapist and doc REFUSE to believe that withdrawal last more than a couple of weeks.  Then I read stories on other sites and find people stating they had w/d for up to 2 years.  I just do not know.

[diana6301]

Understand this IT is a PAXIL withdrawal..... everything you stated... i just abrubtly came off mine becauase i missed an appt.. and the on call doctor would not schedule me an appt or refil my script.. I have been off for 3 weeks now.. i very very sick... i even feel and felt like i was having electrical shocks.. it takes time for your body to readjust.. to life without meds .. a good therapist.. and you have to watch for spiraling effects depression being one of them.. my plan is to hit the pavement and start walking and exercising to try to get the good serotins to kick in.. I agree with the 2nd comment.. treat the anxiety first however the 2 do go hand and hand good luck..  

[jdtm]

I sometimes wonder if depression if often co-morbid with anxiety.  In our situation, if the anxiety is treated; the depression lessens.  Any other thoughts ...