From Paxil to Lamictal - PLEASE HELP - Mental Health Message Board

KimberlyV · 06-21-2004, 04:47 PM

I need some help. Someone please tell me this gets better. My doctor weaned me off of Paxil. I was on it for 2 1/2 years and weaned off in about 1 week. My last pill was Wednesday, June 9 (almost 2 weeks ago). At the same time I began weaning of off Paxil, doc started me on a low dosage of Lamictal (25mg) and I am not on 50 mg, on my way to 100 mg. At this point, I feel awful. I am still having slight dizzy spells, but nothing like a week ago. The worst problem is my emotions. I absolutely can't stand myself right now because I am fat. I can't handle my kids when they aren't being 100% perfect, I can't stand being around people for very long at all, and I just want to sleep so that I won't think. Is this normal and will it ever get better? I am hoping that with the higher dosages of Lamictal, I will start to feel happy again. Also, I need to lose about 80 pounds and my weight is going no where but up. Can anyone relate? or have any advice? PLEASE!!!!!!

hry33 · 06-22-2004, 04:22 PM

hi kimberley

it takes many weeks to wean most people off paxil and maybe you should get back on it, was it helping you? if yes then why stop it, did you consider upping the dose?

lamictal is approved as an anticonvulsant and some docs use it for other 'off label' things such as panic attacks, what are your health problems?

faelene · 07-26-2004, 01:32 AM

Paxil is a hard medication to come off of. It causes all sorts of bad feeling and some feelings of electric shocks through the brain. So what you are feeling is most likely from that. lamictal will make you tired at first. But in time you will feel more alert and I guess I would say clearheaded. I have lost 30 pounds in 4 months. I found that once I was stable on the lamictal I woke up alert, I slept much better, I was not nearly as depressed and my moods seemed to settle down. I did not feel out of it any more. But at first when I was coming off one med and going on the other I just felt awfull..but in time it passed. Once I got settled on the med and was at the right dosage, I felt I was able to be more self motivated.

Good luck and keep your chin up. THis is one time that I can say it does get better..