Seroxat Problems

[nicelander]

Back in1988, as a teenager I was prescribed a little known anti depressant called Seroxat as I was suffering from severe panic attacks. They worked and the panic attacks disappeared.
I carried on taking them and although my GP often called me back over the months and then the years I was happy to continue taking them just so the panic attacks did not return.
21 years later I continue to take one 20mg tablet each morning and the anxiety that I used to experience has thankfully never returned.
However over the last few years I have experienced the most terrible headaches and have cut out lots of different things that I think may trigger these headaches but to no avail.
Yet the only other thing that I remains constant is the Seroxat which I continue to take.
Have tried everything from taking one every other day to halving them and nothing seems to work.
Have also tried going cold turkey for a number of days but just end up feeling anxious, shaky and experience the saame sort of panic attacks that I took them for in the first place.
I would be very grateful for any advice from anyone especially from anyone who may have kicked the Seroxat into touch. Many thanks.

[flobadob]

The only advice you need is go to the doctor. Perhaps there is a new drug on the market. After 21 years, just the thought of being without your drug probably makes you anxious, that is a common trait.

[Richard1966]

I was on seroxat for about 4 years. I came off fairly suddenly when i decided that enough was enough. I had a couple of weeks of shakes and vertigo like feelings but after two weeks it faded.

I agree that after 21 years something else may be more appropriate and if you do come off seroxat do under close medical supervision and over a long period of time.

[Mr k]

This site might help you http://www.seroxatusergroup.org.uk/

Paroxetine (trade names Seroxat, Paxil) has had a lot of bad press over the years as you will see on the page..

To come off the tablets try and carry on doing what you started by reducing the amount. But take the tablets as normal for 3 days and the 4th cut the tablet into 4 quarters or half and take that on the 4th and do this over time(either take half or 3/4). On the the other days take the full tablet . Then after a couple of weeks reduce again but don't take the reduced amount on the following day have a full tablet in between.
This will take a long time took me over 2 years but if you do it to quick you will have some bad side effects.
The tablets do taste horrible when cut so glass of water straight down.
You may notice when you are coming off them you need to take a full tablet to get rid of the side effects you get especially at night hard to explain the feelings. But don't give up

When you do read about seroxat you will find seroxt could be causing you being anxious.

If i can help you in any way [email protected]

[Eve]

Definitely something to try under medical supervision rather than trial and error on its own.

Many drugs have withdrawal symptoms and you, with your doctor, need to ascertain whether these are what they are or whether it is your panic attacks coming back. Some withdrawal symptoms can be pretty rough and your doctor should be able to help you come down gradually or suggest a replacement to minimise symptoms but it may be you have to go through the rough stuff to feel better in the long run.

Also don't forget the psychological aspect coming into play with you being conscious of you coming off something you have used as a crutch for so long.

A headache diary may help your doctor. Sometimes it can make it easier to pinpoint a cause. I've had awful problems with headaches I eventually managed to attribute to various substances such as a contraceptive pill, artificial sweetners and problems tolerating arthritis drugs.

[karenmac60]

As for the headaches - I know a couple of people who were on it and they described pain like electric shocks in their heads so it is likely it's the tablets causing it. Good luck

[cherrybea]

nicelander, Seroxat can actually cause headaches and sinus problems. The best way to be Seroxat free is to tell your gp you want the liquid version of Seroxat. You would need to do a straight switchover. As you're on 20mgs tablets the liquid equal will be 10MLS. as its stronger than the tabs. Stabilise on the 10MLS for 2 weeks then begin reducing by as little as 0.2 per month,dont rush it. Never cut tablets into halves or quarters,it does'nt work. Im an ex moderator for
Seroxatusersgroup.co.uk.
If you need further help or info mail [email protected]

[Greedyfly]

I was put on Seroxat a few years ago and took it for only a year - initially I thought it helped, but since coming off it (which was not at all easy) I have noticed no change. It took months for the effects to wear off, for the first couple of weeks it is awful. But after that it would just be every now and then I would get a panic attack of bad shivers, it did ease off. I was under the impression they had stopped prescribing this drug full stop due to the amount of problems it was linked with? Obviously not. I would suggest seeing your gp and like the others have said looking into trying another drug if it is still needed. I have real trouble finding medication for anything that doesn't have bad side affects, so as I am sure you will know you may have to try a few before you find one that is good for you. I hope you kick it soon and feel better for it, because I think of it as an awful drug - more trouble than it was worth for me anyways.

[Mr k]

I was advised this by my doctor at the time and it worked for me cherrybea

[cherrybea]

No offence Mr K, The majority of doctors don't know enough about withdrawal. Using the liquid substitute is the safest way by far as doses can be measured accurately unlike tablets. Im relieved to know you made it all the same.