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From: [email protected]
Date: 13/11/03
Time: 02:00:55
Remote Name: 80.0.5.142
I have been taking paroxetine for about 5 years. I was put on this drug to treat the anxiety that came about after I had a panic attack (of unknown cause). The anxiety I had was simply the fear of having another panic attack; not a general underlying anxiety. I had no anxiety problems before this panic episode. Soon after taking this drug I went through a few months of mania; being a bit 'high', outspoken and hostile. Though I wasn't aware myself, some friends did comment on my behaviour. Thing did seem to settle down with time. About two, maybe three, years ago I started to become increasingly outspoken and verbally aggressive, especially at work, but also at home and at social events. If I disagreed with what someone said I would 'fly off the handle' to put them down. I'm sure the people involved in these incidents felt physically threatend by my demeanor and raised voice. When I tell you (which is true) that prior to using Paroxetine I would have been described, by those that know me, as a quiet, easy going, cool-headed person who could get on with anyone, you will see that something has gone badly wrong. I have tried to come off this drug on many occasions. But, due to the unexpected and debilitating withdrawal symptoms, I have allways, up to now, gone back on it. About six weeks ago (for no reason whatever) I drove my car into a local police station car park and smashed-up six police patrol cars. I have never been in trouble with the police in my life, I have never had any reason to bear a grudge against them. Why did it happen? The police would like to know and so would I. The doctors and psychiatrists (note. plural) that I have spoken to seem to be looking for an explaination that does not include paroxetine. Why? It seems strange doesn't it. I was prescribed Paroxetine by a psychiatrist who told me then (5yrs back) that "...paroxitine is not addictive". I have been on this drug ever since. I have never been told by any doctor that there may be problems comming off this drug; I had to find out for myself through experience and personally researching the subject. Another thing I didn't know untill recently is that the effects of long term use are unknown. This being the case, why are people like myself kept on this drug for so long? Are we the 'guinea pigs'? I have been on a reduced dose of Paroxetine (10mg) since the inexplicable incident with the police and I am fighting to cope with the withdrawal problems; Insomnia (I write this at 1.45am) headache, bone and muscle pain, a high frequency of 'electrical bursts' in my head, and a constant and extreme level of anger and rage that has no external cause. This is a worrying state of affairs, but I am simply following the instructions of my (latest) psychiatrist who said "...now you've been on 10mg for a while you can reduce to 10mg on alternate days for a week and then stop". He also repeated that well known phrase.."Paroxetine is not addictive". I wait in trepidation (and extreme discomfort) to be 'cured' of Paroxetine. I hope I can write back soon with a happy ending.