Changing meds

I've just come off Paroxetine after taken it for over 20yrs as I thought I no longer needed it and wanted to try life without it, however after 3 weeks all my HOCD, anxiety and depression symptoms have come flooding back with a vengeance.

The doctor has prescribed me Mirtazapine, has anyone else tried this for OCD?

At the moment it's had no effect and if anything seems to have increased my anxiety/intrusive thoughts, i took 15mg for 4 weeks and am now into the 9th day on 30mg is it worth sticking with or should I go back on the Paroxetine or try something else?

[Wheeloffortune]

Hi! I, too was on Paxil for about 17 years. I tried to wean off it last year to see how I would do. I didn’t like the side effects either. After about 3 months all my symptoms returned, especially my ocd instrusive thoughts. I am thankful now, because I started going to an ocd trained specialist who does ERP therapy. I’ve learned to deal with my ocd rather than avoid it. I had been in denial about it and doing lots of avoidance. I now take lexapro 20 mg and it helps with depression and depression. I would highly recommend going to an ocd trained specialist. Look on IOCDF’s website for help.

All the best!!

[Hidden in reply to Wheeloffortune]

Thanks for your reply, I plan to get therapy once I'm more stable as at the moment my HOCD, anxiety and depression are off the chart, how do you find the lexapro?

[Wheeloffortune in reply to Hidden]

I would encourage you to get therapy now. OCD tells you there should be a “better” time. There is no wrong time to get help. The meds can only take you so far. You need the tools from therapy.

I like lexapro- it has less side effects than Paxil.

All the best😊

[Hidden in reply to Wheeloffortune]

I'm going to get therapy but in England under the NHS it can be take a while before you get it, hopefully I'll get it sooner rather than later, take care.

[Wheeloffortune in reply to Hidden]

Got it! Do you listen to ocd stories and Chrissie Hodges? They’re great!!

[Hidden in reply to Wheeloffortune]

No, please send me a link, thanks.

[Wheeloffortune in reply to Hidden]

You can do an internet search for both. They are also on you tube. Books by Jon Hershfield are also great!!

[cortisolqueen]

I have been on the Remeron for 3 years. Given for anxiety and depression along with Lexapro and Klonopin. I too struggle with OCD and have since I was a teenager. I have mostly had contamination OCD along with checking and counting. Four years ago I begin having panic attacks, anxiety and then depression. Fought taking meds but finally gave in because I thought I was actually going crazy and could not function. Turned into a big ole hypochondriac thinking I had every illness out there. I am much better but still struggle most days. I wanted to come off the meds also and have tried several times to cut them down slowly. Big mistake. The panic attacks and intrusive thoughts return with a vengeance. The Remeron will give you great sleep but will add lots of weight. I think they all do that, I will be praying for you, I truly know just how awful living with these disorders can be.

[Hidden in reply to cortisolqueen]

Thanks for your advice, you take care.