Changing meds: I've just come off... - My OCD Community

My OCD Community

8,948 members3,460 posts

Changing meds

9 Replies

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?

Read more about...
9 Replies
Wheeloffortune profile image
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!!

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 profile image
Wheeloffortune in reply to

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😊

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 profile image
Wheeloffortune in reply to

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

in reply to Wheeloffortune

No, please send me a link, thanks.

Wheeloffortune profile image
Wheeloffortune in reply to

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

cortisolqueen profile image
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.

in reply to cortisolqueen

Thanks for your advice, you take care.

You may also like...

Genetic Testing for Anxiety Meds

Is it worth the money? Does it work? My son has been on 2 medications since last year for...

Any meds that have helped pure-obsessional OCD?

barely touched my OCD and they all come with side effects to varying degrees. Has anyone found...

Estrogen meds

realized that the estrogen pills make my intrusive thoughts go away completely. First I wasn't sure...

Lithium Battery Obsession/Medication Changes

stopped cold turkey overnight. Since june my OCD has gotten so bad to the fact I am terrified of...

Adjusting to my new meds