My son is 29 years old ... and I had him fly in from where he was living, to be with me. He's been through hell, and we're both at a loss as to what to do next!
He's been on Paxil for 9 years ... has tried to get off twice before, but the withdrawal was too great and he had to go back on. This last time (3'rd time), he ended up in the ER ... so I had him fly home to be with me. I found him a psychiatrist .. who had him withdraw from the paxil somewhat slower, but still somewhat fast. He's now been off the paxil for one week.
He is in HELL again .... and it's been getting worse each day! His pdoc put him on Celexa 20 mg. for one week, with Wellbutrin once a day (forgot the dose), then up to 40 mg. Celexa and Wellbutrin twice a day. Well, he's been on the Celexa 40 mg. 2 days now and Wellbutrin twice a day starts tomorrow, and he's no better .... even worse.
He had horrible anxiety .... the deepest, darkest depression he's ever known, can't eat much at all, and doesn't sleep all that well. The pdoc seems to think it will just take time, but my son tells me he can't hold on much longer .. since he's been through SO much for SO long, before this ... and now add this, and he's at the end of his rope.
I asked pdoc what would be different in hospital, and he said nothing much, except to watch him often, and he'd have to not smoke at all (and go through another withdrawal?), they would adjust meds perhaps, and then if he's not suicidal, send him home. So we're at a loss as to what to do .... since I'd rather have him home, but unless something changes fast, I don't know what will happen.
Should these two meds kick in soon? Are they a good combo? Do the doses seem ok?
Any other advice or suggestions, would GLADLY be appreciated!
He's staying at his stepdad's house in the country for a few days, to give me a much needed break, as I have health issues too, and the stress was getting to be too much for me. He'll probably be coming home in a few days.
Also, he has to be back in Seattle by the first week of September, or he loses his apartment, and that can't happen, since it's full of his belongings.
Thank you so much for listening ... we surely could use some help!
Thank you for the reply. My son stopped the Paxil, because it stopped working. His anxiety came back, worse than it was before he started the paxil. He even tried going up to 60mg. ... but it just didn't work anymore.
He started cutting back on Paxil before he flew here ... under his therapist approval. He just completed his taper 5 days ago. It was then that his pdoc started him on the Celexa and Wellbutrin.
I did call the hospital, and he can get passes to smoke for one hour ... but a family member has to be with him, and I just can't get to the hospital every day. :(