What can I substitute for Paxil and avoid withdrawal symptoms for my anxiety?

Q. I am a long time Paxil user. I would like to get off this medication but I am afraid of the withdrawl period and also my symptoms returning. I am prone to anxiety and I exacerbate situations (anger) when off it. Is there anything that you could recommend?

A. This can certainly be done with 5HTP and other supportive nutrients. It does take a little adjusting of the Paxil dose down as you wean off, while taking starting on a low dose of 5HTP. You will also need to work with the doctor that is prescribing this to you to give you a lower dose of Paxil.

This is the DFH 5HTP Synergy supplement I recommend getting to start. It has vitamin B6, which is also necessary to make serotonin.

Let me explain a little of what will be happening. Currently, Paxil works by reducing the breakdown of serotonin in the brain. This action constantly sends signals to the brain to cut down on the level of serotonin that it produces. Therefore, if you were to suddenly to stop taking Paxil your brain can't make the necessary amount of serotonin due to lack of necessary nutrients, you would feel a worsening of your depression.

The 5HTP works by providing the nutrient building blocks needed for your brain to make serotonin. Once you cut down the Paxil dose, your brain should start to get signals it needs to make more serotonin. If you don't have the building blocks necessary already in there, that is where you would start to feel worse. 5HTP will help with prevent or minimize this from happening.

I would suggest starting with the product I gave you a link to, 1-2 days before you start on a lower dose of your Paxil. Start with 1 pill a day. If you feel that you are getting depressed, then up it to 2 pills a day, taken at a different time of day as you would your medication.

As you transition off your Paxil, you will need to gradually increase the 5HTP to 200mg a day (this is the generally recommended dose). Once you finish your first bottle of 5HTP Synergy, the you can buy the stronger one called 5HTP Supreme. It would cut down on the number of pills you take a day.

If you purchase your nutritional supplements from Rockwell Nutrition, then we can continue to counsel you during this process. If you wish to have more indepth help, you may want to consider a paid nutrition consultation.

I would also strongly recommend a you start on a good multi if you are not already taking one to make sure your other nutrient needs are being met. I'm including a link for one here: DFH Complete Multi caps

Fish oils or Flaxseed Oil are also helpful to provide essential fatty acids necessary in fighting depression. Anywhere from 1-3 grams a day are usually necessary. I've included some links for you to explore our selection of high quality products. If I can be of any help in the selection process, please let me know.

Try to focus your diet with lots of turkey, raw dairy products, nuts & seeds and getting ample rest and relaxing time. I hope you will e-mail me and keep me posted on how things are going.