Posted by Cam W. on April 23, 2000, at 19:58:43
In reply to Re: Paxil induced mania, and psycosis, posted by Jen Bridges on April 21, 2000, at 18:18:03
To All - Paxil has a very low manic switch rate, which is why it is used (or tried) in bipolar disorder.
What has been described on this thread could also be 'serotonin withdrawl syndrome'. It is usually seen with Effexor, but has also been seen with Paxil, Luvox, and (I believe) Serzone. Serotonin withdrawl syndrome can manifest itself as hypomania and is virtually indistinguishable from bipolar II disorder. I have heard of very a couple of very good pdocs mistaking serotonin withdrawl syndrome for manic switch. I wouldn't be able to tell them apart.
Manic or hypomanic symptoms are a side effect of Paxil. What you have to ask yourself is, "Did I miss one or two doses in a row?" Serotonin withdrawl syndrome can appear about 12 - 24 hours after a missed dose of Paxil. The way to distinguish it from manic switch is to reintroduce the drug and if the symptoms resolve in about 12 hours, then it probably was serotonin withdrawl syndrome. Hope this helps - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:18911
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000420/msgs/31097.html