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Nada678: paroxetine withdrawal


Nada678

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Posted (edited)

Hello

 

I am a 1st time poster and am very frightened by my symptoms after withdrawing from 10 mg Paroxetine from September 2015 to December 2016.  After 2  months at 0 mg  I developed PGAD and intense anxiety.    I reinstated 1mg at the end of January 2017 but it didn't help and gave me bad diarrhea; then I increased to 2.5 mg in June 2017, but I now have had akathisia, numbness and pain in feet, and worsening depression.   I am spending more and more time in bed and I am frightened to go out.

 

Please could you give me any advice as to whether I should taper again or hold to stabilise?   I am also suffering badly from insomnia and take benadryl quite often.

Edited by scallywag
add words to title

On Paxil 10mg  2008-2015

Withdrew Paxil Sept 2015 - Dec 2016

Reinstated 1mg Paxil end Jan. 2017

Updosed  to 2.5mg Paxil June 2017

Reinstatement not working

Benadryl 25mg some nights 

 

Posted

Hello

 

I just posted my first post but would like to add a bit more that I forgot to write.  I am not sure if I have added enough about my drug history and am not sure where to add that information.

 

Regarding Pgad, I have seen a specialist in London, who wants me to start the Paroxetine again and he doesn't think the Pgad is connected to withdrawal from Paroxetine.  However I feel it is related, as I have other nerve pain in my feet.

My GP also wants me to restart Paroxetine and wants to refer me to mental health services.   I feel very alone and I can't convince them about the effects of SSRI withdrawal.

 

My GP also did a blood test and says I am hypothyroid and wants me to take synthetic thryoid tablets.   I did start them but my hair started falling out so I stopped.  Is it safe to take thyroxine while withdrawing, and could withdrawal be causing the hair loss?  I am so frightened.  I am also losing a lot of weight despite eating, and have diarrhea every day.  I feel there is no hope for me as I am over 60, and I have read that if you are older, withdrawal symptoms can be permanent.  I am feeling more and more hopeless and depressed.

 

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Nada

On Paxil 10mg  2008-2015

Withdrew Paxil Sept 2015 - Dec 2016

Reinstated 1mg Paxil end Jan. 2017

Updosed  to 2.5mg Paxil June 2017

Reinstatement not working

Benadryl 25mg some nights 

 

  • Administrator
Posted (edited)

Welcome, Nada.

 

As you're probably aware, you have prolonged withdrawal syndrome. We have not seen that being older means permanent withdrawal symptoms.

 

What time of day do you take Paxil? Do your symptoms follow any daily pattern, are there time when they are better or worse?

 

What do you mean by "akathisia"?

 

Hair falling out is a symptom of hypothyroidism. How long did you take thyroid hormone? How did your symptoms change? When did you stop thyroid hormone? Did your hair stop falling out?

Edited by Altostrata
merged related topics

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Posted

Hello Altostrsta

 

Thanks very much for your reply.  I will answer your questions.  I take Paxil at about 8.30 am, before any food.  My symptoms are worst in the early morning when I wake up to intense fear and dread, and electricity feelings in my head and chest.  I find it very difficult to get out of bed.  I usually feel a bit calmer in the late afternoon and evening and often go to bed late just to hang on to some semblance of sanity.

 

Most of the day I cannot think straight or focus on anything.  I keep wanting to go back to bed as I feel so weak. I sometimes find a short walk helps if I can manage to get out the front door.

 

By akathisia, I mean more of an acute inner mental torment, intense confusion and anxiety, and I have to pace around a lot because of restless legs and pgad. The worst is feeling that this will never end and my life is over, because I can't function. I feel like my brain is damaged.

 

I took a low dose of thyroxine for about 6 weeks and noticed the hair loss as well as worse insomnia.  I have been off it for about a month, but my hair is still coming out.  It is very noticeable now.  I had a blood test after the 6 weeks and my TSH had dropped from 12 to 10.  I don't even think my body is absorbing much because of the diarrhea every day.  I have lost 2 stone. (28 pounds) since the beginning of this year. I feel like my body is totally non-functioning.

 

Sorry for the lengthy post.

Best wishes

Nada

 

 

 

On Paxil 10mg  2008-2015

Withdrew Paxil Sept 2015 - Dec 2016

Reinstated 1mg Paxil end Jan. 2017

Updosed  to 2.5mg Paxil June 2017

Reinstatement not working

Benadryl 25mg some nights 

 

  • Administrator
Posted

It sounds like that dose of thyroxine was too high for you. Your TSH fell because of the effects of the thyroxine, it has a very long half-life.

 

Does the "akathisia" happen at any particular time of day? You will need to manage the thoughts that contribute to your symptoms, such as " I feel like my brain is damaged." You are recovering from adverse drug effects.

 

Magnesium oil on your legs may help the restless legs, but be careful not to overdo it because it may encourage bowel movement. Please try to get at least one-half hour of walking every day, it will assist recovery in your nervous system.

 

What time of day do you have diarrhea? Have you tried a non-irritating exclusion diet for the digestive problems? See

 

That acid reflux pill may be causing your health problems
 
Digestive problems: Nausea, Diarrhea, Bloating, GERD
 
Food sensitivities
 
Gluten Sensitivity Vs. Celiac Disease Vs. Gluten Intolerance...
 
Histamine food intolerance

 

Elimination or exclusion diets for reactions to food (food intolerance)


SCD/GAPS/Paleo Diets
 
Probiotics and gut health

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Posted

Hello Altostrata

 

I will make this my last post today so that you can enjoy your Christmas.

 

Re thyroxine, I was on the lowest dose.  In the UK, TSH is supposed to be below 2  and mine was 12.  The GP wants to increase the dose. I am wary of taking any other medication whilst withdrawing, but it could be my symptoms are being worsened by Hypothyroidism.  Or it could be withdrawal that has triggered hypothyroidism.  Also I want to avoid any more hair loss.

 

The akathisia happens mostly in the mornings - I will try to stop the negative thoughts.  The diarrhea happens in the morning, and sometimes later if I try to eat more in order to put on weight. I have tried cutting down gluten.  I think I will try excluding it totally and try taking a probiotic.  I will try walking more often.

 

Really I need to know if I should hold my dose of 2.5 mg Paxil, even though the reinstatement hasn't helped at all.  Is it too risky to taper while I am experiencing such bad withdrawal symptoms?

 

I wish you a Happy Christmas .

 

Nada

 

 

 

On Paxil 10mg  2008-2015

Withdrew Paxil Sept 2015 - Dec 2016

Reinstated 1mg Paxil end Jan. 2017

Updosed  to 2.5mg Paxil June 2017

Reinstatement not working

Benadryl 25mg some nights 

 

Posted

Hello

 

I think I posted a question in the wrong section before, as I am a new member and not sure how things work.  I am in a lot of distress and barely fuctioning after withdrawing from Paxil to 0mg in December  2016 then reinstating 1mg after 2 months off, as I had terriblle anxiety, pgad, insomnia.   Because 1mg didnt help and gave me bad diarrhea, after 5 months I  updosed to 2.5mg.    I feel even more anxious and depressed and I feel nothing is working and its making me extremely panicky. I have been on 2.5 mg since July 2017. I feel trapped in this non functioning state with total brain fog.

 

Does anyone have any advice as to whether I should try to taper again or would that be risky?  Should I just keep holding at 2.5 mg and hope for some improvement?  Does anyone have experience with Paxil?

 

Thank you

 

Nada

On Paxil 10mg  2008-2015

Withdrew Paxil Sept 2015 - Dec 2016

Reinstated 1mg Paxil end Jan. 2017

Updosed  to 2.5mg Paxil June 2017

Reinstatement not working

Benadryl 25mg some nights 

 

Posted

Hi

 

I am a new member and I have received some advice from Altostrata, but I have posted a couple of times regarding reinstatement, and not received any replies.  I am feeling very alone, and would really appreciate help from anyone about what to do if a reinstatement of 2.5 mg of Paxil hasn't helped after 6 months.  Should I start tapering again? And how slowly?

 

Thank you

 

Nada

 

 

 

On Paxil 10mg  2008-2015

Withdrew Paxil Sept 2015 - Dec 2016

Reinstated 1mg Paxil end Jan. 2017

Updosed  to 2.5mg Paxil June 2017

Reinstatement not working

Benadryl 25mg some nights 

 

Posted

I want to say I'm very sorry you are harmed by the drug and trapped in the middle now.

 

You may want to share more details such as symptom before and after RI and updose from 1-2.5 etc before others can provide their thoughts and help.

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

Posted
9 hours ago, Nada678 said:

Hi

 

I am a new member and I have received some advice from Altostrata, but I have posted a couple of times regarding reinstatement, and not received any replies.  I am feeling very alone, and would really appreciate help from anyone about what to do if a reinstatement of 2.5 mg of Paxil hasn't helped after 6 months.  Should I start tapering again? And how slowly?

 

Thank you

 

Nada

 

 

 

Nada just a gentle reminder its only one intro per person. 

 

Looks like there are a few people on holiday including the Alto at the moment.

 

So sorry you are in this difficult situation.

It must be so exhausting to carry on for so long with no improvement.

nz11

 

Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen

We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. 

URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting  for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing.

http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651   

Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos.

Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you

Recovering paxil addict

None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. 

This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! 

  "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped."  Dr Mosher. Me too! 

Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015

I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015

Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017

 

 

Posted

Hi LexAnger

 

Thanks for your reply.  I will try to give a few more details.  I do feel very trapped as you say, not knowing whether to taper, updose or hold.

 

I was down to zero for 2 months in December 2016 but I couldn't cope with the anxiety and I developed Pgad which I still have.

I increased to 1mg at the end of January 2017 and this caused me to have chronic diarrhoea and worse anxiety and akathisia.

 

I increased to 2.5 my in June 2017 and I still have the same symptoms as well as crashing headaches and worse insomnia.  I feel I am experiencing withdrawal as well as side effects from increasing the dose. I have terrible feelings of terror and dread that I am stuck like this forever.  I can't function.

 

Any advice as to what I should do next would be appreciated.

 

Thank you

 

Nada

On Paxil 10mg  2008-2015

Withdrew Paxil Sept 2015 - Dec 2016

Reinstated 1mg Paxil end Jan. 2017

Updosed  to 2.5mg Paxil June 2017

Reinstatement not working

Benadryl 25mg some nights 

 

Posted

bump 

Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen

We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. 

URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting  for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing.

http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651   

Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos.

Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you

Recovering paxil addict

None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. 

This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! 

  "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped."  Dr Mosher. Me too! 

Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015

I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015

Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017

 

 

  • Administrator
Posted
On 12/29/2017 at 6:52 AM, Nada678 said:

Hello

 

I think I posted a question in the wrong section before, as I am a new member and not sure how things work.  I am in a lot of distress and barely fuctioning after withdrawing from Paxil to 0mg in December  2016 then reinstating 1mg after 2 months off, as I had terriblle anxiety, pgad, insomnia.   Because 1mg didnt help and gave me bad diarrhea, after 5 months I  updosed to 2.5mg.    I feel even more anxious and depressed and I feel nothing is working and its making me extremely panicky. I have been on 2.5 mg since July 2017. I feel trapped in this non functioning state with total brain fog.

 

Does anyone have any advice as to whether I should try to taper again or would that be risky?  Should I just keep holding at 2.5 mg and hope for some improvement?  Does anyone have experience with Paxil?

 

Thank you

 

Nada

 

Nada -- I moved this post to your Intro topic, it was overlooked in the Tapering forum. Please post questions about your particular situation here, in your Intro topic.

 

What is your daily symptom pattern? How do you know the Paxil is causing your symptoms?

 

There is no lowest dose of thyroxine. If the smallest available tablet is too high a dosage for you, many people have smaller doses compounded by a pharmacist.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Posted

Hi Altostrata

 

Do you think my hypothyroidism might be causing some of my symptoms and not the Paxil withdrawal?   Or could the withdrawal be causing the thyroid problems?  I am very confused.

 

My GP wants to increase my thyroxine dose from 25 micrograms to 50, as my TSH is still higher than it should be. She doesn't understand protracted withdrawal or drug sensitivity whilst in withdrawal. I haven't taken thyroxine for a month because of the hair loss, but I am still losing hair.

 

I suppose I thought my symptoms are being caused by the Paxil withdrawal because of how I started getting so many difficult symptoms as I got to a very low dose.  My symptoms are bad insomnia, fear and dread in the mornings, extreme anxiety and depression and fatigue, diarrhea and weight loss. I am not functioning and feel extremely hopeless.  I sometimes feel a little calmer in the evening.

 

Do you think I should keep holding my dose for now?   I remember reading a post where you said you had thyroid problems.  Did you take thyroxine?

 

Thanks

 

Jada

On Paxil 10mg  2008-2015

Withdrew Paxil Sept 2015 - Dec 2016

Reinstated 1mg Paxil end Jan. 2017

Updosed  to 2.5mg Paxil June 2017

Reinstatement not working

Benadryl 25mg some nights 

 

  • Administrator
Posted

As I said before, hair loss is a symptom of hypothyroidism.

 

We don't know if withdrawal syndrome can cause hypothyroidism. But if you have symptoms of hypothyroidism, you need to have it treated. We don't actually counsel people about thyroid treatment here. Please read up on the symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as at http://www.thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_the_thyroid/hypothyroidism.html , and decide for yourself which of your symptoms are due to that condition.

 

You may have both withdrawal syndrome and hypothyroidism. It would be best to address the hypothyroidism if you can.

 

Getting the correct dose and type of thyroid hormone can be tricky. Read up on the symptoms of too much thyroid hormone, such as https://www.verywell.com/could-you-be-overmedicated-on-thyroid-drugs-3233271 and decide if this applies to you.

 

You may wish to join an Internet community about hypothyroidism. There are several on Facebook.

 

Personally, I would not continue to see a doctor who will prescribe a higher dosage of a drug when you may have experienced an adverse reaction to a lower dosage. Worse insomnia is not a desirable effect of thyroid hormone supplementation.

 

To track the source of your symptoms, you will want to keep daily notes on paper about your symptoms, when you take your drugs, and their dosages. Then you will be able to see what gets better or worse after you take a drug.

 

 

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

  • Moderator Emeritus
Posted (edited)

Nada,  I'll be moving these posts to your original introduction topic; here's the link  Nada678: paroxetine withdrawal.  Please post your questions there so that all your information, questions and answers are in one place. 

 

You may want to set that web page as a bookmark or favorite in your browser will help you navigate back to it.

 

Moderators are volunteers and aren't on the site all the time. It can take up to 24 hours to get a response to your post. Sometimes when it's very busy you may have to be patient for longer.

Edited by scallywag

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

Posted

Hi LexAnger

 

I hope I am posting in the right place.  I read in another post of yours that you are having a very hard time at the moment.

I was wondering how you cope with those awful emotions on your worst days?   Do you stay in bed, or try to battle on?

I feel terrible guilt when I can't do anything with my day but suffer.

 

Thanks

 

Nada

On Paxil 10mg  2008-2015

Withdrew Paxil Sept 2015 - Dec 2016

Reinstated 1mg Paxil end Jan. 2017

Updosed  to 2.5mg Paxil June 2017

Reinstatement not working

Benadryl 25mg some nights 

 

  • 1 month later...
  • Moderator
Posted

Hi Nada:

 

I just wondered if you started a thyroid supplement? What are you on if you did?

 

I tried Armour and it made me sick after 4 days. And my insurance wouldn't pay for it.

 

I started Synthroid yesterday (Saturday). The dr told me to take it at night because of the Lexapro and Xanax. I woke up at 3:30am jittery, hot and sweaty. I googled it and one site said to contact your dr right away. A couple other sites say if the side effects become bothersome to call your dr. I'm going to wait until Tuesday morning and see. That gives my body 3 days.

 

But I decided to go on them because my TSH just kept going up and up. It wasn't getting any better over almost a year. And the dr said we could try to go off of it when I'm done with the Lexapro and see what my TSH is. I just didn't want any problems with my thyroid while I'm in WD.

 

I just wanted to let you know what was going on with he.

 

I hope everything is well with you.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. 

 Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist.

 Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form)

---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil.

Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper. Last dose June 24, 2024

19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020)

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

Posted

 Hi Frogie

 

Thanks for your reply.  I have started taking Levothyroxine (in UK), but I have terrible side effects and it is making Paxil withdrawal more difficult.

 

I have insomnia, terrible leg pains and numbness, and more hair loss than when I wasn't taking it.  My GP says I have to take it because my TSH levels have risen.  I am feeling very anxious about having to deal with Hypothyroidism whilst withdrawing as it is not at all straightforward.

 

Keep in touch to let me know how it goes for you.

 

Best wishes

Nada

 

On Paxil 10mg  2008-2015

Withdrew Paxil Sept 2015 - Dec 2016

Reinstated 1mg Paxil end Jan. 2017

Updosed  to 2.5mg Paxil June 2017

Reinstatement not working

Benadryl 25mg some nights 

 

  • 1 month later...
  • Moderator
Posted

Hi:

 

I started taking NP Thyroid, 15mg on March 31.

 

I have to go back in 6 weeks for blood work, but I'm sure he will up my dose.

 

I just thought I would let you know how I'm doing.

 

How are you doing?

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. 

 Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist.

 Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form)

---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil.

Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper. Last dose June 24, 2024

19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020)

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

  • 3 months later...
  • Administrator
Posted

How are you doing, Nada?

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Posted

Hi Altostrata    Actually I am quite frightened by my symptoms.    Chronic fatigue, agoraphobia, neurological pains and numbness in feet and legs.  Also extreme depression and acute anxiety and confusion.  Basically I am not functioning.  I am trying to accept my situation and not fight it.

 

I don't know whether reinstating up to 3 mg has damaged my body more or whether this is just protracted withdrawal. 

With regards to my underactive thyroid, my TSH has gone down, I am due another blood test soon.  My doctor only tests TSH and T4.

She also doesn't understand about protracted withdrawal.   I am not sure whether to taper or hold Paxil.

Thanks

On Paxil 10mg  2008-2015

Withdrew Paxil Sept 2015 - Dec 2016

Reinstated 1mg Paxil end Jan. 2017

Updosed  to 2.5mg Paxil June 2017

Reinstatement not working

Benadryl 25mg some nights 

 

  • Administrator
Posted

Are you feeling better or worse on the thyroid hormone? TSH level is irrelevant if the hormone supplementation doesn't make you feel better. Feeling worse means you are not getting the correct thyroid treatment.

 

What times of day do you take your drugs? Please add this to your signature. Are you still taking Benedryl? How's your sleep?

 

What is your daily symptom pattern? Please keep daily notes on paper about your symptoms, when you take your drugs, and their dosages.

 

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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