Sottana: Paxil withdrawal - questions and concerns

[sunnysideup69]

@Sottana hey there, it's okay! I do have less stress tolerance, so I just try to avoid people that irritate me....but over all, not too bad. Thank you for asking  

[Longroadhome]

@Sottana

 

Do you  think it’s the tapering Or have you done anything  else different? 
it’s a truly horrid symptom . I have also  had it bad today . Mine seems to settle down of an evening usually thank goodness ! 

[Longroadhome]

On 10/4/2020 at 8:03 AM, sunnysideup69 said:

@Sottana hey there, it's okay! I do have less stress tolerance, so I just try to avoid people that irritate me....but over all, not too bad. Thank you for asking  

Glad your doing well Sunny !! 
We’re  back in semi lockdown in Birmingham due to high Covid cases. 
 I paid a visit  to a friend last week we sat having a cuppa out the front both in our own cars with the window down chatting . We then went for a walk and sat in a coffee shop opposite each other  at the end of the walk. We can sit together at the same table for coffee etc out but can’t  go into each other’s homes.
i think it’s going to be like this for quite a while.  
 

[Sottana]

@Longroadhome I think tapering has increased it some, yeah. I’ll have to do another hold pretty soon. 

[Colonial]

 

I see Your trying the BrassMonkey Slide! 😎.

It's hard for me to decipher since you don't have the years listed further back, but you were on 16.9 for the 9 months hold and you've gone from that, starting August 17th first drop down to 15.6 on 9/28?  Is that correct?. 

 

A total of a 10% drop of the 16.9 over 8 weeks would bring you down to about 15.2 at October 12th. That's one week from now which would be bout right since your due for a drop today and then another one on the 12th. Does it seem to be bout right so far?  I know it can be hard to tell the first month after a substantial hold period.

 

[Sottana]

@Colonial I’m not really following any like tapering regimen. Just trying to get to 15 and going to hold for convenience. Way too symptomatic to just keep tapering to be honest. Thanks for checking in. 

[Sottana]

Bouncing between akathisia and total exhaustion and head pressure/depressive waves. Feeling so much despair and hopelessness. 

[Erell]

Hello Adili, 

 

I'm sorry to read you're struggling at the moment. 

 

I know your goal is to reach 15mg, but maybe your body need a slower taper rate ?

I don't know, just trying to guess what could help you, maybe. 

I remember that I couldn't drop Paroxetine by more than 3%, then hold.

It can be frustrating to go so slowly, but it is a matter of finding the rate that allow your CNS to do his work without suffering too much.

What do you think ?

 

Thinking of you ☀️

[Colonial]

On 10/6/2020 at 7:11 PM, Adili13 said:

Bouncing between akathisia and total exhaustion and head pressure/depressive waves. Feeling so much despair and hopelessness. 

 

It might be wise to hold on the tapering for a bit. Some people have trouble with even slight adjustments made so often.

It looks like You've made 6 changes in only 7 weeks since 8/17 , the constant tampering MIGHT be doing more harm than good.

 

The Brassmonkey schedule would only make 4 small drops in 6 weeks but that presupposes the person is basically symptom stable, even if not symptom free..

While it's true the brain CAN sort out tiny changes, a case can be made that's due to over all stability.

But if your brain is off kilter is when smaller changes could be detrimental.

 

Add to that Autumn being a hard time for many to stabilize and-or their symptoms being worse.

I know your trying to get to the 15mg dose for ease of dosing but it might be backfiring.

 

 

Edited October 8, 2020 by Colonial

[Sottana]

@Erell @Colonial I probably do need a break, but I want to get to this dose and just forget about my liquid sooooo badly. Ughh, such a struggle. Thanks for checking in you two 🤗 🤗 🤗 

[sunnysideup69]

Hey @Sottana, checking in on you...I've just read how things are. Hoping when you hit the magic 15 that the symptoms will at least settle. It is a struggle and you're doing it. Big respect to you. And hugs.

xxx

[Sottana]

@sunnysideup69 I do look forward to little messages like this, good friend. I see you’re making the rounds and checking in with all your SA buddies. You’re such a kind person, sunny. Always appreciate you and I’m sure everyone does xxx. 

[sunnysideup69]

1 hour ago, Adili13 said:

@sunnysideup69 I do look forward to little messages like this, good friend. I see you’re making the rounds and checking in with all your SA buddies. You’re such a kind person, sunny. Always appreciate you and I’m sure everyone does xxx. 

 

Shucks.....thanks, A! I appreciate you guys, too. In the current mental world that we live in, this is a little refuge xxx

[Sottana]

@sunnysideup69 it is a safe little oasis, isn’t it? It’s also filled with decent, sane people. Something the world needs a whole lot more of lately! 

[Sottana]

Feeling awful today. Back to severely acute WD. Very frustrated and upset. Just don’t know what to do as I wasn’t stabilizing from holding and now I feel horrible while tapering. Feels like an endless and pointless journey today. 

[Longroadhome]

Hi @Sottana

 

maybe hold now do you think .No point tapering if your getting acute symptoms . 
Read posts from Mirage it took her a very long time to stabilise after a cold turkey and re instatement. 
thinking of you x
 

[Hanna72]

oh dear @Sottana

This journey is so hard. I just wanted to give you encouraging words, and let you know that it will get better. So many times, I myself got so frustrated and angry and thought it would never end. But it does decrease slowly. Visualize yourself in your mind healed. Focus on one step at a time and never ignore even the smallest improvements that you will have along the way. Those are a sign of healing. 

You will come out of this a survivor. This is your good fight towards a drugfree life, which you deserve, and it will be worth it.

Hang in there my friend, I am rooting for you.

[Colonial]

Your going to make it!

 

Don't forget your still dealing with a very fast Lamactil taper only 2 years ago so don't beat yourself up for what seems like lack of progress.

You've come further than most people have either the guts, the bravery or sheer determination to go through.

 

Most people don't make it as far as you do, Adili, to end up here fighting it out. Most cave and stay on the meds.

And that's not a right or wrong judgement on anybody for doing so it's just the reality of how bad the withdrawal is that so many can't even make it this far.

Your one of the VERY FEW who can stick it out, and if you've done it this long, You can hold out to the end.

 

 

I think it's just an instance of dropping dosages every week doesn't sit well with you.

I can't even drop them every month!

 

And I know I said this before but AUTUMN is a wicked time for alot of people with WD even if their not tapering, I know it is for Me.

I get Wellbutrin symptoms every Autumn like clock work,  they lessen as the years go buy but it just shows how long it can take...

 

So give yourself huge Kudos for getting off the Lamictil and every other med that could be still making it tougher and don't despair.

I think you just need to hold and stabilize and then we can think through a different schedule of dropping what percentage less often.

 

I have every confidence, that continuing in both the heroic and good natured perseverance and good example you have been to the rest of us...

That You will stabilize in a few months time and we can restart this journey again together...

 

I'm very proud of You..

 

 

Edited October 13, 2020 by Colonial

[Sottana]

@Hanna72 @Longroadhome @Colonial

 

thank you guys so much. It means so much that you’re all reaching out and giving me positive words. You’re all amazing and I’m so happy to have you in my life. I feel like I might tear up from these posts. It’s so hard. Thank god for you guys. 

[Longroadhome]

1 hour ago, Colonial said:

Your going to make it!

 

Don't forget your still dealing with a very fast Lamactil taper only 2 years ago so don't beat yourself up for what seems like lack of progress.

You've come further than most people have either the guts, the bravery or sheer determination to go through.

 

Most people don't make it as far as you do, Adili, to end up here fighting it out. Most cave and stay on the meds.

And that's not a right or wrong judgement on anybody for doing so it's just the reality of how bad the withdrawal is that so many can't even make it this far.

Your one of the VERY FEW who can stick it out, and if you've done it this long, You can hold out to the end.

 

 

I think it's just an instance of dropping dosages every week doesn't sit well with you.

I can't even drop them every month!

 

And I know I said this before but AUTUMN is a wicked time for alot of people with WD even if their not tapering, I know it is for Me.

I get Wellbutrin symptoms every Autumn like clock work,  they lessen as the years go buy but it just shows how long it can take...

 

So give yourself huge Kudos for getting off the Lamictil and every other med that could be still making it tougher and don't despair.

I think you just need to hold and stabilize and then we can think through a different schedule of dropping what percentage less often.

 

I have every confidence, that continuing in both the heroic and good natured perseverance and good example you have been to the rest of us...

That You will stabilize in a few months time and we can restart this journey again together...

 

I'm very proud of You..

 

 

Lovely post colonial ! I agree with everything you say. 
Adili you are probably going through Lamactil WD as Colonial says . We have said this before remember ? 
 

[sunnysideup69]

On 10/13/2020 at 9:32 AM, Adili13 said:

Feeling awful today. Back to severely acute WD. Very frustrated and upset. Just don’t know what to do as I wasn’t stabilizing from holding and now I feel horrible while tapering. Feels like an endless and pointless journey today. 

It's not pointless, @Sottana, it just feels like it temporarily. You're doing a very brave thing- trying to rid yourself of these poisons.

 

It's exhausting and not surprising you feel this way, 'battle fatigue' is real. Also, gotta agree with @Colonial...you did a fast lamictal taper, which is possibly still affecting you,  and Autumn is a ba****d, what with the changing levels of light. Don't underestimate its effect on a sensitised system.

You're going to be alright, I've got every faith in your process.

Sending hugs xxx

[Sottana]

@sunnysideup69 Thank you so much, my friend. You have no idea how much these messages mean to me. They lift me and give hope. Thank you, sunny ❤️❤️❤️

[sunnysideup69]

Hey @Sottana,

How are you doing? Just checkin' in. Also, hope it's not too exhausting being asked. 

It's good to 'see' you over on Instagram, too 😊

[Sottana]

@sunnysideup69 Not exhausting in the slightest, my friend. I quite appreciate it! I’m wavey today, to be totally honest. So close to my goal though and hoping I finally stabilize once I get there. How are you doing? 

[Colonial]

Almost to 15 then! 🙂

Glad your going nice and steady.

Hope your ready for the possible ice or snow...

Brrr...❄️

[sunnysideup69]

7 hours ago, Adili13 said:

@sunnysideup69 Not exhausting in the slightest, my friend. I quite appreciate it! I’m wavey today, to be totally honest. So close to my goal though and hoping I finally stabilize once I get there. How are you doing? 

 

Glad you're close to your goal, Adili, then you can get some rest from reducing. You've done so well. Really hope a bit less Paxil in your system eases things. Don't forget how much you've been through...you did a fast taper off Lamictal on top of all the Paxil madness. All taken into account, you're doing amazingly, bud!

I'm with you on the waviness. I've been in an odd wave which appeared after clocks going back an hour here in UK. It came on all of a sudden, two and a haf days after the change. I'm convinced it's because I'm technically taking my meds an hour later since Sunday. My brain is playing catch up. The joys of these meds, eh?

However, it's been a really good excuse to spend half term doing as little as possible and getting a good rest, so.....

[Sottana]

@sunnysideup69 Thank you so much for the encouraging words. I’m hoping getting to 15 and holding will finally bring me to a spot where I’m somewhat functional and feeling better. I know what you mean about the time difference! Same thing happened to me last year! I’m going to add an hour to when I take my dose to account for it this year. I’m sure your wave will ease up soon. A one hour difference can throw us off, but I don’t think in any kind of severe or lasting way. 

[Colonial]

I've found the time changes are easier when I stopped scheduling my meds so close to getting up or going to bed. 

That way I could still take them closer to when I was and acclimate the change over a month, changing 20 minutes a week to 10 days each time.

If you take a med as soon as you get up, continue to get up earlier, so your med schedule is only 20 minutes off, then switch it another 20 minutes 2  more times over another week to 10 days and you should be fine.  Luckily, this was something that didn't bother me as much once I slowed my taper down, but only when I was accidentally "rushing" the taper, like yourself.  I was dropping every few weeks.  

[sunnysideup69]

6 hours ago, Adili13 said:

@sunnysideup69 Thank you so much for the encouraging words. I’m hoping getting to 15 and holding will finally bring me to a spot where I’m somewhat functional and feeling better. I know what you mean about the time difference! Same thing happened to me last year! I’m going to add an hour to when I take my dose to account for it this year. I’m sure your wave will ease up soon. A one hour difference can throw us off, but I don’t think in any kind of severe or lasting way. 

You're welcome, rooting for you to feel much more functional at 15mg.

I'm still wavey, isn't it incredible how that time differential can throw us?! Like you say, I'm actually going to keep the 24 hour dosing accurate from now on, even at clock change times.

However, I did indulge in chocolate last Sunday, too, and also on Monday. Am at my parents this weekend and ate ice cream yesterday evening....so it's been a car crash week as far as diet goes. Sugar intake plus click change =wave, for me, it seems.

Back on it today. Sending you good wishes, bud 😊

[Longroadhome]

Morning @Sottana
 

just checking in and seeing how your doing my friend ? 
have you reached your goal ? 

[Sottana]

@Colonial I’m not working, so I just go back an hour in the fall and forward and hour in the spring to account for time changes. The actual time doesn’t matter so much as long as my body is taking the drug at the same time. 
 

@sunnysideup69 I hope 15 (14.7) is the magic number for me! I’m prepared for another lengthy hold to see if it’s finally my ticket. 
 

I agree, so crazy how the littlest things throw us off so much! My diet hasn’t been ideal the last few days either, ugh! Sometimes I just need toasted bread like it’s a drug addiction, it’s insanity. I stay pretty paleo most of the time, though. 
 

@Longroadhome I’m pretty close, my friend. Few more weeks and I’ll be there! 

[Sottana]

Anyone ever have strange effects from switching to the same dose of a drug but a different pill strength? I went from making a liquid out of my 20’s to taking solid 15s using ten mg pills (1.5 10’s) and im getting some weird effects. Head pressure, confusion, exhaustion and burning skin. All stuff that’s been pretty absent from my taper recently. The 10’s are the same manufacturer and everything (aurobindo). Is it possible the just a different strength pill could create such strange effects? 

[ChessieCat]

So you were making a liquid using 20mg tablets and taking 3/4 of the liquid for a 15mg dose?

 

And now you are taking tablet 10mg + 5mg tablets but not making a liquid from them?

 

When changing form of a drug (tablet to liquid, liquid to tablet) SA recommends doing a cross over because it is gentler on the system.  When taking liquid you make yourself the drug is generally immediate release and is absorbed faster than tablets.

 

Doing the following combinations for 3-7 days (or longer if needed): 3/4 old form + 1/4 new form, 1/2 + 1/2, 1/4 + 3/4 then all of the new form.

 

Depending on how long you have been doing this you might want to go back to all liquid or part liquid/part tablet (eg 10mg liquid/5mg tablet and then 5mg liquid/10mg tablet then all tablet)

[Sottana]

I actually AM making a liquid from the 10 and 5 mg tablets. That’s why I am so confused from the effects! Thanks for your help and advice!!!! 
 

@ChessieCat

[Sottana]

I haven’t even started to stop taking it in liquid form. Just different tablets. 

[Colonial]

3 hours ago, Adili13 said:

I went from making a liquid out of my 20’s to taking solid 15s using ten mg pills (1.5 10’s) and im getting some weird effects.

 

2 hours ago, Adili13 said:

I actually AM making a liquid from the 10 and 5 mg tablets

 

I think the confusion is from the first post where you said "taking solid 15gs".

I would interpret that as your swallowing a 10mg pill whole and then cutting another in half and swallowing that as whole as possible as well.

You might enquire from the pharmacy or manufacturer about the different artificial colors in the new pill as some are problematic.

 

Or it could just be coincidence and be new symptoms as your body makes it progression through the healing process.

Those "effects" are typical of wd for some and may not be "side effects" of the drug change, but anything is possible depending on manufacturing.

 

 

Edited November 17, 2020 by Colonial