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coldturkmama Recovered after Paxil cold turkey

coldturkmama

By coldturkmama
in Success stories: Recovery from psychiatric drug withdrawal

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coldturkmama Contributor

coldturkmama

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18 hours ago, Armorall said:

Whoa... you think the CBD oil actually aided you in getting your sleep back???? I must try it if that's the case!

 

Yes I do BUT I used hempworx which is the best I’ve ever found and is no longer Available in Canada ugh 😑 and I tried it slowwwwlllllyyyyyy

Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 

Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout

October 2013 quit cold turkey

Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window

Late November WD nightmare 

Windows and waves pattern 

Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. 

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coldturkmama
coldturkmama

Hi   i just thought I’d pop in and give an update about how things are now.   i was talking with a friend the other day about what all id gone through with Paxil and I realized, I’m so

coldturkmama
coldturkmama

its hard to say if I have any real lasting symptoms from the withdrawal and what is just regular anxiety. I feel like I have overcome 99% of the withdrawal. I have some issues sometimes with gett

coldturkmama
coldturkmama

I check in here often in case someone has messaged me but it’s so funny because at one time, this place kept me sane. It kept me going. I can’t thank the creators of this page enough for having this i

coldturkmama Contributor

coldturkmama

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10 hours ago, Sani said:

I meant to ask, do u have only mental symtoms of anxiety or physical symptoms too like palpitations, sweaty palms, tightness in chest etc?

 

Mine was a lot of mental but some physical (tight chest and such) but the claire Weekes method And doing the acceptance I learned about realllly helped me.

Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 

Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout

October 2013 quit cold turkey

Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window

Late November WD nightmare 

Windows and waves pattern 

Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. 

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coldturkmama Contributor

coldturkmama

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16 hours ago, zulan said:

congrats on your recovery, these drugs are the devil @coldturkmama

Thank you!! I agree!

Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 

Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout

October 2013 quit cold turkey

Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window

Late November WD nightmare 

Windows and waves pattern 

Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. 

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Hellbutrin Newbie

Hellbutrin

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On 4/5/2020 at 9:21 PM, coldturkmama said:

 

I swear that’s what helped and now I domt

need it :) yayyy

I’ve been thinking about trying this to help with sleep. Did you see a worsening of memory when you started using it? My only concern is that it could potentially increase my memory decline

  1. Started Wellbutrin 75 mg IR the end of 2015.
  2. Tried quitting cold turkey in June 30th- July 3rd 2017.
  3. Had severe withdrawals.
  4. Was placed on Wellbutrin 100mg SR so I could taper without withdrawal.
  5. Stabilized on 100mg SR for most of the month of July.
  6. Started tapering on July 17th,  2017.
  7. Completed taper on August 8th, 2017.
  8. Currently experiencing severe withdrawal.
  • Symptoms- Currently experiencing anhedonia, depersonalization/derealization, concentration/memory issues, chronic congestion, chronic dry eyes, dry skin, dislocated TMJ joint from teeth grinding during C/T withdrawal, waves of depression, anxiety, nausea, morning cortisol spikes, insomnia, agitation, food sensitivities, no tolerance for caffeine and chronic fatigue, burning muscle pain in upper and lower back and occasional tinninitus.
  • Supplements- Omega-3 fish oil supplement twice daily, 100 mg of magnesium once daily. 
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coldturkmama Contributor

coldturkmama

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11 hours ago, Hellbutrin said:

I’ve been thinking about trying this to help with sleep. Did you see a worsening of memory when you started using it? My only concern is that it could potentially increase my memory decline

Nope!  I didn’t notice any decline. I struggled with memory and proper words in the beginning of WD,  but CBD oil didn’t worsen those. 

Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 

Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout

October 2013 quit cold turkey

Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window

Late November WD nightmare 

Windows and waves pattern 

Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. 

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ResilienceandHope Newbie

ResilienceandHope

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Hi Coldturkeymama,

Did you have any symptoms such as obsession and looping thoughts?  It's driving me crazy!

2003-2018: Various amounts of Paxil from 20 mg to 5 mg. Occasional Xanax .25 mg for sleep (8-10 times annually)

April 2018: .5 mg Xanax 3 times daily, 10 mg Paxil due to insomnia after horrible experience building a new house with delays.
June 2018: Increase to 20 mg Paxil and continued Xanax.  Horrible side effects and interdose w/d from Xanax(didn't know at the time).
September 2018: .5 Klonopin daily, 30 mg Mirtz, 60 mg Prozac. 
October 2018:  Developed UTI. Floxed with Cipro. Sent me into acute w/d. November 2018: Switched to 5 mg Valium to try and control interdose w/d. January 2019: Switched to liquid Valium to start taper following Ashton Manual.

Mid February 2019: Ashton schedule too fast, switched to daily liquid micro taper for duration

Mid April 2019: Finished taper Mid May 2019: Started taper Prozac and Mirtz. 10% every 2 weeks.  Too fast. Holding until I feel better. Currently at 40 mg Prozac and 27 mg Mirtz. May 2019: Continue taper. Complete Prozac taper November 2019  January 2020: Complete Remeron taper

March 31, 2020: SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG! Woke up in a panic and everything went downhill fast. Insomnia, audio hallucinations, extreme anxiety and akathesia. Attempted suicide and was put in hospital. Put on cocktail of drugs. 80 mg Prozac, 15 mg Remeron, trazedone 75mg, Lithium 300mg. Took meds because I was terrified. June 3, 2020: Still having terrible withdrawal symptoms.

 

 

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coldturkmama Contributor

coldturkmama

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On 4/18/2020 at 11:39 PM, ResilienceandHope said:

Hi Coldturkeymama,

Did you have any symptoms such as obsession and looping thoughts?  It's driving me crazy!

 

Yes, I did! 

Have you ever heard of Claire weekes?

i found her book “hope and help for your nerves” as well as a guy named Drew on YouTube (his group name is The Anxious Truth) and their suggestions and tips for those problems really helped

me. 

2

Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 

Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout

October 2013 quit cold turkey

Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window

Late November WD nightmare 

Windows and waves pattern 

Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. 

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coldturkmama Contributor

coldturkmama

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Hey all! Hope everyone is doing well!

im writing this hoping my friend Melanie will see this!

my email has stopped allowing me to sign in and i am having a hard time verifying the account 😑 

if you see this here, inbox me here :)

Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 

Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout

October 2013 quit cold turkey

Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window

Late November WD nightmare 

Windows and waves pattern 

Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. 

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Cocopuffz17 Rookie

Cocopuffz17

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Thanks for sharing your journey. I am almost 15 months off my paroxetine. It has been a journey that is for sure!! All the best to you  :) 

I follow The Plant Paradox lifestyle by Dr.Gundry. This lifestyle has given me my life back and I feel better than I have ever felt in my life. It has enabled me to finally get off of this medication and truly live my life. Nutrition is the key to health!!!!! 

2008 to 2019  - 20 mg Paroxetine

Attempted 2 CT's around the 5-6 year mark. Were absolutely terrible and reinstated. Was never explained by the doctor the seriousness of the short half life of this drug. 

2017 - Attempted a tapered discontinuation of this drug and reinstated after being unsuccessful.

2019 - Feb. 12 - After a three month taper I am off of paroxetine. The 3 months were terrible, awful withdrawal feelings. I followed the doctors guidelines for the reduction of this drug and now know it was way too fast. 
2019 - Oct. 12 - 8 months off paroxetine. 75% improvement since coming off the drug. Definitely have had tons of challenges along the way. Let’s go!!!! 

2021 - Feb. 12 - 24 months off paroxetine. I have minor challenges now. Tinnitus/Headaches are still around but are reduced by a massive amount. 

 

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coldturkmama Contributor

coldturkmama

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1 hour ago, Cocopuffz17 said:

Thanks for sharing your journey. I am almost 15 months off my paroxetine. It has been a journey that is for sure!! All the best to you  :) 

Thank you :)

good luck!!

1

Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 

Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout

October 2013 quit cold turkey

Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window

Late November WD nightmare 

Windows and waves pattern 

Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. 

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Armorall Contributor

Armorall

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Hi CTM, I was wondering if you had expressive aphasia in the past and if it resolved itself? I'm at 11 months out and now have this as a symptom. Thanks!

3/21/19 started Bupropion XL 150 mg

3/21/19 started Risperidone 2mg

7/7/19 start Abilify half dose 5 mg. discontinue Risperidone

7/9/19 full dose Abilify 10 mg

7/29/19 discontinued Abilify due to panicky side effects

8/2/19 Began Latuda 20 mg

8/5/19 discontinued Latuda due to similar side effects 

8/10/19 discontinued Bupropion after realizing it was causing the insomnia

From 8/10/19 no drugs whatsoever

Currently taking vitamin C, D, E, a probiotic and fish oil. 
Message me here if you want: https://www.facebook.com/morra.lal.3/  I've been getting a lot of fake friend requests, so please send a message before friend requesting me, thank you!

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Claudius Newbie

Claudius

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Very great to read that you also recovered from a horrible CT withdrawal from Paxil. We were in the same boat I remember. Congratulations, it is a miracle on its own to get rid of this nasty stuff!

10 mg Paxil/Seroxat since 2002
several attempts to quit since 2004
Quit c/t again Oktober 2007, in protracted w/d since then
after 3.5 years slight improvement but still on the road

after 6 years pretty much recovered but still some nasty residual sypmtons
after 8.5 years working again on a 90% base and basically functioning normally again!

 

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coldturkmama Contributor

coldturkmama

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On 7/3/2020 at 6:56 PM, Armorall said:

Hi CTM, I was wondering if you had expressive aphasia in the past and if it resolved itself? I'm at 11 months out and now have this as a symptom. Thanks!

 

I don’t know if that is exactly what I experienced but I found it very hard to formulae sentences and to properly express myself. I could be looking at a broom for example and not remember the name of it!

 

Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 

Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout

October 2013 quit cold turkey

Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window

Late November WD nightmare 

Windows and waves pattern 

Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. 

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Armorall Contributor

Armorall

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Cool, so that symptom is now gone? How long do you think you had it for? Thanks CTM.

3/21/19 started Bupropion XL 150 mg

3/21/19 started Risperidone 2mg

7/7/19 start Abilify half dose 5 mg. discontinue Risperidone

7/9/19 full dose Abilify 10 mg

7/29/19 discontinued Abilify due to panicky side effects

8/2/19 Began Latuda 20 mg

8/5/19 discontinued Latuda due to similar side effects 

8/10/19 discontinued Bupropion after realizing it was causing the insomnia

From 8/10/19 no drugs whatsoever

Currently taking vitamin C, D, E, a probiotic and fish oil. 
Message me here if you want: https://www.facebook.com/morra.lal.3/  I've been getting a lot of fake friend requests, so please send a message before friend requesting me, thank you!

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coldturkmama Contributor

coldturkmama

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On 7/16/2020 at 2:06 AM, Armorall said:

Cool, so that symptom is now gone? How long do you think you had it for? Thanks CTM.

 

Yes :) all gone in that regard!

 

i came back to ask a question.

 

has anyone who considered themselves recovered, had a surgery flare things back up?

 

 

Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 

Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout

October 2013 quit cold turkey

Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window

Late November WD nightmare 

Windows and waves pattern 

Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. 

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Erell Contributor

Erell

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22 hours ago, coldturkmama said:

 

has anyone who considered themselves recovered, had a surgery flare things back up?

 

 you might find testimonies here :

 

 

 

2006 : 20mg Paxil+Bromazepam. 2008 : cold turkey of both. 2010 : Reinstatement 20mg Paxil + Bromazepam.

2014-June2017 : Switch from Bromazepam to Prazepam, slow taper to 0mg.

2018 to August 2019 : Paxil 20mg taper (3% every 15 days). 22 Aug 2019 updose to 10mg (was at 8.4mg).

25th Sept 2019 To April 2020 : found SA, holding at 10mg Paxil. 

April 2020 : Paxil 10mg to Prozac 7mg bridge. Details : topic/21457

 

Current Supplements : magnesium citrate + fish oil

Current medication :

* 7pm Diazepam  : 0.85mg (15 Aug 2022) / 0.95 mg (24 April 2022) / 1mg Diazepam (since 29 Aug 2020)

* 8am Prozac : 6.16mg (25 oct 2022, feel awful, slight updose) / 6.08 mg (9 oct 2022) / 6.24mg (11 July 22) / 6.44mg (22 May 22) / 6.64mg (4 Nov 21) / 6.72mg (8 oct 21) / 6.8 mg (15 Sept 21)/ 6.88mg (14 Aug 21)/ 6.92mg (23 Jun 21)

 

I am not a professional, I don't give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

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coldturkmama Contributor

coldturkmama

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Each passing year things only get better :) 

The further out I am from paxil, the more I heal. 
I was surprised to have a bladder symptom pop up a few months ago, so severe I was convinced this surely couldn’t be like all the other times before (fake uti was a symptom I struggled with during withdrawal) so I actually went to the Dr after a few days convinced I must need antibiotics.

The tests were negative though and the Dr suggested I come back if it didn’t clear up, said it was strange nothing was showing up in my sample.

 

a few days later, it was gone.  I believe that was a Paxil WD symptom back for a visit but it hasn’t happened since.  Maybe a little wave to remind me

how far I’ve come.

 

2

Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 

Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout

October 2013 quit cold turkey

Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window

Late November WD nightmare 

Windows and waves pattern 

Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. 

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Phoenixmama Contributor

Phoenixmama

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Hi @coldturkmama you mentioned “fake uti symptoms “ I’m having symptoms of a beginning uti , I also had this about a month ago for a day then read your story and decided to not go to the doctors and it went away , what where your symptoms like and did you ever take a test to see if you had one PLEASE HELP 

2021:  started celexa 10mg feb 2nd 

feb 25th took my last 10g; feb 26th 5mg; feb 27th 5mg; feb 28th 2021 cold turkey 

currently taking mag

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Phoenixmama Contributor

Phoenixmama

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@coldturkmama hi how are you doing these days , i have so many questions for you 

2021:  started celexa 10mg feb 2nd 

feb 25th took my last 10g; feb 26th 5mg; feb 27th 5mg; feb 28th 2021 cold turkey 

currently taking mag

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PsychologicalSafe15 Contributor

PsychologicalSafe15

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@coldturkmamaDid you have any IBS and vivid dreams or some sorts of gastrointestinal issues ?

2017 october--2018 march->(6 month) fluoxetine 20,30 mg-->cold turkey= after 2 month semen leakage

2018 july---2018 Aug-->(24 days) fluoxetine 20 mg --> cold turkey = vivid dreams begin

2018 december 2019 Jan-->(1 month) Amitriptyline 25--> cold turkey
--------++++--horror of drugs begins. Taking one after another and cold turkey-------+++------------------
2019 May--2019 May--> (12 days) Lexapro cold turkey

2019 May--2019 august -->(3 month)Cobazam 10 mg +amitriptyline 25 mg --> clobazam cold turkey

----2019 october ---> went cold turkey amitriptyline 25 mg.

2019 october--2020 Jan -->(3 months) duloxetine cymbalta 30mg --->cold turkey

2020 jan-2020 Apr--> (3 months) paroxetine 25 mg --> Cold turkey

2020 July--2021 Jan--> (6 months) amitriptyline 50 mg ,75 mg,100 mg ,125 mg -> cold turkey

2021 jan--2021 May--> (4 months) imipramine 75 mg -->cold turkey

2021 may-2021 Aug--> (3 months) nortriptyline 25 mg --> cold turkey== still semen leakage and vivid dream

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coldturkmama Contributor

coldturkmama

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On 9/16/2021 at 10:12 AM, PsychologicalSafe15 said:

@coldturkmamaDid you have any IBS and vivid dreams or some sorts of gastrointestinal issues ?


sorry I didn’t see this until now.

yes I always had stomach issues but it got way worse in withdrawal.

Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 

Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout

October 2013 quit cold turkey

Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window

Late November WD nightmare 

Windows and waves pattern 

Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. 

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PsychologicalSafe15 Contributor

PsychologicalSafe15

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Posted
1 hour ago, coldturkmama said:


sorry I didn’t see this until now.

yes I always had stomach issues but it got way worse in withdrawal.

how lond did take to return to baseline ?

2017 october--2018 march->(6 month) fluoxetine 20,30 mg-->cold turkey= after 2 month semen leakage

2018 july---2018 Aug-->(24 days) fluoxetine 20 mg --> cold turkey = vivid dreams begin

2018 december 2019 Jan-->(1 month) Amitriptyline 25--> cold turkey
--------++++--horror of drugs begins. Taking one after another and cold turkey-------+++------------------
2019 May--2019 May--> (12 days) Lexapro cold turkey

2019 May--2019 august -->(3 month)Cobazam 10 mg +amitriptyline 25 mg --> clobazam cold turkey

----2019 october ---> went cold turkey amitriptyline 25 mg.

2019 october--2020 Jan -->(3 months) duloxetine cymbalta 30mg --->cold turkey

2020 jan-2020 Apr--> (3 months) paroxetine 25 mg --> Cold turkey

2020 July--2021 Jan--> (6 months) amitriptyline 50 mg ,75 mg,100 mg ,125 mg -> cold turkey

2021 jan--2021 May--> (4 months) imipramine 75 mg -->cold turkey

2021 may-2021 Aug--> (3 months) nortriptyline 25 mg --> cold turkey== still semen leakage and vivid dream

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Kara2302 Contributor

Kara2302

Posted
Posted

Hello Coldturkmama, 

 

i Hope, you feel good 🙂 

 

I would like to know, if your nervous system can tolerate medication, alcohol and things like that again? 
 

I ask because I am so anxious that I will never heal and get back in this hell forever when I have to take Antibiotics or something Else :( 

 

oh … and do you Know this very Black wd caused anxiety ? It is sooooo scary :( 

 

Thank you so much ! Wishing all the best for you 🍀🍀🍀

2011-2019 Prozac (6month Taper) 
May 2020 Amitryptiline Adverse reaction to three doses (2mg) !!

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Armorall Contributor

Armorall

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Posted

@Kara2302 Sorry, I'm not CTM but I thought I'd respond. I think often times as long as you avoid the floxing antibiotics, things are ok. I still can't drink caffeine and I won't even try alcohol or cold medicine (because it seems like enough people comment that it throws them into a wave), but I do take things. Ibuprofen, vitamins C, D, E, magnesium, black cohosh, fish oil are all things I take daily. Oh and acidopholus. What I did as I read things on this site is make a list of things that I should avoid or find substitutions. 
Like macrobid for UTIs (and d-mannose to prevent them) black cohosh for perimenopause symptoms, carbocaine instead of the normal novacaine for tooth work. Propylol for surgeries. 

Read through the site and make a list of things that have significantly messed with people (I didn't put down magnesium because it doesn't mess with me, but although some people get symptoms, it's not one of the big ones). 
If all else fails, you can always just wait until you are actually prescribed things and then do a search for them on here. 
It's funny, ever since I had to be careful about drugs, I've had a few incidents where doctors have prescribed me things and it turned out I didn't actually need them (and I never took them). When I thought I had a UTI, I went in and they gave me antibiotics. I waited until they read my test results later to take it, turns out I didn't have one. They got frustrated when I didn't take it anyway. It's a system where they will just give you drugs and see if it takes the symptoms away, nevermind the tests. 

Don't worry, you will heal ❤️ 
 

1

3/21/19 started Bupropion XL 150 mg

3/21/19 started Risperidone 2mg

7/7/19 start Abilify half dose 5 mg. discontinue Risperidone

7/9/19 full dose Abilify 10 mg

7/29/19 discontinued Abilify due to panicky side effects

8/2/19 Began Latuda 20 mg

8/5/19 discontinued Latuda due to similar side effects 

8/10/19 discontinued Bupropion after realizing it was causing the insomnia

From 8/10/19 no drugs whatsoever

Currently taking vitamin C, D, E, a probiotic and fish oil. 
Message me here if you want: https://www.facebook.com/morra.lal.3/  I've been getting a lot of fake friend requests, so please send a message before friend requesting me, thank you!

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Kara2302 Contributor

Kara2302

Posted
Posted

Hi @Armorall, thank you so much for your reply! 
 

I do also try to take no medications.

Nothing, because I am so scared. 
 

But I had cancer a few years ago, so I dont know if I have to die, of it comes back, because I cant take the medicine. 
 

Oh and had a few bad UTI last years, but not while WD 🙏🙏🙏

 

I red about Waves for about 4 YEARS because of amoxicillin, so I got the creeps. :( A Wave for a few weeks … ok … but years ? I couldnt do this again … 

 

Thank you very much for helping, I will Write a list, too 🙂 

 

love, kara 🍀🍀🍀🍀💐

1

2011-2019 Prozac (6month Taper) 
May 2020 Amitryptiline Adverse reaction to three doses (2mg) !!

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coldturkmama Contributor

coldturkmama

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On 4/11/2022 at 12:51 PM, Kara2302 said:

Hello Coldturkmama, 

 

i Hope, you feel good 🙂 

 

I would like to know, if your nervous system can tolerate medication, alcohol and things like that again? 
 

I ask because I am so anxious that I will never heal and get back in this hell forever when I have to take Antibiotics or something Else :( 

 

oh … and do you Know this very Black wd caused anxiety ? It is sooooo scary :( 

 

Thank you so much ! Wishing all the best for you 🍀🍀🍀


I’m sorry I missed this, I don’t come back here too often.

I will say, I avoid medication for the most part, unless it is completely necessary, but that’s personal preference since I no longer trust the pharmaceutical industry. 
 

i have taken and tolerated a few antibiotics (dental related, so no choice) and all was well.  
I had to have my gallbladder out two years ago and the meds they use to put you under did “rev” me up a bit, and I get like I was in a bit of a wave but it didn’t last too long. I remember saying to my husband that it felt like withdrawal again but it wasn’t long, maybe a week and it wasn’t as bad as before, so tolerable. 
 

i daily take vitamins and probiotics and drink coffee lol 

I hope this helped!

1

Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 

Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout

October 2013 quit cold turkey

Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window

Late November WD nightmare 

Windows and waves pattern 

Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. 

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Pollyjay Contributor

Pollyjay

Posted
Posted
On 4/22/2020 at 6:48 AM, coldturkmama said:

 

Yes, I did! 

Have you ever heard of Claire weekes?

i found her book “hope and help for your nerves” as well as a guy named Drew on YouTube (his group name is The Anxious Truth) and their suggestions and tips for those problems really helped

me. 

 

Thank you so much for recommending The Anxious Truth! I just took a look at his channel and will be watching more of his videos! 

65 y/o Female

Current meds:

Started:26 February, Propranolol 5 mg 8am and 8 pm

Started: 11 March 2022, Ativan : 0 .25mg 1pm and 9pm

Off Seroquel since early October 2022

Off Lunesta since early September 2022 

 

Other meds: Levothyroxine 50mcg with extra 25mcg Mon. Wed. Fri.

 

 

 

 

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Pepms Contributor

Pepms

Posted
Posted

Hi @coldturkmamahow have you been? Can I ask in how many time did the paresthesia or tingling burning feelings subside after you started getting them? Thanks !

2013-2021 Lexapro 20mg

10-21 started lexapro tapering

3-22 lexapro free
5-22 started to get paresthesia all over body mainly in legs , numbness, tingling, stinging sensations 

6-22 neurologist started me on Lyrica 25mg twice a day to see if it helps with the paresthesia, got a nerve conduction test which was negative

6-22 neurologist suggested quitting lyrica as it isnt seem to be helping, and reinstating 5mg lexapro to see if it helps with the symptoms, thinking of starting lower at 2.5mg

6-13-22 stopped lyrica by doctor order (only took it 4 days )

6-14-22 reinstated 2.5mg lexapro

6-15-22 neurologist added 10mg amitriptyline to try and help with paresthesia sensory symptoms

6-22-22 updose to 5mg lexapro (bad reaction, paresthesia got worse, back to 2.5mg next day)

6-27-22 went to see a new internal doctor, per symptoms (lack of appetite that had been going on for almost a month, the paresthesia, and gi problems), told me to suspend everything i was taking and take new low dose combination drug (Adepsique) 5mg amitriptyline/ 1.5mg Diazepam / 1mg Perphenazine and 40mg Propranolol for daytime sinus tachycardia

 

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coldturkmama Contributor

coldturkmama

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Posted

Hi! I never experienced bad tingling or burning. I had brain zaps a lot, major headaches pressure and a zillion other things. It all came and went sometimes by the hour and other times by the week. 

Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 

Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout

October 2013 quit cold turkey

Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window

Late November WD nightmare 

Windows and waves pattern 

Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. 

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Pepms Contributor

Pepms

Posted
Posted

Sorry I misread , about the leg pain? How much time did it took to get better ? Thanks !!!

2013-2021 Lexapro 20mg

10-21 started lexapro tapering

3-22 lexapro free
5-22 started to get paresthesia all over body mainly in legs , numbness, tingling, stinging sensations 

6-22 neurologist started me on Lyrica 25mg twice a day to see if it helps with the paresthesia, got a nerve conduction test which was negative

6-22 neurologist suggested quitting lyrica as it isnt seem to be helping, and reinstating 5mg lexapro to see if it helps with the symptoms, thinking of starting lower at 2.5mg

6-13-22 stopped lyrica by doctor order (only took it 4 days )

6-14-22 reinstated 2.5mg lexapro

6-15-22 neurologist added 10mg amitriptyline to try and help with paresthesia sensory symptoms

6-22-22 updose to 5mg lexapro (bad reaction, paresthesia got worse, back to 2.5mg next day)

6-27-22 went to see a new internal doctor, per symptoms (lack of appetite that had been going on for almost a month, the paresthesia, and gi problems), told me to suspend everything i was taking and take new low dose combination drug (Adepsique) 5mg amitriptyline/ 1.5mg Diazepam / 1mg Perphenazine and 40mg Propranolol for daytime sinus tachycardia

 

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coldturkmama Contributor

coldturkmama

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Ohhh the leg pain was at the very start and it was definitely SO MUCH PAIN! I guess that was probably months of it but it’s all a bit fuzzy since it was quite some time ago. I remember the first few weeks it was the worst of the worst. 

Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 

Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout

October 2013 quit cold turkey

Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window

Late November WD nightmare 

Windows and waves pattern 

Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. 

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  • 3 weeks later...
Guest

Guest

Posted
Posted

Hi, 

 

ghank you for your recover story ❤️

 

How do you get trough this 5 years, did you go to work, it seems I can’t make it trough the day, how can I make it years? 
 

are you able to work and to have a normal life ?

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
getofflex Grand Master

getofflex

Posted
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Posted

Thank you for sharing your success story of getting off Paxil.  Your story has given a lot of hope to others who have cold turkeyed.  Thank you.  I hope you are doing well today. 

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

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coldturkmama Contributor

coldturkmama

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On 6/28/2022 at 9:31 PM, Quittingquentiapin said:

Hi, 

 

ghank you for your recover story ❤️

 

How do you get trough this 5 years, did you go to work, it seems I can’t make it trough the day, how can I make it years? 
 

are you able to work and to have a normal life ?

 

At first I was living day to day, and it was very hard. I had three kids and a husband so I had to push myself even when I didn’t want to. I was a nervous wreck and in physical pain.

I am thankful I had a good support system, and managed to get through the worst parts even when I thought I wouldn’t. I cried many tears and had a very difficult time but God saw me through. 
I wasn’t able to work much at first but thankfully I was working for myself and so not having to answer to anyone made things easier. I was doing vacation rental cleaning and photography.


 

1

Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 

Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout

October 2013 quit cold turkey

Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window

Late November WD nightmare 

Windows and waves pattern 

Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. 

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  • 5 weeks later...
dantesjourney Rookie

dantesjourney

Posted
Posted

@coldturkmama

How are you doing?

I have to thank you for your story which give Hope to people like me 

 

  • From 1998 to 2008 paroxetine; from september 2008 to april 2010 escitalopram; from february 2011 to july 2011 escitalopram; from september 2011 to march 2013 venlafaxine 75 mg; from march 2013 to september 2013 venlafaxine 37,5 mg; from january 2014 to august 2016 venlafaxine 75 mg; september 2016 to december 2016 venlafaxine 37,5; march 2017 to october 2017 venlafaxine 75 mg (problems not working); from december 2018 to august 2018 escitalopram 10 ; from december 2018 to july 2019 sertraline 50 mg; last attempt (disaster) vortioxetine 27 november 2019- 5 february 2020 CTed; now almost 10 month SSRI free
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coldturkmama Contributor

coldturkmama

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On 8/9/2022 at 6:55 AM, dantesjourney said:

@coldturkmama

How are you doing?

I have to thank you for your story which give Hope to people like me 

 


I am doing well! 
you’re welcome, I know how much I relied on this site and success stories when I was recovering.

Claire weekes’ book hope and help for your nerves as well as Drew’s podcast (the anxious truth) helped me more as I went through it.

 

I am working 8 hour days now and have hobbies and go walking etc 

2

Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 

Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout

October 2013 quit cold turkey

Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window

Late November WD nightmare 

Windows and waves pattern 

Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. 

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