Flowercat

[Flowercat]

Since I finished my taper at the end of Jan, I've been changing every month. I didn't have as many crazy symptoms as others do but I'm still in a bad place right now. Currently, I get frequent anxiety attacks that last hours and suicidal ideations. I have other problems but those two are what make me want to give up, so I would rather focus on those. My psychologist moved away so I'm trying to find a new one. I'm uncomfortable with doing video sessions. I have not been to therapy in years and really need it with what I'm going through now. I'll update here when I start therapy.

[getofflex]

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a volunteer-run community of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  Can you please clarify which year your completed your 3 month paroxetine taper - 2021, or 2022?  I'm assuming '22, but just want to make sure.  What dose of paroxetine were you on before you started your taper?  I believe you are having symptoms from tapering off the drug faster than your nervous system was able to handle.  We suggest a very slow 10% per month taper, and base the 10% on the previous dose, not the original dose.  

 

Here is some important information about how these drugs actually work.  

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is: 

 

Video on Recovery from Psych Drugs

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

This link can really help you to manage your withdrawal: 

 

Steps for Managing WD Symptoms

 

Here is a link with checklists of common WD symptoms: 

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen Withdrawal Symptom Checklists

 

 

Here are some techniques to cope with symptoms: 

 

Non Drug Ways to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms

 

Stability is really important when we are tapering off psych meds.  Please read the link about stability:

 

Keep It Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

 

We don't suggest many supplements, but 2 that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. It is suggested to add one at a time, and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

Magnesium

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

I'm very sorry that you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, and anxiety attacks.  Going through withdrawal from psych meds is a very difficult thing to go through, but the good news is, it is temporary, and will eventually subside.  Your brain will heal.  Since suicidal ideation (SI) and anxiety are your most pressing concerns, here is some information about that: 

 

For Those Who Are Feeling Desperate or Suicidal

 

Audio:  First Aid for Panic (4 minutes)

 

Audio:  How to Recover from Anxiety - Dr Claire Weekes

 

Anxiety Stuff - all kinds of stuff about anxiety attacks and things that help ...

 

Emotional Spirals

 

Acknowledge Accept Float

 

Music to Calm Anxiety

 

Breathing Technique for Anxiety

 

Meditation

 

Anxiety Stuff - all kinds of stuff about anxiety attacks and things that help ...

 

Please keep in touch, and let us know how you are doing.  

Edited May 26, 2022 by getofflex

[getofflex]

I also wanted to add that using CBD or any mind altering substance can possibly further destabilize your nervous system, and worsen your withdrawal symptoms.  

 

Cannabis, CBD, etc.

 

Are you on any other drugs or supplements currently? 

[Flowercat]

I was worried about taking CBD for this reason but I was much worse off of it. I updated my signature to answer your other questions.

[getofflex]

It's good that you are taking the omega 3 and magnesium Glycinate - magnesium can help to calm your anxiety.  You may want to be cautious with the multivitamins and B vitamins, as these can activate your nervous system, and contribute to the anxiety.  These links will explain about supplements.  

 

Supplements, Vitamins, etc.

 

Mushroom - Lion's Mane, Reishi, Shiitake, AHCC

 

Important Topics About Supplements, Tests, Treatments

 

I know I've flooded you with links and information.  Take you time to go through them, and feel free to ask if you have any questions.  Please let us know how you are doing.  Hang in there, this will gradually and haltingly get better in time.