IanusTerminus Posted November 14, 2022 Posted November 14, 2022 Hi, I used to take paroxetine more than 10 years. I switched from paroxetine to fluoxetine around about 2 weeks ago. Completely stopped paroxetine 10 days ago. In the past, I had numerous unsuccessful direct taper attempts. That's why I'm switched to fluoxetine right now. I used to have chest pains that were coming and going for a long time. I was cleared of cardiac causes 9 months ago. Right now, I'm having chest pain (more like pressure now) in the nights which keeps me up from sleep and disabling me throught the day. Could this be a withdrawal symptom? I tried klonopin 0.5 without success, sublingual isosorbide dinitrate without success and PPI without success as well. Only, little bit of drinking is helping the pressure which I don't wanna do with this process at all. Will this ever go away? Thank you. 11/2011 - Paroxetine 20mg for PD/GAD with the addition of clonazepam 0.5mg PRN. In between - Numerous other SSRIs, SNRIs, and sometimes combined with other psychoactive drugs but always back to paroxetine and many unsuccessful attempts to quit. 08/2022 - Paroxetine completely stopped working and started giving me nothing but adverse and paradoxical effects. I realized it was the drug itself causing panic attacks but the baseline anxiety didn't change. Again decided to taper and go down to 10mg. 11/2022 - Cross tapered to fluoxetine 10mg in 10 days as I couldn't stop paroxetine. 12/2022 - Tapered fluoxetine to 5mg and stopped at the end of the month. 02/2023 - Reinstated fluoxetine 5mg mistaken for relapse and increased to 10mg. The worst decision so far. 03/2023 - Tapered down fluoxetine and stopped at the end of the month. 05/2023 - Things have still fallen apart. Cannot function. I believe I developed a physical dependence on clonazepam as well.
Administrator Altostrata Posted November 22, 2022 Administrator Posted November 22, 2022 Welcome, @IanusTerminus You switched from paroxetine to fluoxetine to go off paroxetine? How did your doctor explain this process to you? You're drinking alcohol? To help us out, follow these instructions Please put your drug and withdrawal history in your signature You may need to use a computer to do this. 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.
IanusTerminus Posted February 11, 2023 Author Posted February 11, 2023 It's almost mid-February, chest pressure changed to burning and coming and going but I developed chronic upper back and neck burning. Now, I cannot function at all. Fatigue, imbalance, dizziness, weak legs etc. I reinstated fluoxetine 5mg, 5 days ago but didnt notice a change yet. Since I was diagnosed more than 10 years ago, many symptoms (all physical) have come and gone and have shifted over time but never had a total relief. I have an appointment in upcoming days with my doctor but she says paxil withdrawal would not last more than 8 weeks. Yes, those brain zaps etc are gone but left me with those I mentioned before. So I'm looking for a perspective before I lose all my faith. I'm emotionally down as well which I have not experienced before like this. 11/2011 - Paroxetine 20mg for PD/GAD with the addition of clonazepam 0.5mg PRN. In between - Numerous other SSRIs, SNRIs, and sometimes combined with other psychoactive drugs but always back to paroxetine and many unsuccessful attempts to quit. 08/2022 - Paroxetine completely stopped working and started giving me nothing but adverse and paradoxical effects. I realized it was the drug itself causing panic attacks but the baseline anxiety didn't change. Again decided to taper and go down to 10mg. 11/2022 - Cross tapered to fluoxetine 10mg in 10 days as I couldn't stop paroxetine. 12/2022 - Tapered fluoxetine to 5mg and stopped at the end of the month. 02/2023 - Reinstated fluoxetine 5mg mistaken for relapse and increased to 10mg. The worst decision so far. 03/2023 - Tapered down fluoxetine and stopped at the end of the month. 05/2023 - Things have still fallen apart. Cannot function. I believe I developed a physical dependence on clonazepam as well.
IanusTerminus Posted February 11, 2023 Author Posted February 11, 2023 I forgot to mention I quit drinking and I've also been cleared by cardiologist and GI specialist. 11/2011 - Paroxetine 20mg for PD/GAD with the addition of clonazepam 0.5mg PRN. In between - Numerous other SSRIs, SNRIs, and sometimes combined with other psychoactive drugs but always back to paroxetine and many unsuccessful attempts to quit. 08/2022 - Paroxetine completely stopped working and started giving me nothing but adverse and paradoxical effects. I realized it was the drug itself causing panic attacks but the baseline anxiety didn't change. Again decided to taper and go down to 10mg. 11/2022 - Cross tapered to fluoxetine 10mg in 10 days as I couldn't stop paroxetine. 12/2022 - Tapered fluoxetine to 5mg and stopped at the end of the month. 02/2023 - Reinstated fluoxetine 5mg mistaken for relapse and increased to 10mg. The worst decision so far. 03/2023 - Tapered down fluoxetine and stopped at the end of the month. 05/2023 - Things have still fallen apart. Cannot function. I believe I developed a physical dependence on clonazepam as well.
Administrator Altostrata Posted February 11, 2023 Administrator Posted February 11, 2023 If you look around here, you'll see paroxetine withdrawal can last far longer than 8 weeks. How do you feel after taking 5mg fluoxetine for 5 days? This is important Please summarize your drug and withdrawal history in your signature You may need to use a computer to do this. 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.
IanusTerminus Posted February 11, 2023 Author Posted February 11, 2023 (edited) No change so far. I find hard to navigate through site so I could only find few threads. Edited February 11, 2023 by IanusTerminus 11/2011 - Paroxetine 20mg for PD/GAD with the addition of clonazepam 0.5mg PRN. In between - Numerous other SSRIs, SNRIs, and sometimes combined with other psychoactive drugs but always back to paroxetine and many unsuccessful attempts to quit. 08/2022 - Paroxetine completely stopped working and started giving me nothing but adverse and paradoxical effects. I realized it was the drug itself causing panic attacks but the baseline anxiety didn't change. Again decided to taper and go down to 10mg. 11/2022 - Cross tapered to fluoxetine 10mg in 10 days as I couldn't stop paroxetine. 12/2022 - Tapered fluoxetine to 5mg and stopped at the end of the month. 02/2023 - Reinstated fluoxetine 5mg mistaken for relapse and increased to 10mg. The worst decision so far. 03/2023 - Tapered down fluoxetine and stopped at the end of the month. 05/2023 - Things have still fallen apart. Cannot function. I believe I developed a physical dependence on clonazepam as well.
Administrator Altostrata Posted February 13, 2023 Administrator Posted February 13, 2023 It can take several weeks for fluoxetine to take full effect. Please let us know how you're doing. 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.
IanusTerminus Posted April 7, 2023 Author Posted April 7, 2023 UPDATE: Fluoxetine made me much worse and totally incapacitated. I quit after tapering for about 15 days. Looking forward to the withdrawal symptoms subside. 11/2011 - Paroxetine 20mg for PD/GAD with the addition of clonazepam 0.5mg PRN. In between - Numerous other SSRIs, SNRIs, and sometimes combined with other psychoactive drugs but always back to paroxetine and many unsuccessful attempts to quit. 08/2022 - Paroxetine completely stopped working and started giving me nothing but adverse and paradoxical effects. I realized it was the drug itself causing panic attacks but the baseline anxiety didn't change. Again decided to taper and go down to 10mg. 11/2022 - Cross tapered to fluoxetine 10mg in 10 days as I couldn't stop paroxetine. 12/2022 - Tapered fluoxetine to 5mg and stopped at the end of the month. 02/2023 - Reinstated fluoxetine 5mg mistaken for relapse and increased to 10mg. The worst decision so far. 03/2023 - Tapered down fluoxetine and stopped at the end of the month. 05/2023 - Things have still fallen apart. Cannot function. I believe I developed a physical dependence on clonazepam as well.
Administrator Altostrata Posted April 8, 2023 Administrator Posted April 8, 2023 In these situations, we would not have suggested reinstating a dose as high as 5mg. 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.
IanusTerminus Posted April 8, 2023 Author Posted April 8, 2023 Everyone is telling something different. 11/2011 - Paroxetine 20mg for PD/GAD with the addition of clonazepam 0.5mg PRN. In between - Numerous other SSRIs, SNRIs, and sometimes combined with other psychoactive drugs but always back to paroxetine and many unsuccessful attempts to quit. 08/2022 - Paroxetine completely stopped working and started giving me nothing but adverse and paradoxical effects. I realized it was the drug itself causing panic attacks but the baseline anxiety didn't change. Again decided to taper and go down to 10mg. 11/2022 - Cross tapered to fluoxetine 10mg in 10 days as I couldn't stop paroxetine. 12/2022 - Tapered fluoxetine to 5mg and stopped at the end of the month. 02/2023 - Reinstated fluoxetine 5mg mistaken for relapse and increased to 10mg. The worst decision so far. 03/2023 - Tapered down fluoxetine and stopped at the end of the month. 05/2023 - Things have still fallen apart. Cannot function. I believe I developed a physical dependence on clonazepam as well.
Administrator Altostrata Posted April 8, 2023 Administrator Posted April 8, 2023 The reason this site exists is because people have found their doctors' advice to be not helpful. On 4/7/2023 at 9:04 AM, IanusTerminus said: I quit after tapering for about 15 days. What does this mean? How long did you take 5mg fluoxetine? 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.
IanusTerminus Posted April 9, 2023 Author Posted April 9, 2023 30 days + 15 days of tapering. It only made me worse while I was taking it. Maybe that's why I was also feeling really bad at the end of last year while I cross-tapered Paxil to Prozac to quit Paxil. I also updated my signature but I cannot see the changes. 11/2011 - Paroxetine 20mg for PD/GAD with the addition of clonazepam 0.5mg PRN. In between - Numerous other SSRIs, SNRIs, and sometimes combined with other psychoactive drugs but always back to paroxetine and many unsuccessful attempts to quit. 08/2022 - Paroxetine completely stopped working and started giving me nothing but adverse and paradoxical effects. I realized it was the drug itself causing panic attacks but the baseline anxiety didn't change. Again decided to taper and go down to 10mg. 11/2022 - Cross tapered to fluoxetine 10mg in 10 days as I couldn't stop paroxetine. 12/2022 - Tapered fluoxetine to 5mg and stopped at the end of the month. 02/2023 - Reinstated fluoxetine 5mg mistaken for relapse and increased to 10mg. The worst decision so far. 03/2023 - Tapered down fluoxetine and stopped at the end of the month. 05/2023 - Things have still fallen apart. Cannot function. I believe I developed a physical dependence on clonazepam as well.
Administrator Altostrata Posted April 10, 2023 Administrator Posted April 10, 2023 On 4/7/2023 at 9:04 AM, IanusTerminus said: UPDATE: Fluoxetine made me much worse and totally incapacitated. I quit after tapering for about 15 days. Looking forward to the withdrawal symptoms subside. In what way did fluoxetine make you much worse? Did you have withdrawal symptoms after you stopped fluoxetine? When did they start, what were they, how have they changed up to now? 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.
IanusTerminus Posted April 10, 2023 Author Posted April 10, 2023 My anxiety was never mental but always physical. So it made my previous symptoms worse and added much more. Total loss of appetite, severe insomnia, trembling, shaking, palpitations, general weakness, fatigue, heavy legs, more intense chest pain, brain fog, tingling of limbs with deep breath, dizziness with vertigo etc. Most of them are gone, and others subsided to some point when I stopped. Remained and/or withdrawal symptoms are chest pain, dizziness with vertigo, heavy legs, feeling feverish, paresthesia on arms and fatigue. No brain zaps like I had with Paxil. 11/2011 - Paroxetine 20mg for PD/GAD with the addition of clonazepam 0.5mg PRN. In between - Numerous other SSRIs, SNRIs, and sometimes combined with other psychoactive drugs but always back to paroxetine and many unsuccessful attempts to quit. 08/2022 - Paroxetine completely stopped working and started giving me nothing but adverse and paradoxical effects. I realized it was the drug itself causing panic attacks but the baseline anxiety didn't change. Again decided to taper and go down to 10mg. 11/2022 - Cross tapered to fluoxetine 10mg in 10 days as I couldn't stop paroxetine. 12/2022 - Tapered fluoxetine to 5mg and stopped at the end of the month. 02/2023 - Reinstated fluoxetine 5mg mistaken for relapse and increased to 10mg. The worst decision so far. 03/2023 - Tapered down fluoxetine and stopped at the end of the month. 05/2023 - Things have still fallen apart. Cannot function. I believe I developed a physical dependence on clonazepam as well.
Administrator Altostrata Posted April 10, 2023 Administrator Posted April 10, 2023 4 hours ago, IanusTerminus said: So it made my previous symptoms worse and added much more. Total loss of appetite, severe insomnia, trembling, shaking, palpitations, general weakness, fatigue, heavy legs, more intense chest pain, brain fog, tingling of limbs with deep breath, dizziness with vertigo etc This indicates 5mg fluoxetine (or 10mg, please clarify your signature) was too high a dose for you. It may also be paroxetine withdrawal syndrome despite your substitution of fluoxetine. When did you stop drinking? How have your symptoms changed since you stopped fluoxetine at the end of December? 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.
IanusTerminus Posted April 11, 2023 Author Posted April 11, 2023 My signature seems to be updated on my profile page but not here. Not sure why. 11/2011 - Paroxetine 20mg for PD/GAD with the addition of clonazepam 0.5mg PRN. In between - Numerous other SSRIs, SNRIs, and sometimes combined with other psychoactive drugs but always back to paroxetine and many unsuccessful attempts to quit. 08/2022 - Paroxetine completely stopped working and started giving me nothing but adverse and paradoxical effects. I realized it was the drug itself causing panic attacks but the baseline anxiety didn't change. Again decided to taper and go down to 10mg. 11/2022 - Cross tapered to fluoxetine 10mg in 10 days as I couldn't stop paroxetine. 12/2022 - Tapered fluoxetine to 5mg and stopped at the end of the month. 02/2023 - Reinstated fluoxetine 5mg mistaken for relapse and increased to 10mg. The worst decision so far. 03/2023 - Tapered down fluoxetine and stopped at the end of the month. 05/2023 - Things have still fallen apart. Cannot function. I believe I developed a physical dependence on clonazepam as well.
Administrator Altostrata Posted April 11, 2023 Administrator Posted April 11, 2023 Your signature and profile are different. Please update your signature. 23 hours ago, Altostrata said: When did you stop drinking? How have your symptoms changed since you stopped fluoxetine at the end of December? 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.
IanusTerminus Posted April 11, 2023 Author Posted April 11, 2023 Finally found and edited it to give a more clear picture. I stopped drinking at the end of 2022. Yes, most of the symptoms are new. Especially fatigue, dizziness with vertigo, heavy legs, paresthesia and burning sensations. 11/2011 - Paroxetine 20mg for PD/GAD with the addition of clonazepam 0.5mg PRN. In between - Numerous other SSRIs, SNRIs, and sometimes combined with other psychoactive drugs but always back to paroxetine and many unsuccessful attempts to quit. 08/2022 - Paroxetine completely stopped working and started giving me nothing but adverse and paradoxical effects. I realized it was the drug itself causing panic attacks but the baseline anxiety didn't change. Again decided to taper and go down to 10mg. 11/2022 - Cross tapered to fluoxetine 10mg in 10 days as I couldn't stop paroxetine. 12/2022 - Tapered fluoxetine to 5mg and stopped at the end of the month. 02/2023 - Reinstated fluoxetine 5mg mistaken for relapse and increased to 10mg. The worst decision so far. 03/2023 - Tapered down fluoxetine and stopped at the end of the month. 05/2023 - Things have still fallen apart. Cannot function. I believe I developed a physical dependence on clonazepam as well.
Administrator Altostrata Posted April 11, 2023 Administrator Posted April 11, 2023 Quote 02/2023 - Reinstated fluoxetine mistaken for relapse. The worst decision so far. Please update your signature with the amount of fluoxetine reinstatement. Drinking alcohol can renew or exacerbate withdrawal symptoms. You've only recently stopped drinking alcohol. The new symptoms after quitting the fluoxetine reinstatement in February indicate the amount you took (5mg?) was too much, but it was doing something for the paroxetine withdrawal syndrome, which can be quite severe. I might try 1mg fluoxetine or (1mg citalopram) as a reinstatement. 1 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.
IanusTerminus Posted April 11, 2023 Author Posted April 11, 2023 So, am I still having withdrawals from paroxetine and added fluoxetine withdrawal on top of it? Is it possible with two different SSRIs? Fluoxetine was given because of its longer half-life and was thought to have an easier withdrawal process. Actually, I'm so afraid of touching any antidepressant anymore. 11/2011 - Paroxetine 20mg for PD/GAD with the addition of clonazepam 0.5mg PRN. In between - Numerous other SSRIs, SNRIs, and sometimes combined with other psychoactive drugs but always back to paroxetine and many unsuccessful attempts to quit. 08/2022 - Paroxetine completely stopped working and started giving me nothing but adverse and paradoxical effects. I realized it was the drug itself causing panic attacks but the baseline anxiety didn't change. Again decided to taper and go down to 10mg. 11/2022 - Cross tapered to fluoxetine 10mg in 10 days as I couldn't stop paroxetine. 12/2022 - Tapered fluoxetine to 5mg and stopped at the end of the month. 02/2023 - Reinstated fluoxetine 5mg mistaken for relapse and increased to 10mg. The worst decision so far. 03/2023 - Tapered down fluoxetine and stopped at the end of the month. 05/2023 - Things have still fallen apart. Cannot function. I believe I developed a physical dependence on clonazepam as well.
Moderator LotusRising Posted April 11, 2023 Moderator Posted April 11, 2023 Your signature indicates you are taking clonazepam - how often? It may be relevant to symptoms you are experiencing. 1 2003-2009 on and off various SSRI's for short periods 2010-2011 Ativan 2013-2021 ativan 1-1.5mg 10-12x/month 2016 - Effexor 75mg, short-term 2021 Mar -Jun Buspar ADR at high dose, tapered 3 months Oct 22/21 - Direct switch ativan to clonazepam (don't do this) Tapered clonaz Oct/21 - Apr/23 - 0mg! "Believe that your tragedies, your losses, your sorrows, your hurt, happened for you, not to you. And I bless the thing that broke you down and cracked you open, because the world needs you open" - Rebecca Campbell *** Disclaimer: Please note, suggestions/comments are based on personal experiences. This is not medical advice. Please consult a knowledgeable practitioner to discuss decisions regarding your medical care *** *** Please do not send me PM's ***
IanusTerminus Posted April 11, 2023 Author Posted April 11, 2023 2-3 times a week but it doesn't resolve my symptoms. I only take it to get some relief from the cascade of symptoms when I can resist no more. I feel no mental anxiety or panic when I'm not on antidepressants. 11/2011 - Paroxetine 20mg for PD/GAD with the addition of clonazepam 0.5mg PRN. In between - Numerous other SSRIs, SNRIs, and sometimes combined with other psychoactive drugs but always back to paroxetine and many unsuccessful attempts to quit. 08/2022 - Paroxetine completely stopped working and started giving me nothing but adverse and paradoxical effects. I realized it was the drug itself causing panic attacks but the baseline anxiety didn't change. Again decided to taper and go down to 10mg. 11/2022 - Cross tapered to fluoxetine 10mg in 10 days as I couldn't stop paroxetine. 12/2022 - Tapered fluoxetine to 5mg and stopped at the end of the month. 02/2023 - Reinstated fluoxetine 5mg mistaken for relapse and increased to 10mg. The worst decision so far. 03/2023 - Tapered down fluoxetine and stopped at the end of the month. 05/2023 - Things have still fallen apart. Cannot function. I believe I developed a physical dependence on clonazepam as well.
Moderator LotusRising Posted April 11, 2023 Moderator Posted April 11, 2023 I'm not sure I understand - you said it doesn't resolve your symptoms, but you take it to get some relief from the cascade of symptoms? 2003-2009 on and off various SSRI's for short periods 2010-2011 Ativan 2013-2021 ativan 1-1.5mg 10-12x/month 2016 - Effexor 75mg, short-term 2021 Mar -Jun Buspar ADR at high dose, tapered 3 months Oct 22/21 - Direct switch ativan to clonazepam (don't do this) Tapered clonaz Oct/21 - Apr/23 - 0mg! "Believe that your tragedies, your losses, your sorrows, your hurt, happened for you, not to you. And I bless the thing that broke you down and cracked you open, because the world needs you open" - Rebecca Campbell *** Disclaimer: Please note, suggestions/comments are based on personal experiences. This is not medical advice. Please consult a knowledgeable practitioner to discuss decisions regarding your medical care *** *** Please do not send me PM's ***
IanusTerminus Posted April 11, 2023 Author Posted April 11, 2023 Nevermind. 11/2011 - Paroxetine 20mg for PD/GAD with the addition of clonazepam 0.5mg PRN. In between - Numerous other SSRIs, SNRIs, and sometimes combined with other psychoactive drugs but always back to paroxetine and many unsuccessful attempts to quit. 08/2022 - Paroxetine completely stopped working and started giving me nothing but adverse and paradoxical effects. I realized it was the drug itself causing panic attacks but the baseline anxiety didn't change. Again decided to taper and go down to 10mg. 11/2022 - Cross tapered to fluoxetine 10mg in 10 days as I couldn't stop paroxetine. 12/2022 - Tapered fluoxetine to 5mg and stopped at the end of the month. 02/2023 - Reinstated fluoxetine 5mg mistaken for relapse and increased to 10mg. The worst decision so far. 03/2023 - Tapered down fluoxetine and stopped at the end of the month. 05/2023 - Things have still fallen apart. Cannot function. I believe I developed a physical dependence on clonazepam as well.
Administrator Altostrata Posted April 17, 2023 Administrator Posted April 17, 2023 How are you doing, @IanusTerminus? 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.
IanusTerminus Posted April 17, 2023 Author Posted April 17, 2023 Thanks for asking Alto. Unfortunately, getting worse day by day. Almost bedridden and cannot even run errands. I cannot be on my feet mainly because of worsening dizziness with vertigo. Other symptoms also keep going on. I take clonazepam when I need to function in the house which only helps a little. I'm not sure anymore what is causing what. I took my last dose of paroxetine more than 5 and a half months ago and 17 days since the last dose of fluoxetine after reinstatement in February. I developed this disabling dizziness/vertigo suddenly at the beginning of February while I was off of any SSRI for a month. This is why I made the mistake of reinstatement of fluoxetine, took about 1 and a half month, tapered it down, and jumped off on April 1st again because it gave nothing but adverse effects. It seems like SSRIs decided to stop working for me and giving me only physical burdens. 11/2011 - Paroxetine 20mg for PD/GAD with the addition of clonazepam 0.5mg PRN. In between - Numerous other SSRIs, SNRIs, and sometimes combined with other psychoactive drugs but always back to paroxetine and many unsuccessful attempts to quit. 08/2022 - Paroxetine completely stopped working and started giving me nothing but adverse and paradoxical effects. I realized it was the drug itself causing panic attacks but the baseline anxiety didn't change. Again decided to taper and go down to 10mg. 11/2022 - Cross tapered to fluoxetine 10mg in 10 days as I couldn't stop paroxetine. 12/2022 - Tapered fluoxetine to 5mg and stopped at the end of the month. 02/2023 - Reinstated fluoxetine 5mg mistaken for relapse and increased to 10mg. The worst decision so far. 03/2023 - Tapered down fluoxetine and stopped at the end of the month. 05/2023 - Things have still fallen apart. Cannot function. I believe I developed a physical dependence on clonazepam as well.
Moderator LotusRising Posted April 17, 2023 Moderator Posted April 17, 2023 On 4/11/2023 at 3:00 PM, MedRN said: I'm not sure I understand - you said it doesn't resolve your symptoms, but you take it to get some relief from the cascade of symptoms? The reason I asked is because I was only taking lorazepam on an as needed basis. When I had an adverse reaction to an antidepressant, I started taking it daily to help with the withdrawal symptoms and became dependent very quickly. It spiralled and I ended up having a very difficult taper from the benzo. I was just hoping to caution you against taking clonazepam, as it does have a longer half-life, and even with sporadic dosing, you could become dependent and find yourself in the same situation as me. I guess, if it isn't helping, I would try not to take it. It may also interfere with healing that is taking place. I'm sorry you're having all these symptoms. I can really relate. I was bedridden for part of my taper and it was debilitating. Do you have support? 1 2003-2009 on and off various SSRI's for short periods 2010-2011 Ativan 2013-2021 ativan 1-1.5mg 10-12x/month 2016 - Effexor 75mg, short-term 2021 Mar -Jun Buspar ADR at high dose, tapered 3 months Oct 22/21 - Direct switch ativan to clonazepam (don't do this) Tapered clonaz Oct/21 - Apr/23 - 0mg! "Believe that your tragedies, your losses, your sorrows, your hurt, happened for you, not to you. And I bless the thing that broke you down and cracked you open, because the world needs you open" - Rebecca Campbell *** Disclaimer: Please note, suggestions/comments are based on personal experiences. This is not medical advice. Please consult a knowledgeable practitioner to discuss decisions regarding your medical care *** *** Please do not send me PM's ***
Administrator Altostrata Posted April 21, 2023 Administrator Posted April 21, 2023 What effect does clonazepam have on you? What dosage do you take when you take it? Please note On 4/11/2023 at 9:01 PM, Altostrata said: The new symptoms after quitting the fluoxetine reinstatement in February indicate the amount you took (5mg?) was too much, but it was doing something for the paroxetine withdrawal syndrome, which can be quite severe. I might try 1mg fluoxetine or (1mg citalopram) as a reinstatement. 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.
IanusTerminus Posted May 6, 2023 Author Posted May 6, 2023 It's like turning the volume of symptoms down, resulting in very slight relief. I take 0.5mg without a specific time. 11/2011 - Paroxetine 20mg for PD/GAD with the addition of clonazepam 0.5mg PRN. In between - Numerous other SSRIs, SNRIs, and sometimes combined with other psychoactive drugs but always back to paroxetine and many unsuccessful attempts to quit. 08/2022 - Paroxetine completely stopped working and started giving me nothing but adverse and paradoxical effects. I realized it was the drug itself causing panic attacks but the baseline anxiety didn't change. Again decided to taper and go down to 10mg. 11/2022 - Cross tapered to fluoxetine 10mg in 10 days as I couldn't stop paroxetine. 12/2022 - Tapered fluoxetine to 5mg and stopped at the end of the month. 02/2023 - Reinstated fluoxetine 5mg mistaken for relapse and increased to 10mg. The worst decision so far. 03/2023 - Tapered down fluoxetine and stopped at the end of the month. 05/2023 - Things have still fallen apart. Cannot function. I believe I developed a physical dependence on clonazepam as well.
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 7, 2023 Administrator Posted May 7, 2023 To ascertain if some of your symptoms are adverse effects of clonazepam, we would need daily notes of times of day you take your drugs, their dosages, and your symptoms throughout the day. Post 24 hours of notes at a time in this topic, in a simple list format with time of day on the left and notation (symptom or drug and dosage) on the right. 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.
IanusTerminus Posted May 15, 2023 Author Posted May 15, 2023 7:30 am - I woke up feeling completely drained and lacking any sense of refreshment with brain fog as on other days. 7:30 am - While my body almost woke up, I started to experience symptoms more intensely such as burning in my upper back and chest which radiate to my arms. Additionally, I have been feeling general uneasiness and weakness in my legs. No energy. 8:00 am - I started feeling vertigo as soon as I started moving around in the house. 9:30 am - Clonazepam 0.5 mg 11:00 am - Symptoms subside maybe 20% except brain fog with the help of clonazepam. 12:00 pm - Lunch 3:30 pm - Flare-up of all symptoms results in another clonazepam 0.5 mg. 5:00 pm - Same as before, symptoms subside maybe 20% except brain fog with the help of clonazepam. 6:00 pm - Dinner 10:00 pm - Sleep My days are pretty much the same as every other day - I spend most of my time bedridden. However, when my symptoms subside a little, I feel a small burst of energy to take care of myself and tidy up around the house. Other than that, I'm pretty much useless. Even watching TV is a struggle because I can't focus on anything. I only have my notebook with me and browse the web sometimes as I'm doing right now. Going out is completely out of the question. In the past, monitoring and tracking my symptoms hasn't really led to any progress. Actually, it's been 6 months since I completely stopped taking paroxetine and fluoxetine (cross-taper) and 6 weeks since I stopped fluoxetine for the second time as it was reinstated mistaken for relapse. I haven't seen any improvement since and have been experiencing new symptoms. I also get no answer from any doctor I've seen, and now visiting their offices is also a big struggle, so I stopped going as well. I'm tired of being dismissed and wait times. I have very little faith left. 11/2011 - Paroxetine 20mg for PD/GAD with the addition of clonazepam 0.5mg PRN. In between - Numerous other SSRIs, SNRIs, and sometimes combined with other psychoactive drugs but always back to paroxetine and many unsuccessful attempts to quit. 08/2022 - Paroxetine completely stopped working and started giving me nothing but adverse and paradoxical effects. I realized it was the drug itself causing panic attacks but the baseline anxiety didn't change. Again decided to taper and go down to 10mg. 11/2022 - Cross tapered to fluoxetine 10mg in 10 days as I couldn't stop paroxetine. 12/2022 - Tapered fluoxetine to 5mg and stopped at the end of the month. 02/2023 - Reinstated fluoxetine 5mg mistaken for relapse and increased to 10mg. The worst decision so far. 03/2023 - Tapered down fluoxetine and stopped at the end of the month. 05/2023 - Things have still fallen apart. Cannot function. I believe I developed a physical dependence on clonazepam as well.
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 17, 2023 Administrator Posted May 17, 2023 How long have you been taking clonazepam on this daily schedule? 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.
IanusTerminus Posted May 18, 2023 Author Posted May 18, 2023 It's been like this for the past 3 months. Before, it has been taken as needed at a dosage of 0.5 mg and never more than three times a week. 11/2011 - Paroxetine 20mg for PD/GAD with the addition of clonazepam 0.5mg PRN. In between - Numerous other SSRIs, SNRIs, and sometimes combined with other psychoactive drugs but always back to paroxetine and many unsuccessful attempts to quit. 08/2022 - Paroxetine completely stopped working and started giving me nothing but adverse and paradoxical effects. I realized it was the drug itself causing panic attacks but the baseline anxiety didn't change. Again decided to taper and go down to 10mg. 11/2022 - Cross tapered to fluoxetine 10mg in 10 days as I couldn't stop paroxetine. 12/2022 - Tapered fluoxetine to 5mg and stopped at the end of the month. 02/2023 - Reinstated fluoxetine 5mg mistaken for relapse and increased to 10mg. The worst decision so far. 03/2023 - Tapered down fluoxetine and stopped at the end of the month. 05/2023 - Things have still fallen apart. Cannot function. I believe I developed a physical dependence on clonazepam as well.
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 18, 2023 Administrator Posted May 18, 2023 Quote 05/2023 - Things have still fallen apart. Cannot function. I believe I developed a physical dependence on clonazepam as well. The clonazepam use may indeed have caused problems. On what date did you start taking it daily? Please continue daily notes. 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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