Belajazi: My paxil adverse reaction and tapering

[Belajazi]

Helooo i am new here in july 2023 before six months i feel fastness in my body and behaviour i consult with my psychiatrist he gave me mixture of prozac and olanzapine then after three days i become restless and became suicidal i immediately quit then my dr gave sertaline and olanzapine then after 20 days my panic attack start and ocd became severe my dr told me about cold turkey and i did because i did not know about tapering but then hell start my worst panic attack start which last almost till evening then my dr gave lexapro which hit as a blast and i told my mother i want to die nothing did help me no one benzo calm me intense panic and restlessness then my dr gave kolonopin and paxil which stop restlessness and panic attack immediately i feel relief them after three days i feel inner agitation but panic attack stop which is a big relief but agitation not leting me rest i told my dr he said thats is anxiety i told him thats is not anxiety he did not listen me and contine my prescription but told me to cut the pill half which coated and i did that my agitation became less then my dr told me take 1/4 i took it then agitation still present but became very calm then dr told me i think u have bipolar disorder and precribe lamictal and seroquel which i not took because i have history of anxiety disorder and depression i use paxil cr in 2021 when mother diagnose with mets cancer  and prozac and olanzapine  in 2018 when i became suicidal which was my first episode 

now my dr tell me to take 1/4 paxil coated pill every other day and then every second day and quit and take lamictal and seroquel when i take pill every second day then hell broke intense physical pain which last only three days then intnese restlessness start and ocd i also mention here that i also take 0.5 kolonopin at night

Dear guys help what i should i do?

[Belajazi]

Helooo guys i am new here plz help me in tapering of paxil cr 

I am in withdrawal 

[arbor]

Dear @Belajazi       I am not a doctor, so I trust you to take my response as only my own experience and from educating myself online.

 

First I want to say is that I went through akathisia, and I know how frightening and horrendous it can be.  If you need to pace, do so.  It will help.  Until the current moderators can help you, I suggest that you read about techniques from Claire Weekes as recommended on this site, SA.  You're probably experiencing massive anxiety attacks.  Do everything you can to observe what's happening from a mental distance.  This is very hard, but you have to step back from the thoughts that the chemically caused anxiety arouse. 

I'm sending this now and in a few minutes will send more. 

[arbor]

To continue:  In my experience few people escape akathisia when coming off psychotropic drugs.  It is part of the acute phase of reducing these drugs.  You can read on SA other people's mutual experiences.  The only good news is that it will with time get better and with more time and good health practices stop.  Distract yourself.  Breathe in through your nose deeply, hold the breath, and breathe out long through your mouth over and over.  Cross both hands on the opposite shoulders and tap 1-2-3 alternately.

More to come.

[Belajazi]

Thanks @arbor i want to further mention that i feel internal akathisia i have no physical movements thats start when i keep gap distance of two days between doses everything is fine till one day gap of 3.1 of paxil cr and my dumb dr told me to cut the coated pill which i later know is dangerous 

[arbor]

I advise following the moderators here as they know so much more than most doctors.  For instance, the doctors have you on drugs that cause interactions with one another and are likely to increase your distress:

Clonazepam

Brand name: Klonopin

 

Sedative

It can treat seizures, panic disorder, and anxiety.

 

 

 

Controlled substance

Can cause paranoid or suicidal ideation and impair memory, judgment, and coordination. Combining with other substances, particularly alcohol, can slow breathing and possibly lead to death.

 

All psychotropic drugs need to be tapered.  Do not skip days.

The moderators are overwhelmed with new members.  They will help you as soon as they can.  Meanwhile, you have to help yourself by reading the material they provide when you arrive.  I know it can feel overwhelming, but do everything you can to ride out this "wave".  A "window" will be coming.  This is the travesty of these drugs.  I personally do not believe in taking more, only in tapering off.  SA is mainly for tapering off.  Avoid going into hospital as it almost always sets people seriously back.

 

Hang in there Belajazi.  Avoid panicking.  Breathe. 

 

I have to return to work, but I will check in with you later.

Arbor 

[Belajazi]

Thanks alot @arbor For your coperation i am struggling with myself and also with my mother mets cancer condition 

i am afraid of tapering of kolonopin because of withdrawal but i also think that k siuicidal ideation is not from paxil withdrawal but also kolonopin which i take everynight from last six month now my main concern is 3.1 paxil cr one dosage gap reduce my agitation but two day gap cause debilitating symptoms including internal terror but i dont know why depression became worst day by day and every ssri gave me severe adverse reaction in the last six months

[Belajazi]

Paxil cr causes agitation from the first day(august 2023) i cut pill in half(november) my agitation (i dont know its was akathisia or agitation but very wired sensation inside body)  50% calm then cut pill 1/4 of 12.5mg which 3.1 then my agitation became more less my dr told me you have bipolar and prescribe lamictal and seroquel but i refuse to take this he told me to skip dose one day for one month and then skip after every second day 

when i skip dose every other day every thing fine when i skip two days then hell start internal akathisia and racing tboughts 

What should i do now about Skiping dosages because only six month i take paxil include skiping dose tapering??? Before paxil i have severe akathisia or activation syndrome from prozac then sertalline gave nonstop panic then lexapro gave severe akathisia then paxil and kolonopin  stop panic amd akathisia but after three days of relied weird sensation start inside my body due to paxil which is alarming situation i told my dr paxil also gave me adverse reaction but He forcefully precribe me paxil cr and said me its not akathisia its is anxiety 

[Emonda]

Hi @Belajazi

I've moved your new post in the Tapering section back here to your own thread. It's best to keep everything relating to your situation in one spot. It makes it easier for those trying to assist.

 

So the moderators can best help you, please complete your drug signature by following these instructions. Adding a signature ensures your drug history appears at the bottom of every post, making it more efficient for those trying to assist. 

 

Once you do that, one of us will drop back to try and assist.

 

Regards, Emonda

 

 

[Belajazi]

Thanks @Emonda for coperation and instructions 

[Emonda]

Thanks for adding your signature. 

 

The drug signature should show: Date - Drug - Dose. You have some of that information, but not all of it, and that makes it hard for Moderators to assist. 

 

In August, you started taking Paxil (Paroxetine) and Kolonopin (Clonazepam), but what dose?

 

In October, you cut your Paxil pill in half? Did Kolonopin remain the same?

 

In December, you started taking 1/4 of a Paxil tablet? Did Kolonopin remain the same?

 

Then you CTd Paxil in December? Kolonopin remained the same?

 

Then you started skipping doses? Are you taking 3.1mg of Paxil every 3rd day? Please read this. Never skip doses to taper . You need to take the same dose at the same time each and every day. If you clarify the amount you take every 3rd day, someone can suggest an amount to take every day.

 

If my understanding of the above is correct, I'd expect you to have very unpleasant WD symptoms: 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

Prior to August, you made quite a few changes with various drugs, too. Have a read of this: Keep It Simple, Slow, and Stable. All of this would likely leave you feeling very fragile.

 

You should put both drugs you take into the drug interaction checker:https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html and see what it tells you.

 

13 hours ago, Belajazi said:

i am afraid of tapering of kolonopin

 

Taking multiple psych drugs? Which drug to taper first?

 

Once you stabilise from what you have been through, the way to taper, as recommended on this site, is: Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

When you start to stabilise, you'll have good days and not-so-good days: Windows and waves pattern of stabilization

 

You are not taking any other drugs, are you, illicit ones?

 

Avoid alcohol

 

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

Magnesium

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

 

This is your own Introduction topic.  Each member has only ONE Introduction topic.  Your own Introduction topic is the best place to ask questions and the place to journal your progress.  This keeps your history in one place and means you do not have to repeat your story. 

 

Once again, welcome to S.A.

 

Emonda

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Belajazi]

1 hour ago, Emonda said:

Thanks for adding your signature. 

 

The drug signature should show: Date - Drug - Dose. You have some of that information, but not all of it, and that makes it hard for Moderators to assist. 

 

In August, you started taking Paxil (Paroxetine) and Kolonopin (Clonazepam), but what dose?

 

In October, you cut your Paxil pill in half? Did Kolonopin remain the same?

 

In December, you started taking 1/4 of a Paxil tablet? Did Kolonopin remain the same?

 

Then you CTd Paxil in December? Kolonopin remained the same?

 

Then you started skipping doses? Are you taking 3.1mg of Paxil every 3rd day? Please read this. Never skip doses to taper . You need to take the same dose at the same time each and every day. If you clarify the amount you take every 3rd day, someone can suggest an amount to take every day.

 

If my understanding of the above is correct, I'd expect you to have very unpleasant WD symptoms: 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

Prior to August, you made quite a few changes with various drugs, too. Have a read of this: Keep It Simple, Slow, and Stable. All of this would likely leave you feeling very fragile.

 

You should put both drugs you take into the drug interaction checker:https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html and see what it tells you.

 

 

Taking multiple psych drugs? Which drug to taper first?

 

Once you stabilise from what you have been through, the way to taper, as recommended on this site, is: Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

When you start to stabilise, you'll have good days and not-so-good days: Windows and waves pattern of stabilization

 

You are not taking any other drugs, are you, illicit ones?

 

Avoid alcohol

 

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

Magnesium

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

 

This is your own Introduction topic.  Each member has only ONE Introduction topic.  Your own Introduction topic is the best place to ask questions and the place to journal your progress.  This keeps your history in one place and means you do not have to repeat your story. 

 

Once again, welcome to S.A.

 

Emonda

 

 

 

 

 

 

heloo @Emonda thanks for instructions i edit my signature as per requirements 

i took 3.125mg paxil cr every 3 day and which is coated pill my dumb psy told me to cut the coated pill which later i know that is dangerous but thank god i did not  have to face any problem 

Second from august 2023 i take 0.5mg kolonopin till now 9 feb 2024 i also want to mention that i took propanolol 10mg for my palpitations 160/min but all the time propanolol gave me adverse reaction and increases restlessness then i try metoprolol which i think suits me and i also take pregabalin 100mg which i think little bit help me in sleeping 

Every day my symptoms are debilitating yesterday and today my akathisia a little bit calm may be due to metoprolol 

[Belajazi]

Just now, Belajazi said:

heloo @Emonda thanks for instructions i edit my signature as per requirements 

i took 3.125mg paxil cr every 3 day and which is coated pill my dumb psy told me to cut the coated pill which later i know that is dangerous but thank god i did not  have to face any problem 

Second from august 2023 i take 0.5mg kolonopin till now 9 feb 2024 i also want to mention that i took propanolol 10mg for my palpitations 160/min but all the time propanolol gave me adverse reaction and increases restlessness then i try metoprolol which i think suits me and i also take pregabalin 100mg which i think little bit help me in sleeping 

Every day my symptoms are debilitating yesterday and today my akathisia a little bit calm may be due to metoprolol 

@Emonda

You should put both drugs you take into the drug interaction checker:https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html and see what it tells you.

I check the drug interaction but i want to first taper paxil then kolonopin because i am afraid of withdrawal i can't handle the withdrawal from both drugs 

First after taper paxil i want to stabilize myself then start kolonopin 0.5mg taper 

What u think??  Does i should taper kolonopin???? 

[Belajazi]

Helooo @arbor @Emonda @brassmonkey what you think the avderse reaction to every drug i take is due too much kindling caused by psy 

and also can i  will heal from kindling brain damage???  One more question due to kindling i will have to face PAWS????? 

And no one guide what should i do now about tapering i take paxil 3.1mg every 3 day 

My current symptom insomina internal shaking may be due to severe fear or anxiety or internal akathisia depression palpitations 

Thanks to all for u coperation 

[Belajazi]

Helooo @Emonda @brassmonkey @arbor @LotusRising i want to know that now adverse reaction to every drug is due to kindling??? One more question does brain damage due to kindling is reversible??  And due to kindling will i have to face acute PAWs??? And no one help me in tapering i took paxil 3.1mg every 3 day from previous month which is also too much kindling and further my pill is coated by cutting 1/4 (3.1mg) which is a tiny particle how should i taper tiny particle which also coated????  Plz help 

[KenA]

16 hours ago, Emonda said:

Hi @Belajazi

I've moved your new post in the Tapering section back here to your own thread. It's best to keep everything relating to your situation in one spot. It makes it easier for those trying to assist.

@Belajazi

I have moved both posts you made in the tapering sections back here to your thread. Any post you make concerning advice for you personally needs to be kept in your own thread. The Tapering section is for posts that apply to everyone and not just one person. Thank you for your attention to this.

 

Thanks,

KenA

Admin

[Belajazi]

7 minutes ago, KenA said:

@Belajazi

I have moved both posts you made in the tapering sections back here to your thread. Any post you make concerning advice for you personally needs to be kept in your own thread. The Tapering section is for posts that apply to everyone and not just one person. Thank you for your attention to this.

 

Thanks,

KenA

Admin

Thanks @KenA 

[LostInCanada]

Hi @Belajazi welcome to SA.

You are fine cutting paxil cr, it just cannot be made in to homemade liquid. Are you able to get liquid paxil as mentioned in the above link. It would make dosing more accurate. Are you using a scale? It is necessary or as mentioned change to liquid. Definitely never skip doses. Take them at the same time daily.

3 hours ago, Belajazi said:

i want to know that now adverse reaction to every drug is due to kindling

Your central nervous system is very sensitive now so drugs, supplements and even foods that were never a problem can react negatively. 

3 hours ago, Belajazi said:

does brain damage due to kindling is reversible?

Yes and it isn't brain damage. Your body is just trying to balance itself and heal. Changing doses or adding drugs work against the healing.

6 hours ago, Belajazi said:

will have to face PAWS????? 

You are in withdrawal and it has been months. You have been off and on so many drugs in such a short time. Please do not change or add anything else till you stabilize. This could take months. You are not ready to taper if you are experiencing major withdrawal symptoms.

7 hours ago, Belajazi said:

First after taper paxil i want to stabilize myself then start kolonopin 0.5mg taper

Yes tapering paxil first is good.

Be patient with yourself and be kind. Try to eliminate as much stress as possible. Eat healthy, no caffeine, no alcohol, limit sugar. One step at a time. ♥️

[Belajazi]

42 minutes ago, LostInCanada said:

Hi @Belajazi welcome to SA.

You are fine cutting paxil cr, it just cannot be made in to homemade liquid. Are you able to get liquid paxil as mentioned in the above link. It would make dosing more accurate. Are you using a scale? It is necessary or as mentioned change to liquid. Definitely never skip doses. Take them at the same time daily.

Your central nervous system is very sensitive now so drugs, supplements and even foods that were never a problem can react negatively. 

Yes and it isn't brain damage. Your body is just trying to balance itself and heal. Changing doses or adding drugs work against the healing.

You are in withdrawal and it has been months. You have been off and on so many drugs in such a short time. Please do not change or add anything else till you stabilize. This could take months. You are not ready to taper if you are experiencing major withdrawal symptoms.

Yes tapering paxil first is good.

Be patient with yourself and be kind. Try to eliminate as much stress as possible. Eat healthy, no caffeine, no alcohol, limit sugar. One step at a time. ♥️

Hi @LostInCanada thanks alot for your tips ☺️ No i have not paxil in suspension available but i think i can make paxil pill liquid solution from imediate release paxil pill which easily available but my main concern is switching from cr to ir pill can also cause kindling??? Second which pill i cut weigh 3.125mg including weight of coat so i don't know exactly how much mg i take every third day 

Third if i switch to paxil cr to paxil ir for making liquid solution how much mg should i will have to take???? 

 I don't have any pill weight gadget nor available in my city 

I immensely thanks for your tips

[LostInCanada]

@Belajazi are you in London England or London Ontario? This is what your city on your profile says or where do you live?

If in England you can get the liquid, if in Ontario you cannot get liquid.

1 hour ago, Belajazi said:

my main concern is switching from cr to ir pill can also cause kindling??

This will not cause kindling. 

 

1 hour ago, Belajazi said:

Second which pill i cut weigh 3.125mg including weight of coat so i don't know exactly how much mg i take every third day 

Every day you need to take the same amount so you should be using a scale and pill cutter. The coating makes no difference. The drug is evenly dispersed throughout the pill. Each pill has filler and therefore the weight is much more than 12.5mg. 

1 hour ago, Belajazi said:

if i switch to paxil cr to paxil ir for making liquid solution how much mg should i will have to take

You would dissolve a 20 mg pill in 20 ml water. With a syringe (no needle-you could use a 1ml or 5ml size) draw up 3.125 ml.

 

1 hour ago, Belajazi said:

I don't have any pill weight gadget nor available in my city 

It is on Amazon -gemini 20 scale

[Belajazi]

20 minutes ago, LostInCanada said:

@Belajazi are you in London England or London Ontario? This is what your city on your profile says or where do you live?

If in England you can get the liquid, if in Ontario you cannot get liquid.

This will not cause kindling. 

 

Every day you need to take the same amount so you should be using a scale and pill cutter. The coating makes no difference. The drug is evenly dispersed throughout the pill. Each pill has filler and therefore the weight is much more than 12.5mg. 

You would dissolve a 20 mg pill in 20 ml water. With a syringe (no needle-you could use a 1ml or 5ml size) draw up 3.125 ml.

 

It is on Amazon -gemini 20 scale

hi @LostInCanada ok i understand the tapering method i will make liquid solution and taper 10%after every 2week 

Now I have to take the dose every day?? I am taking 3.125mg every 3 days then i start to take daily how many chances it cause any problem?? Beacuse when i increase my dose in past it cause problem 

the main cause of my tapering is adverse reaction of paxil but tapering is causing withdrawal 

Both taking and tapering pill is making life hell i am stuck

Thanks from bottom of heart

[LostInCanada]

15 minutes ago, Belajazi said:

I am taking 3.125mg every 3 days

I thought you were already taking 3.125 mg daily. So in reality you should be taking 1.04 mg daily. You will need to use a 1 ml syringe and measure 1.04ml using the syringe twice to get your full daily dose.

[LostInCanada]

17 minutes ago, Belajazi said:

taper 10%after every 2week 

That is too fast. Also there will be an adjustment period to the liquid. Especially since you are going from CR to IR. You will need to wait at least a month before tapering or till stable. Then a maximum of 10% per month.

[Belajazi]

1 minute ago, LostInCanada said:

That is too fast. Also there will be an adjustment period to the liquid. Especially since you are going from CR to IR. You will need to wait at least a month before tapering or till stable. Then a maximum of 10% per month.

@LostInCanada thanks alot 

Ok i will first stabilize my current dose when i feel stable then i start further tapering and will hold 10% for a month 

 

[LostInCanada]

@Belajazi also since I misunderstood your dose, you just need to use a 10 mg paxil with 10 ml water. It will last 3 days in the refrigerator so you can use it the first day you make it up and then the next 3 days. It is best kept in a dark glass bottle. 

[Belajazi]

7 minutes ago, LostInCanada said:

@Belajazi also since I misunderstood your dose, you just need to use a 10 mg paxil with 10 ml water. It will last 3 days in the refrigerator so you can use it the first day you make it up and then the next 3 days. It is best kept in a dark glass bottle. 

@LostInCanada ok if after making solution i put the jar in refrigerator and instead of seperating every day dose in 3 diferent jar for each day 

I take every day dose from 10ml solution jar within 3 days and after 3 days i dispose the remaining solution 

Is it ok?? 

[LostInCanada]

@Belajazi yes, just one jar. Always stir well before taking the dose. Take it at the same time every day. 

[Belajazi]

Just now, LostInCanada said:

@Belajazi yes, just one jar. Always stir well before taking the dose. Take it at the same time every day. 

Ok 

[LostInCanada]

@Belajazi changing from one dose of drug every 3 days to a daily dose is a big change. You are also changing from CR to IR and doing that using liquid. Be gentle with yourself. Try not to do much physically or emotionally. Be kind to yourself. Get lots of sleep if you can. I do pray it goes without any problems. Just don't miss a dose. That is so important - same time every day.

[Belajazi]

9 minutes ago, LostInCanada said:

@Belajazi changing from one dose of drug every 3 days to a daily dose is a big change. You are also changing from CR to IR and doing that using liquid. Be gentle with yourself. Try not to do much physically or emotionally. Be kind to yourself. Get lots of sleep if you can. I do pray it goes without any problems. Just don't miss a dose. That is so important - same time every day.

@LostInCanada i hope it does not cause any problem 

But the dose at every 3rd days is not a solution and it will might cause a PAWs because i already bear mild akathisia i did not want my akathisia become intense.

[Belajazi]

Hi @LostInCanada @Emonda @Altostrata 

 thought you were already taking 3.125 mg daily. So in reality you should be taking 1.04 mg daily. You will need to use a 1 ml syringe and measure 1.04ml using the syringe twice to get your full daily dose.

My current doasge will be 1.04 so i should take 2 ml syringe because my dosage is .04 geater then 1 mg then my next 10% dosage will be 0.936 so then i will be take 1ml  then how i measure 0.936 on syringe????

[Belajazi]

Heloooo guys 

Once i start my taper i will make sure to not bother anynone as possible as. 

I want to know that how measure 1.04mg on 2ml syringe or can i start from 1mg excluding .04 will be easy for me

Second is making 10mg paxil in 10ml water soluttion then 1.04mg will be equal 1.04ml??  Will mg:ml be same? 

Third my next reading will be 0.936 how i measure 3 digit value on syringe???  

I want to start my taper as soon as possible

[LostInCanada]

2 hours ago, Belajazi said:

want to know that how measure 1.04mg on 2ml syringe or can i start from 1mg excluding .04 will be easy for me

Since you are having adverse reactions to paxil you could try using a 1ml syringe and take 1 ml. It would be difficult to measure .04 ml. 

 

2 hours ago, Belajazi said:

Second is making 10mg paxil in 10ml water soluttion then 1.04mg will be equal 1.04ml??  Will mg:ml be same? 

Yes. In Canada 10 mg pills are more expensive so if 20 mg pills are cheaper the solution would be a 20 mg pill with 20 ml water. If you can break the pill up, it will help it dissolve. Make sure you use all bits and powder. Please read the link I sent you on making a liquid solution.

2 hours ago, Belajazi said:

my next reading will be 0.936 how i measure 3 digit value on syringe???  

You have to work with the lines on the syringe. Being accurate and consistent is important. Always go up to the closest line-0.94 ml

 

2 hours ago, Belajazi said:

I want to start my taper as soon as possible

As mentioned, you are making alot of changes. It is recommended that you wait at least one month before starting a taper. Since you cannot get a scale where you are in India, jumping right to liquid and IR from CR is risky. Faster is not better, stability is better.

[Belajazi]

27 minutes ago, LostInCanada said:

Since you are having adverse reactions to paxil you could try using a 1ml syringe and take 1 ml. It would be difficult to measure .04 ml. 

 

Yes. In Canada 10 mg pills are more expensive so if 20 mg pills are cheaper the solution would be a 20 mg pill with 20 ml water. If you can break the pill up, it will help it dissolve. Make sure you use all bits and powder. Please read the link I sent you on making a liquid solution.

You have to work with the lines on the syringe. Being accurate and consistent is important. Always go up to the closest line-0.94 ml

 

As mentioned, you are making alot of changes. It is recommended that you wait at least one month before starting a taper. Since you cannot get a scale where you are in India, jumping right to liquid and IR from CR is risky. Faster is not better, stability is better.

@LostInCanada

 Should i start transition from cr to ir solution (not tapering) so that i adjust the gap between dosages and start taking daily dose 

[LostInCanada]

10 minutes ago, Belajazi said:

Should i start transition from cr to ir solution (not tapering) so that i adjust the gap between dosages and start taking daily dose 

Yes. It would be ideal to change from CR to IR first using a scale and doing a dry measure but that is not an option with no scale available. Your body has to get used to a consistent daily dose first before tapering. Taking the same dose daily is so important.

 

[LostInCanada]

@Belajazi ask any specific questions about your situation here on your own introduction. For example your body aches should be asked here.