Belajazi: My paxil adverse reaction and tapering

[Belajazi]

13 minutes ago, LostInCanada said:

Every day keep a list of symptoms and mark them 1 to 10. 10 being the worst. After a month you can see what has been improving. Stable means feeling as close to normal as possible. If you are experiencing WD symptoms and start to taper, it will get worse. It will take at least 1-3 months to figure out what your WD normal/stable is. Your body is trying to adjust which takes time.

@LostInCanada As you all saying, i will definitely wait more than three months or may be more no matter how much i have to endure. 

 

[Belajazi]

@LostInCanada unbearable internal restlessness, intense internal buzzing, intense internal vibrations, 

i am very hopeless

[Belajazi]

@LotusRising @Catina7 @Emonda @brassmonkey

Friends i really need your help. 

As you all know, recently i switched to paxil cr 3mg every second day(this process continue for atleast 20days) to paxil home-made solution 1ml daily after joining SA. 

Today is my 21st day at paxil home-made solution. 

Now from two days i have extreme internal terror unbearable /akathisia. 

I had extreme internal agitation on paxil cr but not terror. 

Now i feel extreme terror. 

Can i go back to paxil cr 3mg or change my medications for tapering??? 

[Catina7]

Hi @Belajazi, I'm so sorry for the terror that you're experiencing.  I've felt it before and I know how unbearable it can be.  I'm not a moderator so am not able to give specific dosing advice.  Hopefully one of the mods will get back to you shortly.  Have the mods said it was okay to skip days on your dose?  From what I understand skipping doses is not recommended, but I'm not sure what the mods have previously told you.  

[Belajazi]

4 minutes ago, Catina7 said:

Hi @Belajazi, I'm so sorry for the terror that you're experiencing.  I've felt it before and I know how unbearable it can be.  I'm not a moderator so am not able to give specific dosing advice.  Hopefully one of the mods will get back to you shortly.  Have the mods said it was okay to skip days on your dose?  From what I understand skipping doses is not recommended, but I'm not sure what the mods have previously told you.  

@Catina7 thanks alot for your response. 

Skipping dose process was before joining SA. 

When i join SA, i was told to continue regular doses. 

After joining SA, i move from paxil cr 3mg to paxil ir 1ml. 

@Catina7 your terror was from antidepressants withdrawals???  How long you have had akathisia?? 

[Belajazi]

10 minutes ago, Catina7 said:

Hi @Belajazi, I'm so sorry for the terror that you're experiencing.  I've felt it before and I know how unbearable it can be.  I'm not a moderator so am not able to give specific dosing advice.  Hopefully one of the mods will get back to you shortly.  Have the mods said it was okay to skip days on your dose?  From what I understand skipping doses is not recommended, but I'm not sure what the mods have previously told you.  

@Catina7 i don't know why no one response me, when i need them most. 

[Catina7]

6 minutes ago, Belajazi said:

your terror was from antidepressants withdrawals???  How long you have had akathisia?? 

 

I developed inner akathisia when I tapered too fast a couple years ago.  It lasted a few months.  I do not currently have it, but I am experiencing a lot of anxiety so will have to slow down my current taper.

 

As I said before, from what I've read on this site you should never skip days or doses.  You want to keep things as stable as possible for your nervous system.

 

Since the site has people from all different time zones, sometimes we may not get an answer as quickly as we would like.  I'm sure you'll hear back from a mod as soon as they're able to.  

[Belajazi]

Just now, Catina7 said:

 

I developed inner akathisia when I tapered too fast a couple years ago.  It lasted a few months.  I do not currently have it, but I am experiencing a lot of anxiety so will have to slow down my current taper.

 

As I said before, from what I've read on this site you should never skip days or doses.  You want to keep things as stable as possible for your nervous system.

 

Since the site has people from all different time zones, sometimes we may not get an answer as quickly as we would like.  I'm sure you'll hear back from a mod as soon as they're able to.  

@Catina7 I highly appreciate for your response. I have also inner akathisia. 

How had you resolved inner akathisia.??

[Catina7]

2 minutes ago, Belajazi said:

How had you resolved inner akathisia.??

 

The only thing that resolved it was TIME and PATIENCE.  It was very difficult, but I got through it and so will you.  Hang in there as best as you can because it WILL get better eventually.  Sending you strength and healing thoughts... ❤️

 

Here is a comforting meditation by Chris Paige, a taper/withdrawal coach, who suffered with akathisia for three years.  I hope it helps!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHuwGnc1F9A

[Belajazi]

Just now, Catina7 said:

 

The only thing that resolved it was TIME and PATIENCE.  It was very difficult, but I got through it and so will you.  Hang in there as best as you can because it WILL get better eventually.  Sending you strength and healing thoughts... ❤️

 

Here is a comforting meditation by Chris Paige, a taper/withdrawal coach, who suffered with akathisia for three years.  I hope it helps!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHuwGnc1F9A

@Catina7 thanks alot catina, i don,t how these people endure this torment for long period of time. 

@Catina7 have you ever had tried something for terror relief.i am taking kolonopin but i think it do not give any benefit 

[Catina7]

6 minutes ago, Belajazi said:

have you ever had tried something for terror relief.i am taking kolonopin but i think it do not give any benefit

 

The only thing that has given me a measure of relief is Benadryl, but everyone is different and something that helps one person may make someone else worse.  There is not a one-size-fits-all solution.  I wish there were.

[Belajazi]

4 minutes ago, Catina7 said:

 

The only thing that has given me a measure of relief is Benadryl, but everyone is different and something that helps one person may make someone else worse.  There is not a one-size-fits-all solution.  I wish there were.

@Catina7 thanks alot catina 

I need some suggestion from your experience, can we try another antidepressant for tapering during  withdrawal and tapering.??? 

Like if i try mirtazapine, then how many chances i have to face withdrawals from first first antidepressant??? 

[Catina7]

35 minutes ago, Belajazi said:

can we try another antidepressant for tapering during  withdrawal and tapering.??? 

 

Adding or switching to another antidepressant during tapering is not recommended.  It's best to keep things simple, slow, and stable.  Anytime we switch doses or drugs, it can further sensitize our nervous systems.  

 

1. Keep it simple.
 
When the body reacts, often it's difficult to tell what the cause might be. When you're tapering or trying supplements or other treatments, keeping it simple helps reduce confusion during trial-and-error. Keeping it simple minimize confounding factors. For example:
 
1.a. Do not CHANGE the dosage of more than one drug or supplement at a time.
When you change 2 or more drugs at once and you get a bad reaction, you won't know which drug is causing it.
 
1.b. Do not ADD more than one drug or supplement at a time.
When you add more than one thing at a time -- or, worse, throw the kitchen sink into some kind of cocktail -- and you get a bad reaction, you won't have any idea what to do. Should you drop one thing or all of them?
 
This is also true of mixed supplements, supplements that contain more than one ingredient. It's better to try one ingredient at a time to see how you react.
 
2. Keep it slow.
 
Many people become very sensitive to drugs and supplements after they've experienced withdrawal symptoms for even a short time. Do not count on taking the big risks you used to take. Make changes slowly.
 
Introducing a drug or supplement or changing a dosage very gradually gives you the ability to sample how it might affect you before you go too far. ALWAYS WAIT TO SEE THE RESULT OF A CHANGE BEFORE DECIDING WHAT TO DO NEXT. For many drugs, it takes 1-4 weeks to see the full effect of a change.
 
A big dose or big change probably will cause a worse bad reaction than a very small dose or change. You can injure your nervous system pretty badly with a big change -- it might take you months or years to feel better.
 
For example:
 
2.a. If you are tapering, we recommend a 10% reduction every month, based on the LAST dosage. (The amount of the reduction keeps getting smaller. Read this explanation: Why taper by 10% of my dosage?
 
2.b. Do not expect to feel better immediately. There are no silver bullets for withdrawal syndrome. There is no pill of any kind that will immediately put you back to normal. If you make a good change, the effect is likely to be slight at first. Be patient. Read this: What is withdrawal syndrome?
 
2.c. Do not jump around in dosage. For most drugs, it takes about 4 days for the change to fully register in your system. Unless you have an IMMEDIATE bad reaction, wait at least 4-7 days to see how the change affects you. Long-acting drugs, such as fluoxetine (Prozac),  do not reach full effect for several weeks. (If you have an immediate bad reaction, go back to the dosage you were taking before.)  See steady state graph for Cymbalta.
 
Since withdrawal symptoms ordinarily fluctuate, you might have hours or days here and there when you don't feel well. One episode does not a pattern make. Do not panic and throw in another drug or supplement. Keep notes on paper of your daily symptom pattern. If you feel worse and worse over a week, the change was not a good one. It may be the decrease or increase was too large. Rather than jumping around in dosage, make an adjustment half-way.
 
2.d. Be patient, recovery is inconsistent and gradual. The nervous system is very complicated. It can repair itself, but it takes time to do this. In the meantime, you may experience The Windows and Waves Pattern of Recovery
 
3. Keep it stable.
 
The nervous system is delicate and very complicated. Normally, the autonomic system runs your body with numerous checks and balances, constantly gauging what hormones and transmitters need to be increased and which need to be decreased. Its job is to keep your body stable, at a tolerable temperature range, with everything running smoothly.
 
Psychiatric drugs interfere with the entire nervous system, not just the brain. This is why changing dosage of just one drug can affect your eyesight, your digestion, and your sleep. Taking psychiatric drugs affects the functions of the nervous system.
 
The nervous system, which works so hard to keep your body running smoothly, thrives on stability. When you take a psychiatric drug over a period of time (usually a month or more), your body becomes dependent on the drug. This is called physiological dependency.
 
The nervous system adapts itself to the drug like a plant growing on a trellis. If you tear the trellis away, the plant will be damaged. You need to remove the trellis gradually and allow the plant to retrain itself to its natural growth pattern.
 
Thus, the nervous system does best in a stable environment. Help your nervous system adapt to life without drugs by maintaining as much stability as you can. This is the way you can take care of yourself and help your nervous system to recover. We are our own worst enemies when it comes to stressing our nervous systems! Examples:
 
3.a. Do not suddenly quit taking your drugs. Do not skip doses to taper. These big, fast changes are the opposite of providing stability for your nervous system. Skipping doses causes the amount of the drug in your bloodstream to go up and down. Do not do this for any psychiatric drug.  See this graph which compares skipping days vs daily dosing.

 

3.b. Avoid binges. Even if you had no problems with them before, avoid overindulgence in alcohol, food, partying, sugar, staying up late, even exercise. All of these put the body and the nervous system under stress.
 
3.c. Manage emotional stress. Yes, that abusive relationship can be keeping you from recovering from withdrawal syndrome. You may wish to reduce contact with any people who tend to upset you. If you are an argumentative person, you may wish to minimize your confrontations.
 
3.d. Direct your time and efforts to pastimes that are calming or pleasurable. Calm is good for the nervous system. Always make time for a pleasant walk of at least a half-hour every day. Many people find a place for meditation in their lives because it makes them feel better. Spending time with pets or in nature ("forest bathing") can also be soothing. See our Symptoms and Self-Care forum for more suggestions.
 
3.e. Keep your daily circadian rhythm steady. Your body runs on a daily pattern governed by sunrise and sunset -- the circadian rhythm. Our bodies do best when we wake in the morning, go to sleep at night, and eat at about the same times every day. You may wish to reduce artificial light at night. Do what you can to maintain a regular daily schedule, this helps your nervous system function. See Important topics about symptoms, including sleep problems.

[Belajazi]

9 minutes ago, Catina7 said:

 

Adding or switching to another antidepressant during tapering is not recommended.  It's best to keep things simple, slow, and stable.  Anytime we switch doses or drugs, it can further sensitize our nervous systems.  

 

1. Keep it simple.
 
When the body reacts, often it's difficult to tell what the cause might be. When you're tapering or trying supplements or other treatments, keeping it simple helps reduce confusion during trial-and-error. Keeping it simple minimize confounding factors. For example:
 
1.a. Do not CHANGE the dosage of more than one drug or supplement at a time.
When you change 2 or more drugs at once and you get a bad reaction, you won't know which drug is causing it.
 
1.b. Do not ADD more than one drug or supplement at a time.
When you add more than one thing at a time -- or, worse, throw the kitchen sink into some kind of cocktail -- and you get a bad reaction, you won't have any idea what to do. Should you drop one thing or all of them?
 
This is also true of mixed supplements, supplements that contain more than one ingredient. It's better to try one ingredient at a time to see how you react.
 
2. Keep it slow.
 
Many people become very sensitive to drugs and supplements after they've experienced withdrawal symptoms for even a short time. Do not count on taking the big risks you used to take. Make changes slowly.
 
Introducing a drug or supplement or changing a dosage very gradually gives you the ability to sample how it might affect you before you go too far. ALWAYS WAIT TO SEE THE RESULT OF A CHANGE BEFORE DECIDING WHAT TO DO NEXT. For many drugs, it takes 1-4 weeks to see the full effect of a change.
 
A big dose or big change probably will cause a worse bad reaction than a very small dose or change. You can injure your nervous system pretty badly with a big change -- it might take you months or years to feel better.
 
For example:
 
2.a. If you are tapering, we recommend a 10% reduction every month, based on the LAST dosage. (The amount of the reduction keeps getting smaller. Read this explanation: Why taper by 10% of my dosage?
 
2.b. Do not expect to feel better immediately. There are no silver bullets for withdrawal syndrome. There is no pill of any kind that will immediately put you back to normal. If you make a good change, the effect is likely to be slight at first. Be patient. Read this: What is withdrawal syndrome?
 
2.c. Do not jump around in dosage. For most drugs, it takes about 4 days for the change to fully register in your system. Unless you have an IMMEDIATE bad reaction, wait at least 4-7 days to see how the change affects you. Long-acting drugs, such as fluoxetine (Prozac),  do not reach full effect for several weeks. (If you have an immediate bad reaction, go back to the dosage you were taking before.)  See steady state graph for Cymbalta.
 
Since withdrawal symptoms ordinarily fluctuate, you might have hours or days here and there when you don't feel well. One episode does not a pattern make. Do not panic and throw in another drug or supplement. Keep notes on paper of your daily symptom pattern. If you feel worse and worse over a week, the change was not a good one. It may be the decrease or increase was too large. Rather than jumping around in dosage, make an adjustment half-way.
 
2.d. Be patient, recovery is inconsistent and gradual. The nervous system is very complicated. It can repair itself, but it takes time to do this. In the meantime, you may experience The Windows and Waves Pattern of Recovery
 
3. Keep it stable.
 
The nervous system is delicate and very complicated. Normally, the autonomic system runs your body with numerous checks and balances, constantly gauging what hormones and transmitters need to be increased and which need to be decreased. Its job is to keep your body stable, at a tolerable temperature range, with everything running smoothly.
 
Psychiatric drugs interfere with the entire nervous system, not just the brain. This is why changing dosage of just one drug can affect your eyesight, your digestion, and your sleep. Taking psychiatric drugs affects the functions of the nervous system.
 
The nervous system, which works so hard to keep your body running smoothly, thrives on stability. When you take a psychiatric drug over a period of time (usually a month or more), your body becomes dependent on the drug. This is called physiological dependency.
 
The nervous system adapts itself to the drug like a plant growing on a trellis. If you tear the trellis away, the plant will be damaged. You need to remove the trellis gradually and allow the plant to retrain itself to its natural growth pattern.
 
Thus, the nervous system does best in a stable environment. Help your nervous system adapt to life without drugs by maintaining as much stability as you can. This is the way you can take care of yourself and help your nervous system to recover. We are our own worst enemies when it comes to stressing our nervous systems! Examples:
 
3.a. Do not suddenly quit taking your drugs. Do not skip doses to taper. These big, fast changes are the opposite of providing stability for your nervous system. Skipping doses causes the amount of the drug in your bloodstream to go up and down. Do not do this for any psychiatric drug.  See this graph which compares skipping days vs daily dosing.

 

3.b. Avoid binges. Even if you had no problems with them before, avoid overindulgence in alcohol, food, partying, sugar, staying up late, even exercise. All of these put the body and the nervous system under stress.
 
3.c. Manage emotional stress. Yes, that abusive relationship can be keeping you from recovering from withdrawal syndrome. You may wish to reduce contact with any people who tend to upset you. If you are an argumentative person, you may wish to minimize your confrontations.
 
3.d. Direct your time and efforts to pastimes that are calming or pleasurable. Calm is good for the nervous system. Always make time for a pleasant walk of at least a half-hour every day. Many people find a place for meditation in their lives because it makes them feel better. Spending time with pets or in nature ("forest bathing") can also be soothing. See our Symptoms and Self-Care forum for more suggestions.
 
3.e. Keep your daily circadian rhythm steady. Your body runs on a daily pattern governed by sunrise and sunset -- the circadian rhythm. Our bodies do best when we wake in the morning, go to sleep at night, and eat at about the same times every day. You may wish to reduce artificial light at night. Do what you can to maintain a regular daily schedule, this helps your nervous system function. See Important topics about symptoms, including sleep problems.

@Catina7 thanks alot Catine. 

Hope so moderators will help me in adjustment of dosage so that i attain stability

[Catina7]

28 minutes ago, Belajazi said:

@Catina7 thanks alot Catine. 

Hope so moderators will help me in adjustment of dosage so that i attain stability

 

You're very welcome.  Maybe you can tag whichever moderator was helping you previously since they'd be most familiar with your history.  

[Belajazi]

6 minutes ago, Catina7 said:

 

You're very welcome.  Maybe you can tag whichever moderator was helping you previously since they'd be most familiar with your history.  

@Catina7 lostin canada was helping. But i do not wana bother her because he is also in wave. 

[Belajazi]

5 hours ago, Belajazi said:

@LotusRising @Catina7 @Emonda @brassmonkey

Friends i really need your help. 

As you all know, recently i switched to paxil cr 3mg every second day(this process continue for atleast 20days) to paxil home-made solution 1ml daily after joining SA. 

Today is my 21st day at paxil home-made solution. 

Now from two days i have extreme internal terror unbearable /akathisia. 

I had extreme internal agitation on paxil cr but not terror. 

Now i feel extreme terror. 

Can i go back to paxil cr 3mg or change my medications for tapering??? 

@LostInCanada  @LotusRising @Emonda 

[Catina7]

45 minutes ago, Belajazi said:

@Catina7 lostin canada was helping. But i do not wana bother her because he is also in wave. 

 

What I suggest to you then is to go back and re-read what LostinCanada has advised you thus far.  Maybe she has already said something that can help you decide what to do in your current situation.  

[Belajazi]

@Catina7 Lostincanada. 

She said to me wait untill stability.

She is very humble lady. I aslo pray for her. She was only one here for me when no one respond me. 

There is no fault, i am very badluck person. I am elder one age 23,mother battling last stage cancer😭

History after joining SA:

I had severe unbearable agitation on paxil therefore i deicided to taper, my paxil is coated,therefore i switched to paxil ir home-made solution. Today is my 22nd of taking paxil solution agitation gone but severe terror starts.

catina please once have a look on my signature. 

The pain of akathisia can only be understood by those Who have experienced it. 

[Catina7]

As I said before, skipping days and doses is not recommended.  If you're doing that, then that could be contributing to your issues.  You want daily consistent doses.

 

 

[Belajazi]

35 minutes ago, Catina7 said:

As I said before, skipping days and doses is not recommended.  If you're doing that, then that could be contributing to your issues.  You want daily consistent doses.

 

 

@Catina7 i am on regular doses from last 22 days. When i came to regular doses,now internal akathisia start.

Before regular doses i have extreme unbearable internal agitation,therefore i were decided to tapper

[Catina7]

56 minutes ago, Belajazi said:

@Catina7 i am on regular doses from last 22 days. When i came to regular doses,now internal akathisia start.

Before regular doses i have extreme unbearable internal agitation,therefore i were decided to tapper

 

Okay, thanks for clarifying that.  I'm so sorry you're suffering so badly.  Hopefully one of the mods will chime in soon and give you more specific advice.  

[Belajazi]

3 minutes ago, Catina7 said:

 

Okay, thanks for clarifying that.  I'm so sorry you're suffering so badly.  Hopefully one of the mods will chime in soon and give you more specific advice.  

@Catina7 thank you so much catina🙏

 

6 minutes ago, Catina7 said:

 Hopefully one of the mods will chime in soon and give you more specific advice.  

Hope so

[LostInCanada]

5 hours ago, Belajazi said:

can we try another antidepressant for tapering during  withdrawal and tapering.??? 

@Belajazi It takes time and patience if you are committed to getting off these drugs. Try to find ways to cope. Look through the sections available on here. 

The best thing you can do is post notes for each hour if the day from waking till sleep. State when you take each drug and what symptoms you are having. 

Are you able to sleep?

 

[Belajazi]

11 minutes ago, LostInCanada said:

@Belajazi 

Are you able to sleep?

 

@LostInCanada my sleep was pretty good. But from few days ,my sleep is disturb. 

one thing i notice after taking paxil i feel restless. 

Kolonopin at 3pm ,when my symptoms reach full blown,kolnopin does not help

I know i need patience but terror is pure torment from hell. 

BTW how are you. 

I am also worried for you.I pray GOD heal us.

I also pray for bailey beacause i can feel her pain. 

[Belajazi]

@LostInCanada ater taking paxil with in hour,my internal vibrations /shaking does start 

May be when i able to complete my taper, this symptoms will go

[LostInCanada]

@Belajazi if you can sleep that is good. I haven't slept properly for 7 years since the pharmacy gave me the wrong prescription. I sleep 90 minutes to 2 hours at a time but can do that about 4 times in a night. So good you can sleep. 

Instead of fighting symptoms, I try to appreciate how hard my body is working to heal and undo the mess of the drugs. All the symptoms show the body is trying to fix itself.

[LostInCanada]

1 minute ago, Belajazi said:

May be when i able to complete my taper, this symptoms will go

It's best not to overthink it. Your body will work it out in time. Be patient.

[Belajazi]

@LostInCanada what do think why my body began shaking/vibrating after taking paxil with in hour?? 

[Belajazi]

4 minutes ago, LostInCanada said:

It's best not to overthink it. Your body will work it out in time. Be patient.

@LostInCanada

I am bearing these sufferings from prevous 7-8 months but with diferent unbearable symptoms. I pray to GOD make me able to go through this horror time. 

[LostInCanada]

Staying consistent is the key.

[brassmonkey]

There are two factors that may be causing the problem. The first is, switching from 3mgai every other day to 1mgai daily is a dose reduction of over 30%. The second, changing from CR to liquid can cause problems. Many people can't tolerate liquids because they "dump" all the active ingredient at one time, instead of spreading it out over time. The timing of your symptoms is consistant with this. With luck, over time, this will settle out and stabilize. For some people it doesn't and they have to return to the tablets.

 

As for dealing with the symptoms. DO NOT ADD EXTRA DRUGS. This will only cause more problems. The symptoms we get during ADWD can be intense and cruel.  Unfortunitly there is nothing that can be done but accept them and do what is necessary to get through them. Catina7 has been giving some excellent advise. Well done @Catina7.

[Emonda]

7 hours ago, Catina7 said:

Adding or switching to another antidepressant during tapering is not recommended.  It's best to keep things simple, slow, and stable.  Anytime we switch doses or drugs, it can further sensitize our nervous systems.  

 

Spot on, thanks Catina7. I did it twice before finding this site and it was not a nice experience...never again.

 

This can be a horrible process, Belajazi. 

 

We are all in different time zones / some of us have work etc, so replies may not be regular.

[LostInCanada]

On 2/9/2024 at 1:43 AM, Belajazi said:

took 3.125mg paxil cr every 3 day

Before: Just to clarify, you were skipping 2 days and taking it the next day correct. So if you took it Monday then you didn't take it again till Thursday? Is that right? 

[Belajazi]

5 minutes ago, LostInCanada said:

Before: Just to clarify, you were skipping 2 days and taking it the next day correct. So if you took it Monday then you didn't take it again till Thursday? Is that right? 

@LostInCanada Yes true.if i take pill on monday then two day gap mean tuesday Wednesday off, 

. thursday will be dose taking day

[Belajazi]

9 minutes ago, LostInCanada said:

Before: Just to clarify, you were skipping 2 days and taking it the next day correct. So if you took it Monday then you didn't take it again till Thursday? Is that right? 

@LostInCanada we are going right. You had  guided me perfectly. 

But i had already messed up my brain with several changes (by psychiatrist)