Chantingjo Posted March 10, 2015 Author Share Posted March 10, 2015 Hi All I had a better day yesterday so thought I would try and ride this out but today was bad again. To be fair, I did have some news that threw me a bit but it is just hard to be at work (although I am managing). It’s just that any slight stress that comes along knocks me for six. What are people’s thoughts on riding this out? I feel it could delay things by going to 1mg but at the same time I don’t want to suffer too much. I am pretty sure this is withdrawal related as I have been through it enough times to know Jo Thanks Bubbles it is liquid paxil I have I had a better day yesterday so thought I would try and ride this out but today was bad again. To be fair, I did have some news that threw me a bit but it is just hard to be at work (although I am managing). It’s just that any slight stress that comes along knocks me for six. What are people’s thoughts on riding this out? I feel it could delay things by going to 1mg but at the same time I don’t want to suffer too much. I am pretty sure this is withdrawal related as I have been through it enough times to know Jo Was on Paxil from about 2001 to 2011. Then started a three year taper of 10% every 4 weeks. Went down to 5% drops between 7mg and 5mg as it got tough. Then back to 10% drops and few withdrawal effects below 5mg. At 2.8mg went to 2mg for 2 weeks with no side effects, then 1mg for 2 weeks with no side effects and then off. Last date was 29 December 2014. Reinstated 1mg on 13th march Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted March 12, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 12, 2015 10% at the end but was thinking below 1mg it would be ok to go with 0.2mg reductions? Anyway will cross that bridge when i come to it. In the meantime 1mg is 0.5ml right?? My brain wont work! Hi Jo, You would need to look on the bottle to find out how many mg there are per 1ml, then you can work out how many ml you need to take. I'm assuming you haven't reinstated yet? Did you stop taking the 5htp? I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes Link to comment
Rachelina Posted March 12, 2015 Share Posted March 12, 2015 Hi Jo! I wish I could give you a good warm hug. I'm so sorry about all you've been through. You sound like you are suffering so much....might be worth trying the small reinstatement? Hope you get some relief soon in any case. Trying to get off Paxil since 2007. Was tapering by 0.1 mg every 4-5 weeks. Had awful crash in November 2015 at .5 mg; updosed gradually to 2 mg. Doing better and tapering again, much slower this time. 2016: Dropped from 2 mg to 1.62 mg. 2017: 1.62 mg to 1.2 mg. 2018: 1.2 mg to .76 mg. 2019: .76 mg to .56 mg. 2020: .56 mg to .33 mg. 2021: .33 mg to .13 mg. 2022: .13 mg to .03 mg. 6/12/23 .002 mg. OFF PAXIL 9/4/23 Started Klonopin in November 2015 to deal with crash. 1/10/16 started milk titration taper from .5 mg. Finished taper 12/6/17. Still take Klonopin for agoraphobia 2 - 3 times a week. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted March 12, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 12, 2015 Hi Jo my thoughts on riding it out are: If there's an option , take it. Please take a look at my thread (first post) , and you'll understand why I say this. xxx 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Chantingjo Posted March 13, 2015 Author Share Posted March 13, 2015 Aw thanks all. I decided to take the 1mg and started this morning. Lets hope it helps. Fresh i saw your post and video. I only looked at the first video as in my sensitive state didnt think i should watch the second but the first looked bad enough! Are you feeling better now? It sounds like we were put on anti depressants at the same stage of our lives for similar issues. Was on Paxil from about 2001 to 2011. Then started a three year taper of 10% every 4 weeks. Went down to 5% drops between 7mg and 5mg as it got tough. Then back to 10% drops and few withdrawal effects below 5mg. At 2.8mg went to 2mg for 2 weeks with no side effects, then 1mg for 2 weeks with no side effects and then off. Last date was 29 December 2014. Reinstated 1mg on 13th march Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted March 13, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 13, 2015 Thanks Jo , the second video is way more calm than the first , you'll get to it when you feel a bit more like your usual self. I feel a million times better now - I used to feel like I was "living inside a panic attack" a lot of the time , and I just don't have that anymore (touch-wood). Making any sort of decision can be extreme in w/d , so I'm pleased you've made a choice with regard to trying to reinstate. My fingers are all crossed for you too hun 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Chantingjo Posted March 15, 2015 Author Share Posted March 15, 2015 Hi there I have taken 1mg paxil last two days. I think my anxiety might be a bit worse. I have hardly slept a wink tonight but admittedly i have had nights like this before recently. Also stupidly i drank alcohol weds and thurs night. Should i persevere do you think? Jo Was on Paxil from about 2001 to 2011. Then started a three year taper of 10% every 4 weeks. Went down to 5% drops between 7mg and 5mg as it got tough. Then back to 10% drops and few withdrawal effects below 5mg. At 2.8mg went to 2mg for 2 weeks with no side effects, then 1mg for 2 weeks with no side effects and then off. Last date was 29 December 2014. Reinstated 1mg on 13th march Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Songbird Posted March 15, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 15, 2015 Hi Jo, I remember you from pp. At this point it is hard to say whether reinstating will work and what dose would be best, it seems to be trial and error and I've seen different things work for different people. Since you've started back on 1mg I would say to persevere with it for a while unless you have any severe adverse reaction. I would also recommend avoiding alcohol completely. You might also consider avoiding all caffeine. So hard for you to have w/d on top of difficult life situations. I think you are doing very well to cope with everything that's been thrown at you. 2001–2002 paroxetine 2003 citalopram 2004-2008 paroxetine (various failed tapers) 2008 paroxetine slow taper down to 2016 Aug off paroxetine2016 citalopram May 20mg Oct 15mg … slow taper down2018 citalopram 13 Feb 4.6mg 15 Mar 4.4mg 29 Apr 4.2mg 6 Jul 4.1mg 17 Aug 4.0mg 18 Nov 3.8mg 2019 15 Mar 3.6mg 21 May 3.4mg 26 Dec 3.2mg 2020 19 Feb 3.0mg 19 Jul 2.9mg 16 Sep 2.8mg 25 Oct 2.7mg 23 Oct 2.6mg 24 Dec 2.5mg 2021 29 Aug 2.4mg 15 Nov 2.3mg Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted March 15, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 15, 2015 ChantingJo . . . DO NOT PERSEVERE , with the alcohol! Lots of people throw their system accidentally with a few drinks , and take a few days to feel back on track. Remember , it takes 4 days for the reinstatement to get to a steady state in your blood stream , so to be fair , you need give it another few days at least. Like you said , you have felt this bad before , so I know you can ride this wave without caving in to your indecision. Give it a fair chance ... you've come this far. Hugs Jo , Fresh 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Chantingjo Posted March 15, 2015 Author Share Posted March 15, 2015 Thanks both is it ok to take the paxil when i feel so agitated. I had hypnic jerks all night last night. I had these before when i tapered off 20mg over three months. I had to go off sick. Dont want to do that this time. That time i reinstated 20mg after 3 months off and it worked fine Was on Paxil from about 2001 to 2011. Then started a three year taper of 10% every 4 weeks. Went down to 5% drops between 7mg and 5mg as it got tough. Then back to 10% drops and few withdrawal effects below 5mg. At 2.8mg went to 2mg for 2 weeks with no side effects, then 1mg for 2 weeks with no side effects and then off. Last date was 29 December 2014. Reinstated 1mg on 13th march Link to comment
Chantingjo Posted March 15, 2015 Author Share Posted March 15, 2015 Ps quite tempted to go up to 10mg Was on Paxil from about 2001 to 2011. Then started a three year taper of 10% every 4 weeks. Went down to 5% drops between 7mg and 5mg as it got tough. Then back to 10% drops and few withdrawal effects below 5mg. At 2.8mg went to 2mg for 2 weeks with no side effects, then 1mg for 2 weeks with no side effects and then off. Last date was 29 December 2014. Reinstated 1mg on 13th march Link to comment
Moderator brassmonkey Posted March 15, 2015 Moderator Share Posted March 15, 2015 Hi Jo-- RI is a very tricky process and has to be taken very slowly to see how your body is going to react. Each dose change takes a minimum of four days to begin to take effect. So you can't rush things. Just jumping directly back to 10mg will more than likely to cause a lot more problems than it will fix. Try and relax as much as you can. Hope you feel better. (((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))) 20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013. Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks. The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better. Final Dose 0.016mg. Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017 "It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general." Stephen Hawking Link to comment
AmyK Posted March 15, 2015 Share Posted March 15, 2015 Jo, I feel for you. I dont think you should go up to 10 mg. You are almost done. You don't want that. I can understand you are afraid, but please wait some more days and see how it feels. Use all your techniques you have to try to relax. Many hugs! Current dose: 0! Free! Quit June 2017. 2017: Last dose zoloft: 17 June 0,00065 mg 18 May 0, 001 mg 14 May 0,002 mg 9 May 0,003 mg 28 April 0,006 mg 19 April 0,009 mg 8 April 0,013 mg 25 March 0,019 mg 22 March 0,039 mg 18 March 0,052 mg 16 March 0,079 mg 4 March 0,086 1 March 0,099 mg 22 February 0,11 mg 15 February 0,13 mg 6 February 0,145 mg 24 January 0,15 mg 19 January 0,19 mg 10 January 0,20 mg 3 January 2016: 0,98 to 0,22 mg; 2015: 2,35 to 1,01 mg; 2014: 4,9 to 2,5 mg; 2013: 9,1 to 5,1 mg; 2012: 15,7 to 9,7 mg; 2011: Started on 25 mg - then 50 mg- dropped to 25- to 12.5 mg - back to 25 mg - after 18.75 mg started tiny tapering to 16.6 mg Started on 25 mg Zoloft in March 2011 due to stressrelated tinnitus that gave me panicattacks. Had a terrible reaction to Zoloft from start, but was told to "hold on". After four months I was stuck. Therefore the long taper. Crazy, I know... Super sensitive to drops and have dropped by 4-6 % from the previous dose. Link to comment
Chantingjo Posted March 15, 2015 Author Share Posted March 15, 2015 Thanks both. Appreciate your responses. But what if I need anti depressants? My mood hasn't been great all the way through this taper. The way I felt last night was how I felt when I practically cold turkeyed and it scared me. You are totally right though. I should give it a few more days Was on Paxil from about 2001 to 2011. Then started a three year taper of 10% every 4 weeks. Went down to 5% drops between 7mg and 5mg as it got tough. Then back to 10% drops and few withdrawal effects below 5mg. At 2.8mg went to 2mg for 2 weeks with no side effects, then 1mg for 2 weeks with no side effects and then off. Last date was 29 December 2014. Reinstated 1mg on 13th march Link to comment
AmyK Posted March 15, 2015 Share Posted March 15, 2015 This is different. You try to reinstate. Wait a few days and see how that goes. Try not to add second fear. I dont think you "need" an ad. You have been so courageous all the way. You can do this. Thinking of you! Hugs! Current dose: 0! Free! Quit June 2017. 2017: Last dose zoloft: 17 June 0,00065 mg 18 May 0, 001 mg 14 May 0,002 mg 9 May 0,003 mg 28 April 0,006 mg 19 April 0,009 mg 8 April 0,013 mg 25 March 0,019 mg 22 March 0,039 mg 18 March 0,052 mg 16 March 0,079 mg 4 March 0,086 1 March 0,099 mg 22 February 0,11 mg 15 February 0,13 mg 6 February 0,145 mg 24 January 0,15 mg 19 January 0,19 mg 10 January 0,20 mg 3 January 2016: 0,98 to 0,22 mg; 2015: 2,35 to 1,01 mg; 2014: 4,9 to 2,5 mg; 2013: 9,1 to 5,1 mg; 2012: 15,7 to 9,7 mg; 2011: Started on 25 mg - then 50 mg- dropped to 25- to 12.5 mg - back to 25 mg - after 18.75 mg started tiny tapering to 16.6 mg Started on 25 mg Zoloft in March 2011 due to stressrelated tinnitus that gave me panicattacks. Had a terrible reaction to Zoloft from start, but was told to "hold on". After four months I was stuck. Therefore the long taper. Crazy, I know... Super sensitive to drops and have dropped by 4-6 % from the previous dose. Link to comment
Chantingjo Posted March 15, 2015 Author Share Posted March 15, 2015 You are sweet Amy! Thank you. I am seeing everything in a negative light at the moment I know that. It's hard when I have had so much go on and the withdrawal makes me lose my resilience. Especially when I don't sleep. How are you feeling? Was on Paxil from about 2001 to 2011. Then started a three year taper of 10% every 4 weeks. Went down to 5% drops between 7mg and 5mg as it got tough. Then back to 10% drops and few withdrawal effects below 5mg. At 2.8mg went to 2mg for 2 weeks with no side effects, then 1mg for 2 weeks with no side effects and then off. Last date was 29 December 2014. Reinstated 1mg on 13th march Link to comment
Chantingjo Posted March 15, 2015 Author Share Posted March 15, 2015 Hi there Just to say i definitely feel more anxious since starting the 1mg. Worst in a while. Plus no sleep at all last night. Should i stop it do you think ? Was on Paxil from about 2001 to 2011. Then started a three year taper of 10% every 4 weeks. Went down to 5% drops between 7mg and 5mg as it got tough. Then back to 10% drops and few withdrawal effects below 5mg. At 2.8mg went to 2mg for 2 weeks with no side effects, then 1mg for 2 weeks with no side effects and then off. Last date was 29 December 2014. Reinstated 1mg on 13th march Link to comment
AmyK Posted March 15, 2015 Share Posted March 15, 2015 I dont know, Jo. I hope somebody more experienced will reply. Current dose: 0! Free! Quit June 2017. 2017: Last dose zoloft: 17 June 0,00065 mg 18 May 0, 001 mg 14 May 0,002 mg 9 May 0,003 mg 28 April 0,006 mg 19 April 0,009 mg 8 April 0,013 mg 25 March 0,019 mg 22 March 0,039 mg 18 March 0,052 mg 16 March 0,079 mg 4 March 0,086 1 March 0,099 mg 22 February 0,11 mg 15 February 0,13 mg 6 February 0,145 mg 24 January 0,15 mg 19 January 0,19 mg 10 January 0,20 mg 3 January 2016: 0,98 to 0,22 mg; 2015: 2,35 to 1,01 mg; 2014: 4,9 to 2,5 mg; 2013: 9,1 to 5,1 mg; 2012: 15,7 to 9,7 mg; 2011: Started on 25 mg - then 50 mg- dropped to 25- to 12.5 mg - back to 25 mg - after 18.75 mg started tiny tapering to 16.6 mg Started on 25 mg Zoloft in March 2011 due to stressrelated tinnitus that gave me panicattacks. Had a terrible reaction to Zoloft from start, but was told to "hold on". After four months I was stuck. Therefore the long taper. Crazy, I know... Super sensitive to drops and have dropped by 4-6 % from the previous dose. Link to comment
Moderator brassmonkey Posted March 15, 2015 Moderator Share Posted March 15, 2015 Hi Jo-- Don't panic, you're starting to play "what if" and that is a loosing game. It's quite possible that you're still feeling the effects of the drinking last week, they can hang on this long and more. Give the RI time to do it's work and hit the rest of it with a good OOOMMMMMM. (((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))) 20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013. Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks. The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better. Final Dose 0.016mg. Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017 "It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general." Stephen Hawking Link to comment
Chantingjo Posted March 15, 2015 Author Share Posted March 15, 2015 Thanks Tom! The voice of reason as usual. My sleeping was already disturbed prior to the reinstatement plus the alcohol (getting a feeling of déjà vu here!). The reinstatement could also cause a bit of anxiety as my body adjusts I guess?... Was on Paxil from about 2001 to 2011. Then started a three year taper of 10% every 4 weeks. Went down to 5% drops between 7mg and 5mg as it got tough. Then back to 10% drops and few withdrawal effects below 5mg. At 2.8mg went to 2mg for 2 weeks with no side effects, then 1mg for 2 weeks with no side effects and then off. Last date was 29 December 2014. Reinstated 1mg on 13th march Link to comment
Chantingjo Posted March 15, 2015 Author Share Posted March 15, 2015 Hi there I again cant sleep a wink tonight. This problem started since i reinstated. I cant go on like this. Think it must be the reinstatement and i should just stop Was on Paxil from about 2001 to 2011. Then started a three year taper of 10% every 4 weeks. Went down to 5% drops between 7mg and 5mg as it got tough. Then back to 10% drops and few withdrawal effects below 5mg. At 2.8mg went to 2mg for 2 weeks with no side effects, then 1mg for 2 weeks with no side effects and then off. Last date was 29 December 2014. Reinstated 1mg on 13th march Link to comment
Chantingjo Posted March 15, 2015 Author Share Posted March 15, 2015 Hi there I again cant sleep a wink tonight. This problem started since i reinstated. I cant go on like this. Think it must be the reinstatement and i should just stop. Can a moderator advise me?? Was on Paxil from about 2001 to 2011. Then started a three year taper of 10% every 4 weeks. Went down to 5% drops between 7mg and 5mg as it got tough. Then back to 10% drops and few withdrawal effects below 5mg. At 2.8mg went to 2mg for 2 weeks with no side effects, then 1mg for 2 weeks with no side effects and then off. Last date was 29 December 2014. Reinstated 1mg on 13th march Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted March 16, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 16, 2015 Hi Jo, It takes at least 4 days for your body to fully register the addition of a neuroactive drug. Unless you have an immediate bad reaction, observe your symptom pattern for about a week to see if the reinstatement is helping. If you have an immediate bad reaction, reduce or stop taking the drug. About reinstating and stabilizing to stop withdrawal symptoms If you are having a bad reaction, and you're sure its being caused by the drug, then I think it would be a good idea to stop taking it. If you're not certain and can hold on for a few more days, it would give your body a little more time to adjust, if its possible. I don't recommend going up to 10mg. Please let us know what you decide to do. I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes Link to comment
Chantingjo Posted March 16, 2015 Author Share Posted March 16, 2015 Thanks petunia I dont know if this is normal start up effects or not but i feel much more anxious, cant sleep and was sick this morning. Dont think these are good signs are they? Was on Paxil from about 2001 to 2011. Then started a three year taper of 10% every 4 weeks. Went down to 5% drops between 7mg and 5mg as it got tough. Then back to 10% drops and few withdrawal effects below 5mg. At 2.8mg went to 2mg for 2 weeks with no side effects, then 1mg for 2 weeks with no side effects and then off. Last date was 29 December 2014. Reinstated 1mg on 13th march Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted March 16, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 16, 2015 It could be the alcohol Jo . . . it's shaken things up. It may also be the withdrawal gaining momentum , because the paxil is still working it's way in. It needs time. 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Chantingjo Posted March 16, 2015 Author Share Posted March 16, 2015 Thanks all How long will it take for the updose to start working? Does anyone know? Was on Paxil from about 2001 to 2011. Then started a three year taper of 10% every 4 weeks. Went down to 5% drops between 7mg and 5mg as it got tough. Then back to 10% drops and few withdrawal effects below 5mg. At 2.8mg went to 2mg for 2 weeks with no side effects, then 1mg for 2 weeks with no side effects and then off. Last date was 29 December 2014. Reinstated 1mg on 13th march Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted March 16, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 16, 2015 See post 59 above. You may notice an improvement as soon as tomorrow , but hopefully within the week. 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted March 23, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 23, 2015 How are you doing Jo? Are you feeling any better? Do let us know. I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted March 26, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 26, 2015 How are you going Jo? Thinking of you , 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Chantingjo Posted March 28, 2015 Author Share Posted March 28, 2015 Hi both Am so sorry for the delay in replying. Well the last couple of weeks have been tough. The 1mg Paxil made me a lot worse! Can't believe a small amount could have such an effect! I wasn't able to sleep at all for about 4 nights and became very agitated. My body was telling me it didn't want that drug near me! So I stopped the drug after a few days and gradually started to feel better. I have some anxious days still but mainly manageable. It was a wake up call to look after myself. I am chanting twice a day, doing daily hypnosis and cbt. Even if this anxiety is caused by withdrawal there are things I can do to help myself cope with it and not add secondary fear etc Thanks for everyone's help on this site Jo Was on Paxil from about 2001 to 2011. Then started a three year taper of 10% every 4 weeks. Went down to 5% drops between 7mg and 5mg as it got tough. Then back to 10% drops and few withdrawal effects below 5mg. At 2.8mg went to 2mg for 2 weeks with no side effects, then 1mg for 2 weeks with no side effects and then off. Last date was 29 December 2014. Reinstated 1mg on 13th march Link to comment
Moderator brassmonkey Posted March 28, 2015 Moderator Share Posted March 28, 2015 I'm so glad you're catching a break Jo. Doing the small RI is really scary stuff, and so unpredictable. Keep up what you're doing and this wave will pass soon enough. ((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))) 20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013. Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks. The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better. Final Dose 0.016mg. Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017 "It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general." Stephen Hawking Link to comment
Chantingjo Posted May 18, 2015 Author Share Posted May 18, 2015 Hi all Well i have been doing much much better the last couple of months. In fact my mood has been very good! I have been feeling calm, laughing lots and actually looking forward to things and feeling enthusiastic about life. Hadn't had that in sooo long. Anyway these last two days have been rotten. Unbelievably powerful negative emotions surging through me. And constant suicidal thoughts (i wouldnt do it dont worry) and negative thoughts telling me how **** my life is. I think it must be withdrawal but then i did return from hold a week ago so could it be post holiday blues?! But am sure post holiday blues shouldnt feel like that. When you are in it it is so hard to be objective ie my life does feel **** at the moment so maybe i should feel depressed. But another part of me recognised these intense emotions and i never had thoughts like this pre paxil. Was on Paxil from about 2001 to 2011. Then started a three year taper of 10% every 4 weeks. Went down to 5% drops between 7mg and 5mg as it got tough. Then back to 10% drops and few withdrawal effects below 5mg. At 2.8mg went to 2mg for 2 weeks with no side effects, then 1mg for 2 weeks with no side effects and then off. Last date was 29 December 2014. Reinstated 1mg on 13th march Link to comment
nz11 Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 Hi Jo i remember you from pp . I rejoice with you in being drug free. You have done an awesome taper and given your body the best chance to heal now i am sure with you banking drug free time things will only get better albeit perhaps slower than we would like. Wishing you heaps of ever increasing and widening windows. Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing. http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651 Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos. Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you Recovering paxil addict None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped." Dr Mosher. Me too! Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015 I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015 Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017 Link to comment
Moderator brassmonkey Posted May 18, 2015 Moderator Share Posted May 18, 2015 Hi Jo- it is so nice to hear that you've been doing so well. Your holiday sounded wonderful, so exotic. I'm betting the sudden wave is just holiday hangover and being back in familiar surroundings. Even if the trip was a lot of fun it probably was very taxing and now it is catching up with you. Give it a few days and everything should settle down. I'm so glad you're able to get out there and enjoy life again. (((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))) 20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013. Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks. The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better. Final Dose 0.016mg. Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017 "It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general." Stephen Hawking Link to comment
Chantingjo Posted May 19, 2015 Author Share Posted May 19, 2015 Thanks both. I am very pleased of the progress i made and i thought that was me better! So then to feel back at square one is a bit disheartening. This will be a wave right??? Was on Paxil from about 2001 to 2011. Then started a three year taper of 10% every 4 weeks. Went down to 5% drops between 7mg and 5mg as it got tough. Then back to 10% drops and few withdrawal effects below 5mg. At 2.8mg went to 2mg for 2 weeks with no side effects, then 1mg for 2 weeks with no side effects and then off. Last date was 29 December 2014. Reinstated 1mg on 13th march Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted May 19, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 19, 2015 It sounds to me like you are in a wave after a nice, long window. Two months of feeling calm, laughing lots and actually looking forward to things and feeling enthusiastic about life is great progress. I'm sure another long window is just around the corner. This is how recovery happens, increasing windows and decreasing waves. Have you seen the video about the patterns of recovery, its in the windows and waves topic here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/82-the-windows-and-waves-pattern-of-recovery/?p=95332 I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes Link to comment
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