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Sydsab41: 7 weeks into Paxil taper


Sydsab41

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First day with no Paxil.  Still on 20 mg of Prozac and Dr. gave me Diazepam if needed.

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

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  • Sydsab41

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  • Moderator Emeritus
15 hours ago, Sydsab41 said:

I made it one day without Xanax but was in a crisis today and was told to take one.

 

30 minutes ago, Sydsab41 said:

First day with no Paxil.  Still on 20 mg of Prozac and Dr. gave me Diazepam if needed.

 

Hi, Syd.

 

Please be mindful of your use of Xanax and diazepam. Both of these drugs are benzodiazepines. And they both can cause dependency in as little as 2 - 4 weeks, even with periodic use. Xanax has a half life of 6 - 12 hours and diazepam has a half life of up to 200 hours. Due to the long half life, it's very easy to become dependent on the drug even with periodic use. And as ChessieCat wrote in an earlier post, you can get rebound anxiety. Rebound anxiety from benzos is very, very common.

 

Also, please note that benzos only work for 2 weeks. After that, you only take them to stave off withdrawal and to deal with rebound anxiety. 

 

Please take a look at the non-drug coping skills section. You will find excellent ways of handling anxiety with mindfulness, breathing exercises, gentle yoga, etc.

 

Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms

 

On 3/25/2018 at 6:06 PM, Altostrata said:

Syd, since you've made two drug changes at once -- increasing Prozac and decreasing Paxil -- if I were you'd I'd wait at least a week before making any other changes.

 

On 3/27/2018 at 9:54 AM, Sydsab41 said:

I am thinking I will go down to 2.5 on Wednesday and then be done with the Paxil in a week.  

 

36 minutes ago, Sydsab41 said:

First day with no Paxil.  Still on 20 mg of Prozac

 

You're are making too many changes and too quickly.

 

Please hold and do not make any more changes. Please see:

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

rule of 3KIS: Keep it simple. Keep it slow. Keep it stable.

 

How psychiatric drugs remodel your brain

 

 

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  • Administrator
On 3/20/2018 at 3:39 PM, Altostrata said:

I moved your other posts here. Now I can get a better picture of what's going on. Please post your questions in this topic.

 

 

Is it your intention to switch to Prozac to treat your anxiety or to use it to come off Paxil?

 

Prozac takes at least 4 days to ramp up to steady-state in your bloodstream. You've found your anxiety has increased as Prozac has taken effect. This means the combination of 10mg Prozac and 7.5mg Paxil is already too strong for you.

 

Having put your nervous system through the stress of reducing Paxil, you are reacting differently to SSRIs now. You are somewhat sensitized. If I were you, I would not substitute 20mg Prozac for 7.5mg Paxil, that's probably too high.

 

It seems to me the Prozac has taken effect and you're ready to reduce Paxil now. I might reduce Paxil by 2.5mg to start.

 

 

22 hours ago, Sydsab41 said:

I made it one day without Xanax but was in a crisis today and was told to take one.  Really struggling this afternoon.  I am restless, panicky, and am really afraid to go to work.  What am I doing wrong?  I stayed on the 2.5 Paxil for a few more days.  I am not sure that is the right thing to do.

 

I'm very confused about what you've been doing. How much Paxil are you taking now? How much Prozac?

 

What do you mean by a crisis? Are your symptoms worse at any particular time of day? Please keep daily notes on paper about your symptoms, when you take your drugs, and their dosages.

 

You're going to have to do this in a careful, systematic way. It's your nervous system, not your wife's or your doctor's.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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I have stopped taking the 2.5 of Paxil today because of the information on the Paxil to Prozac switch said I needed to do that quickly within two weeks of taking the Prozac.  If I should stay on the 2.5 of Paxil for longer please advise.  I just thought I was doing what the website was saying to do.  So right now I am on 0 Paxil and 20 mg of Prozac.  It has been about a week on the Prozac at that level.

Edited by Sydsab41
more info

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

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I am a little freaked out by the replies I have gotten.  I thought I was supposed to get off the Paxil fairly quickly that is why I stopped today.  I started the bridge or switch to Prozac on March 16.  Please advise if I am going to fast with the Paxil.

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

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Sorry I did not answer all your questions.  When I said that I was in crisis I meant that I was just searching for anything to make the panicky feeling to stop.  I have learned that I just have to tolerate the feelings.  I did take the Paxil 2.5 today due to the replies I got today but would like to know what to do going forward.

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi, Syd. Sorry we freaked you out over our replies. Thank you for answering questions and continuing to work with us as we help you sort this out.

 

I'm going to let Alto handle your bridge questions, as she is much more knowledgable about that, but it will help to have an accurate timeline. Please verify if the below is correct.

 

January 2017 - Came down from 20 mg Paxil to 7.5 mg in 7 weeks in January 2018

March 16, 2018 - Started the Prozac Bridge - 10 mg Prozac and 7.5 mg Paxil 

March 21 - 12.5 mg Prozac and 5 mg Paxil

March 26 - 15 mg Prozac and 5 mg Paxil

March 27 - 15 mg Prozac and 2.5 mg Paxil

March ? (sometime between 27 - 31) - 17.5 mg Prozac and 2.5 mg Paxil

March 31 - 20 mg Prozac and 2.5 mg Paxil

 

Did you keep notes about when you took Xanax? If so, please list the dates so we can get a complete timeline. 

 

I'll leave you with a very good breathing technique to try when you have those panicky feelings you wrote about.

 

4-7-8 Breathing:4-7-8 Breathing: Health Benefits & Demonstration Health Benefits & Demonstration

 

The 3 minute breathing space is another good one:

 

The Breathing Space by Jon Kabat Zinn video (4 minutes)

Edited by Shep
fixed typo

 

 

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Thanks for the response Shep.  I took the .25 of Xanax  

Sat 3/31 at 10 am

Sunday 4/1 at 2pm

Monday 4/2 at 8 am

Wednesday 4/4 at 8am

 

I do two meditations per day for at least 20 minutes.

 

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Thanks for the additional info. Very helpful.

 

Question - do you feel like your anxiety ramped up from your latest change going from 17.5 mg Prozac to 20 mg? 

 

Your Xanax use was after that last change, so I'm just wondering if the anxiety got much worse after that change and perhaps the Prozac is too high. Please don't make any more changes until Alto has a chance to review. Just gathering some facts first. 

 

Also, feel free to post your favorite meditations in your thread and write about them. It's great you're doing that and I'm sure it will serve you well during withdrawal and many years to come when you're off these drugs and healed. 

 

 

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I have used the Xanax a couple time in the weeks prior I just can’t remember.  This last weekend was tough because I was finishing spring break and I started worrying about going back to work.

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

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Well yesterday was a pretty good day.  No major dread and no need for a benzo.  This morning was different.  I woke up at 3 with major dread and wondering how I was going to make it to work and make it through the day.  I had some thoughts that I would be better off going to the doctor or hospital.  I had some scary thoughts that I might want to fall down the stair or hit my head in the bathroom so I would have a good reason to stay home.  I finally got out of bed at 5 and got up and got going.  I took the 20mg Prozac and 2.5 of Paxil with my multivitamin, fish oil, and magnesium.  I just kept feeling this major dread and strong emotion.  I know I am going to get yelled at on here but I took a .25 Xanax.  Part of me thinks I would rather get addicted to a benzo than go through this pain every day.  

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

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  • Administrator

What do you mean by panicky feeling? When does this happen? Is it worse at any time of day? When did this panicky feeling start?

 

How are you sleeping? Has your sleep pattern changed as you've increased the Prozac?

 

I can't tell if the 2.5mg Paxil is doing anything. I need to see those daily notes about drug intake and symptoms. I am more concerned that you might be taking too much Prozac.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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I just met with my doctor and am just going to stay steady for now.  Thank you for your help. 

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
4 hours ago, Altostrata said:

I need to see those daily notes about drug intake and symptoms.

 

From what-will-get-you-warned-or-banned

 

 

"- Being uncooperative, specifically, not keeping notes and reporting your symptom pattern when requested to do so.

Keeping daily notes of your symptoms, when you take your drugs, and their dosages is quite simple. In many situations, particularly when you're taking multiple drugs, we need this information to tell if a drug is causing an adverse reaction or if an adjustment is working."

 

 

4 hours ago, Altostrata said:

I am more concerned that you might be taking too much Prozac.

 

 

 

Keep notes on paper about your drug dosages and daily symptom pattern

 

A symptom pattern that occurs regularly over several days could mean the symptoms are from withdrawal, other adverse effects of drugs, or something else you do on a daily schedule.

 

In the course of discussion in your Introductions forum topic, you may be asked to keep notes on paper of your daily symptom pattern, including when you take your drugs, their dosages, and any symptoms.

 

What we need to see for every individual day over several days is:

- Time and dosage for drugs taken in morning
- Time and description of any symptoms in the morning
 
- Time and dosage for drugs taken in afternoon
- Time and description of any symptoms in the afternoon
 
- Time and dosage for drugs taken in evening
- Time and description of any symptoms in the evening
 
- Time and dosage for drugs taken in middle of the night
- Time and description of any symptoms in the middle of the night (such as waking)
 
And so forth. A diary, in chronological order, such as:
 
6 a.m. Woke and vomited
8 a.m. Took 2.5mg Lexapro
10 a.m. Had diarrhea
10:30 a.m. Ate breakfast
11:35 a.m. Got a headache, lasted one hour
12:35 p.m. Ate lunch
4 p.m. Stomachache
5 p.m. Took 2.5mg Lexapro
6 p.m. Ate dinner
9:20 p.m. Headache
10:00 p.m. Took 50mg Seroquel
10:20 p.m. Headache got worse
10:30 p.m. Fell asleep
2:30 a.m. Woke, took 3mg Ambien (NOT "took 1/2 tablet Ambien")
2:45 a.m. Fell asleep
4:30 a.m. Woke with headache

 

An appointments diary is perfect for this and can be bought at stationery stores. 

They have a page for each day with times for appointments which can be filled in with doses, symptoms etc as shown by Alto.

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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I am sorry I do not mean to offend or be difficult at all, and I appreciate the time you have spent with me.  But waiting for your replies and having to rethink and write down every minute of my day seemed to be making me much worse.  I met with my doctor and am just going to stay with the 20mg of Prozac, no Paxil and not make any changes for at least 2 weeks, see how things are and then go from there. Again I appreciate your time and in no way meant to be disrespectful.

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

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  • Administrator

That's okay, Syd. Please keep in mind that you might be on too high a dose of Prozac. Doctors often make the error of over-medicating when dealing with drug adverse reactions.

 

We absolutely do need to know your daily symptom pattern when you make drug changes, and so should your doctor.

 

Please let us know how you're doing.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Hi Alto.  Sorry again for being short before.  I have just been really struggling and the only thing that has allowed me to keep working a couple days was the Xanax.  I know how addictive it is but I really do not know what to do.  I will start writing down the stuff and let you know. Today I woke up very shaky then around 10 my anxiety started to spike so I tried a diazepam.  This did not work and possibly made me more anxious.  Had a crying spell at 11 telling my wife I did not know what to do.  Calmed down but still had a great deal of anxiety.  Just felt very restless and depressed, not knowing how this was going to get any better.  Had another crying spell around 3 and called the hospital to see how they could help someone changing meds.  They did not help.  I am still just having a lot of dread.  I am at a loss.

 

I know I am taking 20 mg of Prozac but I thought that if I had been on an SSRI for as many years as I have this would not be a factor and that amount would just replace what I was taking with the Paxil.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

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Here was my day today.

 

8:15 woke up and showered - shaky but optimistic

8:30  Protein shake and 20mg Prozac, fish oil, and magnesium

9:00  Had an MRI on Knee - was anxious about it but stayed calm 

10:00 Started to feel more dread so I took 2mg Diazapam

11:00 Crying spell and became frustrated and angry at myself for taking the Diazepam

12:00 Small lunch not very hungry

2:00  Became very hopeless and just an intermal shakiness.

3:00  Told my wife something has to change so I called the hospital

  the whole way to hospital I was feeling much better because I was hoping to get some answers

4:00  Hospital  said I was just anxious and they could not do anything about my med concerns and sent me home.

6:00  At home now still anxious but more depressed that I do not know what is going on

 

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi, Syd.

 

Thank you for writing out your drug and symptoms journal. This is very helpful.

 

Some thoughts:

 

1. Some members find that protein shakes can ramp up symptoms like anxiety and insomnia. Please see:

 

Whey protein isolate and protein shakes

 

2. Your comment - I know I am taking 20 mg of Prozac but I thought that if I had been on an SSRI for as many years as I have this would not be a factor and that amount would just replace what I was taking with the Paxil. This a very common thought, but the problem is your nervous system is now destabilized, so your nervous system is likely going to hyper-react, not only to prior doses of drugs, but also to certain supplements and even to certain foods, especially sugar and caffeine. 

 

This article may be helpful in understanding this. Please note it does go into the use of a small amount of lamictal for withdrawal in some cases, however, I'm linking this to you for the information on the hypersensitive nervous system to explain why 20 mg of Prozac may be too high. 

 

One theory of antidepressant withdrawal syndrome

 

Tomorrow, instead of having a protein shake, perhaps have a solid breakfast with scrambled eggs or your other food that is high in protein and low in sugar and see how you do. Try to avoid sugar, caffeine, and processed foods as much as possible. 

 

Please keep updating in that same format. Also please include the number of hours that you are sleeping. 

 

 

 

 

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Thanks Shep.  I am open to anything with the Prozac so I am not sure how or when to decrease.

 

I had read something about the whey protein being bad so I bought a Raw Organic Meal Replacement with no whey, but I like the idea of a real breakfast.

 

My sleep is normally about 7 to 8 hours.  One night this week I woke up at 3 and had an anxious episode and just did not go into work.  

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

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The rest of my day.

6:30 ate chicken fingers still heavy dread

7:30 took a short bike ride dread lifted some

8:00 did 40min relaxation feeling a lot better

9:00 ate some banana chips

10:00 25mg seroquel and bed very little anxiety 

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

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I woke up very agitated and scared.  I got 8 hours of sleep but I do not know how to keep moving.  I am very shaky.  I don’t know what else to do but take a Xanax.

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

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  • Administrator

Please make sure to note when you take a Xanax and how much. This is very important, as you could be having paradoxical reactions or anxiety breakthrough from the benzo.

 

Have you taken 20mg Prozac every day at 8:30 a.m. since 3/31? How long have you been having mid-morning symptoms (i.e. "dread")? Have they gotten better or worse since 3/31?

 

When was your last Paxil dose? Has your symptom pattern changed since then?

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Last Paxil dose was on Saturday.  I always take the Prozac with breakfast so during the week it is around 6 and on the weekends around 8.  Yes I have taken the 20mg everyday since 3/21  3/31.  Should I decrease the amount of Prozac?  

 

I have had dread every morning for months but there has been an increase in the fear of it for the last 3 weeks around the time I got to 7.5 of Paxil.  Usually it does lift around 11 then comes back later in the afternoon.

 

There has definitely been an increase in hopelessness the last 3 weeks and more of a trapped feeling the last 4 days.  The fear just becomes overwhelming.

 

Edited by ChessieCat
amended date from member's follow up post

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

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Sorry that was supposed to say I have taken the 20mg of Prozac everyday since 3/31.

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

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What should I decrease the Prozac to?

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

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4/8

7:00 am - woke up full of dread about the day laid back down

7:30 am - took .25 Xanax

8:00 am - Had a bowl of Kashi Cereal and took 20 mg Prozac, fish oil, and magnesium

9:00 am - just don't feel right sad, lack of motivation, dread, crying some

10:00 am - took a drive to calm down helped some

11:00 am - dread and depression lifted some

12:00 pm - ate 2 pancakes not real hungry  still hopeless and distraught

1:30 pm - did a relaxation and had a small catnap

3:40 pm - very restless and physically weak.  Strong tremors

3:50 pm - took a .25 Xanax

4:00 pm went for a drive, angry about my condition, had a passing thought about smashing my car so that may be a doctor would help me with figuring out these meds

5:00 pm still angry talked to a nurse about symptoms she told me to go to ER

6:00 pm met with Immediate care doc and he said I should take .5 Xanax when I get into this state

7:00 pm did not take any more medicine but cam home calmer and decided the medical profession was probably not going to be able to help me

8:00 pm ate some sloppy joe and tomatoes for supper

9:00 pm did a relaxation

9:30 pm took a Seroquel and went to bed

Slept for 8 hours solid.

 

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

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Decreased Prozac by 2 mg today.  Hope that is ok.  Not trying to taper just balance out.

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

Link to comment

My morning was ok.  Slight tremors all day.  11:30 after lunch started feeling more anxious.  2:30 low level panic.  5:00 started feel intense dread and felt I was going to cry.  Took a .25 Xanax.  8:00 now will do 20 min relaxation and take seroquel and to bed.  Headache today started at 4:00pm

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

Link to comment

Yesterday was so much more tolerable than today.  I just feel like I have no idea what I am doing.   I do not know how to handle these emotions that seem to start as nervousness and trembling then turns into intense dread and hopelessness.  I know it is just anxiety, at least I think it is, but I am not containing very well.  Do I just stay the course on the meds or do I need to change something?  This is day 4 on no Paxil and I have decreased Prozac just 2.5.

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

Link to comment

Do you want me to post time notes every day?  Is that why no one is getting back to me?  I have been tracking but I was not sure I was supposed to put notes every day.  I saw Dr. Pundy from your list of providers yesterday.  He was helpful and tried to give me alternatives to the benzos.  He gave me Propanolol 60 mg..

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
17 hours ago, Sydsab41 said:

Do you want me to post time notes every day? Is that why no one is getting back to me? 

 

Yes, please do, at least for awhile. We have gotten in a number of new members due to the New York Time's article over the weekend on antidepressant withdrawal, so we are dealing with that, as well. Your posts are important, so please keep updating. 

 

On 4/9/2018 at 11:42 AM, Sydsab41 said:

Decreased Prozac by 2 mg today.  Hope that is ok.  Not trying to taper just balance out.

 

I think this was a wise decrease. Please post your drug and symptoms journal and let us know how you're doing over the coming days. You took a Xanax the day after the reduction, but since it takes 4 days for your nervous system to register a change and a number of weeks for things to settle down overall, you won't get results right away. 

 

17 hours ago, Sydsab41 said:

He gave me Propanolol 60 mg..

 

Please do not add this in. We do not recommend other drugs to help with withdrawal. You already have Xanax and Seroquel in your drug cocktail, so adding in Propanolol will be adding in another "brake", which could turn paradoxical. For more on the concepts of "brakes", please see:

 

Taking multiple psych drugs? Which drug to taper first?

 

On 4/9/2018 at 8:33 AM, Sydsab41 said:

Slept for 8 hours solid.

 

This is great, Syd.

 

On 4/9/2018 at 8:33 AM, Sydsab41 said:

3:50 pm - took a .25 Xanax

4:00 pm went for a drive, angry about my condition, had a passing thought about smashing my car so that may be a doctor would help me with figuring out these meds

 

You may be reacting to the Xanax or it may be a build up of catastrophic thinking. Catastrophic thinking can be avoided with a bit of work on your part. You are already doing an excellent job of bringing in relaxation techniques. Please have a read of this great article about not going into emotional spirals:

 

Dealing With Emotional Spirals

 

Some techniques to help you not go into emotion spirals:

 

"Change the channel" -- dealing with cognitive symptoms

 

I would read through the Emotion Spiral thread and then pick 3 or 4 ways of "changing the channel" for when you get into one of those spirals. It's really important to learn how to self-sooth and calm down. The fact that you are sleeping is great. Now it's time to really work on handling the day time surges of anxiety and panic. 

 

It may also help to come up with ways of self-soothing through what are called "neuro-emotions". Please see:

 

Neuro-emotions

 

The anger you had go through you while you were driving may be a bit of the SSRI induced anger. This article may be helpful:

 

Dealing with anger during SSRI withdrawal

 

When you feel these surges of anxiety go through you, try to disconnect your thoughts from them. As one of my favorite mindfulness gurus Mooji says, "Your thoughts are just visitors and you are NOT a hotel. Don't invite them in."

 

Please keep updating as you adjust to the lowered Prozac dose. 

 

 

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Hello Shep and thanks for the reply.  I thought maybe I was banned for bad behavior.  I went back to the 20mg of Prozac because I had not heard from anyone.  So I should stop the Propanol and do the 17.5 to 18 of Prozac?

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
5 minutes ago, Sydsab41 said:

So I should stop the Propanol and do the 17.5 to 18 of Prozac?

 

Yes, since you just got the Propanol, it will be safe to just stop and return to the Prozac.

 

Please pick a dose - either 17.5 or 18 mg - and stick to that. Give your nervous system time to recover.

 

6 minutes ago, Sydsab41 said:

I thought maybe I was banned for bad behavior. 

 

You're doing fine and your drug and symptoms journal is helpful. Please keep going with that. And the non-drug coping skills, of course.

 

 

 

 

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I have 20 mg capsules so it is hard to know the exact dosage.  I always try to cut on the same line but it does not work.  Is it better to just stay at the 20 so I know exactly what I am doing or buy a scale and measure exactly? 

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

Link to comment

4/9

5:15 Woke and showered

6:00 Ate 2 eggs and took 18 mg Prozac, fish oil, magnesium, multivitamin

7:00 Arrived at school feeling ok - just background anxiety - Chamomile tea

7-10 Still ok

10:00 Increase in tremors

11:00 Lunch - Chicken, apple, celery, orange, peanut butter

11:30 Stronger internal tremors took .25 Xanax

1:00 Chamomile tea - tremors unchanged

2:30  Uneasy feelings, containing low-level panic

4:00 Home - took dog for a walk

Rest of evening I had sometimes of nervousness but contained well

9:30 Seroquel 25mg and went to bed

Slept 7.5 hours solid

 

4/10

5:15 Woke and showered

6:00 Ate 3 eggs and took 20mg Prozac, fish oil, magnesium, multivitamin

7:00 Arrived at school strong anxiety wanted to take Xanax but did not - Chamomile tea

8:00 Feeling better strong dread about future

8:25 took .25 xanax

9:00 Physically weak, hopeless, not sure what to do

10:00 just surviving

11:00 LUnch

12:00 Called Dr. Pundy - got appointment

Afternoon was ok

Evening drove to see Dr. Pundy - very low anxiety

9:00 Seroquel and Bed

 

4/11

2:00am woke and stirred till 5

5:15 Woke and showered

6:00 Ate non-whey shake and took 20mg Prozac, fish oil, magnesium, multivitamin

7:00 Arrived at school strong anxiety wanted to take Xanax but did not - Chamomile tea

7-11 Nervous but feeling ok

11 - lunch

1:30 increased edginess

1:45 Lavendar in air - oil

3:00  Feel like I need to cry...changed channel

4:00 took Propanolol 

4:30 Dog for a walk...had some thoughts of hope

Evening - off and on strong emotions no Xanax

9:00 Seroquel and Epsom bath...took 6mg Melatonin 

9:30 Bed - slept 7.5 hours

 

 

 

 

Sydsab Introduction

Paxil 20mg since August 2017

Started taper in early February and went down to 7.5 in 7 weeks.  Holding now at 7.5mg and started a Prozac bridge on March 16, 2018.  March 21, 2018 5mg Paxil, 3/27 2.5 Paxil, 4/7 Zero Paxil.

Seroquel 25mg

Started on 50 mg Jan of 2017.  Came off in June of 2017 and then went back on  January 7, 2018, for sleep. 

Xanax .25mg November 2016

Only use as needed

Prozac 1998 - 2017  

20 to 60 mg  for OCD, started 10mg on March 16, 12.5mg on March 21.  3/26 15mg to 17.5 to 20mg on 3/31.

 

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