Nubl: PWS

[Nubl]

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I’m 73 yrs old and 
have always had a mild form of general anxiety for years. My nightmare started after hip replacement surgery in 2015. A month later, I had a stroke that mildly affected the right side of my body including hand, arm, leg, and a temporary right eye visual obstruction. Because of  my age Imipramine & Cymbalta caused an irregular heart rhythm. The next drug I tried was Zoloft. It gave me severe anxiety, fear, panic, lightheadedness, and insomnia. After a roller coaster ride of dosage adjustments and 15 months later,  I decided to taper off Zoloft and got off in March of 2017. As I was weaning off this terrible drug, I developed a right hand tremor and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Again, anti-depressants were prescribed to treat my ongoing symptoms of anxiety, fear, panic, etc. I started taking Paxil and reached the dose of 40 mg without any relief and  my tremor has worsen. I was feeling great before the surgery! It’s been almost 3 years  and no one has been able to help me get rid of these symptoms. I appreciate your feedback and any similar experiences you may want to share.
 

Nubl

[Nubl]

Has anyone experienced light headed ness for a prolonged period of time?

 

I’m approaching 3 years. I started ssri’s about that time. They come and go. Also anxiety is an issue. 

 

Any help would be appreciated very much 

 

NUBL

 

[Altostrata]

Welcome, Nubi.

 

I am sorry you've had such a hard time.

 

There is such a thing as drug-induced Parkinsonism. Have these tremors gotten worse over time? How about your other symptoms? Are they worse sometimes and not others?

 

Many people do better with fish oil and magnesium supplements, see
http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/

http://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/15483-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

A lot of people find them helpful. Try a little bit of one at a time to see how it affects you.

 

 

 

[Nubl]

one year on Zoloft, then one year on Paxil. Now off Paxil for 8 months. Have lightheadedness for over three years. It all started with Zoloft. Today is 8 months free of ssri’s.  Any thoughts about blurred vision, and lightheadedness?

 

nubl

 

Edited December 31, 2018 by ChessieCat
change sign off name to match member name

[ChessieCat]

There are many existing topics on this site.  I like to use google and add survivingantidepressants.org to my search term.  For example, I searched blurred:

 

vision-symptoms-floaters-snow-blurreddimmed-vision-twitching-and-pain

 

And dizzy:

 

dizziness-vertigo-light-headedness-rocking-or-swaying-sensations

 

Did you see Alto's response about magnesium and fish oil above?

 

This is your Introduction topic and is the place to ask questions about your own situation and to journal your progress.

[Nubl]

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s last year. Does this make any sense? Thanks for all the support. 

Nubl

[ChessieCat]

On 5/30/2018 at 12:03 PM, Altostrata said:

There is such a thing as drug-induced Parkinsonism.

 

Alto posted the above on 30th May this year.

[ChessieCat]

I've moved your post to this topic (click arrow top right of quote to go to it):

 

3 hours ago, Nubl said:

Have been off Paxil for 10 months, am. Stilll light headed. Anyone else feel the same?

 

nubl

 

[Nubl]

How much time  is required to feel normal after stopping ssris ? I was on Paxil,Zoloft for three years. I taper slowly. Going on three years now. Lightheadedness every day for past 3 years. Does this go away?

 

nubl

Edited March 21, 2021 by getofflex
merged into original intro topic

[getofflex]

This is your personal thread to ask questions and make comments about your recovery from psych drugs.  We like to keep it all in one thread so that there is one place where we can read your history, and best help you.  Thank you. 

 

@NublFirst of all, can you please give us specific information about your drug history?  Please read the link below for instructions.  This will allow us to give you the best guidance.  

 

How to List Drug History in Signature

 

This link talks at length about the question your asked.  

How Long is Withdrawal Going to Take

 

The lightheadedness you describe could be depersonalization or derealization.  This goes into it more in detail. 

Derealization or Depersonalization

 

Congratulations for getting off of the drugs.  That is a big accomplishment.   

Edited March 21, 2021 by getofflex

[Nubl]

Lightheadedness

 

Off SSRIs- Cymbalta, Zoloft, Paxil for 3 years. Lightheadedness started at same time and never subsided. Does anyone else have the same symptoms?

Thank you. Nubl

 

Edited October 6, 2021 by ChessieCat
added topic title before merging with intro topic

[Nubl]

Should alcohol be avoided when tapering off ssri’s?

 

Off Paxil for three years. I still have some issues with PWS. I drink about 4 ounces of wine every evening. Does anyone have any thoughts regarding this matter?

 

NUBL

 

Edited October 6, 2021 by ChessieCat
added topic title before merging with intro topic

[ChessieCat]

There are many existing topics on SA.  I like to use a search engine and add site: survivingantidepressants.org to the search term.

 

There are topics about lightheadedness and alcohol.  If you do a search for these individually the topics will be in the search results.