Longroadhome: think I may be tapering Seroxat / Paxil too fast

[Longroadhome]

For my records . 
 

today I had an appointment with an otolaryngologist at ENT hospital .
the appointment  was for my problem with balance floaty boat feeling. 
After a full and thorough examination he said my balance was good!!!  and that he thought my floaty boat feeling was nothing to do with an  inner ear problem but maybe more to do with the brain and signals going to the brain . He said he felt this could very well have something to do with tapering  off my medication as SSRIs mess with receptors.
he then said he thought it was very courageous coming off these drugs after being on them for years and that doctors should not prescribe them for longer than a few months . They should be monitored . 
he went on to ask me if I had support from my doctor  while tapering. 
I congratulated him on his knowledge of AD WD  . 
this  is the first professional I have come across that understands the damage  ADs  do to  the body . 
Thank  you Richard Irving The Priory Birmingham 

[Altostrata]

On 4/17/2020 at 9:52 AM, Altostrata said:

Hello, Longroadhome, how are you doing?

 

The difficulty going off paroxetine isn't because of it's half-life, it's because it is a powerful SSRI that inhibits its own metabolism. The lower you go in dosage, the faster paroxetine is metabolized, augmenting the amount of decrease. In effect, while you are carefully measuring your dosage, the drug is leaking out faster than 10% (or whatever your rate of decrease might be).

 

Paroxetine is so difficult to taper, some doctors routinely switch patients to fluoxetine so they can finally go off. See The Prozac switch or "bridging" with Prozac

 

[ChessieCat]

5 hours ago, Longroadhome said:

after chsnge over what will Prozac dose look like . Would it be around half of the dose I’m on now with Paxil this being 4.8mg  so would I be looking at 2.5 maybe?

 

Erell has been doing a Paxil to Prozac bridge.  She is still trying to fine tune her Prozac dose and during the cross taper.

 

Details here:

 

April 2020-August 2020 : Paxil to Prozac bridge. Details : https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/21457-erell-struggling-with-paroxetine/?do=findComment&comment=499847

[Longroadhome]

Thank you @ChessieCat

[Hanna72]

Hi dear @Longroadhome

I was reading your questions about the switch and I thought I should reach out to you and give you my experience with it. First off I have to say that I was guided by my doctor and she was  actually the one who told me about the bridge  and said it was a drug that helped people get rid off Paxil. 
At this time I had not found SA.

We are all different and what might work for one, might not work for another. I was desperate, given so many failures in the past so I took the risk. It was a decision that I am today happy that I took. For me it worked, even with a starting dose of 20 mg Prozac, way too high.
During the bridge I had few days of intense withdrawals symptoms, (especially after I had reached zero Paxil, not a surprise right!! ) then something happened and it was like Prozac became a cotton to fall on. 
I did miss out of work 3 days, but overall I could work and function( the basics in life) 
I also would like to add that tapering Prozac was in my experience a much easier ride. And yes I know way to quickly 😅Do not recommend. 

With all this said, I would way out your options carefully and if you decide to bridge, you need to have faith and go in it with an open mind. 
This bridge helped me become Paxil free.

Enjoy your weekend my friend 🥰

By the way madam Erell is doing the bridge correctly, and I would follow her dosages. 

Edited October 17, 2020 by Hanna72

[Longroadhome]

3 hours ago, Hanna72 said:

Hi dear @Longroadhome

I was reading your questions about the switch and I thought I should reach out to you and give you my experience with it. First off I have to say that I was guided by my doctor and she was  actually the one who told me about the bridge  and said it was a drug that helped people get rid off Paxil. 
At this time I had not found SA.

We are all different and what might work for one, might not work for another. I was desperate, given so many failures in the past so I took the risk. It was a decision that I am today happy that I took. For me it worked, even with a starting dose of 20 mg Prozac, way too high.
During the bridge I had few days of intense withdrawals symptoms, (especially after I had reached zero Paxil, not a surprise right!! ) then something happened and it was like Prozac became a cotton to fall on. 
I did miss out of work 3 days, but overall I could work and function( the basics in life) 
I also would like to add that tapering Prozac was in my experience a much easier ride. And yes I know way to quickly 😅Do not recommend. 

With all this said, I would way out your options carefully and if you decide to bridge, you need to have faith and go in it with an open mind. 
This bridge helped me become Paxil free.

Enjoy your weekend my friend 🥰

By the way madam Erell is doing the bridge correctly, and I would follow her dosages. 

Hi Hanna 

thank you for your thoughts I’m at a crossroad and not sure what I want to do at the moment . Weighing up all my options . 
I value your opinion but I know we are all individuals and what works for one may not work for another But I’m so glad it worked out for  you !!! 
 

 

[Longroadhome]

@Altostrata

Thank you for your reply . Would you kindly be able to answer my other questions as this does not cover All

of them. 
 

Thank you so much for your support . I truly don’t know what would have happened to me if I hadn’t of found SA . 
 

I completely agree with what you are sayIng  regarding pregabalin not doing anything and Paxil kicking in during the afternoon. 
 

Questions I have ;

 

if I change  over to  Prozac will I have to remain on pregabalin until I taper Prozac? 
 

after chsnge over what will Prozac dose look like . Would it be around half of the dose I’m on now with Paxil this being 4.8mg  so would I be looking at 2.5 maybe? 

if I remain on Paxil will I eventually stabilise And then be able to continue my taper ? 
 

lastly if I did swap over and Prozac didn’t work what would be my options ? Hanna72 tapered off Prozac after the bridge very quickly and managed it but I’m guessing that’s not what you would advise . 

 

 

Edited October 17, 2020 by ChessieCat
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[Altostrata]

Did you read The Prozac switch or "bridging" with Prozac? Have we discussed changing only one drug at a time? What do you think the process would be?

 

I would very much appreciate your catching up on your reading instead of asking me questions every day.

[Longroadhome]

@Altostrata

 

Yes I have read the Prozac bridge but it’s not specific to amounts Of Prozac during bridge which ever way you do it . But I’m guessing I have to make that choice  looking at how the bridge has panned out for others who have all done it so different  
 

Regarding pregabalin I was wondering If I bridged could I taper this drug first before tapering Prozac because as you say it isn’t doing anything . 
 

and my last two questions are valid points for me. 
 

I don’t see it as wrong to seek reassurance through asking questions that are to the point and relevant to someone going through WD. My apologise if you do . 
You  have been a great help to me. 
 

 
 

 

[Altostrata]

All your questions are answered in the Prozac switch topic. What do you think your plan should be?

 

Please look at it from my point of view: You decided you would not follow advice. Your plan went wrong. You are demanding my attention every single day to be rescued from it.

 

Does it really matter if I recommend you do the switch first? I would like to have a life, too. Do whatever you think is best.

 

I will ask the other moderators to help you. Do not tag me again. I hope you understand.

[Hanna72]

@Longroadhome

You will stabilise, there is only one way to go here in this journey and that is up. 
That you have reached 4.8 mg Paxil is a great accomplishment, never forget that. 
Your day will come and your goal will be achieved 💪

Hang in there my friend I am always rooting for you.

 

 

[manymoretodays]

How are you doing Longroadhome?

[Longroadhome]

4 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

How are you doing Longroadhome?

Hello there thank you for asking. 
I was tested positive for covid just over three weeks ago. Luckily I didn’t have it bad and I’m now recovered. 
WD wise I’m hanging on. No sign of stabilising yet. I’m 4 months holding at my current dose. 

[sunnysideup69]

Hey @Longroadhome,

Thanks for your uplifting message. I'm in a wave, it's the worst one I've had in a while. Think the sudden plunge into darkness/family stress caught up with me and I've been weepy, despondent, more angsty since last Monday. Bit bored of it now.

Am glad you had mild covid and are better.

Wanted to ask you about exercise.....have you kept up a routine, even through WD??

[Longroadhome]

Hi sunny 

Your  wave will pass try not to worry. 
 

haven’t been to the gym in a long time. Saddens me as I have been going for years but since July WD symptoms are too harsh . At some point I will definitely return. 
However I make sure I get my steps in every day without fail apart from being off my feet with covid. 
 

You’re training for half marathon next year so you must be getting your steps in !!! 

[sunnysideup69]

2 hours ago, Longroadhome said:

Hi sunny 

Your  wave will pass try not to worry.

You’re training for half marathon next year so you must be getting your steps in !!! 

 

Thank you- I know it will, it always does, but hate being back here again. Haven't thought of training yet, in this wave. Just doing my regular routines to keep myself going. Did get some new trainers though, to spur myself on.....

 

[Longroadhome]

11 minutes ago, sunnysideup69 said:

 

Thank you- I know it will, it always does, but hate being back here again. Haven't thought of training yet, in this wave. Just doing my regular routines to keep myself going. Did get some new trainers though, to spur myself on.....

 

Think it just goes to show how fragile the CNS is even when we’re almost there regarding stability ..

ive got my 10,000 steps in today been out walking with my dog Georgie and my friend and her dog. 
But going for gold going for a walk with the family and Georgie will get another walk later 

Would like to get  20,000 steps in if possible 

Hope your making good use of those trainers 👟 

[Longroadhome]

Update; 

 

it’s now been 4 months since holding with the taper of both Paxil and Pregabalin. 
current doses;
4.8mg Paxil 

24mg Pregabalin 

 

Alto suggested a switch to fluoxetine but I’m too scared at the moment. 
Still getting lots of new symptoms but sleep is better, adrenal rushes have ceased and I no longer have Akathesia.

 

 Not sure whether I’m starting to get a window/wave pattern . Last Thursday  I had 2 to 3 hours of feeling a little better but Saturday hit with new symptoms (wave?) and  seem extreme again.

However I’m managing. Working part time. Keeping my social circle going ( going for walks with my friends and best friend Georgie, my dog)  as I feel it’s important to maintain contact even though I don’t feel like it at times . 

 

I have seen a neurologist about my balance and a ENT specialist . All tests have come back clear including MRI and lots of blood tests apart from vitamin D which is low and I also have lower levels of calcium again this is due to low vitamin D. It could also be causing my hair loss and breakage. 
I feel better having had the tests and being able to rule out any medical problems . It’s all down to WD.

 

Three weeks ago i tested positive for COVID-19. I was very lucky and didn’t have it bad. Didn’t  lose my sense of taste Or smell had a temperature on and off.  Main symptom was pain everywhere and very bad  above my eyes. Also had a headache from day 5 which was quite intense.   I was lucky. 
 

 

 

   
 

 

  

 

[manymoretodays]

10 hours ago, Longroadhome said:

Hello there thank you for asking. 
I was tested positive for covid just over three weeks ago. Luckily I didn’t have it bad and I’m now recovered. 
WD wise I’m hanging on. No sign of stabilising yet. I’m 4 months holding at my current dose. 

 

That's good, then, on the covid.

 

August 2019 -  daily: 50mg Pregabalin April 2020 45mg May 40mg June 35mg, beg July 30mg, end July 25mg

Nov 2019 - 8mg Paxil, March 2020 7.2mg April 6.5mg May 5.9mg June 5.4mg July 4.8mg

 

^ from your signature, when did you decrease the pregablin to 24 mg?

Account Settings > signature, and from there you can do updates

 

1 hour ago, Longroadhome said:

Update; 

 

it’s now been 4 months since holding with the taper of both Paxil and Pregabalin. 
current doses;
4.8mg Paxil 

24mg Pregabalin 

 

Alto suggested a switch to fluoxetine but I’m too scared at the moment. 
Still getting lots of new symptoms but sleep is better, adrenal rushes have ceased and I no longer have Akathesia.

 

 Not sure whether I’m starting to get a window/wave pattern . Last Thursday  I had 2 to 3 hours of feeling a little better but Saturday hit with new symptoms (wave?) and  seem extreme again.

However I’m managing. Working part time. Keeping my social circle going ( going for walks with my friends and best friend Georgie, my dog)  as I feel it’s important to maintain contact even though I don’t feel like it at times . 

 

I have seen a neurologist about my balance and a ENT specialist . All tests have come back clear including MRI and lots of blood tests apart from vitamin D which is low and I also have lower levels of calcium again this is due to low vitamin D. It could also be causing my hair loss and breakage. 
I feel better having had the tests and being able to rule out any medical problems . It’s all down to WD.

 

Three weeks ago i tested positive for COVID-19. I was very lucky and didn’t have it bad. Didn’t  lose my sense of taste Or smell had a temperature on and off.  Main symptom was pain everywhere and very bad  above my eyes. Also had a headache from day 5 which was quite intense.   I was lucky. 
 

 

That's a really good update then, Longroadhome.

Managing well.  I know it's likely harder than you let on, but that all sounds really quite good.  Yay, for Georgie, your four legged buddy.

 

Waves will come and go.  Hoping that you level off to your best baseline again soon.

 

And all clear with medical work ups as well.

 

How do you measure your Paxil?

 

And best,

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

 

 

[Longroadhome]

Hi @manymoretodays

 

Thank you.  

 

i will change my signature to 24mg. It’s easier to measure with the syringe snd I realised I’ve probably been on 24mg since holding. I break open a 25mg capsule and mix the powder with  2.5ml water and use the syringe to get 1.2ml dose . 
 

The Paxil comes in liquid form and is double strength. I take 2.4ml by syringe. 
 

Georgie is a lovable rogue and keeps me fit !! 

 

 

[manymoretodays]

19 hours ago, Longroadhome said:

i will change my signature to 24mg. It’s easier to measure with the syringe snd I realised I’ve probably been on 24mg since holding. I break open a 25mg capsule and mix the powder with  2.5ml water and use the syringe to get 1.2ml dose . 
 

The Paxil comes in liquid form and is double strength. I take 2.4ml by syringe

 

Okay. 

So Pregablin you have a homemade 25 mg/2.5 mL or 10 mg/1 mL mixture.  And then you do the 12 mg dose twice a day.

Prescription Paxil liquid and 2.4 mL gives you 4.8 mg.

 

Thanks.  Nothing like a bit of math every morning.

[Longroadhome]

1 hour ago, manymoretodays said:

 

Okay. 

So Pregablin you have a homemade 25 mg/2.5 mL or 10 mg/1 mL mixture.  And then you do the 12 mg dose twice a day.

Prescription Paxil liquid and 2.4 mL gives you 4.8 mg.

 

Thanks.  Nothing like a bit of math every morning.

Correct 🙂

[Longroadhome]

@Colonial

 

Hi there can I ask you how did you manaage to taper 2 drugs at the same time ? 
I did this and came unstuck after 6 months . I am now holding (4 months)  but experiencing many symptoms 

[Erell]

Hello dear, 

 

oh I'm so glad to read that you healed ok from Covid. 

I feel inspired when I read that despite symptoms you manage to work and to maintain some social life. You're a strong woman !

I really do hope that stability will soon begin for you ❤️

And, look, we've never been so close to our goal

 

Sending hugs !

[Colonial]

Hello friend! 🙂

 

In the future if you have a question for me please tag me here so we can keep all your concerns in one place.

Yes I also tapered 2 drugs at once quite aggressively before I found this site and paid a heavy price for it.

I also had a crash and had to wait 9 months to stabilize.

 

I'm sorry your not doing well, but it seems your taper this year was a bit fast.

I could not drop my dosages every month, it would eventually catch up to me and crash.

When you are well enough to begin again you may benefit from lower % reductions and plan on holding for 6 weeks.

You could try about 7.5% every 6 weeks and see if that gives you a smoother sustainable taper.

 

[Longroadhome]

Hi @Erell

 

Good to hear from you and thank you. 
 

How are you doing ? I really hope you are beginning to stabilise. 

This  journey can be so hard but you are strong and you will make it to the other side !! I just know it !!

 

Take good care of yourself you are so kind and caring to everyone even when you have felt so poorly yourself. Xx 

 

 

[Longroadhome]

12 minutes ago, Colonial said:

Hello friend! 🙂

 

In the future if you have a question for me please tag me here so we can keep all your concerns in one place.

Yes I also tapered 2 drugs at once quite aggressively before I found this site and paid a heavy price for it.

I also had a crash and had to wait 9 months to stabilize.

 

I'm sorry your not doing well, but it seems your taper this year was a bit fast.

I could not drop my dosages every month, it would eventually catch up to me and crash.

When you are well enough to begin again you may benefit from lower % reductions and plan on holding for 6 weeks.

You could try about 7.5% every 6 weeks and see if that gives you a smoother sustainable taper.

 

Hi colonial 

Thank you for your reply much appreciated . 
Regarding  tagging you here going forward will do . 
You have given some  sound advice regarding a slow taper and I will bear that in mind . My goal is to hold and stabilise. 

[Longroadhome]

update

 

From Thursday of this week I think I have been in a window.  Symptoms have not gone away but have been manageable and for very short periods I have been able to forget myself and my symptoms and focus on what I am doing at the present time. This hasn't happened in a loooong time.   It feels surreal and I keep expecting it to disappear.  I havent had long windows before just a few hours of symptoms feeling a little easier.

 

I've caught myself joking with family and friends like the person I used to be before all this started .  Ive managed a full week in work and it feels good!  Ive been out walking with my dog my friend and her dog and really enjoyed it stopping off for a coffee.

I'm sitting catching up on tv.

 

my granddaughter is on her way round to my house and I am looking forward to playing with her.  

 

I really hope this lasts a while longer.  it feels strange to feel normal.

 

 

[sunnysideup69]

Yaaaaaaay! I'm so happy to read that, @Longroadhome. You deserve a window after everything you've endured. Enjoy it! 

[Longroadhome]

Thank you @sunnysideup69

i really appreciate you checking in. 

Onward and upward !!! For all of us x 

 

[sunnysideup69]

Hey @Longroadhome, hope you're good xxx

[Longroadhome]

Hi @sunnysideup69

im doing ok thank you.  Better than in July! 
Thank you for asking 😊x

[Longroadhome]

update:

im feeling better than I did half way through the year.  I still have lots of symptoms but I'm coping and I can function.

ive managed another small reduction of Paxil and will continue with this in the new year.

i monitor my symptoms and I do get windows.

i hope others are coping and I wish you all a Merry Christmas 🎄 and a better New Year x. Peace and healing to all

[Lucy1983]

Merry Christmas to you too Longroadhome🎄🎅 I hope it is awesome. 

 

Happy New Year🎉🎉🎉 May 2021 bring us all health and happiness!!!!!!

[Longroadhome]

On 11/7/2020 at 12:14 PM, Hanna72 said:

@Longroadhome

You will stabilise, there is only one way to go here in this journey and that is up. 
That you have reached 4.8 mg Paxil is a great accomplishment, never forget that. 
Your day will come and your goal will be achieved 💪

Hang in there my friend I am always rooting for you.

 

 

Hanna forgot to thank you for this post as I was in a bad place. I want to tell you it really helped me.

if I have to be on this journey with anyone I'm glad it's you Hanna. Thank you from my heart ❤️ 

[Longroadhome]

3 hours ago, Longroadhome said:

update:

im feeling better than I did half way through the year.  I still have lots of symptoms but I'm coping and I can function.

ive managed another small reduction of Paxil and will continue with this in the new year.

i monitor my symptoms and I do get windows.

i hope others are coping and I wish you all a Merry Christmas 🎄 and a better New Year x. Peace and healing to all

Forgot to mention my sleep is generally good 😊