success ☼ Cocopuffz17: paroxetine free, but not trouble free

[Cocopuffz17]

 

Success story:  cocopuffz-11-years-on-paroxetine-its-nothing-but-a-bad-memory-now-i-am-now-free

 

Hello, I am new here. I really appreciate everyone posting their stories, struggles or successes. It helps me understands what I have been through WAY better. I was on paroxetine(20 mg) for 11 years for social anxiety. I was told by my psychiatrist that it would be "a vitamin I take for the rest of my life". Little did I know it would rob me off all my emotions in life. Over the last 11 years I have had a decent amount of "we dont know why this happens" health conditions. I now look back and blame alot of it on this drug. Since coming off of this drug my health conditions have improved, but some of the withdrawal symptoms kick my butt here and there. Reading the success stories, I know these will get better with time. So I am keeping my nutrition dialed in and my attitude positive. Thanks!

 

Edited July 17, 2020 by ChessieCat
added success story link

[Gridley]

Hello, Cocopuffz17, and welcome to to SA.  It's very good to hear that your health has improved since coming off the drug.  Thank you for completing your drug signature.  It sounds like you have a very good attitude, and that's a big help.  

 

What withdrawal symptoms are you experiencing?

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Glenmullen’s withdrawal symptom list.

 

 The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

When we take medications, the CNS (central nervous system) responds by making changes over the months and years we take the drug(s). When the medication is discontinued, the CNS has to undo all the changes it made. Rebuilding the neurotransmitter production and reactivating the receptor and transporter cells takes time -- during that rebuilding process symptoms occur.  

 

These explain it really well:

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

   On 8/30/2011 at 2:28 PM,  Rhiannon said: 

When we stop taking the drug, we have a brain that has designed itself so that it works in the presence of the drug; now it can't work properly without the drug because it's designed itself so that the drug is part of its chemistry and structure. It's like a plant that has grown on a trellis; you can't just yank out the trellis and expect the plant to be okay. When the drug is removed, the remodeling process has to take place in reverse. SO--it's not a matter of just getting the drug out of your system and moving on. If it were that simple, none of us would be here. It's a matter of, as I describe it, having to grow a new brain. I believe this growing-a-new-brain happens throughout the taper process if the taper is slow enough. (If it's too fast, then there's not a lot of time for actually rebalancing things, and basically the brain is just pedaling fast trying to keep us alive.) It also continues to happen, probably for longer than the symptoms actually last, throughout the time of recovery after we are completely off the drug, which is why recovery takes so long.

 

We encourage using non-drug techniques to cope with withdrawal.

 

Non-drug techniques to cope

 

Audio:  First Aid for Panic (4 minutes)
 

CBT Course:  An Introductory Self-Help Course in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
 

Audio:  How to Recover from Anxiety - Dr Claire Weekes
 

VIDEO:  Peace from Nervous Suffering - Claire Weekes (1 hour) (http://sendvid.com/vgquc1dg)
 

Anxiety Stuff - all kinds of stuff about anxiety attacks and things that help …

 

10 minute Restorative Yoga for Relaxation | Up the wall

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Please research all supplements first and only add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

This is your Introductory topic, where you can ask questions, post updates and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.

 

 

[Cocopuffz17]

Hey Gridley, during the three month taper I experienced a massive amount of symptoms. Anxiety, depression, dizziness, massive fatigue, flu-like symptoms, headaches, poor coordination, nausea, nightmares, insomnia, tinnitus and vertigo. The closer I got to 0mg the worse the symptoms got, but they only lasted for 14 days after a reduction in dose. Then I felt good again, which is why I went to the next drop.

 

For 2-3 months I was great after being completely off. But I let my nutrition slide and that's when I the most recents ones came back. Fatigue, I was working out fine and playing sports and now I just need rest. Now any physical exertion gives really bad tension headaches. Logical order of doing things, it's tough to structure things properly.  I've read numerous posts of people struggling with trying to concentrate and structure sentences and all that. I know exactly how that feels. 

 

I changed my lifestyle and the foods I eat about 200 days ago. This is what gave me the courage to come off this drug. I never felt better in my life at that time and knew now is the time. Omega 3 I have been on for over 200 days and Magnesium for about 20 days. I take vitamin d, probiotic, B12, and numerous other supplements. 

 

Have you read anything on these drugs acting like a PPI? I talked to a friend of mine who prescribes these exact same SSRI's to animals as they are vets and if they come off too quickly they all vomit. Its the change in the stomach acid content and the body not being able to handle it. I had the exact same thing happen to me, but I used tums to neutralize it and didn't have any issues other than the one day after coming off it. 

                 

[ChessieCat]

Hi CocoaPuffz and welcome from me too,

 

You might find some helpful information in this topic:  are-we-there-yet-how-long-is-withdrawal-going-to-take

 

[Cocopuffz17]

58 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

Hi CocoaPuffz and welcome from me too,

 

You might find some helpful information in this topic:  are-we-there-yet-how-long-is-withdrawal-going-to-take

 

Hey, thanks! I’ll take a read through it. 

[badtummy]

On 7/2/2019 at 10:27 PM, Cocopuffz17 said:

Hey Gridley, during the three month taper I experienced a massive amount of symptoms. Anxiety, depression, dizziness, massive fatigue, flu-like symptoms, headaches, poor coordination, nausea, nightmares, insomnia, tinnitus and vertigo. The closer I got to 0mg the worse the symptoms got, but they only lasted for 14 days after a reduction in dose. Then I felt good again, which is why I went to the next drop.

 

For 2-3 months I was great after being completely off. But I let my nutrition slide and that's when I the most recents ones came back. Fatigue, I was working out fine and playing sports and now I just need rest. Now any physical exertion gives really bad tension headaches. Logical order of doing things, it's tough to structure things properly.  I've read numerous posts of people struggling with trying to concentrate and structure sentences and all that. I know exactly how that feels. 

 

I changed my lifestyle and the foods I eat about 200 days ago. This is what gave me the courage to come off this drug. I never felt better in my life at that time and knew now is the time. Omega 3 I have been on for over 200 days and Magnesium for about 20 days. I take vitamin d, probiotic, B12, and numerous other supplements. 

 

Have you read anything on these drugs acting like a PPI? I talked to a friend of mine who prescribes these exact same SSRI's to animals as they are vets and if they come off too quickly they all vomit. Its the change in the stomach acid content and the body not being able to handle it. I had the exact same thing happen to me, but I used tums to neutralize it and didn't have any issues other than the one day after coming off it. 

                 

Hello,

You said that you used tums to neutralize  it, what is that? 

Best regards 🌸

[ChessieCat]

@badtummy

 

You can always do site search and/or a google search to see if you can find information:

 

stomach-acidtums

 

https://www.tums.com/

 

[Cocopuffz17]

Anxiety, massive fatigue, headaches, tinnitus and anhedonia today sucked. But I know it will get better. 

[Cocopuffz17]

Tinnitus, Fatigue. I cant seem to find the link with the papers I can print off and keep paper copies of my daily symptoms.If anyone knows where it is, that would be appreciated, ty!

[ChessieCat]

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's Withdrawal Symptoms

[Cocopuffz17]

13 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's Withdrawal Symptoms

Tyvm! 

[Cocopuffz17]

Last two days have been rough. Massive fatigue, vertigo, tinnitus, headaches and weird vision(like when you look at the sun and your vision has bright spots for a min or two, but I am not looking at the sun) 

 

I’m curious as I am too far off to reinstate fully and go on the 10% method. What are other options if these withdrawals continue? Thank you for any advice. ☺️😁

[Gridley]

41 minutes ago, Cocopuffz17 said:

I’m curious as I am too far off to reinstate fully and go on the 10% method. What are other options if these withdrawals continue?

 

You're six months out, and reinstatement this far out carries risks of making things worse.   If you did want to take the chance, it wouldn't be to reinstate fully to your previous 20mg, which would be way too much and could cause significant problems, but instead a tiny dose, from 0.5mg to 1mg at most.  It might work, but, again, there are risks.  If you decide to do it, please let us know before you do.

 

We recommend using non-drug techniques to cope with withdrawal.  Take a look at the following link and see which techniques  you think might be beneficial to you.

 

Non-drug techniques to cope

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium (magnesium glycinate is a good form) and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Please research all supplements first and only add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

Other recommendations: Make sure you eat a nutritious diet.  Avoid sugar, caffeine and alcohol.  Kelly Brogan, M.D., an anti-drug psychiatrist, has reported good results with her patients with a diet high in red meat.  Try to get 30 minutes a day gentle exercise, preferably in nature.  Most of us have sleep issues.  Do what you can to get as good a night's sleep as possible.  These links contain some tips:

 

Tips to help sleep - so many of us have that awful withdrawal insomnia

 

Relaxation exercises, guided meditations, calming videos, sleep hypnosis

 

Trick and tips to fall asleep faster

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/16/tips-tricks-fall-asleep-faster.aspx?utm_source=dnl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art1&utm_campaign=20170216Z1&et_cid=DM133787&et_rid=1889748952

 

This link contains helpful information, including insomnia and also non-drug coping skills.  

 

 Important topics about symptoms, including sleep problems

It's important to remain calm and not to panic.  As best you can, maintain a positive attitude.  You will get through this, and believing this can go a long way toward making the process go more smoothly.

 

[Cocopuffz17]

Last three days, intense anxiety/massive fatigue. I did eat crappy on the weekend and consumed alcohol.(I know I shouldn’t, but I did) now this just reaffirms me to avoid it all together. 

 

Thanks for all the info Gridley.

[Cocopuffz17]

Topic title: nutrition and the gut microbiome

 

So I have tried 3-4 times to come off of Paxil in the past, I was unsuccessful. I believe the only reason I have a fighting chance this time is because I made massive changes to my gut microbiome before deciding to come off. I felt the best I ever felt in my life, my sleep was on point, I was waking up early(which I never did in my life) and my energy was through the roof. 

 

Now I am over 6 months off Paxil, having withdrawals, but they are manageable or caused by mistakes of things I know not to(drinking). 

 

My question is is what is your opinion in the gut microbiome. As over 90% of the bodies serotonin is created in the gut. I have reduced my inflammation in my body by huge amounts. 

 

Edited August 23, 2019 by ChessieCat
added topic title

[ChessieCat]

Two posts which I found mentioning microbiomes:

 

probiotics-and-gut-health

 

prebiotics

 

 

 

[Cocopuffz17]

39 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

Two posts which I found mentioning microbiomes:

 

probiotics-and-gut-health

 

prebiotics

 

 

 

Yes, I know this. I was inquiring on what others thought of nutrition being the main reasoning that they needed ADs in the first place. 

[ChessieCat]

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/search/?q=nutrition

 

the-importance-of-diet

 

nutrition-for-depression-anxiety-schizophrenia-etc

 

scdgapspaleo-diets

 

a-vegetarian-diet-during-withdrawal

 

[Cocopuffz17]

7 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/search/?q=nutrition

 

the-importance-of-diet

 

nutrition-for-depression-anxiety-schizophrenia-etc

 

scdgapspaleo-diets

 

a-vegetarian-diet-during-withdrawal

 

Ty

[Cocopuffz17]

Well today was super not fun . Extreme fatigue, headaches, tinnitus, vertigo. Doing alright now. Keep on keeping on!

Everyday that passes is one day closer to being healed 😃

[ShiningLight]

Welcome. Is it hot where you are? That also makes it worse for me 

[Cocopuffz17]

3 minutes ago, ShiningLight said:

Welcome. Is it hot where you are? That also makes it worse for me 

Hey, no I actually find myself happier the sunnier it is. But today is an average day 20 C out. I did have a decaf coffee last night, but I've been drinking coffee for the past 3-5 months and have not noticed any relation between the wd and coffee. 

[ShiningLight]

Ok. I hope you feel better. It's no fun!

[Cocopuffz17]

41 minutes ago, ShiningLight said:

Ok. I hope you feel better. It's no fun!

Thanks, me as well! 

[Cocopuffz17]

Fatigue(manageable),Tinnitus. muscle spasms, slight anxiety,metallic taste in mouth, headache and an odd eye sensation (seeing lightning bolts sometimes(similar to when you look at the sun))

 

[Cocopuffz17]

Has anyone experienced accelerated skin shedding while coming off ADs? I noticed when I was in my wean my arms would shed like a snake. For about 5-6 months it went back to normal. Now every couple of weeks I shed skin like I had a sunburn, but have not had a sunburn. Thoughts? 

[Gridley]

1 hour ago, Cocopuffz17 said:

Now every couple of weeks I shed skin like I had a sunburn, but have not had a sunburn. Thoughts? 

 

Skin issues are very common in withdrawal.  It can present as hives, acne, dry skin and many other forms.

[Eastcoastgirl]

11 hours ago, Cocopuffz17 said:

Has anyone experienced accelerated skin shedding while coming off ADs? I noticed when I was in my wean my arms would shed like a snake. For about 5-6 months it went back to normal. Now every couple of weeks I shed skin like I had a sunburn, but have not had a sunburn. Thoughts? 

That doesn't sound normal to me. I could be wrong though. Dry skin makes sense but skin actually peeling off seems unusual.

[Cocopuffz17]

30 minutes ago, KMart95 said:

That doesn't sound normal to me. I could be wrong though. Dry skin makes sense but skin actually peeling off seems unusual.

Lol, but what is normal in withdrawals ? I feel like the drug somehow effects the regeneration of skin and accelerated the shedding process. Something that was changed for 11 years on medication is now changing back to normal a function, with growing pains along the way. 

[Cocopuffz17]

Well today was really good. Just slight symptoms at the end of the day. Muscle spasms, headaches and tinnitus. 

[Cocopuffz17]

Headaches, tinnitus, fatigue is minimal, metallic taste in mouth, muscle spasms, brain lag(not sure what to call this, seeing things that aren’t there) and slight anxiety. 

[Cocopuffz17]

Headaches,tinnitus, massive fatigue, muscle spasms, brain fog. 

[Cocopuffz17]

Well this ride of withdrawals is crazy. I didn't go to work today because I slept for 12 hours and was still completely EXHAUSTED. I had tinnitus,headaches, fatigue, brain fog, muscle spasms, medium levels of anxiety and after images(when you see something shortly after even though you aren't looking at it). I also slipped abit on my nutrition on the weekend and definitely paid the price. But now I feel good. Each day that passes is one day closer to being healed  

[Cocopuffz17]

So I have a catch 22. The fatigue is tough but I can combat it with coffee(not decaf). But I feel like the caffeine causes some spikes. Does anyone have any alternative ideas for reducing fatigue without caffeine? 

[Cocopuffz17]

Yesterday was good. Slight insomnia, muscle spasms and metallic taste in mouth at bedtime. 

[Cocopuffz17]

Today was good. Decent energy levels all day. Slight metallic taste in mouth, tinnitus,  and a slight headache. That’s another day down!