Xxseanxx22 Posted August 24, 2019 Share Posted August 24, 2019 Hello all, I just wanted to introduce myself. I was on Paroxetine for 4 years for anxiety starting in 2011. I was on 20mg dose. Cutting a long story short I stopped taking this Paroxetine drug after 4 years of use in 2015 and withdrew over a 3 month taper. It’s now been 4 years since I took my last dose and I’m still REALLY struggling. I was just wondering if anyone on here has been or is in the same sort of situation? Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted August 24, 2019 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 24, 2019 Welcome to SA, Xxseanxx22. I'm sorry you're having these difficult struggles. What are your symptoms? You're in protracted withdrawal, which is very common after a fast taper. We have several members in your situation, years out from the last dose of their drug. You will heal. Unfortunately, no one can predict how long it will take. So that you have a better understanding of what you're going though, here is some information on withdrawal. 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 strongly recommend using non-drug techniques to cope with withdrawal. Take a look at the topics in the following link nd see which techniques might be helpful 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 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 Introduction topic, where you can post updates, ask questions and connect with other members. We're glad you found your way here. Gridley Introduction Lexapro 20 mg since 2004. Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017. End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg Oct. 30, 2020 Jump to zero from 0.025mg. Current dose: 0.000mg 3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete. Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium End 2021 year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper. Taper is 95% complete. Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986. Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper. Current dose as of April 1: 6.8mg Taper is 91% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs. Link to comment
Xxseanxx22 Posted August 25, 2019 Author Share Posted August 25, 2019 Thank you Gridley I will have a read. What are my symptoms...... where do I start 😔 Its been 4 years now and the symptoms as you probably know change and vary. Currently now My social life is zero, I don’t go out or have holidays and friends I’ve pushed them all away. I can most days go to work now but there are and have been times I cant even do that which is horrible when your a family man and the bread winner it’s just adds to the misery and stress. Some days I force my self to go to work and it’s such a struggle that by the time I get home I have to just lay on sofa all night to gain the strength for the next day. Its like I’m currently just in survival mode. Main Current symptoms are Depression, no energy, head pressure, anxiety, numbness, irritability and worthlessness. I would say the depression/numbness is the main constant symptom now which I have every day. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted August 25, 2019 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 25, 2019 5 hours ago, Xxseanxx22 said: anxiety, Here are some techniques for coping with anxiety. 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 Gridley Introduction Lexapro 20 mg since 2004. Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017. End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg Oct. 30, 2020 Jump to zero from 0.025mg. Current dose: 0.000mg 3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete. Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium End 2021 year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper. Taper is 95% complete. Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986. Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper. Current dose as of April 1: 6.8mg Taper is 91% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs. Link to comment
Xxseanxx22 Posted August 25, 2019 Author Share Posted August 25, 2019 Can I ask Is any one else in the same situation as me? 4 years out and still suffering? Link to comment
Clatterbust Posted August 25, 2019 Share Posted August 25, 2019 Would you say you suffered these symptoms before the drug? Or did they strictly appear after using paroxetine? Paxil (20mg): Nov. 2012 - June 2014. CT of paxil. Severe psyhological symptoms. Reinstatement of Paxil (20mg): September 2014. Several attempts (4 or 5) of withdrawal, failing each time (due to increased symptoms:hypersensitivity to sounds, panic, anxiety) and reinstating back to 20mg. Last reinstatement was in January 2016. Symptoms still present. Stopped paxil cold turkey by the end of January, and switched to Citalopram (30mg) Citalopram (30mg): Feb 1st 2016 - March 17 2016. CT off Citalopram. Escitalopram (10mg): March 18 2016 - April 14 2016 Escitalopram (15mg): April 15 2016 - on going. Symptoms: Anxiety, Panic, Hypersensitivity to sounds, Tinnitus, Anhedonia. Link to comment
Xxseanxx22 Posted August 25, 2019 Author Share Posted August 25, 2019 The only symptom I had before going on the medication was like vertigo symptoms in public busy places and my doctors said I had anxiety. They prescribed me Paroxetine. I now have much worse symptoms as described above Link to comment
Clatterbust Posted August 25, 2019 Share Posted August 25, 2019 Your symptoms sound a lot like anhedonia. You might want to check that thread on the forum. You might be able to relate. Paxil (20mg): Nov. 2012 - June 2014. CT of paxil. Severe psyhological symptoms. Reinstatement of Paxil (20mg): September 2014. Several attempts (4 or 5) of withdrawal, failing each time (due to increased symptoms:hypersensitivity to sounds, panic, anxiety) and reinstating back to 20mg. Last reinstatement was in January 2016. Symptoms still present. Stopped paxil cold turkey by the end of January, and switched to Citalopram (30mg) Citalopram (30mg): Feb 1st 2016 - March 17 2016. CT off Citalopram. Escitalopram (10mg): March 18 2016 - April 14 2016 Escitalopram (15mg): April 15 2016 - on going. Symptoms: Anxiety, Panic, Hypersensitivity to sounds, Tinnitus, Anhedonia. Link to comment
Xxseanxx22 Posted August 29, 2019 Author Share Posted August 29, 2019 Yeah I definitely relate to this. is anyone else in this situation Link to comment
Mentor Cocopuffz17 Posted August 30, 2019 Mentor Share Posted August 30, 2019 9 hours ago, Xxseanxx22 said: Yeah I definitely relate to this. is anyone else in this situation I’m 7 ish months off paroxetine and get hit with waves of fatigue. They are super challenging to deal with. 48 months is a long time. Have you changed your diet at all ? I follow The Plant Paradox lifestyle by Dr.Gundry. This lifestyle has given me my life back and I feel better than I have ever felt in my life. It has enabled me to finally get off of this medication and truly live my life. Nutrition is the key to health!!!!! 2008 to 2019 - 20 mg Paroxetine Attempted 2 CT's around the 5-6 year mark. Were absolutely terrible and reinstated. Was never explained by the doctor the seriousness of the short half life of this drug. 2017 - Attempted a tapered discontinuation of this drug and reinstated after being unsuccessful. 2019 - Feb. 12 - After a three month taper I am off of paroxetine. The 3 months were terrible, awful withdrawal feelings. I followed the doctors guidelines for the reduction of this drug and now know it was way too fast. 2019 - Oct. 12 - 8 months off paroxetine. 75% improvement since coming off the drug. Definitely have had tons of challenges along the way. Let’s go!!!! 2021 - Feb. 12 - 24 months off paroxetine. I have minor challenges now. Tinnitus/Headaches are still around but are reduced by a massive amount. Link to comment
Hisame Posted August 30, 2019 Share Posted August 30, 2019 On 8/25/2019 at 9:03 PM, Xxseanxx22 said: Can I ask Is any one else in the same situation as me? 4 years out and still suffering? Hi Xxseanxx22 I’m in the same situation. I mean 4 Years off paxil and still suffering from a lot of symptoms. - 2002 -> 2012 : Paxil, 20 mg for anxiety - January 2012 : 1 month withdrawal -> depression, burning sensations in my legs - February 2012 : reinstate 20 mg -> back to normal - January 2014 -> August 2015 : « alternate days » tapering from 20mg to 2,5 mg -> anxiety, back pain and trouble focusing - 4 september 2015 -> panic attack, psychiatric hospital for 1 week, stop Paxil, get Clomipramine, Abilify, Domperidone for 2 weeks, then stop everything - 20 september 2015 : try to reinstate Paxil 20 mg -> permanent tinnitus with only one tablet - Free from paxil since september 2015 ->suffering from permanent side effects : tinnitus, hyperacusis, neuropathic pain, prostatitis, depression, suicidal ideations, akathisia. Link to comment
Xxseanxx22 Posted August 30, 2019 Author Share Posted August 30, 2019 1 hour ago, Cocopuffz17 said: I’m 7 ish months off paroxetine and get hit with waves of fatigue. They are super challenging to deal with. 48 months is a long time. Have you changed your diet at all ? Hi coco, Yes I’ve changed my diet and tried being super healthy makes no difference for me. The fatigue is unreal at times Link to comment
Xxseanxx22 Posted August 30, 2019 Author Share Posted August 30, 2019 1 hour ago, Hisame said: Hi Xxseanxx22 I’m in the same situation. I mean 4 Years off paxil and still suffering from a lot of symptoms. Hello Hisame, How have you been over the last 4 years in withdrawal? and how do you feel Currently now your 4 years out? Link to comment
Hisame Posted August 30, 2019 Share Posted August 30, 2019 Hi, Things in general slowly get worse. Due to stressfull situations, disease, new symptoms have been added over the time. You can check my page if you're curious 😉 - 2002 -> 2012 : Paxil, 20 mg for anxiety - January 2012 : 1 month withdrawal -> depression, burning sensations in my legs - February 2012 : reinstate 20 mg -> back to normal - January 2014 -> August 2015 : « alternate days » tapering from 20mg to 2,5 mg -> anxiety, back pain and trouble focusing - 4 september 2015 -> panic attack, psychiatric hospital for 1 week, stop Paxil, get Clomipramine, Abilify, Domperidone for 2 weeks, then stop everything - 20 september 2015 : try to reinstate Paxil 20 mg -> permanent tinnitus with only one tablet - Free from paxil since september 2015 ->suffering from permanent side effects : tinnitus, hyperacusis, neuropathic pain, prostatitis, depression, suicidal ideations, akathisia. Link to comment
Xxseanxx22 Posted September 1, 2019 Author Share Posted September 1, 2019 On 8/30/2019 at 6:11 PM, Hisame said: Hi, Things in general slowly get worse. Due to stressfull situations, disease, new symptoms have been added over the time. You can check my page if you're curious 😉 I wonder is many more years this will carry on 😔 Link to comment
Hisame Posted September 1, 2019 Share Posted September 1, 2019 I feel the same. Why all this drugs exist 😥 - 2002 -> 2012 : Paxil, 20 mg for anxiety - January 2012 : 1 month withdrawal -> depression, burning sensations in my legs - February 2012 : reinstate 20 mg -> back to normal - January 2014 -> August 2015 : « alternate days » tapering from 20mg to 2,5 mg -> anxiety, back pain and trouble focusing - 4 september 2015 -> panic attack, psychiatric hospital for 1 week, stop Paxil, get Clomipramine, Abilify, Domperidone for 2 weeks, then stop everything - 20 september 2015 : try to reinstate Paxil 20 mg -> permanent tinnitus with only one tablet - Free from paxil since september 2015 ->suffering from permanent side effects : tinnitus, hyperacusis, neuropathic pain, prostatitis, depression, suicidal ideations, akathisia. Link to comment
Xxseanxx22 Posted September 2, 2019 Author Share Posted September 2, 2019 I was on 20mg for 4 years. Ive now been off it for 4 years and 4 months and still the misery continues. i wonder if I’ll ever feel normal again Link to comment
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