Erell: struggling with paroxetine

[mustafa]

@Erell hello dear,

Very happy you have some sweet days.

I don't know alot about bridging, but I think the bridge from paroxetine to fluoxetine is done by members here and was safe so, don't worry about this..

I think too, your nervosity and increased symptomts are from PMS and let me say that: being able to convince yourself that these symptomts are from PMS not from dropping, is a sign of improvent too.

Stay always careful and take care of yourself.

Mustafa.

[sunnysideup69]

This sounds like it's going very well, @Erell! Fantastic, I'm so pleased for you! Sending hugs xxx

[Erell]

@Sunnyday, @sunnysideup69, @mustafa : your support is much appreciate ! ❤

 

 Some signs introduce doubt in my mind : Didn't manage to take a walk outside because of agoraphorabia and chemical anxiety : didn't happen since January.

I had a cortisol spike this morning, while they had disappeared.

Unpleasant feeling of going slowly back to a hard place.

So it's a bit scary, wondering if Fluoxétine will help avoid Paroxetine acute WD.

 

But, I work on staying confident, I want so much this bridge to work ! ❤

I'll keep on switching next days, and hope my brain will feel better when I'll only take one molecule.

I also know my CNS has a lot of adjusments to make these days, so symptoms are to be expected  

 

Take care ❤

Edited April 25, 2020 by Erell

[Colonial]

On 4/18/2020 at 10:31 AM, Erell said:

One thought helping me : I can actually find positive aspects in this situation. I don't have any pressure to go outside, because we're supposed to stay home. I have all the time I need for selfcare. I feel more connected with my friends and family, taking the time on phone. ...

 

I find this "stay at home" issue the same way, nobody is supposed to be out functioning anyway, so it doesn't matter that I don't feel well enough to be out anyway. 🙂

[Hanna72]

Hey @Erell

How are you feeling?

Look at you, down to 2 mg Paxil, that’s awesome😃

You go girl 👍

Just wanted to tell you that I am having the best day today , and there is a light at the end of the tunnel, I have experienced it, and so will you.

Keep up the good work

My best wishes to you🙏

 

[Longroadhome]

Hi Hanna

you were on Paxil a long time. How did you find the bridge regarding symptoms . What symptoms did you have and for how long?

As you were on Paxil a long time did you experience poop out (tolerance).

 

i have been on Paxil for 15 years and I'm tapering and down to 6.3mg.  Lots of symptoms and I'm considering a bridge but very unsure.  How did the bridge help you?

 

LRH

[Erell]

@Longroadhome : please, ask your questions to Hanna on her thread.

 

 

@Hanna72 : 

 

Hello dear !

And thank you for asking ! ❤️

 

Well, as you said, down to 2mg Paroxetine ! I'll jump to 0 in a few days... 

 

Last week was hard : during my periods, anxiety and doubts increased a lot.

But I'm feeling a bit better this week : anxiety is still there but a bit lower, and I have nice short moments while I feel almost normal  

 

What I fear the most in this bridge is suffering later from acute Paroxetine WD.

That's why I'm going to add 1mg fluoxetine to go up to 6mg.

 

I keep my fingers crossed, I want this bridge to work, and I want to be drug free one day in the future...  

 

Let's stay strong ! ❤️

 

 

 

[Longroadhome]

17 minutes ago, Erell said:

@Longroadhome : please, ask your questions to Hanna on her thread.

 

 

@Hanna72 : 

 

Hello dear !

And thank you for asking ! ❤️

 

Well, as you said, down to 2mg Paroxetine ! I'll jump to 0 in a few days... 

 

Last week was hard : during my periods, anxiety and doubts increased a lot.

But I'm feeling a bit better this week : anxiety is still there but a bit lower, and I have nice short moments while I feel almost normal  

 

What I fear the most in this bridge is suffering later from acute Paroxetine WD.

That's why I'm going to add 1mg fluoxetine to go up to 6mg.

 

I keep my fingers crossed, I want this bridge to work, and I want to be drug free one day in the future...  

 

Let's stay strong ! ❤️

 

 

 

Sorry Erell will do ! 
glad it’s going well for you so far I’m really interested how it goes as I’m tapering Paxil and on 6.3mg at the moment 

 

onward and upward !! 

[Hanna72]

4 hours ago, Erell said:

 

I keep my fingers crossed, I want this bridge to work, and I want to be drug free one day in the future...  

It Will work. Take the “want” out of the sentence and put “Will” in it instead 💪

 

4 hours ago, Erell said:

anxiety and doubts increased a lot.

Don’t ever doubt yourself, you are doing everything right, and there is no doubt in my mind that you will be an inspiration for someone in the future🙏

 

4 hours ago, Erell said:

What I fear the most in this bridge is suffering later from acute Paroxetine WD.

I have not experienced it so far👍
 

Stay focused, remember everyday how far you have come. 
Sending positive vibes and strength you’re way💪🙏

[Hanna72]

@Erell

YES 0mg Paxil 💪

What a good job you are doing. 
That in itself is a huge thing. Every time I lowered my Paxil I just knew I was on my way to get rid off the drug. Keep telling yourself that this will work and have faith and believe in yourself ALWAYS. Don’t let the drug win EVER, you are stronger, remember that.

I am on the sideline, cheering for you🥰💪
 

[Longroadhome]

How’s it going Erell? 
 

[Erell]

5 hours ago, Hanna72 said:

 

YES 0mg Paxil 💪

 

Yes, first day without Paxil since 10 years....quite exciting !

I've smiled all day,  even made a "Paroxetine free dance" !

 

So far, I'm doing ok : I still have chemical anxiety, but a tolerable level.

Weird because it feels like a different anxiety, compared to the chemical anxiety I felt during my Paroxetine destabilisation.

 

So, anxiety and dizziness are my current symptom, with some spikes of agoraphobia. Very unpleasant, but nothing extreme.

 

I know my CNS is currently doing a big work of adjustments without Paroxetine, so I don't know yet if I'll increase my Fluoxétine dose. I'll see how I'll feel in the next days.

 

Anyway, thank you so much @Hanna72 for you support during this big jump !

And thank you Altostrasta for sharing your knowledge ! ❤

 

Take care ❤

Edited April 30, 2020 by Erell

[sunnysideup69]

6 minutes ago, Erell said:

 

 

So, anxiety and dizziness are my current symptom, with some spikes of agoraphobia. Very unpleasant, but nothing extreme.

 

I know my CNS is currently doing a big work of adjustments without Paroxetine, so I don't know yet if I'll increase my Fluoxétine dose. I'll see how I'll feel in the next days.

 

Yes, I had the dizziness on cessation of Citalopram and beginning of Venlafaxine switch. Sometimes still get it, but nothing too severe. Good work! Also, a good time to be making the switch, if you are still working from home. Sending good wishes x

[Cocopuffz17]

Yay! Glad to hear! I’m hoping all goes well!

[mustafa]

6 hours ago, Erell said:

Yes, first day without Paxil since 10 years....quite exciting !

I've smiled all day,  even made a "Paroxetine free dance" !

 

So far, I'm doing ok : I still have chemical anxiety, but a tolerable level.

Weird because it feels like a different anxiety, compared to the chemical anxiety I felt during my Paroxetine destabilisation.

 

So, anxiety and dizziness are my current symptom, with some spikes of agoraphobia. Very unpleasant, but nothing extreme.

 

I know my CNS is currently doing a big work of adjustments without Paroxetine, so I don't know yet if I'll increase my Fluoxétine dose. I'll see how I'll feel in the next days.

 

Anyway, thank you so much @Hanna72 for you support during this big jump !

And thank you Altostrasta for sharing your knowledge ! ❤

 

Take care ❤

Getting rid of paroxetine is itself a great thing erell, let it give u a push.

I hope prozac is gentler and u can taper it smoothly.

Thinking of u dear.

Please take care .

[Vegalia]

Hi @Erell, 

 

I'm thinking on you.

Courage. You Are brave. 

 

Bisous

 

Vega

[sunnysideup69]

@Erell,

Hello lovely, sending good and positive thoughts to you in your prozac beginnings/ paxil endings. Yaaaaay! YOU ARE OFF PAXIL!!! Very well done xxx

[Longroadhome]

1 minute ago, sunnysideup69 said:

@Erell,

Hello lovely, sending good and positive thoughts to you in your prozac beginnings/ paxil endings. Yaaaaay! YOU ARE OFF PAXIL!!! Very well done xxx

Yes well done Erell!! 
being Paxil free after years of taking it must be such a fantastic feeling !! 
you're soooooo brave 

 

each day that passes your confidence will grow 

 

onward and upward 

LRH 

[Longroadhome]

21 hours ago, Erell said:

Yes, first day without Paxil since 10 years....quite exciting !

I've smiled all day,  even made a "Paroxetine free dance" !

 

So far, I'm doing ok : I still have chemical anxiety, but a tolerable level.

Weird because it feels like a different anxiety, compared to the chemical anxiety I felt during my Paroxetine destabilisation.

 

So, anxiety and dizziness are my current symptom, with some spikes of agoraphobia. Very unpleasant, but nothing extreme.

 

I know my CNS is currently doing a big work of adjustments without Paroxetine, so I don't know yet if I'll increase my Fluoxétine dose. I'll see how I'll feel in the next days.

 

Anyway, thank you so much @Hanna72 for you support during this big jump !

And thank you Altostrasta for sharing your knowledge ! ❤

 

Take care ❤

@Erell

 

well done !!

did you Stabilise on Paxil from September to April before bridge ? 

[Erell]

3 hours ago, Longroadhome said:

@Erell

 

well done !!

did you Stabilise on Paxil from September to April before bridge ? 

 

I held my Paroxetine dose from September to April.

I wouldn't say that I was stable : I was getting better and better, but I still had waves.

 

Thank you all for you kind wishes and support : it means a lot ! ❤❤❤

 

Still doing ok, in fact today was quite nice : some  chemical anxiety but feeling so confident 😊

 

Take care ❤

[Longroadhome]

1 hour ago, Erell said:

 

I held my Paroxetine dose from September to April.

I wouldn't say that I was stable : I was getting better and better, but I still had waves.

 

Thank you all for you kind wishes and support : it means a lot ! ❤❤❤

 

Still doing ok, in fact today was quite nice : some  chemical anxiety but feeling so confident 😊

 

Take care ❤

Thank you for reply Erell

why did you decide on the bridge and not to taper Paxil instead ? Also how did you calculate the bridge with Fluoxetine? 
really interested as I may consider the same route 

take care 

LRH 

[Erell]

17 hours ago, Longroadhome said:

Thank you for reply Erell

why did you decide on the bridge and not to taper Paxil instead ? Also how did you calculate the bridge 

 

-  Liquid Paroxetine is out of stock in France since last November. I managed during months to find bottles, but can't find it anymore. So I've studied my options and decided to try a bridge with liquid Fluoxetine.

 

- I didn't calculate my bridge.

First I read everything I could. 

I saw that all sources give different equivalencies between molecule. So it seems that equivalencies can only be an estimation.

Altostrata also told me that, according to a doctor she consulted, 5mg Fluoxetine is often sufficient to replace 10mg Paroxetine. 

 

Following SA advices, I also knew that I should introduce a low dose of Fluoxetine to start, to see how my body react.

 

Then I dropped Paroxetine while increasing Fluoxetine.

 

I've increased to 7mg Fluoxetine this morning, only because it reassures me.

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

@Altostrata  :

 

This morning, I increased my Fluoxetine dose to 7mg (planning to hold for months on that dose). 

All day today (about 2 hours after taking my dose) : anxiety has been higher with a big spike at 2.30pm, restlessness came back, dizziness increased, head in a vice and stiff jaw.

It surprised me as yesterday was a relatively nice day : low chemical anxiety was the only symptom.

Now I hesitate between 2 interpretations : 

 

- those symptoms are 'normal' as I just switched for a new molecule and my CNS has a lot of adjustments to do.

 

- Could my body react so quickly to the updose from 6mg  to 7mg , and symptoms would mean it is too much and I need to come back to 6mg tomorrow morning ?

 

What do you think ?

 

how awesome it would be to have parralel universes to make tests on many Erells and see which Fluoxetine dose is the best for my CNS to stabilise !  

Meanwhile, I want to make a decision based on rationnal analysis, rather than based on emotions.

So, if you have the time, I would be gratefull for knowing your point of view. I know we only can work with theories, and you can only make guesses. But maybe with your knowledge you can see clearer than me.

 

As always, thank you. ❤️

 

Edited May 2, 2020 by Erell

[Altostrata]

Erell, with its long half-life, an increase in fluoxetine takes a couple of weeks to get to full effect. You increased to 6mg fluoxetine only a few days ago. That is still ramping up in your body.

 

You've increased again to 7mg. This may be premature, as the 6mg has not reached full potency. It's possible you are now taking too much fluoxetine, and that's causing your symptoms.

 

I would wait at least 2 weeks after a fluoxetine increase to decide whether more is needed.

[Erell]

Thank you for this quick answer !

 

Ok, so I'll go back to 6mg tomorrow morning and hold this dose.

 

I wanted to respect my previous switch-rythm, with 1mg added every few days.

It appears I have misinterpreted the process.

And probably listened too much to my fear of not taking enough Fluoxetine.

 

Time to go back to some coping skills to stop listening to fears

 

Have a nice day !

[sunnysideup69]

14 hours ago, Erell said:

Time to go back to some coping skills to stop listening to fears

 

I'm with you on this...also doing so myself.

[Hanna72]

Don’t listen to your fears, it exaggerates everything. It gets us into a place which is not real. 
I have been reading great books on mindfulness. They are by Eckhart Tolle, one is called The power of now, and the other is New earth. Highly recommend🙏


 

[Erell]

4 hours ago, Hanna72 said:

Don’t listen to your fears, it exaggerates everything. It gets us into a place which is not real. 
I have been reading great books on mindfulness. They are by Eckhart Tolle, one is called The power of now, and the other is New earth. Highly recommend🙏


 

 

Yes I've read Eckhart Tolle, could re-read it, thank you for reminding

Mindfullness really is a great skill, but it takes practice !

I'm happy I have discovered it ! 

 

Discovered a new symptom today  : electricity, what a weird one !

Felt electrical all day, every step with my foot send electricity and  strong dizziness in my body and head.

Will see what tomorrow brings ! 

 

Take care  ❤

[mustafa]

8 hours ago, Erell said:

Felt electrical all day, every step with my foot send electricity and  strong dizziness in my body and head.

Will see what tomorrow brings

My dear erell,

Thanks alot for the gentle words in my topic, you are always supportive for me my friend.

I need to remind u too that you are switching to fluoxetine to get easier days than those of when u taper paroxetine , just bear for a little time these bothering symptomts to get a big gain♥️.

Care yourself please 🙏.

[Hanna72]

I agree with Mustafa. These symptoms will minimise, gradually.

I had them too. Push on through them, unfortunately we need to suffer before we get to the other side. But it will be so worth it.

You can do it💪
 

[Erell]

Hello,

 

So today electricity and dizziness increased. 

When I walk/ stand up/ turn my head/ make a move, I have a strong electrical shock in my body and head, with dizziness. Tried to walk a bit outside this afternoon but I fall down. Better to stay lying down today 

 

My guts are telling me that these symptoms are from Paroxetine WD, mostly because when I was young I used to feel the same (but lower) electricity/dizziness everytime I forgot to take my Paroxetine dose for a few days.

Of course, this is an interpretation.

But it feels like my body accept Fluoxetine, so I think the issue may be Paroxetine. 

 

I've read amg2012's thread : she did a Prozac bridge with Effexor, and taking some beads helped her.

 

@Altostrata : what do you think about taking a small amount of Paroxetine (I was thinking 1mg) to help my brain doing the transition to Fluoxetine?

 

(Tell me if it's ok to tag you)

 

On a more positive note : Spring is coming here, and those sweet temperatures really are wonderful  🤗

 

Take care ❤

[sunnysideup69]

Dear @Erell, I think taking a rest is wise whilst these ....zaps?...are going on. Do you also get that sensation of your head being full of water and it slooshing around when you turn it? 

I agree, I think it's WD, had similar with the cold switch from Cit to Ven. Also, I notice it's now 4 days since you went to zero on the Paroxetine....so it makes sense that the WD is starting to make itself felt via the electrical sensations/ increased symptoms. Day four onwards is always the crunch point, for me, how about you?

 

Thinking of you a lot, sending you all my positive wishes and hugs from here in London. You're doing really well and listening to your body. Rest up as much as you need.

Lots of love xxx

[Altostrata]

Erell, you did the best you could with the Prozac bridge.

 

I agree, a tiny crumb of paroxetine could help you get past this rough spot in the transition.

[Erell]

Altostrata, a big thank you ❤ 

Sure, it is rocky and doubts try to play with me. But my biggest goal is still to be drug free one day, and I'm glad I trusted myself and tried this bridge. 

I'll take 1mg Paroxetine tomorrow morning and encourage my CNS

Still confident,  still want this bridge to work ! 

 

 

@sunnysideup69 : thank you for your support, very kind.

I don't really have brain zaps : had zaps last September,  but this time it is a different feeling. WD send us lot of surprises, right ?

But my head isn't full of water...well I don't think so 😄

Yes you're right,  some rest is needed. I'm more comfortable while I lie down. 

Supposed to be back to work next week, I 'll see how it goes.

Guess I won't be 'employee of the month' this year 😄

 

Well, I can't stand up, but I can stay strong !

 

Take care ❤

 

 

[sunnysideup69]

35 minutes ago, Erell said:

 

 

 

@sunnysideup69 : thank you for your support, very kind.

I don't really have brain zaps : had zaps last September,  but this time it is a different feeling. WD send us lot of surprises, right ?

But my head isn't full of water...well I don't think so 😄

Yes you're right,  some rest is needed. I'm more comfortable while I lie down. 

Supposed to be back to work next week, I 'll see how it goes.

Guess I won't be 'employee of the month' this year 😄

 

Well, I can't stand up, but I can stay strong !

 

Take care ❤

 

 

 

SO many surprises in WD, you are right! And I also won't be winning 'employee of the month' over the last year, not even once....😄

 

Glad you are getting some rest, wishing you a good sleep xxx

[Melissa03]

You are such an encouragement,with your strength @Erell ♥️

[Erell]

19 hours ago, Melissa03 said:

You are such an encouragement,with your strength @Erell ♥️

 

You are kind Melissa. But if one day you read my thread, you'll see that I've not always been strong  

All this process forces me to learn new skills (mindfullness, acceptance, patience...) and I'm still learning everyday !

And it worth it

 

 

 

So, quick update : 

 

Felt better today with 1mg Paroxetine : less electricity and less dizziness. A bit more anxiety, but tolerable.

This Paroxetine really sticks like glue !

 

And one very good news : I've negociate with my bosses and can work from home until June !

 

Take care ❤️