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Erell: struggling with paroxetine


Erell

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Erell, we cant get anything wrong becaus we definitley know and very well what u are complaining.

I want to tell u that u really made me admired of u, your insistence for completing.

We will all stay with u until u feel ok and please put in your mind that the full community of us is pushing u, sending strength and support and wont stop doing so.

 

i wasn't on a certain drug all the period. i took many drugs many times and for no very long period but to simplify.

--fluvoxamine maleate100 mg + amisulpride 200mg------started july 2012 and total taper in february 2015 ( 9 months without drugs then)

--sertraline 100mg -------started november 2015 and total taper (withoud reduction slowly) in november 2016( 4 months withoud drugs then).

--sertraline 100mg + quetiabine 25mg ( started in mars 2016 and for 7 months) then fluvoxamine maleate 100mg again for another 7months and after that a something like to use every drug for 14 days and for about 1.5 years.

--my last drug was trintellix 10 mg ( used it in 12/2018and total taper in 4/2019).

symptomts i have now ( bad concentration and problems in short and long memory+ bad depersonalization).

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  • Mentor
3 hours ago, Erell said:

It's just that after 1.5 years I'm tired, you know. Really tired, in my body and in my mind. 

And I'm loosing faith these days, or rather strenght. 

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not listening to SI, definitely not. I'll keep pushing, one day at a time. 

I just need to vent and to say to someone that understand  : I'm tired, I don't have strenght anymore, and I need a big break, like a full day feeling ok. 

During WD and recovery, we all reach a point where we've just had enough.  We can't take one more day of anxiety or fear or aches or sleeplessness.  I had many days like that. But each moment offers a new chance for recovery, even a tiny victory.  Even at my worst, I found myself caught up in an inspirational moment--my son playing jazz guitar in junior high school, or a scene from a favorite film.  Slowly those moments became hours, and the hours became days--that's how recovery begins.  Sometimes, the feeling of being at your limit can be the beginning of recovery--just going one more day becomes a victory and proof these feelings won't last forever.  

 

You are in my thoughts--sending you positive thoughts that a window is just around the corner. 

 

 

Tim C

Started Paxil for GAD in 1999

Unsuccessful taper attempt in 2006

Paxilprogress helped with a successful taper completed in 2009

Using therapy and CBT to manage my anxiety

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  • Moderator Emeritus
4 hours ago, Erell said:

I need to vent a bit

My heart goes out to you,Erell.  You are in my thoughts and prayers, and yes we do understand.

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 Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, 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.

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Sending you big hugs, @Erell. It is such an exhausting process and venting sometimes really helps.

 

As you say, I know we're all different. But our stories have similarities and that's why I can offer you reassurance and hope.

Likewise, I was all over the place from June 2018 until around Summer 2020. ( Took me a year to make an account for this forum. ) It took a couple of years to really notice any stability coming. I'd think I was noticing it and then it would go again, waves were still too exaggerated to feel like I was really progressing. Wasn't really until late summer 2020 that I could definitely see progress.

Also, going 'cold turkey' on Citalopram and switching to Venlafaxine, it took me a good 13/14 months to settle ( I use the term 'settle very loosely, here) reliably enough to think that tapering would be possible in the future. Recovery since then has crept up on me. My nervous system still tends towards over reactivity.

 

I totally hear you re the exhaustion. It can be especially wearing when we are doing 'all the right things' for recovery. BUT, it will come. 

 

I'm so sorry that you / we all have to go through this.

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

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((((((((( @Erell )))))))))))

BIG CUDDLE from me to you 

 

i know exactly how you feel. Every one of us going through this  or have been through this do. 
@mstimcdescribes coping perfectly. Caught up in an inspiring moment while in the depths of WD misery. It’s so true look for something in every day that will keep you going until the next day. This is what I do every day. I write myself a to do list that will get me out the house . I don’t want to do anything on the list some days but at the end of each day something will have happened that lightens my mood and I’ll get just a tiny glimpse of normality. 
 

I read your message last night but wanted to take time and thought before replying. 
 

without doubt this will be the hardest thing you’ll  ever had to go through and your biggest triumph when you do.   but to get from one end of the spectrum to the other is a monumental task . 
it defies all logic how we can feel so Ill with so many symptoms. Symptoms that are scary and terrifying and always the thought of “how bad is this going to get?” and scared of waking up each morning not only because of facing another day but wondering what new symptoms may appear and the ones you have feeling as if they are getting worse . The cycle of negative repetition is endless because of not only physical symptoms but  emotional “what if” ones too   .. those of us going through this do “get” you. 

I think in times of burnout it’s best to focus on “today” and not “tomorrow” or “yesterday” because while in WD yesterday and tomorrow are triggers. So instead concentrate your thoughts on today and positive things you can do to fill your day. A walk in the snow (yes it’s snowing here) a hobby such as sewing or painting/drawing, a crossword a puzzle or tidying your room re arranging furniture in your room as this can be a distraction on waking.

 
Its distraction from ourselves and how we are feeling that will take us through each day. 

 


 

Nov 2018 Pregabalin 2x50 mg a day to help with Paxil WD. Aug 2019 2 x 25mg a day, April 2020 45mg, May 40mg, June 35mg, July 30mg, end July 25mg, Aug 24mg, June 2021 14mg, Jan 2022 14mg (2x7mg a day), Oct 10mg, Nov 5mg, December 25th 2022 0mg 🎈

 

Oct 2004 - Oct 2018 Paxil 20 mg, Nov 15mg, Dec 10mg,  Feb 2019 7.5mg crashed, Feb 8.5mg, Nov 8mg, March 2020 7.2mg, April 6.5mg, May 5.9mg, June 5.4mg, July 4.8mg, Dec 4.5mg, Jan 2021 4mg, Feb 3.6mg, March 3.2mg, April 2.9mg, Aug 2.7mg, Sept 2.4mg, Oct 2.2mg, Nov 2mg, Dec 1.8mg, Feb 2022 1.6mg, March 1.4mg, April 1.2mg, May 1.0mg, June 0.8mg, July 0.6mg, Aug 0.4mg, Sep 0.2mg, October 6th 2022 0mg  🎈

 

December 25th 2022 drug free 

 

these dates are approximate 

 

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23 hours ago, Erell said:

thank you for your suggestion to savor the beauty around me. It helped me today. I even took the idea further and spent time hugging a tree...well it was nice !  :)

A lot of birds are singing here these days, I hope you can hear them too !

 

Huge hugs my sweet @Erell! Trees and birds are good companions on this journey! I’m thinking of you and hoping for relief and peace my love. 

 

Like you I’m weary of late. But I just try to keep dipping down into my reserves for hope and the will to keep moving through the days seeking light and love to heal my soul. We’re stronger together and we’re healing. I believe in all of us!

 

🤗

2008-2016 - Lexapro 10 mg, tapered to 2.5 mg over one year then CT without issues
Feb 2 - July 24, 2019 - restarted Lexapro 5 mg for insomnia

July 25 - Nov 19, 2019 - Lexapro 10 mg, resulted in increased anxiety and depression
Nov 20 - Dec 11, 2019 - 3-week FT from Lexapro 10 mg to 7.5 mg to 5 mg to 0
Dec 12, 2019 - Feb 4, 2020 - drug-free and feeling good until horrible WD hit
Feb 5 - Feb 16, 2020 - Paxil 10 mg, adverse reaction
Feb 18, 2020 - reinstated Lexapro 5 mg

Nov 22 - Dec 12, 2020 - transition from pill to homemade liquid

Dec 13, 2020 - 4.7 mg; Jan 3, 2021 - 4.5 mg; Jan 24 - 4.3 mg; Feb 14 - 4.2 mg; March 7 - 4.1 mg

 

daily meditation 10-40 minutes, yoga 30 minutes; CBT & ACT therapy

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  • Moderator

"I'm being curious, and perhaps listening too much to the need to find a rationnal explanation or to understand my current rough "setback".

I've seen some of your posts where you mentionned a "special wave" that often hit people around 8-10 months after jumping to 0.

I was wondering if this theory makes sense in the case of a switch : it's been 8-9 months since I fast tapered Paxil to bridge to Prozac.

(5 months that I'm holding the same Prozac dose).

I'm wondering if I'm suffering from prolonged Paxil WD, a "special nasty 8 months wave", from Prozac. 

Would you agree to share with me your opinion considering all the stories you've seen ? "

 

Hi Erell-- I'm sorry to hear that your are struggling so much right now. I think that the unpredictability of the symptoms during WD is one of the hardest things to deal with, along with just how long it takes. The troubling thing is that there is no rational explanation for the ebb and flow of the symptoms. There are so many factors involve that it is hard even to list them. In the end it comes down to the fact that the symptoms will come and go as they see fit and all we can do is accept them and live with them as best as we can, while staying firm in our belief that they will eventually clear up and go away.

 

The Late Breaking Waves as we are trying to call it, are something that can happen for people who have completed a  slow and controlled taper. There are frequently several of them spaced several months apart, with the first usually happening around 8 - 10 months post "0". 

 

People who CT often will have their symptoms follow the Window and Wave pattern. For the first while it is going to be much more Wave than Window. Which can be very disheartening. I don't want to give numbers, but it usually takes quite a bit longer than an individual would like for the Waves to start to fade and the Windows to start to show themselves.

 

When a person does a crossover to another drug it basically involves CTing the first drug and trying to cover up the CT symptoms with another that is easier to taper. Personally, I'm not a big fan because of the CT part of the process. The CT is usually from a very harsh drug, such as paxil, and even though the symptoms are covered up by the new drug the CT has to run it's course just like any other. This means large swings, windows and waves, of symptoms that have to get covered up.

 

Often the new drug can do this, but there will be times when the CT symptoms will break through and dominate for a while. Slowly over time the CT will resolve itself and the symptoms subside. Hopefully this happens at the same rate at which the new drug is being tapered so the person will eventually be free from both drugs. But while that is happening, it is a balancing act, both mentally and physically, to maintain ones "life style" and outlook. When the time is right a persons body will let them know when it is ready to start tapering the new drug.

 

Dealing with the effects of both drugs can be unpredictable and challenging. If one drug is in a window and the other is in a wave they will cancel each other out and the feelings will be neutral. If both happen to be in a window, life is great. But if both are in a wave life will be quite unpleasant for a while.

 

There is a term called "capitulation" that applies directly to this process. I've written several posts about it that you could find with a site search.  Try looking them up, when I get a chance I'll see if I can find one a and repost it here. 

 

(((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))

20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013.

Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks.  The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better.

Final Dose 0.016mg.     Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017

 

"It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general."  Stephen Hawking

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hello 

 

I'm having some issues to put my ideas in order this morning, but before taking the time to answer properly, I wanted to thank you all for your support and kindness !

It really does help me, and when I feel like I'm at my limit I just think about all amazing survivors here and I keep pushing!

Thank you ❤

2006 : 20mg Paxil+Bromazepam. 2008 : cold turkey of both. 2010 : Reinstatement 20mg Paxil + Bromazepam.

2014-June2017 : Switch from Bromazepam to Prazepam, slow taper to 0mg.

2018 to August 2019 : Paxil 20mg taper (3% every 15 days). 22 Aug 2019 updose to 10mg (was at 8.4mg).

25th Sept 2019 To April 2020 : found SA, holding at 10mg Paxil. 

April 2020 : Paxil 10mg to Prozac 7mg bridge. Details topic/21457

 

Current Supplements : magnesium citrate + fish oil

Current medication :

* 7pm Diazepam  : 0.85mg (15 Aug 2022) / 0.95 mg (24 April 2022) / 1mg Diazepam (since 29 Aug 2020)

* 8am Prozac : 6.16mg (25 oct 2022, feel awful, slight updose) / 6.08 mg (9 oct 2022) / 6.24mg (11 July 22) / 6.44mg (22 May 22) / 6.64mg (4 Nov 21) / 6.72mg (8 oct 21) / 6.8 mg (15 Sept 21)6.88mg (14 Aug 21)/ 6.92mg (23 Jun 21)

 

I am not a professional, I don't give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

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@Erell


Keep going. 


know that the strength that has brought you this far will take you the rest of the way. You made it through yesterday and all the days before, and you will make it through today. All you need to do is deal with whatever unfolds, moment by moment hour by hour, taking things one step at a time.

Trust that your healing is taking place even if it doesn’t feel like it. Everyone eventually gets better. You will too. It is inevitable that one day you notice improvements... evidence that you are recovering. Even if you can’t fathom this happening, you must remain hopeful and patient, and keep in mind that each experience is unique. It is all about timing - and in your case it will be the timing that is best for you.
 

baylissa.com

Nov 2018 Pregabalin 2x50 mg a day to help with Paxil WD. Aug 2019 2 x 25mg a day, April 2020 45mg, May 40mg, June 35mg, July 30mg, end July 25mg, Aug 24mg, June 2021 14mg, Jan 2022 14mg (2x7mg a day), Oct 10mg, Nov 5mg, December 25th 2022 0mg 🎈

 

Oct 2004 - Oct 2018 Paxil 20 mg, Nov 15mg, Dec 10mg,  Feb 2019 7.5mg crashed, Feb 8.5mg, Nov 8mg, March 2020 7.2mg, April 6.5mg, May 5.9mg, June 5.4mg, July 4.8mg, Dec 4.5mg, Jan 2021 4mg, Feb 3.6mg, March 3.2mg, April 2.9mg, Aug 2.7mg, Sept 2.4mg, Oct 2.2mg, Nov 2mg, Dec 1.8mg, Feb 2022 1.6mg, March 1.4mg, April 1.2mg, May 1.0mg, June 0.8mg, July 0.6mg, Aug 0.4mg, Sep 0.2mg, October 6th 2022 0mg  🎈

 

December 25th 2022 drug free 

 

these dates are approximate 

 

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image.thumb.jpeg.514f6da1158c31ac906bf9c3aecd4cc5.jpeg

Nov 2018 Pregabalin 2x50 mg a day to help with Paxil WD. Aug 2019 2 x 25mg a day, April 2020 45mg, May 40mg, June 35mg, July 30mg, end July 25mg, Aug 24mg, June 2021 14mg, Jan 2022 14mg (2x7mg a day), Oct 10mg, Nov 5mg, December 25th 2022 0mg 🎈

 

Oct 2004 - Oct 2018 Paxil 20 mg, Nov 15mg, Dec 10mg,  Feb 2019 7.5mg crashed, Feb 8.5mg, Nov 8mg, March 2020 7.2mg, April 6.5mg, May 5.9mg, June 5.4mg, July 4.8mg, Dec 4.5mg, Jan 2021 4mg, Feb 3.6mg, March 3.2mg, April 2.9mg, Aug 2.7mg, Sept 2.4mg, Oct 2.2mg, Nov 2mg, Dec 1.8mg, Feb 2022 1.6mg, March 1.4mg, April 1.2mg, May 1.0mg, June 0.8mg, July 0.6mg, Aug 0.4mg, Sep 0.2mg, October 6th 2022 0mg  🎈

 

December 25th 2022 drug free 

 

these dates are approximate 

 

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Above 

someone posted this on Baylissa Facebook page . I thought you might like it.  

it’s very relevant as it depicts the concept of healing taking place even when not evident. 

Nov 2018 Pregabalin 2x50 mg a day to help with Paxil WD. Aug 2019 2 x 25mg a day, April 2020 45mg, May 40mg, June 35mg, July 30mg, end July 25mg, Aug 24mg, June 2021 14mg, Jan 2022 14mg (2x7mg a day), Oct 10mg, Nov 5mg, December 25th 2022 0mg 🎈

 

Oct 2004 - Oct 2018 Paxil 20 mg, Nov 15mg, Dec 10mg,  Feb 2019 7.5mg crashed, Feb 8.5mg, Nov 8mg, March 2020 7.2mg, April 6.5mg, May 5.9mg, June 5.4mg, July 4.8mg, Dec 4.5mg, Jan 2021 4mg, Feb 3.6mg, March 3.2mg, April 2.9mg, Aug 2.7mg, Sept 2.4mg, Oct 2.2mg, Nov 2mg, Dec 1.8mg, Feb 2022 1.6mg, March 1.4mg, April 1.2mg, May 1.0mg, June 0.8mg, July 0.6mg, Aug 0.4mg, Sep 0.2mg, October 6th 2022 0mg  🎈

 

December 25th 2022 drug free 

 

these dates are approximate 

 

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Hi @Erell

 

Je t'embrasse bien fort

Tout mon soutien. 

 

L. 

 

2018 : 29 July xanax 0,125x 2 12 Aug 0,25 x 2  28 Aug clotiazépam 5x2 4 Oct Prazepam : 5-5-7,5 to 3,5-3,5-6,5 25 oct 10x3 21 nov 9,5 x3/ Now Taper 2% / 21days = 19 may 2019 7,32x3/ Now 5%/8 days =10 july 5,145 x3 /Now 2% / 21 days = 27 sept 4,75x3/ Now 1%/21 days = nov 4,70 x3 dec 4,65x3 jan 2020 4,60x3 feb 4,50x3 march 4,45x3 april 4,385x3 may 4,32x3 

 

2018 : 29 Aug Venlafaxine 75mg XR 19 sept 37,5mg 4 oct 75mg18 oct bridge sertraline 1 nov Sertraline 50mg slow taper until mi April 2019= 25mg

15 July Escitalopram 5mg 20 Ju 4mg 22 Ju 3,25mg 23 ju 2,5mg  25 ju 2,25mg 8 Aug 2 mg 16 Aug 1,75mg 20 Aug 1,50mg 12 sept 1,25mg 24 sept 1,38mg 28 sept 1,50mg 8 Jan 1, 60mg

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Checking in @Erell

thinking of you and hope you are ok x 

Nov 2018 Pregabalin 2x50 mg a day to help with Paxil WD. Aug 2019 2 x 25mg a day, April 2020 45mg, May 40mg, June 35mg, July 30mg, end July 25mg, Aug 24mg, June 2021 14mg, Jan 2022 14mg (2x7mg a day), Oct 10mg, Nov 5mg, December 25th 2022 0mg 🎈

 

Oct 2004 - Oct 2018 Paxil 20 mg, Nov 15mg, Dec 10mg,  Feb 2019 7.5mg crashed, Feb 8.5mg, Nov 8mg, March 2020 7.2mg, April 6.5mg, May 5.9mg, June 5.4mg, July 4.8mg, Dec 4.5mg, Jan 2021 4mg, Feb 3.6mg, March 3.2mg, April 2.9mg, Aug 2.7mg, Sept 2.4mg, Oct 2.2mg, Nov 2mg, Dec 1.8mg, Feb 2022 1.6mg, March 1.4mg, April 1.2mg, May 1.0mg, June 0.8mg, July 0.6mg, Aug 0.4mg, Sep 0.2mg, October 6th 2022 0mg  🎈

 

December 25th 2022 drug free 

 

these dates are approximate 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
On 1/30/2021 at 5:14 PM, Longroadhome said:

Checking in @Erell

thinking of you and hope you are ok x 

 

Hello :)

 

Thank you for your support !

 

I've felt better Thursday and Friday with a delicious night of sleep and less restlessness and anxiety. I even managed to drive my car without feeling overstimulated and felt less adrenaline rush.

It felt really nice ! 

 

As you can guess I thought this pretty nasty wave was ending ;)

 

Unfortunately, this weekend I felt like I was falling back into the hole, and this acid adrenaline boiling through my veins is back with a vengeance.

 

I'm glad I felt some relief these two days, it helps to catch its breath ;)

 

Oh wow, this switch really hasnt been a promenade !

 

Hugs to all dear folks ❤

2006 : 20mg Paxil+Bromazepam. 2008 : cold turkey of both. 2010 : Reinstatement 20mg Paxil + Bromazepam.

2014-June2017 : Switch from Bromazepam to Prazepam, slow taper to 0mg.

2018 to August 2019 : Paxil 20mg taper (3% every 15 days). 22 Aug 2019 updose to 10mg (was at 8.4mg).

25th Sept 2019 To April 2020 : found SA, holding at 10mg Paxil. 

April 2020 : Paxil 10mg to Prozac 7mg bridge. Details topic/21457

 

Current Supplements : magnesium citrate + fish oil

Current medication :

* 7pm Diazepam  : 0.85mg (15 Aug 2022) / 0.95 mg (24 April 2022) / 1mg Diazepam (since 29 Aug 2020)

* 8am Prozac : 6.16mg (25 oct 2022, feel awful, slight updose) / 6.08 mg (9 oct 2022) / 6.24mg (11 July 22) / 6.44mg (22 May 22) / 6.64mg (4 Nov 21) / 6.72mg (8 oct 21) / 6.8 mg (15 Sept 21)6.88mg (14 Aug 21)/ 6.92mg (23 Jun 21)

 

I am not a professional, I don't give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

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On 1/24/2021 at 10:46 PM, brassmonkey said:

Personally, I'm not a big fan because of the CT part of the process. The CT is usually from a very harsh drug, such as paxil, and even though the symptoms are covered up by the new drug the CT has to run it's course just like any other. This means large swings, windows and waves, of symptoms that have to get covered up

@brassmonkeygood point. Will look into capitulation.

  • 45 years old male
  • job in spatial planning
  • into sports, animals and nature
  • Started using 20 mg Paroxetine (Paxil) in 2004 for stressrelated anxiety/depression
  • Attempted several times to stop, starting a few years after 2004
  • Found out in 2015 about paxil withdrawal symptoms and the 5-10% taper guideline
  • Started using liquid paxil in 2015/2016
  • 2018 --> 11.2 mg of paxil
  • 2019-2023 developed severe food- and other sensitivities (anti imflammatory, anti oxidant, food colourings, oils, herbs, chemicals etc.)
  • 12/2023 Poop-out/tolerance, introducing brassmonkey slide method 0.1mg/week
  • 26/1/2024 10 mg (journey halfway).
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  • Moderator Emeritus

@Erell, just checking in to see if you're feeling any better. Glad you had the window, sorry it closed, and hopeful that another opens very soon!

2016 - Zoloft 50 mg for klonopin w/d

Approx. Nov 2017 - successful taper of klonopin; Approx. Jan. 2018 - rapid taper Zoloft over 2 wks - no w/d symptoms; May 2018 - Reinstate 50 mg Zoloft per doctor; Aug 2018 - Rapid taper Zoloft over 3-4 weeks - no w/d symptoms for 1 mo.; Late Oct 2018 - pdoc rx'd 5mg lexapro -took for 1 wk; Early Nov 2018 - Reinstate 25 mg Zoloft; updose to 37.5 on Nov 28, 2018; Nov 30 2018 - returned to 25mg Zoloft upon mod. advice; Dec 9 - Dec10 2018 - 12.5mg zoloft liquid+12.5mg zoloft pill; Dec 11 2018 - 25mg zoloft all liquid; Feb 14 2019 - updosed to 26.25 mg liquid; Mar 6 2019 - updosed to 26.88 mg liquid - new symptoms; Mar 13 2019 - back down to 26.25 mg per mod suggestion

Dose Changes: Dec 2 2019 - 5% to 25mg; Jan 14 2020 - 10% to 22.5 (increase in sxs all month); Mar 10-15? 2020,  accidental updose to 25mg; Mar 22 2020 - back down to 22.5mg; Apr 12 2020 - 2.5% to 21.94mg; Apr 19 2020 - 2.5% to 21.375mg (symptom increase); May 17 2020 - 2.5% to 20.625mg; May 24 2020 - 2.5% to 20.1mg - Jun 14 2020 - noticed uptick in symptoms settled 2 days later - July 10 2020 - onset of wave

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On 1/24/2021 at 9:46 PM, brassmonkey said:

When a person does a crossover to another drug it basically involves CTing the first drug and trying to cover up the CT symptoms with another that is easier to taper. Personally, I'm not a big fan because of the CT part of the process. The CT is usually from a very harsh drug, such as paxil, and even though the symptoms are covered up by the new drug the CT has to run it's course just like any other. This means large swings, windows and waves, of symptoms that have to get covered up.

 

Dang! @brassmonkey, yes, THIS. 

 

@Erell, this above is exactly what I've found and what you are going through. And I can vouch that the windows get better and longer as the CT recedes. What I've found personally, though, is that once our CNS is messed with, even the new drug doesn't bring total relief as it may have once done. However, I want you to know that it's possible to heal....a LOT. I've had spates of actually feeling happy for strings of days over the last couple of months. Still not ready to taper, I'm being super cautious this time.

 

You're not alone. We hear you. Hope you're getting through the day okay. Sending big hugs xxx

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hello !

 

@sunnysideup69 : thank you for sharing your experience with me, it is really helpful 🤗

 

I realise I was living in denial since recently. Because the words PAWS or CT scared me, I didn't realise earlier that I have ct'ed Paxil and that I'm now in intense WD from it. I don't know how to explain it, because I made a switch, I could not identify my case as a CT or a protracted WD.

It might sounds silly but it is what it is :)

 

Now I realise it, and I just hope Fluoxetine is helping somewhat my body to deal with this WD.

 

To be honest, things are really rough. But I had a nicer (a lot nicer!) day last Sunday. Suddenly, my symptoms improved a lot and I spent the day with a smile and an incredible taste of confidence.

Wow that was nice  ☺

This current week has been like falling back in turbulent water and I'm doing my best to keep my head above water.

 

Ok dear folks, here is for my update.

I'm hoping to be able to interact more soon. 

Meanwhile, let me share with you all my love and my support ❤

Edited by Erell

2006 : 20mg Paxil+Bromazepam. 2008 : cold turkey of both. 2010 : Reinstatement 20mg Paxil + Bromazepam.

2014-June2017 : Switch from Bromazepam to Prazepam, slow taper to 0mg.

2018 to August 2019 : Paxil 20mg taper (3% every 15 days). 22 Aug 2019 updose to 10mg (was at 8.4mg).

25th Sept 2019 To April 2020 : found SA, holding at 10mg Paxil. 

April 2020 : Paxil 10mg to Prozac 7mg bridge. Details topic/21457

 

Current Supplements : magnesium citrate + fish oil

Current medication :

* 7pm Diazepam  : 0.85mg (15 Aug 2022) / 0.95 mg (24 April 2022) / 1mg Diazepam (since 29 Aug 2020)

* 8am Prozac : 6.16mg (25 oct 2022, feel awful, slight updose) / 6.08 mg (9 oct 2022) / 6.24mg (11 July 22) / 6.44mg (22 May 22) / 6.64mg (4 Nov 21) / 6.72mg (8 oct 21) / 6.8 mg (15 Sept 21)6.88mg (14 Aug 21)/ 6.92mg (23 Jun 21)

 

I am not a professional, I don't give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

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Hi @Erell

 

glad you had a better day and wishing with all my heart those days get more frequent for you ❤️
 

I’m  in a wave myself at the moment. Obtrusive thoughts and very high anxiety with depression have come to the forefront. But manageable for  the most part. 
 

keep going and remember every day we are healing even if it doesn’t feel like it . x

Nov 2018 Pregabalin 2x50 mg a day to help with Paxil WD. Aug 2019 2 x 25mg a day, April 2020 45mg, May 40mg, June 35mg, July 30mg, end July 25mg, Aug 24mg, June 2021 14mg, Jan 2022 14mg (2x7mg a day), Oct 10mg, Nov 5mg, December 25th 2022 0mg 🎈

 

Oct 2004 - Oct 2018 Paxil 20 mg, Nov 15mg, Dec 10mg,  Feb 2019 7.5mg crashed, Feb 8.5mg, Nov 8mg, March 2020 7.2mg, April 6.5mg, May 5.9mg, June 5.4mg, July 4.8mg, Dec 4.5mg, Jan 2021 4mg, Feb 3.6mg, March 3.2mg, April 2.9mg, Aug 2.7mg, Sept 2.4mg, Oct 2.2mg, Nov 2mg, Dec 1.8mg, Feb 2022 1.6mg, March 1.4mg, April 1.2mg, May 1.0mg, June 0.8mg, July 0.6mg, Aug 0.4mg, Sep 0.2mg, October 6th 2022 0mg  🎈

 

December 25th 2022 drug free 

 

these dates are approximate 

 

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3 hours ago, Erell said:

To be honest, things are really rough. But I had a nicer (a lot nicer!) day last Sunday. Suddenly, my symptoms improved a lot and I spent the day with a smile and an incredible taste of confidence.

I am so sorry things have been really rough.  Your description of your day last Sunday is what you have to look forward to.  It really sounds like your brain is working hard on stabilizing and you are getting there, that day was a sign of what is to come.

 

Keeping hanging in there, brave Erell.  💗WR

-1/06 - 3/07 Cymbalta. Fast taper (essentially CT); withdrawal symptoms after 4 mos (didn't realize was WD)

-10/07: 100 mg Zoloft; 1 mg Klonopin - tapered off Klonopin after 4 mos. Several unsuccessful slow tapers of Zoloft; went up and down in dose a lot

-Spring 2013 back on 1 mg Klonopin to counter WD symptoms; switched over 5-6 mos from Zoloft to 35 mg citalopram
-Two attempts at slow tapering citalopram, always increased dose due to WD; also increased Klonopin to 1.25 mg in 2014, then to 1.5 mg in 2015

-8/17-9/17: After holding one year at 20 mg, feeling withdrawal symptoms due to stress - slowly increased to 25 mg. No change in symptoms after 6 months (? tolerance ?)  - decided to start citalopram taper February 2018 (still on Klonopin 1.5 mg).

Supplements: fish oil; magnesium; vitamin D3; curcumin

Citalopram taper:  2/2018 - 12/2019: 25 mg - 11.03 mg I 2020: 10.89 mg - 7.9 mg I 2021: 7.8 mg - 5.26 mg I 2022: 5.2 mg - 3.36 mg I 2023: 3.3 mg - 1.47 mg 2024: 1/5/24: 1.44 mg; 1/19/24: 1.40 mg; 1/26/24: 1.37 mg; 2/2/24: 1.34 mg; 2/9/24: 1.31 mg; 2/23/24: 1.28 mg; 3/1/24: 1.25 mg; 3/8/24: 1.22 mg; 3/15/24: 1.19 mg

 

 

Link to comment

Hi @Erell

 

All my love and support too. 

 

Bisous😘

 

 

2018 : 29 July xanax 0,125x 2 12 Aug 0,25 x 2  28 Aug clotiazépam 5x2 4 Oct Prazepam : 5-5-7,5 to 3,5-3,5-6,5 25 oct 10x3 21 nov 9,5 x3/ Now Taper 2% / 21days = 19 may 2019 7,32x3/ Now 5%/8 days =10 july 5,145 x3 /Now 2% / 21 days = 27 sept 4,75x3/ Now 1%/21 days = nov 4,70 x3 dec 4,65x3 jan 2020 4,60x3 feb 4,50x3 march 4,45x3 april 4,385x3 may 4,32x3 

 

2018 : 29 Aug Venlafaxine 75mg XR 19 sept 37,5mg 4 oct 75mg18 oct bridge sertraline 1 nov Sertraline 50mg slow taper until mi April 2019= 25mg

15 July Escitalopram 5mg 20 Ju 4mg 22 Ju 3,25mg 23 ju 2,5mg  25 ju 2,25mg 8 Aug 2 mg 16 Aug 1,75mg 20 Aug 1,50mg 12 sept 1,25mg 24 sept 1,38mg 28 sept 1,50mg 8 Jan 1, 60mg

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You have so much more to look forward to, lovely @Erell

Am so glad you got some relief, even though it was brief. 

Your brain and nervous system are healing, without a doubt.

Lots of love and support to you, take your time with interactions, do it when it suits YOU. I certainly remember how draining interaction could be, when I was at my worst.

Big hugs xxx

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

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Hi, Erell,

I’m thinking of you.  I’m really sorry that you are struggling right now, but please know this: it is a big turning point when a person can be in a wave and think “Oh, I made progress before, this is a wave, and I will make progress again.” That is extremely good news!  At that point hope is “sticky;” it is still there DURING the wave.  That’s awesome!
 

It can be very demoralizing to fall back into a wave after seeing progress, I know.  Try to keep that memory of feeling better, and look forward to feeling that again, but it is ok to mourn the loss of that better time, too.  Be kind to yourself right now.  Give yourself space and time to rest.  The good times are ahead.  For now, nurture yourself in any way you can.  
 

Rosetta

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/16629-rosetta-ct-may-2011-too-fast-taper-feb-2017/?page=25

2001-2011 Celexa 10 mg raised to 40 mg then 60 mg over this time period

May 2011 OB Doctor's Cold switch Celexa 60 mg to 10 mg Zoloft sertraline (baby born)

2012-2016 - Doctors raised dose of Zoloft up to 150 mg

2016 - Xanax prescribed - as needed - 0.5 mg about every 3 days (bad reaction)

2016 - Stopped Xanax

Late 2016- Began (too fast) taper of Zoloft

Early 2017 - Trazodone prescribed for bedtime (doseage unknown)

Feb 2017 - Completed taper/stopped Trazodone

Drug free since Feb 2017

2017 - Unisom otc very rarely for sleep

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Update 

10 months since Prozac Bridge

6 months holding at 7mg Prozac

 

Hello dear folks

 

I'm currently dealing with a weird symptoms and was wondering if I'm missing something or if someone might have tips.

 

It started this winter suddenly my throat tickles intensely and inhaling intensify the tickles.

It can wake me up during the night, or happens during the day.

My throat isn't painful, and I don't have a lump in my throat.

It just tickles and makes it difficult to inhale.

It seems to come in windows and waves.

 

Covid tests : negatives.

I don't smoke.

Doctors think it might be allergy, or "in my head".

 

I know that histamine issues can be a possibility with Paroxetine wd, but as I never had allergic issues or asthma in my life, I didn't really read about it.

 

As it can be a distressing symptom, and as it can play a role in anxiety (which is one of my main symptom), I started a low histamine diet on January 11 2021.

 

It's now been a month, I'm not seeing improvements, I'll keep going with the diet a few more months to see if it can improve.

 

Meantime, Im struggling with these tickles throat : does someone may recognize this symptom and perhaps have found tips to ease it ?

 

About low histamine diet : when you read testimonies on the internet, people seems to see improvements after 2/3 weeks. But these people are probably not in WD 😉

I'm all ears to hear testimonies of people in this community.

(Will paste this post in the histamine thread too).

 

I know that some recommend vitamin C, or nigella oil or quercetin, but to be honest, as I'm still dealing with high anxiety and restlessness, I haven't tried any new supplements.

 

Thank you in advance ☺

 

And hugs to all ❤🤗

2006 : 20mg Paxil+Bromazepam. 2008 : cold turkey of both. 2010 : Reinstatement 20mg Paxil + Bromazepam.

2014-June2017 : Switch from Bromazepam to Prazepam, slow taper to 0mg.

2018 to August 2019 : Paxil 20mg taper (3% every 15 days). 22 Aug 2019 updose to 10mg (was at 8.4mg).

25th Sept 2019 To April 2020 : found SA, holding at 10mg Paxil. 

April 2020 : Paxil 10mg to Prozac 7mg bridge. Details topic/21457

 

Current Supplements : magnesium citrate + fish oil

Current medication :

* 7pm Diazepam  : 0.85mg (15 Aug 2022) / 0.95 mg (24 April 2022) / 1mg Diazepam (since 29 Aug 2020)

* 8am Prozac : 6.16mg (25 oct 2022, feel awful, slight updose) / 6.08 mg (9 oct 2022) / 6.24mg (11 July 22) / 6.44mg (22 May 22) / 6.64mg (4 Nov 21) / 6.72mg (8 oct 21) / 6.8 mg (15 Sept 21)6.88mg (14 Aug 21)/ 6.92mg (23 Jun 21)

 

I am not a professional, I don't give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

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  • Mentor

Hi Erell

 

I don't I have a definitive answer, but you can develop allergies just about any time in your life.  I didn't have any until my late teens, and they do tend to come and go, and hit me in different areas.  Mainly its the usual nasal congestion but I sometimes get eye irritation or plugged ears.  Nothing terrible but annoying. 

 

Have you tried something old-fashioned like lemon and honey tea?  I would think that if anything warm and soothing makes it improve, it could indeed be allergies.

 

Take care!

Tim C

Started Paxil for GAD in 1999

Unsuccessful taper attempt in 2006

Paxilprogress helped with a successful taper completed in 2009

Using therapy and CBT to manage my anxiety

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Hi @Erell

 

You are right about Paxil WD and histamine issues. 
I developed hives at the beginning of WD . Never had hives in my life before. I decided not to take anything for it and it has very gradually (and I mean very gradually) got better. Again like your tickle throat it tied in with window snd wave pattern this being sometimes a little worse than others. 
 

it will get better hang on in there x 

Nov 2018 Pregabalin 2x50 mg a day to help with Paxil WD. Aug 2019 2 x 25mg a day, April 2020 45mg, May 40mg, June 35mg, July 30mg, end July 25mg, Aug 24mg, June 2021 14mg, Jan 2022 14mg (2x7mg a day), Oct 10mg, Nov 5mg, December 25th 2022 0mg 🎈

 

Oct 2004 - Oct 2018 Paxil 20 mg, Nov 15mg, Dec 10mg,  Feb 2019 7.5mg crashed, Feb 8.5mg, Nov 8mg, March 2020 7.2mg, April 6.5mg, May 5.9mg, June 5.4mg, July 4.8mg, Dec 4.5mg, Jan 2021 4mg, Feb 3.6mg, March 3.2mg, April 2.9mg, Aug 2.7mg, Sept 2.4mg, Oct 2.2mg, Nov 2mg, Dec 1.8mg, Feb 2022 1.6mg, March 1.4mg, April 1.2mg, May 1.0mg, June 0.8mg, July 0.6mg, Aug 0.4mg, Sep 0.2mg, October 6th 2022 0mg  🎈

 

December 25th 2022 drug free 

 

these dates are approximate 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

@erell, I get this very same symptom, and have been for many years, long before AD WD.  I have been diagnosed with nonallergic rhinitis, which just means that my sinus passages get irritated, and not because of allergies.  There can be other stuff in the air, or post nasal drip, or even dry air that can cause this to happen.  My only remedy is to cough and drink fluids.  Good luck.  Jennifer 

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

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  • Mentor

@Erell I believe your ticklish itching probably is associated with wd . Yes we can develop allergies at different times in our lives - and it is a possibility!  
 

Like longroadhome, I came off Paxil ( after being on it for 13 years) to way fast in 2013 and had a lot of withdrawals and dr started me on Zoloft . I started itching everywhere. I thought it was soap or laundry soap. And I was having anxiety so it was freaking me out a little 😁. A day or so later red spots came up on my skin on my arms. I went to hospital and emergency dr knew it was related to Paxil. He was smart but His statement was “ sometimes you have to take a vacation from antidepressants “ it wasn’t funny then but now I look back and say how funny! Like what does that mean for me to do ! I know now it was from wd! 
 

now like getofflex said I too have sinus issues from allergy and non allergies!  So the antihistamine effects of antidepressants affect me a lot in good ways and bad ways! I have made my life more stressful by chasing drs for these sinus related Paxil/ lexapro side effects so I don’t even go anymore. 
 

as it is alarming to you rt now it won’t hurt you. Try clearing your throat and drinking fluids. 
hang in there erell it will pass! 

2000-2013 Paxil - 1 year fast taper

2013-2018 merry go round
zoloft, cymbalta, lamictal, Prozac.

 Nov. 2018 lexapro 15 mgs, Dec. 2019 to Mar. 2020 taper to 10mg. Jul 2020 to October 2020 taper to 8.5 ml.
Oct 2020 reinstated to 9 ml.
Apr 2021 to Jul  taper to 7ml. Oct 2021 to Jan 2022 taper to 5.9ml, Mar 5 2022 5.8 ml, Mar 12 5.7ml, Mar 20 5.6ml, Mar 27 5.5ml, April 23 5.4ml, April 30 5.3ml, May 7 5.2ml,  Jul 9 2022 5.4ml, 

Klonopin prn, Allegra 180 for 3 seasons, aspirin 81 mg, plavix , nitroglycerin 0.4 mg prn, 2k mg  turmeric Qunol, 4- Trader Joe’s omega 3 -2400 mg, Pepcid 20mg,  Prilosec 40 mg, Tylenol arthritis 4 tablets daily, 350mg calm magnesium citrate, melatonin 2.5- 5mg as needed to sleep. Saline spray as needed. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

@Longroadhome, @getofflex @mstimc and @Heath : thank you ❤️ for your support 

 

It's amazing how reassuring it can be to realise that people know exactly what we are going through right ? :)
Thank you for sharing your experience !

 

And like you said, people can start to have allergies at any time in their life.
 

I know that sometimes people with anxiety have issues to breath. People with asthma are also used to some shortness of breath.
In my case, it is the first time of my life that I've discovered issues to breath, and it has felt quite distressing.

I've never had health anxiety issues, but I think now I can understand what some folks are talking about ;)

 

My sinus don't seem to be affected, I just have issues with my throat.
A member named Rabe also pointed to me that it may be caused by acid reflux, which could also totally make sense.

I'm gonna keep going with low histamine diet/ use honey, fluids/ avoiding foods that seems to cause intense reflux/ and see if I find "gentle" way to take care of my throat affected by acid reflux.

And we'll see how it goes :)

 

Again, thank you, and big hugs !

Edited by Erell

2006 : 20mg Paxil+Bromazepam. 2008 : cold turkey of both. 2010 : Reinstatement 20mg Paxil + Bromazepam.

2014-June2017 : Switch from Bromazepam to Prazepam, slow taper to 0mg.

2018 to August 2019 : Paxil 20mg taper (3% every 15 days). 22 Aug 2019 updose to 10mg (was at 8.4mg).

25th Sept 2019 To April 2020 : found SA, holding at 10mg Paxil. 

April 2020 : Paxil 10mg to Prozac 7mg bridge. Details topic/21457

 

Current Supplements : magnesium citrate + fish oil

Current medication :

* 7pm Diazepam  : 0.85mg (15 Aug 2022) / 0.95 mg (24 April 2022) / 1mg Diazepam (since 29 Aug 2020)

* 8am Prozac : 6.16mg (25 oct 2022, feel awful, slight updose) / 6.08 mg (9 oct 2022) / 6.24mg (11 July 22) / 6.44mg (22 May 22) / 6.64mg (4 Nov 21) / 6.72mg (8 oct 21) / 6.8 mg (15 Sept 21)6.88mg (14 Aug 21)/ 6.92mg (23 Jun 21)

 

I am not a professional, I don't give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

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  • Mentor

@Erell I believe you are onto something there !!!! Anxiety =causes acid reflux then irritate throat !!

2000-2013 Paxil - 1 year fast taper

2013-2018 merry go round
zoloft, cymbalta, lamictal, Prozac.

 Nov. 2018 lexapro 15 mgs, Dec. 2019 to Mar. 2020 taper to 10mg. Jul 2020 to October 2020 taper to 8.5 ml.
Oct 2020 reinstated to 9 ml.
Apr 2021 to Jul  taper to 7ml. Oct 2021 to Jan 2022 taper to 5.9ml, Mar 5 2022 5.8 ml, Mar 12 5.7ml, Mar 20 5.6ml, Mar 27 5.5ml, April 23 5.4ml, April 30 5.3ml, May 7 5.2ml,  Jul 9 2022 5.4ml, 

Klonopin prn, Allegra 180 for 3 seasons, aspirin 81 mg, plavix , nitroglycerin 0.4 mg prn, 2k mg  turmeric Qunol, 4- Trader Joe’s omega 3 -2400 mg, Pepcid 20mg,  Prilosec 40 mg, Tylenol arthritis 4 tablets daily, 350mg calm magnesium citrate, melatonin 2.5- 5mg as needed to sleep. Saline spray as needed. 

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On 2/24/2021 at 4:18 PM, Erell said:

Update 

10 months since Prozac Bridge

6 months holding at 7mg Prozac

 

Hello dear folks

 

I'm currently dealing with a weird symptoms and was wondering if I'm missing something or if someone might have tips.

 

It started this winter suddenly my throat tickles intensely and inhaling intensify the tickles.

It can wake me up during the night, or happens during the day.

My throat isn't painful, and I don't have a lump in my throat.

It just tickles and makes it difficult to inhale.

It seems to come in windows and waves.

 

Covid tests : negatives.

I don't smoke.

Doctors think it might be allergy, or "in my head".

 

I know that histamine issues can be a possibility with Paroxetine wd, but as I never had allergic issues or asthma in my life, I didn't really read about it.

 

As it can be a distressing symptom, and as it can play a role in anxiety (which is one of my main symptom), I started a low histamine diet on January 11 2021.

 

It's now been a month, I'm not seeing improvements, I'll keep going with the diet a few more months to see if it can improve.

 

Meantime, Im struggling with these tickles throat : does someone may recognize this symptom and perhaps have found tips to ease it ?

 

 

Hi Erell, Just caught your post here and it surprised me as it's directly relevent to the post I'm waiting to be moderated in my own thread.  Perhaps if that can be passed you'll be able to see if what I write rings any bells with you too.  Basically it's about laryngeal/pharyngeal dystonia and the difficulty swallowing and aspirating/choking.

 

https://swallowstudy.com/abas-drug-induced-dysphagia/

 

My source of reading.  I tend to pick through bits of articles, my concentration is not good enough to digest the whole thing so it may or may not be relevent.

1995 severe abreaction to Seroxat took one tablet and refused further meds. I paid for private psychotherapy. 

2013 till Feb 2021 Omeprazole as required for reflux. 

2015 had major psychotic episode managed with lorazepam and 20mg daily of olanzapine, unknown amount of zopiclone, lorazepam I was totally out of it and no one made any notes of what I took. Eventually put on 200mg sertraline, 2.5mg olanzapine

January 2019 started Magnesium 500mg, CoQ10 30mg, SuperB complex,

March 2020 reduced sertraline to 150mg to see if side effects reduced and based on psychiatrist having led me to believe patients often increase and decrease dose as required.

August 2020 life threatening depression and vivid, vile nightmares prompted psychotherapist to suggest I read David Healy. On basis of that I began tapering sertraline and took last dose in Jan 2021. Feeling huge improvement in wellbeing off sertraline. NB now reinstated at 1.25mg daily.

Jan 2021 Tried simply not taking my 2.5mg olanzapine and had intolerable withdrawal. GP prescribed oral suspension but due to her warnings of expense I rushed the tapering to try to get it done in one bottle.

Mar 2021 feeling too ill with insomnia and agitation.  Reinstated 2.5mg Olanzapine per day and sertraline 1.25mg per day

Jul 2021 2.5mg Olanzapine, 1.15mg Sertraline, fish oil, magnesium

Oct 2021 2.5mg Olanzapine, 1mg Sertraline, fish oil, magnesium

May 2022 completed slow taper to 0.8mg and stopped Sertraline. Holding Olanzapine at 2.5mg

Jan 2023 reduced olanzapine to 2.25mg using water taper method

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  • Administrator

Erell, could the tickling be dust or dryness from indoors heating?

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hello @SeekingMeaning and @Altostrata

 

I don't think the tickles/needles happens because of dust or dryness.

- I live in a sweet and humid region, and we are not heating indoors currently.

- I live with my parents and the three of us keep the house clean so I don't think dust is a cause (but you're right it could be, people can develop allergies).

 

Because I thought it was allergies, I started a low histamine diet in January, without seeing changes.

 

But a member called Rabe recently suggest to me that it might be caused by acid reflux, and I don't even know why I didn't think about it earlier because it sounds very relevant in my case !

 

I've had intense acid reflux for the first time in 2019 (Paxil crash) and struggle with this since.

So my hypothesis now is that my throat/esophagus might be injured and very sensitive now, causing this tickles and needles and difficulty to inhale :

- it intensify after meals, so I don't lay down or sit after meals / avoid foods like dairies/ do little meals (I always feel like I've eaten too much, like it's too much for my stomach).

I do feel like whatever I eat I can't digest it.

- I'm also carefully trying a supplement. It's a bit scary because I haven't introduced a supplement since 2019. I tried to find the safest option I could.

I talked about it here :

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/9026-acid-reflux/?do=

 

 

It seems to be helping : for now I'm taking one half of a tablet before going to bed and the tickles/needles don't wake me up anymore.

I would like to make a one-month treatment, hoping my body will accept the ingredients.

 

Perhaps this difficulty with breathing/acid reflux issues is just a new part of my Paxil WD symptoms.

 

It can be very distressing when you feel like you can't breath, and can increase anxiety, but I try to remind that it's very unlikely that I won't be able to breath.

I'm learning to live with this new symptom :)

 

 

Anyway, I thank you for your concern and support ❤

Let's keep going !

Edited by Erell

2006 : 20mg Paxil+Bromazepam. 2008 : cold turkey of both. 2010 : Reinstatement 20mg Paxil + Bromazepam.

2014-June2017 : Switch from Bromazepam to Prazepam, slow taper to 0mg.

2018 to August 2019 : Paxil 20mg taper (3% every 15 days). 22 Aug 2019 updose to 10mg (was at 8.4mg).

25th Sept 2019 To April 2020 : found SA, holding at 10mg Paxil. 

April 2020 : Paxil 10mg to Prozac 7mg bridge. Details topic/21457

 

Current Supplements : magnesium citrate + fish oil

Current medication :

* 7pm Diazepam  : 0.85mg (15 Aug 2022) / 0.95 mg (24 April 2022) / 1mg Diazepam (since 29 Aug 2020)

* 8am Prozac : 6.16mg (25 oct 2022, feel awful, slight updose) / 6.08 mg (9 oct 2022) / 6.24mg (11 July 22) / 6.44mg (22 May 22) / 6.64mg (4 Nov 21) / 6.72mg (8 oct 21) / 6.8 mg (15 Sept 21)6.88mg (14 Aug 21)/ 6.92mg (23 Jun 21)

 

I am not a professional, I don't give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

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I am really sorry you are dealing with this new difficult symptom but it sounds like the supplement is helping so that is good news. I admire how you courageously approach coping with new symptoms that arise.

 

I am so pleased to hear of your improvements, Erell!  It sounds like you are well on your way to stabilizing - I am very excited for you! 💗WR

-1/06 - 3/07 Cymbalta. Fast taper (essentially CT); withdrawal symptoms after 4 mos (didn't realize was WD)

-10/07: 100 mg Zoloft; 1 mg Klonopin - tapered off Klonopin after 4 mos. Several unsuccessful slow tapers of Zoloft; went up and down in dose a lot

-Spring 2013 back on 1 mg Klonopin to counter WD symptoms; switched over 5-6 mos from Zoloft to 35 mg citalopram
-Two attempts at slow tapering citalopram, always increased dose due to WD; also increased Klonopin to 1.25 mg in 2014, then to 1.5 mg in 2015

-8/17-9/17: After holding one year at 20 mg, feeling withdrawal symptoms due to stress - slowly increased to 25 mg. No change in symptoms after 6 months (? tolerance ?)  - decided to start citalopram taper February 2018 (still on Klonopin 1.5 mg).

Supplements: fish oil; magnesium; vitamin D3; curcumin

Citalopram taper:  2/2018 - 12/2019: 25 mg - 11.03 mg I 2020: 10.89 mg - 7.9 mg I 2021: 7.8 mg - 5.26 mg I 2022: 5.2 mg - 3.36 mg I 2023: 3.3 mg - 1.47 mg 2024: 1/5/24: 1.44 mg; 1/19/24: 1.40 mg; 1/26/24: 1.37 mg; 2/2/24: 1.34 mg; 2/9/24: 1.31 mg; 2/23/24: 1.28 mg; 3/1/24: 1.25 mg; 3/8/24: 1.22 mg; 3/15/24: 1.19 mg

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
On 3/2/2021 at 5:08 PM, wantrelief said:

I am really sorry you are dealing with this new difficult symptom but it sounds like the supplement is helping so that is good news. I admire how you courageously approach coping with new symptoms that arise.

 

I am so pleased to hear of your improvements, Erell!  It sounds like you are well on your way to stabilizing - I am very excited for you! 💗WR

Oh thank you WR, you're a gem ! ❤

 

Well, just when I post to share improvements ...bim a wave hit me !

Periods came Wednesday and I'm hardly shaken since.

I'm still surprised when I plummet like this after feeling better and being able to engage more without feeling overstimulated.

Unlinear process, right ?

 

Well, the 3 steps back after taking 2 forward is hard and I'm tired, but you all know that.

 

But you know what ? I'm sooo glad I know this website and have the opportunity to read updates like yours : I don't know if you realise it but your update about your unexpected bright window is a wonderful gift for this community !

And I'm so excited for you 🤗

 

Thank you ❤

2006 : 20mg Paxil+Bromazepam. 2008 : cold turkey of both. 2010 : Reinstatement 20mg Paxil + Bromazepam.

2014-June2017 : Switch from Bromazepam to Prazepam, slow taper to 0mg.

2018 to August 2019 : Paxil 20mg taper (3% every 15 days). 22 Aug 2019 updose to 10mg (was at 8.4mg).

25th Sept 2019 To April 2020 : found SA, holding at 10mg Paxil. 

April 2020 : Paxil 10mg to Prozac 7mg bridge. Details topic/21457

 

Current Supplements : magnesium citrate + fish oil

Current medication :

* 7pm Diazepam  : 0.85mg (15 Aug 2022) / 0.95 mg (24 April 2022) / 1mg Diazepam (since 29 Aug 2020)

* 8am Prozac : 6.16mg (25 oct 2022, feel awful, slight updose) / 6.08 mg (9 oct 2022) / 6.24mg (11 July 22) / 6.44mg (22 May 22) / 6.64mg (4 Nov 21) / 6.72mg (8 oct 21) / 6.8 mg (15 Sept 21)6.88mg (14 Aug 21)/ 6.92mg (23 Jun 21)

 

I am not a professional, I don't give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

Link to comment

I am really sorry to hear you have been hit with a wave just when you were experiencing improvements.  I am hopeful the wave is due to your cycle and you will get back to that better place soon. Regardless, your brain has shown you that you are on your way to stabilization, that it can change.

 

1 hour ago, Erell said:

Well, the 3 steps back after taking 2 forward is hard and I'm tired, but you all know that.

I know....it is SO hard and tiring.  It takes all of one's strength to get through the day and feels exhausting to have to keep doing this day after day.

 

1 hour ago, Erell said:

But you know what ? I'm sooo glad I know this website and have the opportunity to read updates like yours : I don't know if you realise it but your update about your unexpected bright window is a wonderful gift for this community !

Aw, thank you so much for saying that, Erell.  I am so happy to be able to share my experience and that it can help others.  What I experienced does show how unexpected this journey is and not to give up as tomorrow literally  can be completely different than today!

 

You are doing really really well, Erell.  You are going to be ok, just keep going one step at a time as exhausting as it is.

 

 

-1/06 - 3/07 Cymbalta. Fast taper (essentially CT); withdrawal symptoms after 4 mos (didn't realize was WD)

-10/07: 100 mg Zoloft; 1 mg Klonopin - tapered off Klonopin after 4 mos. Several unsuccessful slow tapers of Zoloft; went up and down in dose a lot

-Spring 2013 back on 1 mg Klonopin to counter WD symptoms; switched over 5-6 mos from Zoloft to 35 mg citalopram
-Two attempts at slow tapering citalopram, always increased dose due to WD; also increased Klonopin to 1.25 mg in 2014, then to 1.5 mg in 2015

-8/17-9/17: After holding one year at 20 mg, feeling withdrawal symptoms due to stress - slowly increased to 25 mg. No change in symptoms after 6 months (? tolerance ?)  - decided to start citalopram taper February 2018 (still on Klonopin 1.5 mg).

Supplements: fish oil; magnesium; vitamin D3; curcumin

Citalopram taper:  2/2018 - 12/2019: 25 mg - 11.03 mg I 2020: 10.89 mg - 7.9 mg I 2021: 7.8 mg - 5.26 mg I 2022: 5.2 mg - 3.36 mg I 2023: 3.3 mg - 1.47 mg 2024: 1/5/24: 1.44 mg; 1/19/24: 1.40 mg; 1/26/24: 1.37 mg; 2/2/24: 1.34 mg; 2/9/24: 1.31 mg; 2/23/24: 1.28 mg; 3/1/24: 1.25 mg; 3/8/24: 1.22 mg; 3/15/24: 1.19 mg

 

 

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