Sami7384: What worked for your prolonged withdrawl symptoms?

[Sami7384]

I went off paroxetine in September 2020. I had been taking it for 5 years and had awful symptoms I was totally unprepared for. I have 4 kids and I was sitting around trying to figure out how to get life insurance and still be able kill myself so kids could get the money. I have had anxiety and depression but I've NEVER EVER been suicidal. I feel like I've lost my entire personality, all I ever feel is sadness and irritation. There should be major major warnings on this drug! The stories I found on here are eerily similar to how I feel but the recoveries give me hope. Feel free to tell me what helped any of you because I'm lost. I've never felt this bad in all my 36 years. 

Edited January 8, 2021 by manymoretodays
name added to title, moved from Success stories

[Erell]

Hello Sami7384,

 

And welcome on SA. This site is run entirely by volunteer Administrators and Moderators, all have been through or are going through WD. 

 

I'm sorry you're going through a rough time, and happy that you found our Success stories section. Healing does happen.

 

To help us understand your situation, could you please answer some questions :

 

1. How did you taper Paroxetine ?

We usually recommand a slow taper, please see :

 

why taper by 10 of my dosage

 

2. Are you currently taking other drugs or supplements ?

 

3. Was Paroxetine the only psychdrug you took ?

 

 

The symptoms you describe are very common withdrawal symptoms. People do heal from WD, but it can take a while and tend to happen through a waves and windows pattern :

 

the-windows-and-waves-pattern-of-stabilization

 

When we take psychiatric 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 the healing process really well.

 

Brain Remodelling 

 

 

 

---》 I know we are asking a lot while feeling unwell, but could you please create a signature ? You just have to click on this link :

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

It will help others to see your drug history at a glance and help us to try to give you the most accurate advice we can. 

Include drugs, doses, dates, discontinuations and reinstatements.

Please also include supplements.

 

- The only way we know to mitigate withdrawal symptoms is to try a reinstatement of a low dose :

 

about-reinstating-and-stabilizing-to-reduce-withdrawal-symp

 

 

Please take a look at the link and tell us what you think. Please, don't do any change before we have more infos about your recent taper : if you would like to try a reinstatement, it is important to start with the lowest dose possible, your drug history will help us to offer suggestions.

 

In the mean time, I send you hugs and strenght : it can take time but it does get better.

 

Again, welcome 🤗

[Sami7384]

Thank you, I looked at the windows and waves and it put things into perspective for me. The science behind it made sense to me and that gives me hope. 

I will definitely not reinstate that medicine ever, no matter what. I'm determined to heal from this one day, little by little probably. I did decide to start exercising more because that's always helped and I started taking a spoon of raw honey every day starting last week. I do feel a little better these past couple days than I have in months. That could be attributed to a "window" I guess or maybe because I've been working out again.  

Or maybe it's because of you all and knowing that it's not in my head, thank you for bringing me into your group. 

[manymoretodays]

Hi Sami7384, and welcome,

And no, it's not all in your head.  WD(withdrawal) is real.

What is withdrawal syndrome?

 

Many of us have found that the symptoms of withdrawal are sometimes way worse than what we sought help for in the first place.  So hang in there, it does get better with time.

 

What symptoms are you having that you could attribute to WD?

Dr. Glenmullens withdrawal symptom checklist

 

And then you may want to visit the Symptoms and Self Care forum too.

You'll find many non-drug coping skills there to cope with symptoms, that you might have.

And glad to hear you may have had a window.  That's great.

 

Are you on any other medications/drugs?

 

Many members do find some calming from these two supplements.  Generally, it's a good idea just to start with one or the other, and go slowly, start at a low dose.  It's best to just stick to single ingredient supplements too.  So many of us are sensitive, in WD.

 

BASIC SUPPLEMENT TOOLKIT

King of supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker

 

 

Do let us know, of any further questions, right here.

 

And welcome again.  Good to have you aboard.  And oh so glad you joined us.

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

Edited January 12, 2021 by manymoretodays