HealingFromPaxil: Persistent vestibular symptoms after benzos and AD withdrawal

[HealingFromPaxil]

Hi everyone,

 

I am learning a lot from this site. Thank you. I quit Paxil CT almost 3 yrs ago (after 10 yrs on) and quit benzos 10 months ago (also after 10 yrs on then, following a 19 months taper). I am mostly functional, but still suffering several issues, the most persistent ones: poor balance, tinnitus, poor vision and floaters. Seems like these are all related to the vestibular region (brain and inner ears). I know it may take a long time to heal and that 100% healing is difficult, but would love to know if someone had these same persistent symptoms and if they eventually got better. I am working mostly on-line due to the pandemics, but may soon face my job in a ship at sea. I am afraid that I may suffer terrible sea sickness due to my current state.  Still feel privileged for being alive and mostly functional after  so many years using these pills from hell, as prescribed by my doctors...

 

Wish a fast healing for all!

[Go2zero]

Hi,

 

Welcome to this support site. Personally I cannot answer your questions from experience. Most symptoms heal over time. So I hope that this will be the case for you as well. 

 

Other members can react to your questions.

[composter]

Hi there! I experienced vestibular issues from concussions and it’s very true that it can affect vision and balance as well as cause headaches. Congrats to you for completing a relatively slow taper off Valium. 
 

I found value in seeing a physical therapist who specializes in vestibular-ocular rehab. You may have to do some sleuthing to find this. Not all PTs have this training but chances are if there is a rehab center or academic medical center near you, you can find one. Other options are functional neurologists (chiropractors who train in non-drug concussion rehab) or neuro-optometrists and vision therapists who have special tools and exercises that can help. 
 

As an example, one of the simple exercises I benefitted from was closing your eyes and standing on one foot for 1 minute, switching, and then doing the same thing standing on a cushion. It retrains your brain and vestibular system to accept information and re-calibrate. 
 

Glad you are taking a proactive approach to addressing your full recovery. I also see your supplement list and think you may benefit from a good omega-3 supplement as well as eating more fatty fish and walnuts/chia seeds which are omega-3 rich foods. 

[HealingFromPaxil]

23 hours ago, composter said:

Hi there! I experienced vestibular issues from concussions and it’s very true that it can affect vision and balance as well as cause headaches. Congrats to you for completing a relatively slow taper off Valium. 
 

I found value in seeing a physical therapist who specializes in vestibular-ocular rehab. You may have to do some sleuthing to find this. Not all PTs have this training but chances are if there is a rehab center or academic medical center near you, you can find one. Other options are functional neurologists (chiropractors who train in non-drug concussion rehab) or neuro-optometrists and vision therapists who have special tools and exercises that can help. 
 

As an example, one of the simple exercises I benefitted from was closing your eyes and standing on one foot for 1 minute, switching, and then doing the same thing standing on a cushion. It retrains your brain and vestibular system to accept information and re-calibrate. 
 

Glad you are taking a proactive approach to addressing your full recovery. I also see your supplement list and think you may benefit from a good omega-3 supplement as well as eating more fatty fish and walnuts/chia seeds which are omega-3 rich foods. 

 

Thank you very much for your reply, support and directions. After your advice, I just did a quick search about vestibular-ocular rehab and I will definitely give it a try.

 

Regarding my supplements, I am eating wild caught fish nearly everyday and plenty of walnuts/chia, but will add the Omega 3 as suggested.  I am mostly following the GAPS diet, thus avoiding carbs, processed sugar and eating plenty of vegetables, eggs, avocados and meat. I am still unsure about eating meat, as I was mostly vegetarian before withdrawal, but I feel like benefiting from this animal protein fat-rich diet (although sometimes I still feel bloating and inflammation). Any thoughts are welcome.

 

I am 47M and had a very active life before withdrawal, practicing many sports that demand a lot of balance (skateboarding, surfing), and worked at sea as a SCUBA diver. I will accept If I have to give up my past life and focus on my health, but I still hope that one day I will be able to go back to my normal life, even if with limitations. Today my daily exercise routine includes walking or running 1-3 km, meditating and lifting some weights. In addition, I go free dive at sea for 1-2 hours once per week, but always pay the price in the following day.  

 

Sorry for any misspelling. English is not my native language, and again, thank you.

 

[Rusty1]

I wouldnt lose hope over not being able to heal 100%. Most people who post here are still going through their acute phase, but there is plenty of evidence from people that full or near recovering is something everyone should look forward to. It just never happens as quickly as we like.

[HealingFromPaxil]

On 8/5/2021 at 6:33 PM, Rusty1 said:

I wouldnt lose hope over not being able to heal 100%. Most people who post here are still going through their acute phase, but there is plenty of evidence from people that full or near recovering is something everyone should look forward to. It just never happens as quickly as we like.

Thanks a lot for your positivity and wisdom words. I am trying to learn and apply everything I can to heal. For now, some acceptance and patience. 

[HealingFromPaxil]

Has anyone recovered from muscle stiffness/rigidity?

 

Hi

 

I am a little over 3 yrs off paroxetine and 1 yr off benzos. I was 10 yrs on both drugs. My only symptoms at this point are tinnitus, some brain fog and SEVERE muscle stiffness/rigidity. I feel like I am with dystonia. Exercising help a bit, but sometimes backfires. 

 

Has anyone recovered from this? Everywhere I read, it is stated that dystonia is a permanent condition. 

 

I am sorry if this is not the right place to post it.

 

Thank you

 

Edited November 29, 2021 by ChessieCat
added Intro topic title before merging with intro topic

[ChessieCat]

I have done a search for the word "dystonia" in the Success Stories forum of SA.

 

Please note that there are 2 pages of results.

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/search/?&q=dystonia&type=forums_topic&page=1&quick=1&nodes=28&search_and_or=and&sortby=relevancy

 

 

[HealingFromPaxil]

On 11/29/2021 at 7:53 PM, ChessieCat said:

I have done a search for the word "dystonia" in the Success Stories forum of SA.

 

Please note that there are 2 pages of results.

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/search/?&q=dystonia&type=forums_topic&page=1&quick=1&nodes=28&search_and_or=and&sortby=relevancy

 

 

Thank you! So the answer is yes and that gives me a lot of hope. All best

[HealingFromPaxil]

On 4/8/2022 at 2:22 PM, rebeccaannxo said:

@HealingFromPaxil

 

Did your poor balance and poor vision issues clear up? 

Yes! My balance is back and now I am able to go to stormy seas with no problems. My vision is not fully recovered, but better. How are you doing?

[HealingFromPaxil]

On 4/9/2022 at 3:08 PM, rebeccaannxo said:

That’s good to hear! How long did it take for things to start clearing up?

Unfortunately I’m not much better, housebound daily still 

Sorry for your suffering friend. I was 15 months off benzos and 40 months off paxil when my balance came back full force. I think benzo withdrawal was the most important driver of dizziness in my case. Once I got off of paxil, took me about a year to feel better, but than I started my benzo taper... 

[HealingFromPaxil]

1 hour ago, rebeccaannxo said:

sorry to hear you suffered for so long. I only had 3 pills of Lexapro but had a severe adverse reaction, no other meds before or after, I’m really hoping I’ll heal and be back to normal before too long 🤞

You will be healed much sooner! These pills are devil. Keep us posted on your progress. Wish you the very best.

[HealingFromPaxil]

Just relapsed after 18 months clean

 

Could not handle my physical limitations while working. I work SCUBA diving...  Had a 3 days trip to the sea and had severe muscle spasms/cramps in my legs in the second day, sou took 5 mg of Valium. Felt better immediately. Took another 5 mg in the next 2 days and now off, but feeling depressed and irritable, with only a slight increase in inner vibration. Should I taper?

 

Also, I am just asking myself if it is worth proceeding like this or just reinstate a low benzo dose and try to taper once I dont need my body so much to have an income. 

 

Edited April 24, 2022 by ChessieCat
added topic title before merging with intro topic

[ChessieCat]

@HealingFromPaxil

 

Only you can make the decision about whether you continue taking the valium.

 

6 hours ago, HealingFromPaxil said:

Took another 5 mg in the next 2 days and now off, but feeling depressed and irritable, with only a slight increase in inner vibration.

 

This may be the effect of the drug wearing off.  It sounds similar to what other members describe when they have interdose withdrawal.  I don't think you need to taper it after only 3 days use, but if you decide to stop it then I don't think it would be a good idea to take any more.

 

If you continue taking the valium, even intermittently (for example every second day) over 2 or 3 weeks, then you will most likely  become dependent on it and then it will need to be tapered.

[HealingFromPaxil]

8 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

@HealingFromPaxil

 

Only you can make the decision about whether you continue taking the valium.

 

 

This may be the effect of the drug wearing off.  It sounds similar to what other members describe when they have interdose withdrawal.  I don't think you need to taper it after only 3 days use, but if you decide to stop it then I don't think it would be a good idea to take any more.

 

If you continue taking the valium, even intermittently (for example every second day) over 2 or 3 weeks, then you will most likely  become dependent on it and then it will need to be tapered.

 

Thank you. Did not take any and feeling a little better already.

[HealingFromPaxil]

Hi everyone 

I did a very extenuating physical activity in my job and crashed. Decided to take another benzo (1.25 mg Diazepam) and had a paradoxical reaction. I am very agitated and restlessly. Any advice? Ty

[gn11]

On 5/1/2022 at 10:55 AM, HealingFromPaxil said:

Hi everyone 

I did a very extenuating physical activity in my job and crashed. Decided to take another benzo (1.25 mg Diazepam) and had a paradoxical reaction. I am very agitated and restlessly. Any advice? Ty

How are you doing, I read your thread vecause of my own balance issues. I hope you are well