Maruato: Indescribable Head Symptoms

[Maruato]

I'm brand new here. I just have one question, hopefully someone can answer it.

 

I stopped taking Paxil about 9 weeks ago, after tapering off from 10mg to 0 in 6 months. (Yes I know that is considered too fast by many, but I'm not here for tapering advice.) I had all the stuff I'd expect, brain zaps, dizziness, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, but I handled it all in stride. Now most of that stuff is gone (except some days I still feel dizzy or weird in the head.) But now, in the last week, I've developed a low-grade fever, especially at night. I had one day of tender lymph nodes in my neck, the first day I noticed the elevated temperature. It can be anywhere from 99.0F to 100.0F. I FEEL like I have the flu too, body aches, EXTREME fatigue and sleepiness, but no sore throat, cough or anything like that. I find tears come easily, but I usually get that way when I am feeling sick, and I don't feel particularly depressed. Mostly I am frustrated and hate not knowing whats going on.

 

I found many things about "flu-like symptoms" popping up within 7 days of stopping an SSRI, but nothing about if that includes low-grade fevers, or if it can happen over two months later.

 

So my one question is this, based on all your experiences, could these symptoms of low-grade fever and feeling like I'm fighting infection be caused by the discontinuation syndrome?

P.S. I plan on getting to my Dr. for some blood tests just to be sure it isn't serious, regardless. Sadly, I have to wait another several days to see him, then probably longer for test results, since I am out of town right now. If my physician gives me a clean bill of health and finds no organic reason for my symptoms, and if I continue to have bothersome flu-like symtpoms, I will consider re-instating the Paxil and trying a slower taper. But I think I will have to feel like it is REALLY causing problems in my life to go back on Paxil after two months off.

[dalsaan]

could this be withdrawal, in a word yes.   Here is a link to Dr Glenmullens withdrawal checklist, fever and flu like symptoms are up there

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2390-dr-joseph-glenmullens-withdrawal-symptom-checklist/?hl=checklist

[Maruato]

could this be withdrawal, in a word yes. Here is a link to Dr Glenmullens withdrawal checklist, fever and flu like symptoms are up there

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2390-dr-joseph-glenmullens-withdrawal-symptom-checklist/?hl=checklist

Thanks so much! It's nice to see all the associated withdrawal effects in one list. And what a list! I guess I can be glad I don't have everything on that list all at once. It's amazing to think that changes in brain chemistry can trigger fever! It's comforting to know that this may just be phase in getting back to normal. However, it can't hurt to get some blood work just to check things out. I'm not convinced I'd be any better off with a slower taper either. I've read about tons of people who have tapered very slowly and gone through hell anyway. I'd hate to go back on the med only to have to go through the same withdrawal symptoms from the beginning again. But, like I said, if it gets to be too much to bear, I'll consider reinstatement. I am sure I know my own limits better than anyone else.

[Bellisimo]

I'm brand new here. I just have one question, hopefully someone can answer it.

 

I stopped taking Paxil about 9 weeks ago, after tapering off from 10mg to 0 in 6 months. (Yes I know that is considered too fast by many, but I'm not here for tapering advice.) I had all the stuff I'd expect, brain zaps, dizziness, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, but I handled it all in stride. Now most of that stuff is gone (except some days I still feel dizzy or weird in the head.) But now, in the last week, I've developed a low-grade fever, especially at night. I had one day of tender lymph nodes in my neck, the first day I noticed the elevated temperature. It can be anywhere from 99.0F to 100.0F. I FEEL like I have the flu too, body aches, EXTREME fatigue and sleepiness, but no sore throat, cough or anything like that. I find tears come easily, but I usually get that way when I am feeling sick, and I don't feel particularly depressed. Mostly I am frustrated and hate not knowing whats going on.

 

I found many things about "flu-like symptoms" popping up within 7 days of stopping an SSRI, but nothing about if that includes low-grade fevers, or if it can happen over two months later.

 

So my one question is this, based on all your experiences, could these symptoms of low-grade fever and feeling like I'm fighting infection be caused by the discontinuation syndrome?

 

P.S. I plan on getting to my Dr. for some blood tests just to be sure it isn't serious, regardless. Sadly, I have to wait another several days to see him, then probably longer for test results, since I am out of town right now. If my physician gives me a clean bill of health and finds no organic reason for my symptoms, and if I continue to have bothersome flu-like symtpoms, I will consider re-instating the Paxil and trying a slower taper. But I think I will have to feel like it is REALLY causing problems in my life to go back on Paxil after two months off.

Hi Matuato.. welcome here and congratz of quitting paxil!

 

I have relate to your problem, weeks after i quit my ssri fever hit me also and felt like i was really sick in the flu and things ( i have this now also) its low fever, comes and goes .. all my blood samples were fine.. like it was no infection in my body and things. Im confused to this matter aswell and have been reading about it, i see sometimes you can have fever in withdrawal,. but for your own safety go to doc and let him take bloodsample and see if u have virus or infection or anything

 

Ive also suffered burning sensations much on my skin, like im burning, often in head, and face / neck and arms / legs, i thought i had a crazy fever and then it showed normal .. soo weird,.. my feet are REAL COLD and i cant heat them up , i have to go take a shower to get them warm..

 

I

[Maruato]

Hi again everyone.

 

Okay, so 60+ days after my last paxil dose, I'm not feeling normal yet. But, things could always be worse. Lately my main complaint has been this feeling in my head. I have no word for it, and can't liken it to anything else really. I have been experiencing it on and off, sometimes more than others. Since I can't describe it with any one adjective, I guess I'll try my best to get my point accross with a few words.

 

It feels like my brain is too active, almost overly electrical. Its a bit like the common brain zaps so many of us feel at the beginning of withdrawal, but instead of surges its a constant feeling. I feel it behind my eyes and in the roof of my mouth and what I can only describe as "in my brain". Its tickly, buzzy? But it is also pressure and heavy, foggy. Sometimes I feel like I have to squint even though there is no reason to. Anyone know what I'm talking about?

 

The thing is, taking .25mg of xanax lessens the feeling considerably, but I try to limit the amount of xanax I use. (I have been nursing the same 40 pill bottle for a year) The fact that xanax helps only leads me to believe that the feeling is caused by my central nervous system being overactive in some way, and the effects of xanax on GABA is what is calming my brain down, and giving me some relief.

 

This feeling does concern me though, because its somewhat similar to what I felt right before having a seizure when I was 15. So, naturally, I am concerned my brains electrical activity will get so out of control that I'll have another seizure. It makes me afraid to be alone or to drive.

 

Anyway, any feedback about this particular symptom would be appreciated. Ways to help ease it? Has anyone tried L-glutamine to support GABA production, or any supplements you know that may help. I've mostly been in pretty good spirits, but this is driving me a little cuckoo! LOL

 

Thanks

[cymbaltawithdrawal5600]

I'd hazard a guess that by looking at your sig you made drops of 50% each time you reduced and reduced in a very short period of time and you are experiencing withdrawal.

 

Hopefully a mod will chime in here.

[Petunia]

Hi Maruato,

As you mentioned in your first post, you did taper very fast, so the fact that you are still having some withdrawal symptoms after being completely off for just over 2 months isn't unexpected.  I agree with CW, what you are experiencing is most likely some withdrawal symptoms.  Various kinds of head symptoms are very common.

 

You wrote that you experience this symptom on and off.  Do you notice a pattern?  Like is it worse at a certain time of the day or after particular activities?  Over time, has it increased, decreased or stayed the same?

 

Recovery seems to be best supported by a healthy diet, light to moderate exercise, pleasant social activity, reduced stress, no caffeine or alcohol and by including magnesium and omega 3 fish oil in the diet.

 

I haven't experienced the particular symptom you are describing, but maybe others have.

 

This feeling does concern me though, because its somewhat similar to what I felt right before having a seizure when I was 15. So, naturally, I am concerned my brains electrical activity will get so out of control that I'll have another seizure. It makes me afraid to be alone or to drive.

 

Have you been diagnosed with epilepsy?  Do you know what caused the seizure at 15?  I'm still inclined to think this is a withdrawal symptom, given your history.

[Altostrata]

Hello, Maruato.

 

It sounds to me like you have prolonged post-discontinuation syndrome. This is stress on your nervous system from too-fast discontinuation of Paxil.

 

As it's been a couple of months, it's possible but a long shot that reinstatement of perhaps 1mg or 2mg Paxil might help.

 

Since you have a history of seizures, you might see a neurologist about the sensations. But be warned -- your nervous system may be sensitized because of Paxil withdrawal and you might have odd responses to any drugs a neurologist might recommend. If the neurologist doesn't understand this, it's the wrong neurologist.

[Maruato]

The seizure when I was 15 was a one time fluke. I never had another, and they never found a reason. I had "seizure activity" on a few e.e.g.'s after the seizure, but then it seemed to just go away on its own. I know I tapered fast. I have considered reinstatement, but I'm not feeling that bad. But the head symptom thing is really just annoying more than anything. And I just thought it was curious how xanax improved the feelings. Anyway, if I were to completely fall apart, sure I'd go back on the paxil and do a sloooow taper. So far, though there have been bumps, my mood is usually good and the physical stuff is, most of time, easy to ignore.

[Altostrata]

Xanax controls the feelings because benzos, in general, reduce withdrawal symptoms. However, benzos themselves are big trouble -- they can have adverse reactions, paradoxical reactions, interdose withdrawal, and finally, difficulty in going off if you've become dependent on them, which can happen very fast.

[Maruato]

Yes Altostrata, that's why, like I said, I hesitate to take them very often. If benzos help withdrawal symptoms, it stands to reason that many of the symptoms of withdrawal are from overactivity in the brain, and benzos bind to GABA receptors, that is what calms everything down. At least that seems logical to me. That is why I am wondering if anyone here has tried to support their GABAergic system naturally with L-glutamine or maybe by taking GABA itself. Although I've been told time and time again GABA doesn't cross the blood-brain barrier, never the less, many people swear it works as an effective calming agent. I've taken GABA and as far as I an tell, all I get is a temporary feeling of weakness and a bad taste in my mouth.

[Altostrata]

Please use search in the Symptoms and Self-care forum to find our discussions on those topics.

[btdt]

The seizure when I was 15 was a one time fluke. I never had another, and they never found a reason. I had "seizure activity" on a few e.e.g.'s after the seizure, but then it seemed to just go away on its own. I know I tapered fast. I have considered reinstatement, but I'm not feeling that bad. But the head symptom thing is really just annoying more than anything. And I just thought it was curious how xanax improved the feelings. Anyway, if I were to completely fall apart, sure I'd go back on the paxil and do a sloooow taper. So far, though there have been bumps, my mood is usually good and the physical stuff is, most of time, easy to ignore.

If I were you and functional I would not take anything now.  Your body is adjusting best it can and trying to heal.  This will cause fluctuations in symptoms over time.  I would stay away from benzos if it were me. Changing the system more with more drugs has for me been a mistake which I believe cause me to have an even longer healing process.  That is just me and my experience but I have watched people trying to taper of off benzos and it is not pretty best to avoid it if you can. 

peace to you