Jump to content
SurvivingAntidepressants.org is temporarily closed to new registrations until 1 April ×

Cheeky: on Paxil for 23 years needing advice


Cheeky

Recommended Posts

Three months ago I knew nothing about antidepressant withdrawals and the dangers of psychiatric medicine and that sites like this existed, I was very naive. My question is, 20 years ago I was put on Paxil because I was getting a bit depressed and the doctor thought taking Paxil would help and yes it sure did , that's why I took it for so long ,as well as being told I have a chemical imbalance ,

I never suffered any form of aniexty or other symptoms like I have the last few years .I'm realizing now that I used to lower my dose by 10mg at a time, I would be alright for a couple of weeks then would crash, I'd get really bad aniexty , night sweats, agitation, insomnia and nervousness , I thought my depression was coming back . WhenI think about it now I known it was Paxil withdrawal I was experiencing.

have been on a roller coaster for 3 years not realizing that you can't just play around with this lethal medication . I just don't understand how this can happen to people like myself and I ended up in hospital.

I just thank God sites like this existed .

Hey cheeky you just wrote my story....cant help think you have just written everyones story actually.

I can still remember the day i had this light bulb moment a 'coming to my senses' and words cannot describe the humiliation, outrage and horror that flooded my being.

Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen

We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. 

URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting  for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing.

http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651   

Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos.

Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you

Recovering paxil addict

None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. 

This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! 

  "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped."  Dr Mosher. Me too! 

Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015

I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015

Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017

 

 

Link to comment

 

 

Three months ago I knew nothing about antidepressant withdrawals and the dangers of psychiatric medicine and that sites like this existed, I was very naive. My question is, 20 years ago I was put on Paxil because I was getting a bit depressed and the doctor thought taking Paxil would help and yes it sure did , that's why I took it for so long ,as well as being told I have a chemical imbalance ,

I never suffered any form of aniexty or other symptoms like I have the last few years .I'm realizing now that I used to lower my dose by 10mg at a time, I would be alright for a couple of weeks then would crash, I'd get really bad aniexty , night sweats, agitation, insomnia and nervousness , I thought my depression was coming back . WhenI think about it now I known it was Paxil withdrawal I was experiencing.

have been on a roller coaster for 3 years not realizing that you can't just play around with this lethal medication . I just don't understand how this can happen to people like myself and I ended up in hospital.

I just thank God sites like this existed .

Hey cheeky you just wrote my story....cant help think you have just written everyones story actually.

I can still remember the day i had this light bulb moment a 'coming to my senses' and words cannot describe the humiliation, outrage and horror that flooded my being.

This is definitely my story too! Except for me my issues with the Meds started back in 2003 and I lived another 9 years on the roller coaster ride of hell before realizing NONE of it was a condition but ssri induced. I guess better late than never! :)

13 years of Ssri's - celexa, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft

2 fast tapers and 2 cold turkeys over the years

Psych med free since September 4th 2011 - fast tapered then CT'd 12.5 mg of Zoloft

 

 

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”

― Mahatma Gandhi

Link to comment

Hi guys,

Just an update about what's happening with me. Well I have been feeling 95% back to normal with the occasional headache that I have never had before , I'm just happy I got out of the hell hole I have been in the last 3 months.

These are my plans and I appreciate any guidance. I was going to wait 2 months and do the following.

:Reduce Seraquel by 25% and stay on that for 1 month then

:Do what BrassMonkey did by lowing my Paxil by 2.5% per week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 weeks then

: Reduce Sersquel by 25% and stay on that for 10 weeks and so on so on

 

I thought reducing the Seraquel by 25% as I have only been on it for 6 months

What are your thoughts on that ?

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

Link to comment

People please I really need your advise on my tappering !!!!!!!!!!!

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

Link to comment

I wish I had some advice, I did cold turkey (not wise). Wish I could help. I was on paxil 14 or 15 yrs....long time. I wish you well.

Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 

Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout

October 2013 quit cold turkey

Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window

Late November WD nightmare 

Windows and waves pattern 

Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. 

Link to comment

I'm no expert but I think you are doing it ar*eup LOL

 

You are putting a lot of time between each drop but, in my opinion the drop is still too great, no matter how much time you put between each large drop.

 

I reckon smaller drops with long time in beween.

 

I am not an expert, remember.

 

steeley

Prescribed 30mg Mirtazapine approximately 10 years ago.  PTSD 

 

C/T 50% of dose - dreadful, hellish

Begin to reduce by 10% every 3-6 weeks

now:

5.11.14 4.50mg - going to wait a bit longer

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Cheeky ,

 

I think it's a good idea to wait for 2 months before decreasing anything.    You've had a major shake-up and need to let your system just sit for a while.

 

I agree with your plan to decrease Seroquel by 25% increments , for the reasons you state.   You'll know within a few days of decreasing if you went down too much.

Then you can updose as needed.

 

Following brassmonkey's regime to taper your paxil dose , as you describe it , is an overall 10% decrease over 4 weeks , then hold for 2 weeks.   

This is faster that the site recommends  i.e. holding for 4-6 weeks on each dose.

 

As far as integrating tapers of 2 meds concurrently , I'd be erring on the side of caution.

 

nz11 posted an interesting article on alternating tapers.   I'm sure he'll share it with you.

 

Fresh

1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg

2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg

Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta

Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months.

July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months.

Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg.

October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive.

March 2016 , 21mg

Link to comment

I agree with Steeley. Smaller drops with both meds. I'm not a fan of dropping 2.5% a week because some people are so sensitive they find they can't even drop 2.5% a month, much less per week. You have to test the waters first. If it were me I would try dropping the Seroquel first at no more than 10% every few weeks. See how you do and if you find a distinctive pattern than maybe you can try dropping the Paxil at the same time. I'm not really a fan of dropping two meds at once unless you are doing very small drops with each drug. It's hard to tell what symptoms are from which drug when doing a multiple drug taper.

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

Link to comment

So 10% tapper for 6 weeks of the reduced dose. (Sorry I might sound stupid but I think my brain has been fried.)

EXAMPLE If i'm on 40mg of paxil then my next drop would be 36mg for 6 weeks everyday , 32.40mg , 29.16mg and so on so on.........

I'm getting Paxil liquid made up so should I ask for 1ml for every 1mg and get a 10ml syringe, would that be alright ?

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Cheeky I gave you poor advise based on my personal experience with Seroquel (i.e.  I had no problem coming off it after 1 month).

 

Check out the "Symptoms and Self Care section" , there's a thread called Tips for Tapering Seroquel , where Alto explains it clearly.

 

Best to stick to 10% decreases . . .  why risk a stuff-up?

 

Best ,

1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg

2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg

Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta

Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months.

July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months.

Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg.

October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive.

March 2016 , 21mg

Link to comment

So 10% tapper for 6 weeks of the reduced dose. (Sorry I might sound stupid but I think my brain has been fried.)

EXAMPLE If i'm on 40mg of paxil then my next drop would be 36mg for 6 weeks everyday , 32.40mg , 29.16mg and so on so on.........

I'm getting Paxil liquid made up so should I ask for 1ml for every 1mg and get a 10ml syringe, would that be alright ?

 

I just wrote a long post and then my stupid computer deleted it. Argh!

 

Yep that's how it works! Keep in mind that bottles usually come in 200-250 ml sizes, but if you are getting it made up then they might be able to give you bigger bottles. A 250ml bottle at 36mg using a 1ml=1mg suspension would only last you a week. So I would definitely ask how much they are going to give you at a time. I would also get multiple syringes in different sizes so you can do smaller, more precise drops throughout your taper. Maybe a couple of 10s, a couple of 5s and a couple of 1s? 36mg would be easy to do with a 10mg syringe, but it would be harder to get 32.40 unless you had a smaller syringe. I hope that makes sense. And I only suggested that you get more than one of each in case you lose one and also some people find that the numbers can wear off after using one syringe for some time. Just a suggestion.

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

Link to comment

Thanks ladybuy, there's nothing worse when your computer dose that, very frustrating . In Australia the paxil tablets only come in 20mg so I would take most of the tablets and use the liquid for small doses. The pharmacy said he can give me any size bottle that I won't, so that's a good thing.

  One other question, sorry to be a pain but, when you drop down a dose like 40mg to 36mg, you take the 36mg every week for 6 weeks , is that correct ?

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

Link to comment

Thanks ladybuy, there's nothing worse when your computer dose that, very frustrating . In Australia the paxil tablets only come in 20mg so I would take most of the tablets and use the liquid for small doses. The pharmacy said he can give me any size bottle that I won't, so that's a good thing.

  One other question, sorry to be a pain but, when you drop down a dose like 40mg to 36mg, you take the 36mg every week for 6 weeks , is that correct ?

 

Oh I see! I didn't know you were doing a pill/liquid combo. Yeah, a bottle will last you much longer if you are doing that and that's great that the pharmacist can give you any size you want.

 

And yes, you are correct. When you drop in dose you take the new dose every day until your next drop.

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

Link to comment

I'm so scared of this, I just wish there was an easy option. Paxil is Hell !!!!!!!!!!!!!

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

Link to comment

I don't understand what is happening to me. I have been good the last couple of weeks being back on Paxil , but the last couple of days I've been obsessed searching the Internet for people that have come off Paxil and survived. All I end up seeing

Is all the negative stories and I have been worried I will never be able to by drug free or tapper slowly becouse the withdrawals will be too bad, I need to be the parent I was for my kids . Last night I couldn't sleep becouse I was watching YouTube at all the withdrawals stories and I felt soo sad, that made me not be able to sleep. This morning I wake up anixious ,have had a rollarcoaster of emotions as I write this I'm crying. I'm now worried about being in poop out and what I can do about it. When your in poop out is it just as bad as withdrawals and can you still tapper. At the moment I feel like taking more Paxil but I know it will be worse in the long run. Or could it be a bad day . I just can't cope like this and I'm scared, I don't want to be s burden on my family and

I don't want my kids to see me crying. I feel like I'm at a loss. What do you think I could do ?

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

This is a wave Cheeky.     Your system hasn't settled since you reinstated Paxil , but it will.

   

All the fears and worries are part of the package , and they'll come and go for a while yet.    As long as overall things are slowly improving , you're on the right track.

 

There's a good thread in Off-Topic about talking to your kids about what's going on.   I'd try to stick with only positive , calming input , not anything that makes you more scared.

 

I know it's a frightening time , and you're really doing great.

 

Hugs ,

1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg

2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg

Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta

Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months.

July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months.

Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg.

October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive.

March 2016 , 21mg

Link to comment

Thankyou Fresh, I hope its a wave I dont want to take any more medication, I will just have to ride it out. xx

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

 Last night I couldn't sleep becouse I was watching YouTube at all the withdrawals stories and I felt soo sad, that made me not be able to sleep. This morning I wake up anixious ,have had a rollarcoaster of emotions as I write this I'm crying.

 

Its not a good idea to stay up watching disturbing videos, I'm not surprised it kept you awake.  How is your sleep normally?  Are you still taking 50mg seroquel at night? How are you feeling now?  Please keep notes on paper of your symptoms and their intensity, it will help you to see any patterns and know if this reinstatement is helping.

 

Poop-out from antidepressants shouldn't feel like withdrawal.  It just means its no longer providing the helpful effects it did when you originally started taking it.  It may still be causing unhelpful effects (side effects). 

 

Please let us know before you take any more medication, as Fresh suggested, this might just be a wave, or perhaps you actually need less medication. Withdrawal can change the way the nervous system functions and what may have been a tolerated dose previously, now might be too activating.  This is why we suggest reinstating at a low dose and giving it a few weeks to see how your nervous system is going to respond.  Now that 40mg paxil has had 2 - 3 weeks to build up, it might be too much, or you might adjust to it.

 

Please keep good notes and report here of any changes, we will be able to help you decide what to do.  I hope this is just a wave and it settles down soon.

I'm not a doctor.  My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one.

My Introduction Thread

Full Drug and Withdrawal History

Brief Summary

Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects

2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010

Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal

DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms

Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal)

May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins.

Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes

Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine

Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D

June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens.

Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered

Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days.

April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close.

VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from?



VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made?



VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes?



VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects?

VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes

 

 

 

Link to comment

Poop-out from antidepressants shouldn't feel like withdrawal.  It just means its no longer providing the helpful effects it did when you originally started taking it.  It may still be causing unhelpful effects (side effects). 

 

 

Sorry, but that's not necessarily true. When I experienced poop out many years ago I was having withdrawal-like symptoms, even though I was not tapering. It might not "technically" be withdrawal since one is not actively trying to withdraw from the drugs, but the symptoms definitely are similar to withdrawal. One of my biggest poop out symptoms the "whooshes", and I know this symptom was not a side effect as I had already been on the drug a decade at the point and had never experienced it before. I know I am far from the only one to have experienced withdrawal-type symptoms due to poop out.

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

Link to comment

Thanks petunia, I'm still taking the 50mg of Seraquel at night and the 40mg of

Paxil. I think my nervous system has been though alot the last few months since they took me of the paxil. I've been mostly okay but will occasionally have the jitters in my hands ,foggy in my head , aniexty nervousness , feel hot the cold and

Irritable . I was okay the first couple of weeks and yesterday I was okay it just comes on in waves. If I keep busy I try not to think about it, I really want to tapper of the medications but I know I need to give my nervous system a break.

When I start to tapper I'm going to take it very slow, 5% every 6 weeks, just to make sure the Withdrawel isn't too bad and judge it from there .

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

Link to comment

What you are experiencing is pretty common for reinstatements and updoses, based on my experience and those I have seen of others. I was on a generic for several years, and then the manufacturer stopped making it so my pharmacy switched me to one generic one month, and then another the next. I went into bad WD due to these changes. Once I figured out what was causing it I switched to brand name and immediately felt better. It was like night and day. However, after a couple of weeks I started feeling a bit bad again, then that passed and I felt good, then bad again, then I stabilized. I have seen similar things happen to others as well, so just know what you are experiencing is pretty normal and you shouldn't worry about it.

 

Your taper plan of 5% every six weeks sounds like a great place to start! But I wouldn't worry about it right now, just focus on being as kind to your nervous system as possible and that means no scary videos! There are plenty of people who have been able to get off and stay off Paxil. People who have a good taper or an easy time getting of the drug are less likely to make a video and post it than are those who have a particularly rough time. Please keep that in mind.

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

Link to comment

ladybug, it's people like you that make me feel so much better about surviving through this hell , Thankyou for all your advice xx

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

Link to comment

No problem! That's what we're here for, to help each other through this! xx

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

All I end up seeing Is all the negative stories and I have been worried I will never be able to by drug free or tapper slowly becouse the withdrawals will be too bad, I need to be the parent I was for my kids . Last night I couldn't sleep becouse I was watching YouTube at all the withdrawals stories and I felt soo sad, that made me not be able to sleep.

You need to stop searching and watching the negative stories. You are just amping up your anxiety, not a good thing for your poor sensitive nervous system. If you taper slowly enough you will be okay, there are lots of positive stories of people who tapered successfully.

 

I'm now worried about being in poop out and what I can do about it. When your in poop out is it just as bad as withdrawals and can you still tapper.

Poop-out is not as bad as full-on withdrawal and you can still taper in poop-out. Don't jump to any conclusions yet. Bear in mind that after an RI it can be up and down for a while, that is totally normal.

 

Personally I would taper off the Seroquel first before beginning the Paxil taper, but it's up to you.

2001–2002 paroxetine

2003  citalopram

2004-2008  paroxetine (various failed tapers) 
2008  paroxetine slow taper down to

2016  Aug off paroxetine
2016  citalopram May 20mg  Oct 15mg … slow taper down
2018  citalopram 13 Feb 4.6mg 15 Mar 4.4mg 29 Apr 4.2mg 6 Jul 4.1mg 17 Aug 4.0mg  18 Nov 3.8mg
2019  15 Mar 3.6mg  21 May 3.4mg  26 Dec 3.2mg 

2020  19 Feb 3.0mg 19 Jul 2.9mg 16 Sep 2.8mg 25 Oct 2.7mg 23 Oct 2.6mg 24 Dec 2.5mg

2021   29 Aug 2.4mg   15 Nov 2.3mg

Link to comment

thanks Songbird, I'm waiting for my scales to arrive and will start to tapper the  seraquel, Do you think I can do 25% taper every 6 weeks do to only being on it for 6 months. What would you advise ?

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Cheeky , on Feb. 4 you wrote that you were going to wait 2 months before beginning to taper again.  

 

Why on earth have you changed your mind?   I'm just worried that making changes so soon will make you crash again , and you're just starting to come good.

1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg

2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg

Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta

Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months.

July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months.

Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg.

October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive.

March 2016 , 21mg

Link to comment

Yeah fresh, I supose I just won't to get the ball rolling. You are right I am going to

Wait . Thanks xx

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

How did you get on with Dr Lucire Cheeky? 

**I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge.

 

 

Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem)

1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat

2002  effexor. 

Tapered  March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads.

Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013

Restarted taper  Nov 2013  

OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015    :D 

Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014

 

Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg  

 July 2017 30mg.  May 15 2018 25mg

Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. 

 

My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33

 

Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible

 

 

Link to comment

Hey MammaP,

Dr Lucire was very good, I would recommend her to everyone who's taking antidepressants .

She wanted to tapper me a little to quick for my likeing , but said she would support me in any decision I wanted to take.

She is a lovely lady and she isn't doing it for the money, she wants to help people and bring awarenes to the dangers of antidepressants.

I'm going to see her again so I wil keep you updated.

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

thanks Songbird, I'm waiting for my scales to arrive and will start to tapper the  seraquel, Do you think I can do 25% taper every 6 weeks do to only being on it for 6 months. What would you advise ?

 

I would do smaller drops, and then wait to stabilise, which might not take as long as six weeks.  Your system will feel a smaller drop less, and may be able to adjust more quickly.  Are you taking two 25mg tablets?

2001–2002 paroxetine

2003  citalopram

2004-2008  paroxetine (various failed tapers) 
2008  paroxetine slow taper down to

2016  Aug off paroxetine
2016  citalopram May 20mg  Oct 15mg … slow taper down
2018  citalopram 13 Feb 4.6mg 15 Mar 4.4mg 29 Apr 4.2mg 6 Jul 4.1mg 17 Aug 4.0mg  18 Nov 3.8mg
2019  15 Mar 3.6mg  21 May 3.4mg  26 Dec 3.2mg 

2020  19 Feb 3.0mg 19 Jul 2.9mg 16 Sep 2.8mg 25 Oct 2.7mg 23 Oct 2.6mg 24 Dec 2.5mg

2021   29 Aug 2.4mg   15 Nov 2.3mg

Link to comment

Yes I take two 25mg of Seraquel , it will be a bit hard to cut , so I might weight it and file off what I don't want .

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Glad it went well and she is supporting you Cheeky. I would wait a while longer before changing anything else, it hasn't been very long since reinstating and you were quite bad so really need to stabilise. 

**I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge.

 

 

Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem)

1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat

2002  effexor. 

Tapered  March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads.

Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013

Restarted taper  Nov 2013  

OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015    :D 

Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014

 

Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg  

 July 2017 30mg.  May 15 2018 25mg

Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. 

 

My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33

 

Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible

 

 

Link to comment

Thanks mammaP, when do you think it would be wise to start ?, I just hate what these medication has done to me and i worry the longer I stay on it the Harder it will be comming of.

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

Link to comment

I went to see a integrative doctor today and they have given me NeuroCalm by Metagenics it's got Zizphus, Kudz vine, Magnolia and Passion Flower. Has anybody heard about that, I.m abit worried anout taking it. She reccommended one tablet in the morning and one in the afternoon. She also  has tested me for MTHFR which is a gene defect and also fo Pyrrole. She supports me with coming off Seraquel and Paxil, but wants to see if I'm in good health.

  What do you think ?

1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg until 2014

-2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg Seraquel

-2015 tried tapering again and crashed

 

Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 6% per month doing daily micro-taper 

Guided by Mark Horowitz

24/09/23  14.47mg Seroquel.  16.19mg Paxil 

27/11/23.  12.13mg. Seroquel.   13.85mg Paxil

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

I would give it another few weeks Cheeky.  You've changed things a lot and your nervous system needs to stabilise.  You felt fine for a while after reinstating, when did that start to change?   

 

thanks Songbird, I'm waiting for my scales to arrive and will start to tapper the  seraquel, Do you think I can do 25% taper every 6 weeks do to only being on it for 6 months. What would you advise ?

You say here that you have been on Seroquel 6 months, but your sig says October? 

**I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge.

 

 

Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem)

1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat

2002  effexor. 

Tapered  March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads.

Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013

Restarted taper  Nov 2013  

OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015    :D 

Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014

 

Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg  

 July 2017 30mg.  May 15 2018 25mg

Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. 

 

My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33

 

Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

How does the NeuroCalm go for you?  I saw some at my acupuncturist, and was tempted, but didn't bite.

 

What about your tests?  Are you Pyrrhole?  I got diagnosed as Pyroluric 6-8 months ago - and we still don't have my copper right.  I was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue 4-5 months ago, and I don't see any improvement on the supplements, there, either.  The only comfort is - this is from an actual MD, not a naturopath or nutritionist (like "Freeman," Johnny Atman).  That is a comfort to me.

 

Have you been taking magnesium and/or fish oil?  They are the most likely to be helpful.

 

From all I can see you are still making too many changes.  Don't plan to taper ANYthing until May or June.  NOTHING!  (sorry, I don't mean to yell, and this really is a suggestion, as I'm not a medical professional, but base my recommendation on my experience and reading)

 

I'm really curious as to why you want to take the Seroquel down first.  I don't want to confuse things with another opinion, but I believe that the seroquel will help you survive the Paxil withdrawal.  I would not take it any lower than 25 mg.  And I would not take it down too fast.  I know, I have the same pills you do (they sit in my bedstand reminding me NOT to take them!) - they are hard, tiny little buggers and hard to cut.  But you can at least taper by 12.5 mg at a time (half a tab).  You could even cut it into quarters, with a good pill cutter - but that's really small.

 

I would only cut the seroquel once a month.  No shorter - and maybe longer - 6 weeks - 8 weeks.  And if I were facing a Paxil taper - one of the most challenging tapers on the planet - I would  hold at 25 mg Seroquel, and stay there until the Paxil was done, or very very low.  Do you remember brain zaps from your previous withdrawal?  Seroquel might ease some of those symptoms.

 

 AT THIS LEVEL (under 100mg) Seroquel is *not* an antipsychotic, but instead binds to your histamine receptors. Like a Phenergan, only "brainier."  That's why it makes you sleepy.  And that's about all it does - sure you will wake up fuzzy in the morning, but when you start tapering the Paxil, you will be grateful for that sleep.

 

WHY did you increase your Paxil again?  You are only delaying your stability, delaying your taper.  Every time you make a major change, you are slowing down the process.

 

I wish you the best, but I was really afraid to jump into this fray.  So many people with so many opinions hasn't made your decision making process any easier.

 

I hope things are going better for you.

"Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna

 

Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again.

 

My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices.

 

A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia.   CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013.   Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine).     Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 -  Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years  on Lithium).  Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made.


The tedious thread (my intro):  JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium

The happy thread (my success story):  JanCarol - Undiagnosed  Off all bipolar drugs

My own blog:  https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

Link to comment

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use Privacy Policy