squirrel Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 (edited) I have been taking my blood pressure as doc requested and its persistently on the low side is this common for us? Edited March 24, 2011 by surviving clarified topic title Started Seroxat(Paxil) for panic attacks in 1997 stopped the drug in 2005 tapered over 3 months ( doctors advice) Suffered severe and protracted withdrawl ever since. No other medication taken. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted March 23, 2011 Administrator Share Posted March 23, 2011 Some people seem to get lower blood pressure and some people get higher blood pressure. I had higher blood pressure. Acupuncture was very helpful. My blood pressure is normal now. Blood pressure is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which gets whacked by withdrawal syndrome. So blood pressure problems are quite common. People with low blood pressure are often encouraged to drink enough water. This can help increase blood pressure. Do you have other blood pressure symptoms, such as faintness upon standing? 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Healing Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 I think some people eat more salt to help with low blood pressure. 1996-97 - Paxil x 9 months, tapered, suffered 8 months withdrawal but didn't know it was withdrawal, so... 1998-2001 - Zoloft, tapered, again unwittingly went into withdrawal, so... 2002-03 - Paxil x 20 months, developed severe headaches, so... Sep 03 - May 05 - Paxil taper took 20 months, severe physical, moderate psychological symptoms Sep 03 - Jun 05 - took Prozac to help with Paxil taper - not recommended Jul 05 to date - post-taper, severe psychological, moderate physical symptoms, improving very slowly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopeful Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 I think some people eat more salt to help with low blood pressure. Two years post w/d I had a bout with low blood pressure and was told to eat more salt. It cleared up on its own and is now normal. Began Paxil 10/97* Paxil free 10/16/04 (tapered over 2.5 months) Severe withdrawal 12/04 started Lexapro due to Paxil w/d symptoms (tapered over 4 months) Lexapro free 8/2/05 2 1/2 year severe protracted withdrawal Doing well now with a few residual symptoms Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solida Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 I used to wearing support stockings to keep the blood pressure up. lg solida Sept.2007 Citalopram for burn out,reverse reaction Paroxetin 20mg,5 weeks,had to stop because of reverse reaction after a manic episode,severe withdrawal hit after 6 weeks, hospitalization twice,during the first 2 years withdrawal got worse and worse disabled since Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solida Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 I used to wearing support stockings to keep the blood preassure up. lg solida Sept.2007 Citalopram for burn out,reverse reaction Paroxetin 20mg,5 weeks,had to stop because of reverse reaction after a manic episode,severe withdrawal hit after 6 weeks, hospitalization twice,during the first 2 years withdrawal got worse and worse disabled since Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squirrel Posted March 24, 2011 Author Share Posted March 24, 2011 just feel incredibly weak and dizzy most of the time Started Seroxat(Paxil) for panic attacks in 1997 stopped the drug in 2005 tapered over 3 months ( doctors advice) Suffered severe and protracted withdrawl ever since. No other medication taken. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexjuice Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 just feel incredibly weak and dizzy most of the time Yes, I've had this. I get to mid day and can't really stand or think, talk even. My blood pressure has been all over the place, but recently it's been quite low and this correlates with my fatigue and disorientation. I tried increasing sodium intake by drinking a can of chicken broth (no msg, 1700mg sodium) but that made me even weaker, though maybe this method is flawed. When I am that weak, there isn't much I can do. I don't feel any worry or anxiety though. I'm too fatigued and weak for that. So a sliver lining! Squirrel, do you feel the weakness all day long? I am usually okay in energy/clarity for 4-7 hours after waking before I start to weaken. Alex.I "Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me. Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there Everybody's got to move somewhere Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow Things should start to get interesting right about now." - Zimmerman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squirrel Posted March 30, 2011 Author Share Posted March 30, 2011 usually I feel better as the day goes on and by evening although sometimes I can feel it all day Started Seroxat(Paxil) for panic attacks in 1997 stopped the drug in 2005 tapered over 3 months ( doctors advice) Suffered severe and protracted withdrawl ever since. No other medication taken. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexjuice Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 usually I feel better as the day goes on and by evening although sometimes I can feel it all day That sounds tough. You have my sympathies. Even on my bad days, I typically get the first part of the day to be somewhat functional before the crap settles in and I can't do squat. The interesting thing for me is that the diastolic bp (lower number) stays in a tight range, 55-65, almost always. This is historically low for me. The weird part is that systolic goes all over the map... from 87 - 110+ but is usually in the 90s, also low for me. Not sure what to make of it... best wishes, Alex.I "Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me. Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there Everybody's got to move somewhere Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow Things should start to get interesting right about now." - Zimmerman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplestars22 Posted April 21, 2016 Share Posted April 21, 2016 I have had low blood pressure throughout my wd readings from: 90/60- 110/70. It leaves me extremely fatigued throughout the whole day, brain fog, sluggish, out of it feeling, unable to concentrate. It's just really debilitating I drink more water and increase my salt intake but it does not seem to help. Celexa 20mg 2008-2012 for Social Anxiety Failed attempt to stop reinstated 1 year taper skipping doses Celexa free 12/2013 1/2014-5/2014 took 5 htp every other day Failed Reinstatement 5mg of Celexa on 12/2014 for 5 days only Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FightingForHope Posted April 21, 2016 Share Posted April 21, 2016 I too have had low blood pressure for years, usually on the low side of normal .... a few years ago dangerously low, on and off, so that I would have fainting spells; the doctors couldn't find anything wrong me or a reason for my fainting, but it must have been the meds? About 20 year history on and off SSRIs, beginning with Prozac 20mg (?) then Lexapro (from which I unwittingly did a traumatic and disastrous cold turkey) then last 14 years on Paxil 20mg, then 10mg, with unsuccessful attempts at cessation Finally successfully tapered from 20mg to 0 over the last year. Last dose was on 12/11/2015. I was also prescribed Clonazepam concomitantly for anxiety, to take as needed. I took about 0.125mg to 0.5mg, 0 to twice weekly (?). Stopped taking altogether beginning April 2016. Overall my recollection of this timeline is scattered - lots of life and doctor changes, moves, poor record keeping on my part, and my memory has not been the best lately, but I am noticing improvements. Also took antihistamines and decongestants for years for chronic allergies, all of which I also stopped Dec 2015. Currently taking fish oil, pro-biotics, Vit. D for deficiency, and Magnesium (but only occasionally). End of April 2016 started taking Trader Joe's "Calming Sleep Formula" which seemed to help; it is L-Theanine 200mg, 5-HTP 30mg, and Melatonin 3mg - but I read 5-HTP affects serotonin, so I am going to stop that also, and try only Melatonin instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peachy Posted October 3, 2018 Share Posted October 3, 2018 Anyone experience problems with low blood pressure? I've become exercise intolerant. I start to get light headed and really weak, then I turn pale and feel like I'm going to vomit. I also get dizzy and shaky. I even felt a pain in my chest and right arm today... I also get dizzy upon just standing somedays. I know my blood pressure is low bc I had to go to the ER with a stomach issue a few weeks ago, and they said I was dehydrated and had very low blood pressure. Which didn't make sense bc I hadn't been throwing up or diarrhea. Just pain and a fever. When I went for a follow up, they told me my blood pressure was still very low. Thoughts? Is this WD related, or should I look into it? med history: 17 years total Concerta: 2 yrs - cold turkey, brought on first "depression" Short trials of Zoloft and Effexor: 1-3 years - multiple cold turkey's brought on OCD intrusive thoughts for the first time Lexapro 15-20 mg (16 yrs) - tried to quit once, cold turkey, worst WD ever, had to go on to 20mg to stop WD Welbutrin 150mg (8-ish yrs) NO w/d symptoms from CT Adderall 5-7.5mg (8-10-ish yrs) quit CT, brought on many WD symptoms, but manageable. Begin taper March 2018 : Currently on 4.4 mg lexapro - down from 20mg Symptoms : depression, horrible intrusive thoughts and urges, new onset PMS/PMDD, constant extreme irritation and anger, visual hallucinations, irrational thinking patterns, panic, nausea, dizzy, intolerance to working out, chemical sensitivities, noise sensitivities, memory issues, heart palps, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meimeiquest Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 I think it could be withdrawal or something else. There are conditions such as neurocardiogenic syncope and POTS that exist apart from WD, but I think they are also related to the autonomic nervous system. Right now I’m working on problems with low anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) which is made in the pituitary, it might be from my mold-related problems, I think it’s your call, but lots of water and sea salt are key. Sometimes spironolactone is used as well, from what little I know. But I think exercise intolerance can lead to a downhill slide in being able to cope with WD. 1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms. Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12 Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13 Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15 11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble) 9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol 7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol 56 years old Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junglechicken Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 My diastolic bp has been lower these days. Overall, my bp has been "normal". Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD). Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal. Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy. Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum. "Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals. Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions). Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking. Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO. April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol. 25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L). Symptoms: Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing). **Histhamine intolerance (suspected). Major Life Events: Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016 My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs) Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018 "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018 Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evss Posted October 10, 2018 Share Posted October 10, 2018 I'm exercise intolerant due to POTS. I also have low blood pressure, could be an adrenal thing. I have a history of severe adrenal fatigue before meds. I also have tachycardia and heart palps. Severe fatigue and insomnia but I take antihistamines to sleep and it works. Seroquel 10-30mg nightly late July 2017- September 2017 Amitriptyline 25-150 mg late October 2017- mid February 2018 Occasional hydroxizine/antihistamine usage throughout Phenibut 6000 mg every 48 hours April 2017- July 2017 Currently taking 1.5 mg klonopin Supplements: Pantothenic Acid 1000mg extended release Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurkeyCold Posted June 12, 2019 Share Posted June 12, 2019 Since being in withdrawal my blood pressure usually is around 100/60, formerly it was 125/80. I often feel the urge to eat salty food, and I do indulge in that craving. Furthermore, I try to drink enough water as it's recommended here as well. Medical history: 11/2015 - Duloxetin 30mg, 12/2015 - Duloxetin 60mg, 4/2016 - CT 8/2016 - Duloxetin 60mg, 2/2017 - Duloxetin 30mg, 4/2017 - CT 7/2017 - Duloxetin 60mg, 9/2017 - Duloxetin 30mg, 11/2017 - CT 3.5.2018 - Milnacipran 25mg, 10.5.2018 - Milnacipran 50mg, 20.5.2018 - Milnacipran 25mg, 24.5.2018 - CT and protracted WD Supplements: none Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimi11 Posted July 14, 2019 Share Posted July 14, 2019 Hi all, Has anyone stabilized after having low blood pressure? Any medications that helped? I've tried compression stockings, drinking more water, salt etc and have had very little improvement. I'm usually in the low 90s/low 60s and it makes me feel awful. Intense fatigue, brain fog, lethargy. The low blood pressure started at the end of year 2 into year 3 post withdrawal and has lasted about a year. I had one day this week where my blood pressure was 117/66 and I felt like a million bucks! I did find an old thread about low blood pressure and it sounded very familiar. Just wondering if anyone has any more info to share. Thanks! Celexa 10 mg ( approx 5 years), reduced to 5mg (approx 10 years). Prescribed for anxiety and panic. Started tapering July 2015-2.5 mg for a month, then 2.5 every other day. Kept tapering until October when I took my last crumb. Almost 4 years drug free and WD symptoms are evolving constantly. Some improved, some new. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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