paxilprogress

Liquid Paxil

vetteman — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:00:12 GMT

My Dr. has now given me liquid paxil, so I went from 10 mg to 9 mg. Had no "physical symptoms" but have been ultra depressed for a week now. I switched about two weeks ago. Is this normal? Does the liquid have a different effect. As usual under a lot of stress from my job.

Drops vs effective or working dose

Mantaray — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:42:26 GMT

At what level did you guys/gals notice no changes in you from your drops.
I am on lexapro 3mg down dropping .5mg every 3 weeks.
I figure at some point I am going to reach a dose where lexapro is not helping me at all or wondering if I have already reached that.

I am noticing I am more anxious now during my 3 weeks prior to a drop and obsess more over sleep and sleep less.

How much should I start to decrese?

maui — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:37:22 GMT

Hi I am on 20mg of celexa, but I believe this has stopped doing its magic sometime in the winter, now the poison is setting in.
So I guess I'm going to attemp to w/d. Any suggestions since I believe I am in poop out, as they say?
I have a pill cutter and a weight watchers scale if that helps...

Marine Phytoplankton?

sid82 — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:34:51 GMT

Marine Phytoplankton-is this a safe supplement?

Dr. Jerry Tennant, M.D. says that marine phytoplankton contains almost everything one needs to sustain life and to restore health by providing the raw materials to make new cells that function normally. Marine phytoplankton has been called "the most nutritionally dense foods on the planet". Containing a wide range of trace elements, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, enzymes and cellular materials, marine phytoplankton promotes and maintains optimum health by boosting and supporting all systems within the body. Its antioxidants and unique polysaccharides can halt the genetic mutations that can lead to cancer. Both high levels of saccharides and adaptogens increase energy and stamina by improving our ability to consume and use oxygen. Adaptogens also improve cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and circulation. more about marine phytoplankton's healing power

Good song for us all....

aberdeen — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:22:32 GMT

I posted this in my journal but here is better....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thYL4kGCcFQ

"Long Nights" Eddie Vedder

Anyone seen the 'adjustment bureau'?

cipher0413 — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:45:42 GMT

Just came to this line where one of the actors says 'Recalibrations make tiny changes in the way people reason. It doesn't work on emotions or personality. It's too intrusive.'

So... I guess we can all pretty much agree how intrusive a thing it is to be having something that changes our personality and emotions. It's not just us who goes through hell of a withdrawal, but people out there, who hasn't gone through what we went through, who has common sense and who can reason normally, can definitely agree to that too. So how is it that these pills called antidepressants are out there being sold and being labelled as 'medications', that are needed to fix people...

My soul cries. Whatever's left of it that is.

Hello again!

maui — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:36:14 GMT

Just wanted to drop in and say hi and looking for some help.
I haven't been on here for a long time, I was doing good. Although I believe my Celexa has stopped working. So I am back, I am just so glad this site is here, it gives me some relief!

Tap Water

schwanke — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:16:27 GMT

Hey guys,

I know it's kind of conspiracy thinking but I hear a lot about how drugs make their way into tap water. Should those (me) who are sensitive to SSRIs be drinking tap water? It sounds like a ridiculous question but I just want to know what the pros here at PP think. The last thing I want to do is give my tired brain even the smallest dose of these poisons.

SSRI withdraws

LostAngel — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:09:46 GMT

anyone suffering bad from quitting ssri?

OMG I think the anhedonia is lifting!

aberdeen — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:33:39 GMT

Wow...I dropped another dose last week. I know this anhedonia started when I got on Paxil...despite all the hell I've endured over the last few years with SSRI's that was never a symptom, even in acute withdrawal. Then while I was tapering ONTO Paxil...I lost my feelings when I went from 15mg to 20mg. I just tapered down to 16.25mg last week and noticed today I feel kinda like my old self towards some of my favorite songs. Not full force, not 100%, but BETTER!! And it's old familiar feelings, positive ones nothing has been altered at all, just the same as it always was. Wonder how I could have drawn a blank all these months when these feelings feel so normal.

The psychological challenge of withdrawl

JeffroUK — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:01:41 GMT

Hey everyone, just wanted to share some of my thoughts and experiences encountered whilst trying to withdraw from Seroxat/Paxil.

Since dropping (admit-ably too quickly) from 20mg too 13mg withdrawl took hold around 6-7 weeks ago, since then I have been on an anxiety/worry rollercoaster!! At times it has been quite acute and I do put alot of it down too the chemical effects of reducing my dose, especially so quickly! However I think alot of it is also down to a fear of being unable too cope without Seroxat/Paxil, an inner worry that you cannot deal with life without your Paxil security blanket!! and as such it almost inevitable that you are going too feel, very anxious and that you cant cope with these feelings! making you want to return to your safer more enjoyable Paxil mind! its a self fulfilling prophecy.... and it makes withdrawl all the more difficult!

The first two weeks of my withdrawl were clearly predominately down too chemical withdrawl, however once it goes on for a few weeks and you still feel just as crap you naturally start too question if there is something more going on? and self doubt creeps in. I think its quite rational to believe alot of the anxiety I, and many other people going through with withdrawl experience is down to a fear of being able to cope, especially if youve been on it a while!

Basically my reason for posting is too share this experience, see if anyone else has had something similar and ultimately too help people going through a similar situation find the resolve too see withdrawl through!!. Its so easy to think that maybe your not ready too come off, maybe your not strong enough to cope without it. My fight or flight has kicked in heavily, meaning the my subconscious thinks im in a dangerous situation and i need to escape! much of that may be chemical withdrawl but much of it maybe my mind assuming that the danger is basically coming off Paxil! I guess it comes down to accepting that as a real possibility, and using that as motivation rather than a reason to return to taking my full dose.... Its the classic avoidance behaviour, if a situation makes you feel anxious and panicky, you want to get out of that situation... however the best thing you can do is face that situation head on, show your mind and yourself that you can cope, you did it before you started taking meds right? If you go back to taking your full dose your just reaffirming the fear you cant cope without them, making it harder in the future!

Im saying this but all i want to do is start taking 20mg again so i can stop feeling like the world is ending!! I guess its a similar thing with depression, its all about staring your demons in the face and showing them your not afraid anymore!

Jeff

feeling terrible at 5 1/2 months off!!

Hip2bme — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:53:00 GMT

Hello everyone,

My last update was approx 3 months ago at 2 months off, and mainly it was concerning anxiety and stress as well as some physical withdrawls (ringing ears/lack of sleep/stomache issues)

The good news is that most of my physical symptoms have pretty much cleared up-no more gastritis/sleeping normaly and tinitus mostly gone, and for this I am appreciative.

The bad news is that mentally I feel like crap. Ill elaborate. For the past 2 weeks or so I have been feeling like a shell, dont know if its depression or what, I force myself to smile or even joke, I have a lack of energy and I dont really feel like going out! Working is the worst, I feel delayed, not sharp at all, in fact it feels like I dont know what the hell Im doing, I second guess myself all the time and my boss is picking up on this. My eating habits I guess are still fine. Also my brain is a bit foggy like im passing though life in slow motion. I defnitely am more sentitive to stress, but I try to cope and push through it.

The worse thing is that the above feelings then amplifies my anxiety, and creates a vicious circle....

Has anybody else felt like this at 5 and a half months out? Is this still withdrawl or something else. The crazy thing is that the other day I told my Fiance that I had zero feelings for her and that we should maybe not marry, but it does feel like I have fallen out of love??? This is very strange and scary!!

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!!

Potatoes not Prozac

jr1985 — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:30:47 GMT

I wonder if anyone else has read this book?

I thought it was very good and intend to follow the 7 steps to getting off sugar and onto healthy foods.

For those who haven't read it, the book claims certain people are genetically prone to sugar addiction (or sugarsensitivity). This leads to mood swings, depression, anxiety, poor concentration, etc. The author claims that by following her steps you can "balance" 3 chemicals - blood sugar, serotonin and beta-endorphin. These being "unbalanced" can cause the previously mentioned issues. So by following her steps - eating protein breakfast, keeping food journal, eating 3 protein meals per day, switching from whites to browns, eating a potatoe before bed, eliminating sugar and finally changing your life - you can greatly improve your mood, etc.

Each step much be followed in sequence and mastered before moving onto the next.

It might only work if you truly are sugarsensitive and that is causing your depression/anxiety. But the ultimate goal is to eat healthily, which benefit everyone.

song about drugging

julieannboo — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:20:39 GMT

good piece in todays daily mail newspaper, uk

julieannboo — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:36:01 GMT

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/ar...-problems.html

Prozac

sid82 — Tue, 15 May 2012 05:17:56 GMT

If this medication has longer half life,then why isnt everyone prescribed this first?

Is it worth it to taper and live miserably for few months before the brain chemistry reverses?

How do you hold a job on meds with lack of creativity or after meds when life is miserable.

Need Quick Dosing Help!

wanting2quit — Tue, 15 May 2012 03:22:00 GMT

OMG... I am trying not to have a panic attack over this right now, I am so upset!

So... I have been taking 5 mg generic lexapro, in PILL form.

Tonight, I am switching to generic lexapro, in LIQUID form.

My bottle says "ESCITALOPRAM 5MG/ML". The directions say "TAKE 5ML by mouth every day".

Call me crazy... but MG and ML is NOT the same... correct???

According to the tapering sticky thread here, 5MG = 2.5ML. So, shouldn't I be taking 2.5ML, and not 5ML?

I am SO upset that the doctor could have made such an oversight!!! He knew I was taking 5MG... what was he thinking??? Unless it was an oversight of the pharmacy? I don't know. And, I am upset that if it weren't for this forum (Thank God!!!), I would be taking 5ML tonight, which would equal 10MG!!!

Can someone please just reassure me that I should in fact me taking 2.5ML, not 5?

Good Lord...

Akathesia rls 6 months

oxygenman — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:12:47 GMT

I have been medication free for 6 months and the akathesia and rls does not let up I have lost 35 lbs my sleep is bad. Any suggestions on how to dill with this and how to make it heal it's driving me crazy I don't no how much more I could take:bomb2: :bomb2: :bomb2: :bomb2: :bomb2:

weird lil ailments.. my 2nd toe on my left foot

johnDinvegas — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:11:52 GMT

i cant get it to go over my big toe (the tendon or somthing is too tight) right foot its done easily..

anyone have anthing like this?

Omega 3 and Magnesium

wanting2quit — Mon, 14 May 2012 21:05:24 GMT

I stocked up on both this weekend. The Omega 3 is 1000 mg, and it says to take 3 pills a day, after each meal.

I also got 400 mg pills of magnesium. It says to take one daily.

Now, my questions...

What is the amount of Omega 3 I should be taking?
What is the amount of magnesium I should be taking?
I just noticed on the back of the mag bottle that it magnesium oxide, and I read on here this morning that the body doesn't absorb it. Shoot! Should I even bother taking these, or should I try and find some that aren't magnesium oxide?

Thanks!!!

My Fight Toward Freedom

wanting2quit — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:50:29 GMT

I just noticed in my profile that I have been a member here since 2006. 2006!!! And here I am, just now starting a journal and attempting to do this the right way. I haven't been suffering all of these years... I have been raising kids, building a family, and enjoying my life for the most part. And for the most part, medicated. I haven't been enjoying life nearly as much as I think I can though, and that is what leads me here... again.

What has taken me so long? Stubbornness? Denial? Fear? I need to tell myself that it doesn't matter. It just matters that I am here now. Fully here. Not just lurking and worrying, but learning and playing an active role in my recovery.

When You Have to School Pharmacy Techs...

wanting2quit — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:33:45 GMT

So, my liquid Lexapro took longer to get in the pharmacy than expected. It arrived yesterday. I went to pay, and the pharmacist said "That will be $87!"

My eyes bugged out of my head, and explained to her that it was generic, and that I didn't even pay that much for brand Lexapro. She then told me that there is no generic lexapro in liquid form. I explained to her that there was, and she insisted there wasn't, and that the pill form had only been approved a month ago. I told her I was aware of that, but that I was also aware that there is a generic. I told her I wasn't going to buy it.

She then, and only then decided to check her computer. Sure enough, there IS a generic liquid form! Duh! And, it is only going to cost my $4.00! Bad news is that they now have to order the generic in. Ugh. At least it is affordable though... so annoying!

Generic vs. Brand

wanting2quit — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:29:35 GMT

Another post I was reading made me think about this...

Is there really a difference between brand meds and generic? Aren't they regulated by law to use the same ingredients?

I ask because my insurance changed and no longer covers brand Lexapro. They do cover generic though. I have been on generic for about a month or so, and haven't noticed anything different. I am getting ready to go on generic liquid as well.

Wave Update: Cautiously Optimistic

schwanke — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:05:02 GMT

Hi guys,

Just wanted to give a little update on my bad wave. I'm feeling better. My sleep is getting better, my constant, intrusive thoughts are calming down, I can focus, my anxiety is improving, and I'm a bit more motivated. My head is still buzzing and foggy but the improved sleep is definitely making things easier to deal with. I hope this means I am back on the upswing and my little adventure back into acute withdrawal is waning. It was really bad, though, and I'm still really shaken from the feelings I had last week. I'm still scared, but hoping this all means I'm still healing and on the way to being 'normal' again.

Hang in there guys.

When did you start to feel better?

jr1985 — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:49:06 GMT

Those of you who had side effects on your SSRI and tapered slowly, when did you start to feel better? and at what dose? i.e. 50% of the original, 75% of the original?

why some struggle on slow weaning especially at low doses.

markca — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:26:44 GMT

heres why i believe people have trouble even at a slow wean..and at a low dose...the drug is not evenly distributed in the pill (the pill contains ...for lack of a better word...packing to hold the drug together in pill form..as a result things are not evenly distributed) this will mean that when slicing the pill you have no way of knowing what proportion of drug you are truely accessing.eg you might cut the pill down to 5mg (ie 25%) but inactual fact be ingesting 30%of the drug, then do the same cut the next day and take 5mg but in reality you are ..on this day actually taking 20%drug (say).
this is why i believe at the smaller amounts things may go wild.....you are not actually taking what you think you are.....and people struggle.
i hope this makes sense ...i probably havent explained it well enough.

does this also occur with liquid? my guess is liquid may give a truer result ie you are taking what you think you are...

13 months off

caperjackie — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:10:41 GMT

Today is 13 months and 'I feel good' ..... The 12 month wave was over in a couple of weeks and once gone I thought 'that wasn't so bad, what was I complaining about', yet while I was in it, felt very sorry for myself. Strange how this works...... but it has taught me a lesson that I hope I will remember should another wave hit.
The horrible, debilitating, chemically induced anxiety (along with the crippling depression) has not come back since months 6 - 9. Yes I have had anxiety but this was my original issue and frankly, after going through that intense stuff the original anxiety is a walk in the park.
Still have a few issues (the tinnitus is really appalling) but overall things are going well. Having 'been there' I know that it could be a lot, lot worse so I am grateful for where I am today and oh so grateful to be off this foul poison.
The veterans are right - it DOES get easier, so hang in there everyone ......

Almost 4year update

staceyw — Mon, 14 May 2012 03:37:48 GMT

Hello! I wanted to stop by and leave an update on my journey since my last Paxil dose on June 2008. I'm not sure if my signature still displays, but basically after 8 years of doses from 10 to 40 mg, I tapered pretty quickly from 40mg to 2.5 in 6 months. Yes it was hell at first but got better with time. Do I still struggle with depression? Yes I do...I've had depression and anxiety since I was 12 so I guess it's here to stay. I've never treated my symptoms prior to starting Paxil at the age of 32 bc basically, a hate to take pils. Yet, there are some days now, that I long for those glory days when I first began Paxil and everything was sunshine and roses. There is not a day that goes by that I don't remember the agony of the last 3 years I was on Paxil feeling drugged crazy and depressed.

Anyway, since 2008, I still have struggled with depression and have even gone so far as to get scripts for cymbalta and then lexapro, never took the cymbalta bci knew I would have difficulty tapering on those capsules. The levapro gave me severe GI distress after only two days of taking a half of a pill. I finally begged and rec a script for .25 of klonopin which I take maybe once or twice a week (I half the pill).

The good news is that, I'm still functioning at full speed even though the majority of the time am anxious and depressed. I help run our business and home, take care of kids and dogs, and am working on my bachelors in nursing. Yes, depression kicks my but most days, but I am managing it with exercise and just basically a very good support system.

Getting off of Paxil didn't cure all of my problems, but it did take away some that we're especially troubling. If I ever need to go back to work full-time as a nurse, I might need to take something--for the sake of my patients but I will cross that bridge when I come to it, and won't blindly take the first pill they drag from the sample closet!

Stacey

Question for those of you with light sensitivity

Bob50UF — Mon, 14 May 2012 01:02:15 GMT

I have some light sensitivity. What happens when you encounter bright lights? does it make you foggy headed and tired, like it does for me? I also find that the computer screen is much worse to look at. I can read much better out of a book than off of a computer screen. I feel like the light sensitivity is related to my not being able to handle a lot of visual stimuli. For example, going to a movie (loud speakers, big screen) is rough for me.

Also, being outside when there is a lot going on (traffic, movement, etc...) increases my symptoms such as brain fog and fatigue. Can anyone relate or add on to this?

No better than placebo?

jr1985 — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:41:58 GMT

There have been studies that claim both SSRI's and CBT are no better than placebo. Yet many people claim to have been helped by both. Why do you think this is?

I just dont understand this discrepancy.

Ive started doing TEA Forms, but it's discouraging to read that it may be no better than placebo. Even though I believe I, and many others, have been helped by CBT. Have we just been fooled?

Would love some advice - Paxil to Prozac

eden.may — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:05:40 GMT

Hi everyone,

I would love some advice on my current situation. I am a bit unsure how to approach my switch from Paxil to Prozac. I have already been to the psychiatrist, but I thought I would gather some thoughts from people who have perhaps done this before, or those who just have some advice!

So my background with Paxil: I have been on Paxil for 2.5 years. I was first prescribed Paxil after a series of panic attacks in 2009, which led me to starting 20mg of Paxil. The first few weeks were an absolute living hell, but everything calmed down after a bit.

In July 2011, I started weaning myself off Paxil. I followed the good advice of others and began the 10% every 2-3 weeks. Everything went fine, until I got to about 7mg. Granted, this could also be attributed to the fact that it is REALLY difficult to cut the pill according to the specific mgs. However, at 7mg I started, for lack of a better word, going crazy. My concentration was shot. I couldn't do addition in my head (which for my job, is a serious problem). I felt awful physically and I was an emotional wreck. Constantly crying and feeling so desolate. The best was to describe it was I felt dissociated. I felt as though everything I saw wasn't real... Anyways, I immediately went back up to 12.5mgs and everything calmed down. I felt better instantly. So I have been on 12.5mgs ever since.

At the beginning of this year, I decided I wanted to get off Paxil. I feel that this isn't the right medication for me. I still get waves of anxiety and loss of focus a lot. Not only that, but since being on the drug I have gone from 62kgs to 77kgs. I could deal with the weight gain, but the problem is I CAN'T LOSE ANY WEIGHT. Not only that - but my appetite is a constant source of problem for me. If I get hungry, I can't concentrate on anything until I eat. I feel awfully sick if I don't. So all of these factors combined led me to want to get off Paxil.

In February I went to see a psychiatrist. This was after seeing a GP who had no idea what he was talking about and was going to prescribe me 70mgs of Lepraxo just to shut me up. So I booked in to see a psychiatrist. He decided the best course of action for me was to switch from 12.5mgs of Paxil to 20mgs of Prozac, and he also prescribed me some Valium to help me deal with the withdrawal effects. From my past experience, I haven't found Valium to be very effective when dealing with panic attacks, but I decided to take the prescription in case the withdrawal effects got really bad.

I hadn't started the process because I was back at uni the next week and I honestly couldn't face the idea of experiencing those withdrawal symptoms while trying to complete uni. I decided to stick it out until the mid year holidays, when I could take off some time to just sit at home and deal with the withdrawal effects.

So now I am at the point where the uni holidays are beginning. To be honest, I am terrified of going through these withdrawal symptoms again, but I want to get off Paxil. What I would like advice on is how to switch drugs. My psychiatrist told me to start taking the Prozac and go down off Paxil 2.5mgs every 2 days. But I am also aware that Prozac is a 'long term' effects drug whereas Paxil is 'short term'. So I was wondering, has anyone done this before and how did you do it?

I am worried about the first day of taking 20mgs of Prozac and the interaction with 12.5mgs of Paxil. I wonder if I will feel on top of the world, or if I will feel overloaded with the drug. I am wondering if the first day I should take 10mgs of Paxil and 20mgs of Prozac. Then I am also curious how long between days should I wait to wean myself down off the Paxil. 2 days seems pretty short to me, especially if Prozac hasn't started working yet.

I know at the end of the day I should follow the advice of my psychiatrist, however I would also be interested in the opinion of people who KNOW how horrible the withdrawal effects of Paxil can be, and what advice they would give to me.

I would love to hear from you!

Eden:stooge_curly:

I feel like..

Bilo76 — Sun, 13 May 2012 23:07:20 GMT

...i am actually in a coma and these past 9 months are a dream. While i am fighting in the hospital for my life i am in this weird dream...and the pain i feel now like my burning nerves is a manifest in my coma-dream from the real pain.

Man it scares me. Cause a part of me doubts if this is true. It would make sense. That i wake up and it was all a dream. Pfff i am losing it. I hope i am not becoming psychotic or something. I must keep telling myself that this is real life.

Happy Mother's Day!

aberdeen — Sun, 13 May 2012 13:28:13 GMT

This one goes out for all the Moms on here, hug your kids, who cares if you feel like a statue and can't feel it inside, they can. Keep doing all the things you do, even on automatic pilot, because it matters to them, and that small part of you that is still alive in there, will be able to remember it and feel good about it later, once you're normal again. Take pictures, make memories that will be waiting on the other side of this nightmare for us. You aren't really missing anything, because our little (and bigger) ones have no idea what's going on inside us so they aren't suffering half as much as we do, thank God. We might be missing a sense of joy but the memories of these times will do what all memories do, soften up and become beautiful, no matter how ugly at the time. Happy Mother's Day, we deserve a freaking medal for mothering through this BS. We're gonna be top notch hard core veterans to suffering one day and it will only make us better. Imagine the lectures on perserverance and courage we'll be able to give our kids one day. Priceless. It's the school of Hard Knocks for us right now, but it'll be for the good one day. Hang in there!

Anyone experience mania only while on Paxil?

GatorMajik — Sun, 13 May 2012 04:16:03 GMT

I spoke with my Dr. yesterday about my experience with Paxil. He told me that what I had explained was a Manic episode, told me I'm probably bi-polar and tried to get me started on anti psychotic meds, as an alternative to SSRI's. I refused told him that I only experienced this while on Paxil and through it's withdrawals, and that if I ever experience Mania again then I'll consider treatment. Of course in his mind Paxil withdrawals can not last more than 2 weeks so my 8 weeks of these symptoms after Paxil is just evidence that I have Mania, and it was exposed when my depression and anxiety were alleviated from SSRI use. This manic episode lasted pretty much the entirety of my Paxil use, so 2 or 3 years. Honestly I loved the feeling, and my sex drive went out of control, had lots of GF's, which I would have never done, but I often had blackouts and just didn't appreciate waking up in jail. I just continued engaging in risk taking behavior while on Paxil. Anyway I quit cold turkey several times, always with the same effect, I would blackout, wake up days later with physical injures and back on Paxil wondering WTF happened. Finally started a taper, same thing's happened except I would wake up in between blackouts, hallucinating on every level. Finally had a moment of clarity, I called my father told him to take me to a mental health facility. He found me passed out on the floor, but took me there. So I've been off 5 months and feel 90%. I was having black outs about once a week while on Paxil, during withdrawals it was nearly 24/7, for 8 weeks. The hallucinations generally involved conversations with people I knew, just they weren't really there, cell phone ringing all night, or having bugs crawling on me.

Guess my question is has anyone else experienced extreme Mania while on Paxil, and then similar psychotic experience's while coming off of it. I just have a feeling the hallucinations and blackouts I experienced while on and exiting the mania state through quitting Paxil too quickly may be the result of coming out of that state and the body and mind just collapsing in exhaustion.

What was the worst period for you, during of after the taper?

Bilo76 — Sun, 13 May 2012 00:12:36 GMT

I was wondering when you had the most WD and discomfort (assuming you did a taper and not CT)

Almost 10 months but having bad OCD thoughts

starryskyze — Sat, 12 May 2012 23:08:31 GMT

Hey there....I wish I had some positive news but right now i'm a bit worried about myself....I have as of late been experiencing irrational thoughts it seems like it's about something new every other week! Also whatever that particular bothersome thought is it will bother me almost every day for like a week or two then leave then it will be something else! For example I thought I had tinnitus and it bothered me for a month and I constantly worried about my ears then that thought went away....When the thought comes into my head all of a sudden it causes a panic attack and my brain feels like I'm literally going crazy! I start thinking gloom and doom like as if I have something really wrong with me and I know in reality I don't but that's not what my brain is telling me at that time. sometimes i feel like banging my head on the wall to snap me out of it! LOL! I wouldn't but that's how it makes me feel though. For example I have developed a major phobia of cancer....if I hear of anyone I know who has it or if someone mentions it to me I get high anxiety on the verge of panic! This is insane and it makes me feel insane because I was never like this before taking Paxil. I had a very bad attack earlier today. I just keep getting worried I'm developing some sort of mental disorder....my mom keeps thinking I'm needing back on meds and I am beginning to wonder the same....although everytime I ask my doc this he insists I don't....anyone else feel or felt like this at all? It's bizarre. I have never had such OCD thoughts before in my life!

Anyone have similiar symptoms that look like OCD?

alivehope — Sat, 12 May 2012 20:52:01 GMT

Hello there

I am going to talk about a disorder that I am dealing with but I am not sure what it is but it is very strange.

This disorder happens to me with people, music and objects.

for example, that girl, whenever I used to talk to her, my brain fog was so severe and I used to speak with for months. I've never talked to her once in those months without this disorder. I also felt so depressed after I talked to her. and also the idea of not talking to her at that time made my brain experience hell. Insomnia and severe anxiety. at the end I stopped talking to her and I went through severe symptoms for three months. I spoke with her about a year ago after about half year and my brain experienced severe symptoms, repeating thoughts, anxiety, brain fog. I am not myself when I talk and I can not enjoy anything not a joke. I feel like my Head would explode in very severe way.

I have no social anxiety at all, I am very social and I am not anxious. This does not choose people, it happens randomly.

The same thing happens to me when I play the guitar, I feel so depressed after I play, It feels that all notes are the same because of the severe brain fog, I can't enjoy music at all and whenever I say I would stop playing and store my guitars, my brain experience severe symptoms, irritated mood, repeating thoughts, severe brain fog, insomnia and other stuffs. so I am playing the guitar between time and time to avoid these symptoms.

The same thing happens to me when I try to sing. I feel crappy and like I am going crazy and foggy.

The same thing happens to me with some subjects in university. Sometimes, very easy subjects but because of the accompanying symptoms, I get low marks and find it very hard to think.

This disorder started at month feb of 2010, started so severe and I am still dealing with it today but it is a lot better but still impairing me. when I reinstated.

This is not anxiety. my heart does not beat and this is really strange.

the good news is that I noticed two things.

When I exercise, the symptoms improve in 24 hours. I rarely exercise and when I exercise, I only do it for two days or three days and stop. I can not exercise at the moment because it makes me foggy and I need to study.

Multi-vitman made my disorder improve also but I can not use them because I am sensitive after the reinstatement.

after the final exams, in the vacation, I will start exercising daily for three months. that's my option and I hope it takes off that disorder.

anyone has similiar symptoms?

Scared of being in one's own home

IMISSME — Sat, 12 May 2012 20:10:52 GMT

For at least 6 months now I have been fearful being in my own home. Most are afraid of leaving their home. At first it was only when I was alone in my house. Now even when my kids are there. I have to be out and about generally in less frequented places to feel somewhat ok. Just the thought of walking in my house fills me with fear. What's that all about. 1 year off and no break beyond half a day in the last 6 months.

Crying

aberdeen — Sat, 12 May 2012 18:01:42 GMT

This is so weird. I haven't cried since I took Paxil. It's the strangest thing. I simply can't, I have been in situation where I would normally cry, and once, during an awful argument with my Mom I almost teared up and it felt almost painful in my eyes, it's like my tear glands are just plugged. I know that's not the issue but it's getting tiresome. Who wants to cry I know, but it IS normal and I miss it. When you guys re-gained your crying abilities, did you just gradually feel yourself able to cry or did you just one day burst into torrents of tears and play "catch up?" Just wondering what I'm in for. You know the scene in Jim Carrey's The Grinch when he cries for the first time, lol. He wipes his face and frowns at his hand and says "I'm leaking!" all confused. That'll be me,lol.

i broke

Rhondaj — Sat, 12 May 2012 16:08:16 GMT

I Could not take it anymore I broke down and took half nudist the anakisha was driving me insane I Caint afford to lose any more weight it's bad I wanna jump out a window how do you go threw this for months and has anyone got small. Like me 98 pounds I'm feeling like I'm going to die. What should I do I need help:(

Any special preparation before consuming liquid zoloft?

tjwessksu — Sat, 12 May 2012 03:16:00 GMT

Hey all, I just read the side of the box on the liquid Zoloft and it says I have to dilute it before use. I've just been using a tb syringe to measure out 90 and mixing it with oj. I don't have to shake the contents of the bottle or anything special before jumping into using it do I? I hope I'm not taking more or less what I'm measuring out to be 90. Thanks for any help

Here I Go Again!

wagirl98665 — Sat, 12 May 2012 02:22:57 GMT

Hello All! No One really knows me here because on my last visits to taper off Paxil I didn't succeed, but hopefully 3rd time will be the charm. I haven't started my taper yet, but will tomorrow morning. At the moment I'm 96 hrs into Vicodin detox, but only until Monday when I can get my Prescription re-filled. The reason for the Vicodin is because of the severe headache from taking the Paxil. I've been on the Vicodin as long as I've been on the Paxil. I know crazy! When I first was put on Paxil in 2005 I started to get headaches almost right away. I told the Dr. and he sent me to have my eyes checked. I got readers and then he send me for a CT scan of my head, that was negative, next was Ear, Nose & Throat and he said I had a Deviated Septum and needed surgery. Will as I see it. I've had that Deviated Septum my entire life, but haven't suffered with headaches until I started taking the Paxil. So long story short, I've been on the Vicodin as long as I've been on the Paxil. Thankfully I'm able to control my Vicodin taking and only take when my head is absolutely killing me which is everyday, but I only take enough to knock out the pain for a few hours. I'm currently on 30mg of Paxil and plan to go down to 25mg in the morning. I'm thinking that the lower I get on the Paxil the less my head will heart, hence being able to stop the Vicodin.
This post is looking long to me, I better stop and write a little more tomorrow. Now that I'm firm and have made up my mind to do this once and for all, I'll be here a lot, but also don't want to ware out my welcome at the same time. Tomorrow I will tell the story of a few months back when the dumb Dr. tried to cold turkey me from Paxil in 5 days and onto Zolof. What a nightmare that was....
Well goodnight all and thanks so much for reading my post. I hope everyone has a good weekend. I also wish all the Mothers...A Happy & Blessed Mothers Day!!

(((Hugs)))) Brenda

Wanted to give another update...

julleri — Fri, 11 May 2012 22:28:20 GMT

Hi guys,

Wanted to give another quick update. I am not as worried about B vitamins anymore, as I've left whatever kind of window I was in a couple days ago, which I thought was from biotin I am taking (don't think it works that way). Also, the neurologist I saw took blood for the nerve-related Bs (B1, B6, B12, Folate), so I can just wait and see what those results show. Plus I got a call from my GI doctor's office yesterday saying that tests he took for any vitamin deficiencies are negative, everything is in normal range (not sure exactly what nutrients he tested, but that has got to be good). Also, I eat cashews almost daily, and they are rich in B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6.

I am not feeling very good today, though. I've been having really bad frequent urination and very strong urges to go lately. Very strong. I went to an urgent care today because I thought maybe I have a bladder infection. Thank goodness it came back as normal.

I'm so sick of this. I just can't wrap my head around how I can possibly be healthy and normal, and that I feel this badly from antidepressants. I keep thinking I have MS. I match the symptoms so much, that I think how can this not be that? My therapist keeps saying that I don't have MS. She says it over and over again. But really? The mysterious pain that comes and goes? The muscle spasms? The brain fog/dimming of my mind that I can just do basic human things but not much more than that (learning anything new now is very hard if even possible at all)? The extreme fatigue? These bladder problems and bowel problems? It just doesn't make sense. I have read on here that others thought they had MS. I used to think I had Lyme. I worry about malabsorption. I know my health anxiety is bad. How on earth can I rest assured that i'm healing and going to be OK when I get like I am today?

I looked at the calendar and I'm coming up on three months off. Should this explain why I feel the way I feel so much? The good news about being three months off is that there is in no way shape or form any Prozac or any of its metabolites possibly left in me. The half life cycles of that stuff by now have totally elapsed.

I keep replaying that part of the reply that obliviousjo wrote to my long symptoms thread about "what more can we do but take care of ourselves eat right exercise do as best we can?" I keep telling myself that, but sometimes it doesn't work. I mean, what more can I do than to eat as best as I can, as much as I can on days when I don't really want to, excercise (all I can tolerate now is just walking, that's it, but if that's all I can do so be it... and I used to be an athlete in high school! :(), sleep and just try - even if that's all I can do is try, then that's what I'll do. If I have some mysterious disease, if I have something like MS, if I have this or that and I and docs don't know it and it kills me, then it's really out of my control, because I DID THE BEST i COULD.

for musicians dealing with withdrawal

alivehope — Fri, 11 May 2012 22:07:37 GMT

Hello there folks

did it effect your ability to write songs or play?

thanks

Recovery update...what? almost 5 years...holy cow

rickyjohnson — Fri, 11 May 2012 19:00:26 GMT

I thought I would never get back on this website again, because it would just bring back too many bad memories. You know what? The heck with that. I feel fine now. I went through about 2-3 years of HELL due to a combination of just using anti-depressants in general AND going cold turkey. Please don't ever cold turkey. I about died. OK, enough of the bad stuff. I honestly can say that my brain and body has completely recovered. It was no walk in the park, and it wasn't linear. My healing was up and down and all over the place. But, God has designed the body the heal itself...even when you really screw it up with meds! So, hang in there and don't ever give up. The good windows will get bigger over time, and all of a sudden you're doing OK.
Ricky
Matthew 6:34

Does menstrual cycle go back to normal?

miriza — Fri, 11 May 2012 18:13:30 GMT

Hi! I've been off the poison(s) for about 7 months now and my menstrual cycle instead of getting closer to normal is getting worse. I used to have 32-38 (36 average) day long cycles even after my two pregnancies, but now in withdrawal my cycles started as 31 day long, then 28 and the last one was 27 days :( Of course, my periods are also accompanied by MAJOR moodiness and a severe increase in symptoms, something I never had before. I also can actually feel when I'm ovulating whereas I could not even tell before.

Do the menstrual cycles go back to normal after w/d? Is the fact that they're getting farther away from what's normal for me a bad sign that my body/brain are so far off from homeostasis?

question for those on liquid

chris'gal — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:30:38 GMT

A close co-worker of mine is wanting to withdrawal from celexa and is wanting to get liquid to be precise and go extra slow. She asked me if I knew the shelf life of liquid lexapro as she is already on a fairly low dose of 5 mg and a bottle could end up lasting a very long time. Thanks guys!

If you've had a poop-out then you quit, do you not go through wd?

cipher0413 — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:55:49 GMT

Just wondering... I didn't have a poop-out and I quit cold turkey after 1 year of lexapro.. My therapist she also confessed to me that she took prozac because of post-partum depression, and she said after 6 months, it stopped working and so she stopped taking it cold turkey, but she said she didn't recognize much withdrawal symptoms, like the ones we go through.. I'm just wondering if that's the case for other too...?

To taper off or cross taper to Lexipro?

tchrldy — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:28:01 GMT

Help! Such a crazy difficult decision! I am experiencing severe withdrawal while on my usual dose, 20mg, of Paxil. Wd was triggered a couple of months ago when my Pharmacy used a different manufacturer for my generic Paxil. Have been on brand-name Paxil for 5 weeks now and only feel relief from flu like symptoms. Brain zaps, tremors, shakes, nausea, headaches all still extreme. I have a history of rage when reducing Paxil, although years ago I did not know how to taper slowly. My daughter is pregnant with her first and my first grandchild : ). I don't want to hurt my family with my rage ever again. So GP suggested I taper in a month to 0 of Paxil and switch immediately to Lexipro. I know what she doesn't know... this fast taper will put me in even worse WD hell.
But maybe better to switch to Lexipro than chance my horrible rage again. My father raged at me as a child and unfortunately, it was learned behavior... almost a post traumatic stress response when i felt normal anger. So this rage must get triggered when I try to reduce Paxil. My instinct is to taper down the initial 10% for the first month see how it goes and pospone the Lexipro. All insights, ideas, opinions welcome!! Thank you!

You saved my husbands Life! Thank you ALL

Twinkle — Thu, 10 May 2012 22:23:46 GMT

Yes, thank you to each one that posts here. I understand how to help my husband better because of your comments, posts, stories. Every time I visit this forum I take away a bit of knowledge to help me understand what it is like to get off Paxil.

Feb 2012 I "helped" my darling husband start a withdrawl from 40mg of Paxil. Unfortunately the book I read had him tapering way to fast. He was having horrific withdrawl pains and anxiety. He even lashed out at me and was sure I was trying to kill him! I had NEVER experienced this behavior from him. In a search I found this forum. I stayed up the entire night reading through so much of what you had written about.

I put his dosage back up to a previous higher dosage. He began to feel a bit better and some of the horrific symptoms went away. I was able through your stories of suffering, understand what he was feeling and experiencing, and made decisions based on what I learned here.

Your pain and suffering and pouring out your thoughts here really do make a difference. My beautiful, creative,artistic, brilliant husband disappeared during the years on Paxil. We started this journey alone, but found your stories to help us not feel alone, and know we are not going insane. We found helpful advice from others that have been "there".

Today for the first time in years....my husband planted flowers. When I look at the flowers I am reminded of each of you and what I have read about your struggles and successes. I see hope in those flowers. Your hope, his hope, my hope. Thank you so very much! Don't give up getting off of your drugs. I see how hard it is, my heart breaks for you. Your input is making a difference in peoples lives.

Getting Ready for the Good Fight...

wanting2quit — Thu, 10 May 2012 20:09:52 GMT

Hi All!

I made a call to my doctor's nurse today asking for liquid generic Lexapro. I told her that the generic pills are impossible to split evenly (which is true), and that because of that, I'd prefer the liquid. Her response was "uh... okay... uh... let me talk to the doctor and call you back". Of course, no call back yet. My fingers are crossed though.

So, that was step one in preparing for this road I'm about to go down, and for the first time, I am going to go down it the right way!!! Hey, they say that the third time is a charm, right?

Other prep work I want to do:

1. Deal with the anxiety. I am very interested in CBT, but our insurance changed and can not afford to go see someone right now. Can anyone suggest some good books, websites, advice on this,, etc.?

2. Deal with my body... start exercising, drinking enough water, trying to get adequate amounts of sleep, etc. I have also heard supplements can be helpful... is there still a thread for this?

Any other advice/tips? I am excited... and terrified!

Sort of IBS symptoms

Bilo76 — Thu, 10 May 2012 20:07:03 GMT

Every day i have more and more problems with my darms and stomach. Its so big and swollen especially in afternoon and even more in the evening. At first i thought it was because of my chronic hyperventilating and it was just full of air. But maybe its just a sort of IBS.

Do more people have this in WD? My stomach is really big now..and i mean reallyyy big. I cant even press it in. Also its stinging,..it hurts. Last night i was sleeping and all of a sudden i woke up with lots of pain and stings in my stomach. I ran to the toilet. Some diarrhea,..then 5 mins nothing, some pain, some diarrhea, some pain, etc etc...i was on the toilet for 50 mins,..it was lots of pain.

Anyone recognizes this;..pain with the darms and stomach? Since today i take a spoon of psyllium (click) before lunch. But i am still not sure if its a problem of paxil WD or of my hyperventilating. All though serotonin is mostly found in the darms with receptors and all. So it makes sense.

If you recognize this;..what do you do about it?

Does anyone else have difficulties with perception and comprehension? PLEASE HELP

axis74 — Thu, 10 May 2012 19:22:04 GMT

I know this is most likely caused by withdrawal but omg how terribly terribly dumb and just not with it i feel. I mean i used to be pretty socially savvy or at least i thought so and not teribly dumb either, but this withdrawal has just brought me to my knees. Its been 1.5 yr since the cold turkey and i STILL an expirencing TERRIBLE intrusive thoughts, weird perceptual changes, and just all around not there or comprehending things like social cues as i would have the so previously. I just dont know how a small little pill could just do this to me. Please tell em someone knows what im talking about when i say PERCEPTUAL changes. And I'm talking about really drastic ones, that are worse in the morning. Someone please help me thats had this too and tell me it goes away. PLEASE

I needed a therapist, not a pill

iwantpeace — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:49:32 GMT

Well, I've finally decided to start a journal here. It's been a long time coming and I think I need to document my experiences. Good and Bad. That way, on the bad days I have somewhere to come and remember the good ones, and on the good days I have somewhere to write down my accomplishments.

My Story:

I think i've had 'higher than normal' levels of anxiety all my life - but never to the point of disfunction. When I was 19 (I still have a hard time saying this, let alone writing it) I was assaulted. After the assault and visiting with the crown prosecutor and seeing what the next year of my life would be if I were to press charges, I opted not to. The CP still pulled the perpetrator in and warned him to stay away from me under all circumstances. Of course, this sick and twisted individual didn't listen and harassed me a lot. Phone calls, egging my house in the middle of the night, etc. It was a very difficult time. That's when I experienced my first panic attack. After a few panic attacks my mom brought me to a GP who gave me Paxil. Hindsight is 20/20, and I realize now that what I needed was a good therapist and not a pill. That was in 2001. I didn't know any better.

Fast forward 10 years and i've all of a sudden gone from a healthy 19 year old to someone diagnosed with Fibromyalgia/CFS, IBS, Chronic infections, arthritis - the list goes on. In those years I also accomplished a lot. I graduated university at the top of my class, worked abroad for over 5 years. Travelled. I did all this never realizing that this drug that I was taking daily was contributing to the steady decline in my health.

I won't go into the past 15months in much detail, mostly because i'd end up writing a novel - but after one attempt to come off paxil too quickly (thanks doc)/ a 'nervous breakdown' or whatever you want to call it (doctor told me I had a brain hemmorage when I didn't - coupled with paxil withdrawal, not pretty) and a switch to Zoloft, I feel i'm in a place where I can open up and start documenting my experience. My aim is to 100% be drug free at some point. It's taken me a long time to realize that I wasn't mentally ill when I started Paxil, I was a scared girl who needed a therapist, not a pill.

I hope, in time, that I can share my story and use my experiences to help and educate others.

I believe I have grown so much as a person in this past year (with the help of a great CBT therapist and a wonderful psychiatrist who supports whatever decisions I make). I am starting to realize now that I am in control - regardless of if it's in the midst of a panic or on a good day. I am in control. I'm learning to medidate, and observe my symptoms in a non-judgmental way. I'm learning to love and trust myself.

I'm 15 weeks off Paxhell and though i'm on 50mg of Zoloft, it has not spared me the hell that is coming off that drug after almost 11 years. I am prepared for the good days and the bad ones. I am prepared to be gentle on myself. I'm prepared to let go of my 'type A' over-achieving personality and let time take over.

I'm looking forward to sharing my journey with all of you wonderful people here at PP.

xx
Iwantpeace.....
aka. Lauren.

What is "DP/DR?"

Goosey — Thu, 10 May 2012 03:31:58 GMT

Sorry, I haven't figured it out yet.

Any Suggestions as to What to Tell My Psychiatrist?

Goosey — Thu, 10 May 2012 03:17:42 GMT

I have a very nice psychiatrist. She is young, just had her second baby and is married to a neurologist. Not that that information matters much because she is just as relentless at pushing drugs as the next psych dr. The thing is this: I want to ask her for liquid Paxil so that I can taper more accurately but I don't want to tell her that I want to taper and get off of the meds because she will not support it.

The last time I told her I wanted to quit taking Paxil, she not only wasn't encouraging she actually INCREASED my dosage and put me on an ADDITIONAL drug (Lamictal). I went along with it because I didn't know any better (Thank God for the Internet!!!!)

Since I am in a public health program and my meds are free (funny that, since I had to pay a fortune for antibiotics for a tooth infection but these devil drugs are free) I have a feeling that liquid Paxil won't be available. But I want to ask anyway.

This is what I want to know - does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can tell her when she asks why I want liquid Paxil and not tip her off as to why I really want them?

Oh yeah, while I am at it, if she says no to the liquid Paxil then I was going to ask her to give me 90 tabs at 10 mg each so I wouldn't have to do so much cutting. I'm still debating this one because I might be able to just my pharmacist if he would fill my Rx like this and she would never have to know.

Sigh...I feel like I'm living in the underground...

When do the Withdrawal symptoms stop?

Don Paxil — Thu, 10 May 2012 01:35:06 GMT

weeks, months? Depends? When do you know you're through.. ?

Beginning to Quit. Out of my head. Weight gain. Ugh!

Don Paxil — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:21:39 GMT

So I've been on paxil for about 2 years cos panic attacks, anxiety etc. I'm a 27 year old handsome musician. I started with 25mg went to half (12.5) a couple of months ago.. started to get grumpy, isolated, non- talkative. So my doctor switched it back to 25.
Gained a lot of weight all of a sudden and now I'm trying to quit it for good cos no matter what I try I cant loose any weight! My face looks all puffy and swollen. I excersise everyday 30 mins cardiovascular and do a couple of weights. Been like this since January and I cant loose any weight no matter what I try! >( So I went 3 weeks again for 12.5, fell good.. Now Im taking half of that since 4 days ago (6.25) and inmediatly began to get grumpy, out of my head, surreal, angry, sad, everything mixed! :confused:
Didn't know Paxil would be a **** of a drug. Maybe I need to switch to another drug.. anybody knows bout another antidepressant that doesnt makes you gain weight? Tried the Omega 3, Vitamin E thing.. didnt work for weight though I feel a little more energised.
I'm becoming a father for the first time though.. that makes me happy. My dog makes me happy. My wife sometimes makes me happy, with her hormones and my withdrawal **** sometimes we argue... Im began recording my new album, that also makes me feel nice. Damn.. this is hard. But i think i can do it.. If u wanna check my music http://www.pipellorens.com .

Have fun reading this, Im taking some tea. :juggle2: :juggle2: :juggle2:

question about prep work

chris'gal — Wed, 09 May 2012 23:45:10 GMT

I started making doses ahead of time and storing them in small ziplock bags. I like to keep them seperated in case pieces fall off, and then I can fill the ziploc bag with water, pour it in a cup and drink that, just in case some fell off. My pharmacist said to make sure to keep them dry, away from light, and away from heat. I keep them in a dark box, in an air conditioned room- so I am not worried about that part. I do wonder if condensation can take place in ziploc bags and cause moisture exposure to the pill, since my pharmacist said that this can cause the medication to lose it's efficacy. Does anyone have any knowledge in this area. Thanks much guys!!

Seeing the Shrink--God help me

Wld — Wed, 09 May 2012 21:55:33 GMT

It's this mind crushing depression from hell. Nothing helps and believe me if there was ANYTHING I'd have found it by now. I made an appointment last week with a psychiatrist, it's for tomorrow. I've done this before and never went bc I always started to feel better. Not this time, I feel just as bad. It's absolutely horrible, and it isn't "passing". Its been about 3 weeks straight, with no let up of depression/anxiety and not just the garden type variety either it's the industrial strength crap. So I guess I'm going. Ughh!

So what's she gonna do? This shrink? I've never been to one before. I think I need to go just so I can say I've gone and hear what she has to say. I know she'll be pushing some type of drug, I'm not that naive but surely there'll be SOME insight as well. That's really what I want. May be just a little validation, is that asking too much?

I know it's been said that people are more afraid of these drugs than they are of dying. It's a toss
up for me...I don't know if I'm more afraid of the drugs or
of living this way for another couple years. Both are COMPLETELY unappealing. Im just getting started, I'm only 7 wks. in. I dont think ive ever
read about anyone recovering this quickly. So unfortunately i dont think im about to turn a corner or anything. My resolve's pretty low right now. But if push came to shove I'm at least 99% sure I'd refuse the drugs. So what the hell, it's just an hour's worth of my time right?

Weight Loss and Hypochondria

markempire — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:18:50 GMT

hey folks. It's been awhile since I have posted but I've been dealing with an issue that's driving me up the wall. First off, I'm one of those people that never get's sick...I haven't had the flu for ten years, strep throat since the sixth grade...nothing even as serious as a sinus infection since college. So when I do end up a little ill, my hypochondriac switch goes of and the old anxiety and OCD comes screaming back.

So, I had a low fever for a bout a day and muscle cramps and ended up going to the doctor because I had been bitten by a tick the eek previous and my Dr. wanted to be sure they weren't related. Turns out, it was just a minor virus. However, one thing I noticed is that I had dropped 7 lbs sine my last visit 2 months prior. That's a lot of weight in 2 months, considering I think I was actually exercising less than I had been. Consequently, this weight loss corresponds with my final tapering of Paxil, which I had finished in February.

My question is, did anyone else notice a dramatic drop in weight following their cessation of Paxil? I'm driving my self crazy and have diagnosed myself with leukemias, lymphomas, pancreatic disorders, the works...you name it, I've got it. My DR. wants to see me again in three weeks just to make sure I'm not losing any more and that my blood works checks out ok. I don't know if my brain is going to let me last that long. Anyone else have this weight loss issue?

Thanks.

unfortunate event

sparkswallace — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:18:34 GMT

I am in a pickle. I had a business trip that was to last 5 days. So I packed 7 days of luvox, which I thought was on the safe side. However due to delays and weather problems, our return has been delayed. So I turned out to be one day short. This morning I had no Luvox, and I will be home around 3:00 AM tomorrow. Luvox has a half life of 13.5 to 15.5 hours. I am already having some extreme dizziness, anxiety, and blurry vision. I did not want to pack all of my medication in the event that bags were lost. Oh well, has anyone ever missed dose of very short half life medications? I know effexor has a very short half life as well. How long did it take to feel normal? Thanks guys, I don't know what I would do without you all! :daisy:

Funny lil paxil GIF i found

johnDinvegas — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:25:48 GMT

maybe from this site previously? it made me laugh, so i thought id share it..

On my second run with Paxil - just found this site...

belts — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:57:36 GMT

Hello. I am a 25 year old male. I have been suffering from depression and anxiety pretty much since I hit puberty. It has greatly impacted my life; school, work, relationships, etc.

In 2007, I was prescribed Zoloft. I took it for a few months, but I didn't notice much of a change, besides it numbing most of my emotions and constant fully dilated pupils. I stopped taking it cold turkey and I don't remember any withdrawal symptoms. I just simply returned to my introverted, nervous, and mopey self.

In 2010, I finally landed a full time job working in IT at a good college. I've still got the job, luckily, but I'm hanging on by threads, and I fully blame this on my inability to cope in stressful and/or social situations.

I decided that I needed to do something about my issues ASAP or else I will lose my job. So, I went to my doctor and explained my issues. I told him how Zoloft didn't seem to work for me, so he prescribed me Paxil - 20mg a day.

My first week on this was pure hell. My symptoms became much worse, and I could not sleep. Quite literally, I felt like I was losing my mind. I ended up missing an entire week of work due to this.

After the first week, I returned to my doctor and told him that I cannot deal with worse symptoms than what I already had and expect to keep my job. He weened me off the Paxil by taking half a pill for 3 days and then stop. He decided that SSRIs were not for me and prescribed me Xanax - .5mg. He instructed me to take half a pill in the morning and one pill at night.

The Xanax is a god send for my anxiety, but I could tell I was still depressed, so I recently returned to the doctor. He decided to put me back on Paxil, and assured me that as long as I get past the first couple weeks, that it will definitely help my depression. He also assured me that the Xanax will allow me to sleep and lesson the initial anxiety from the Paxil.

So, I did some searching online and found this site. I was overjoyed to find this popular forum where I could talk to other Paxil users and get an idea of what to expect.

Well, here I am, and I am speechless. It seems that 99% of you have had terrible experiences with the drug and are speaking out against it.

I'm currently on my 6th day. This time I started taking half a pill for 4 days, and now I'm taking the full 20mg. With the Xanax, the initial side effects aren't nearly as bad this time around. I am able to fall asleep, although I do wake up earlier than I'd like, feeling like I want to rip someone's head off and completely dread going to work.

I also smoke cigarettes and have noticed that they now give me hiccups. I'm not sure if this is from the Paxil or not, but I've never had this issue before. Yesterday I had hiccups the entire day and it drove me nuts.

Anyway, after reading through posts on this site, I'm not so sure I can trust my doctor, and I'm worried about how to handle my depression... :/

Back from neurologist - questions

julleri — Wed, 09 May 2012 03:55:49 GMT

Back from my appointment with the neurologist, a muscular neurologist. He says my pain could be an autoimmune disorder that attacks connective tissues. But, he spent more time asking me if I'm depressed and anxious. He asked if I tried Cymbalta. I told him I'm not taking anymore serotonergic antidepressants. He wrote me a prescription for amitryptyline but I told him I would not take it. He said to think about not taking it for depression and anxiety, but for your nerves. Agh! I'd rather be in pain than take another psychiatric medication. I told him I'm not taking it. He also wrote me a prescription for Prednisone. I don't know whether or not to take it. I'm scared to death. Anyone ever take it? During withdrawal? I was reading that after 7 days your body can become dependent on it. He wants me to take it everyday over the next 30 days! Argh! I also read that it can exacerbate depression and mania and delusional issues - all of which I have (well, besides mania maybe). He was pretty adamant that I take it and if I don't want the amitryptyline then fine, don't take it. But take the prednisone. Argh. I don't know what to do.

He also wants me to take the methylcobalamin (b12) shot every week for the next 10 weeks as he doesn't think oral methylb12 is going to boost me back up fast enough. I don't feel confident giving myself those shots. I am going to call my doctor office tomorrow and see if they'll let me come in once a week for the shots over the next 10 weeks.

And he is going to test my levels of B1, B6, B9, and B12. FINALLY someone who is testing for these things. I am so worried that this is where a lot of my problems lie.

So, any advice on the prednisone? I'm scared to take it. And if it's for my pain, well. I don't have pain all the time and it's been slowly getting better. Maybe I could lie and say I'm taking it? How sad, that I'm considering lying to a doctor because I'm too scared to take a drug now. I'm too scared to take vitamins - ones that I'm probably lacking and need - let alone drugs!

On the verge of tears every 5 min

daner — Wed, 09 May 2012 02:55:51 GMT

It's been 11 days now since I tapered down and stopped, the intense sadness came at 8 days and I wasn't really expecting it. Has anyone else experienced this with Paxil withdrawal? How long did it last? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Ambian (zolpidem)& severe muscle aches???

obliviousjo — Wed, 09 May 2012 02:11:44 GMT

Has Anyone experienced this? Seems like when I stopped it for a couple weeks I was in less pain...It was the FIRST script I ever took regularly and now it is hardest to stay away from for me bc I'm insomniac but....Grrr..COULD this have been the beginning of my severe muscle aches? My fibromyalgia? Why oh why do we NOT read all the warnings before popping theses magic pills? Bc now I'm left blaming everything, questioning everything...Stupid woman...Yeah I need to nix it regardless but....I actually like my sleep..Lol..Thanks ahead of time for any replies:)

ready to give up huh

Rhondaj — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:17:59 GMT

I've been to the hospital ten times in two months I don't know what to do is this wd or something the doctors are missing I've had shortness of breath but had four ekgs three x rays I had a brain scan and three cbcs they say everything is fine I been having sharp burning tingling pain in my arms shoulder and right leg wht the he'll Im feeling worse since my cycle starting yesterday I feel lost and scared I've only been on the paxil n buspar for a month could this be causing me this he'll I never had these pain problems before I'm depressed I have spasms all over just tired of it I feel I'm going to die everyday. Crying)

Question about B vitamins

julleri — Tue, 08 May 2012 18:59:35 GMT

Hi all,

Not doing very well here. Last night I had terrible waves of depression and crying spells. It reminded me of the horrible episodes I'd get while on 300 mg of Effexor years ago. I also just feel really unwell. I see spots, have nerve pains here and there, twitches in fingers and other muscles, and just can't think. I feel hopeless and like I am very sick.

And I kind of am, with at least confirmed B12 deficiency that I am working on. I was doing some reading that when you begin replacing B12, it can make things feel worse for a while, including psychological problems (increased mood swings, etc).

But I am afraid that maybe I have been having these depressed episodes and extreme mood problems not only as a result of the high doses of antidepressants I was on, but maybe from nutritional deficiencies over the years. My diet over the last few years hasn't been that great. I don't have much money and when I would eat it would just be fast food because it was easy and was sort of a mental comfort food if that made sense. I certainly could have been eating more and have been eating better when I did eat. I worry that I also have malabsorption issues (saw a GI doctor and he did an endoscopy and took blood tests and I told him all about my lower GI feelings and bowel movements, so hopefully this will answer that question). But now I wonder about other B vitamins. I was reading that deficiencies in them over time can cause some pretty horrible brain issues, such as apathy (which I have had over the last few years, terribly apathetic about where I am in life, who I have become thanks to these meds, my terrible financial situations I've put myself in that I see no way out of, etc), emotional disturbances (maybe account for my horrible mood swings and feelings of absolute hopelessness), low energy, memory and learning issues, etc. Maybe my other Bs aren't adequate. I have asked doctors to test this but I don't know if they can or not and they never do. TryingtoGetWell did bring up B vitamins in her responses to me, and suggested I get them from food (and I know this is always the best) but what if I may really need a B-complex supplement? The B vitamins are in my multivitamin which I take everyday, but what if it's not enough? Does anyone here take B complex? There must be at least one person here who can tolerate a B complex during this. What if I really would need one, could start slow, see how I felt, and maybe - just maybe - I could finally start to feel better with some of these issues that realistically have been going on for years now, it just wasn't until this adverse reaction to prozac and having to finally come off that all of this has really blown up in my face?

I just don't know. The B12 is helping a little bit. I can feel it working some days, other days I feel awful again. But it really makes me wonder just how possibly nutrient deprived I am? Other things have happened such as hair falling out over the last few years, and hair greying. I've become weaker and more fatigued. I've lost muscle mass and appetite. All things that could be related to low Bs. I just thought maybe it's because I'm in my late 20's (I'm 30 now) and that it's part of getting older. But I really don't know. My D is also low, so, what else could be going on with me nutrition wise?

Any advice? I just don't know. I'm too scared to try anything, what I really want are test results to show if I'm low in these vitamins or not. (Cuz I may not be - I may be getting what I need for the other Bs from food and my multivitamin and I could just be worrying about this and it could all be from B12.)

Short Term Trial

Cardiodoc89 — Tue, 08 May 2012 17:38:29 GMT

Hi,

I recently went through a difficult period in my life due to a bad trip after ingesting a weed edible. I was under a lot of pressure and wasnt sleeping well. To deal with the anxiety/ocd, my psychiatrist prescibed .5mg ativan for insomnia (took for 12 days) and generic sertraline 25mg for 5 days, then 50mg for 10 days, and 25mg for the next three days. I tried it for 18 days total and decided to ditch the med b/c of the potential of bad withdrawals, and as an avid runner, I figured I could beat the anxiety via exercise. I experienced no withdrawals, just some insomnia, weird feelings, and tiredness after. It has bee 12 days without sertraline and I feel more like myself.

I have noticed that after quitting both drugs, I seem to be cognitively affected in that it takes me alot longer to comprehend what Im reading, and I can barely follow sermons in church. Its almost as if my mind is having trouble learning new info. Im also only 22 and graduated from UC Davis with a degree in neuroscience.

My question is whether a short term use could lead to permanent changes or side effects. I know it is individual and no one can say for sure b/c there's lots of uncertainty in these drugs, but any support, encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

Also, i know Im asking a question regarding sertraline, but its still an ssri.

restlesness on paxil 10 mg

love18 — Tue, 08 May 2012 16:50:07 GMT

Hi I am new to the forum,and I have question.
4 weeks ago I was prescribed paxil 10 mg and clonzaepam as nedeed,so I was taking paxil and twice a day clonazepam 0.5 for straight 2 weeks, by advise of my doctor,then start taking one clonazepam a day,then there was a days that I did not nedeed, so my question now is,3 day ago I start having a symptoms of restlesness and trembling, numbness in my lower legs,arm weakness and upper shoulder are stiff and achy, I am on my 4 week on paxil,and I am thinking to talk to my doctor to get off of it, as I was reading the horror stories of withdrawals, as I now fell much more in physical pain and discomfort than before I started them. Is there gonna be thah severe withdrawal since I am only 4 week on it on 10 mg.

Please if can somebody respond to my question I will appreciate.

Worse the wave, stronger the healing? Hope so.

schwanke — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:37:23 GMT

Hey guys,

Not a good update. So, I'm seemingly following the exact progression of withdrawal that I had shortly after I cold turkeyed the drugs 1.5 years ago. This is happening after a few months of awesomeness and marked improvement. It started like this:

1. Noticed I was more easily stressed out than usual, anxiety came back
2. Sleep quality started to decline, but sleeping 8 hours (even with new bed!)
3. started feeling sick, with flu-like symptoms (went to doctor)
4. Getting really achy, lower back acting up
5. Really tired, confused at work, hard to be productive
6. Sleep suffering, vivid, scary dreams, starting to wake up at 5am and can't go back to sleep
7. Really hard to do anything, no motivation, stressed super easily
8. Negative thoughts, DP, anhedonia, sexual problems, etc, returned

So that's pretty much where I'm at right now. It sure seems like I've taken another pill, doesn't it? I haven't. While I don't think it's AS intense as my initial withdrawal, it seems to parallel the progression of it. I forgot what it's like to fight off the intrusive negative thoughts! Well, I'm back in full CBT mode and doing some good work on the front lines right now.

I really hope the theory that 'the worse the wave, the stronger the healing' applies here. Because while I was feeling really good the last few months, I wasn't 100%, but I was okay with it. Maybe this wave will bring me closer to 100% when it's done. But jeez, this is so hard.

Damn. I guess I have to just wait it out again. I THOUGHT I WAS DONE!

Question for the veterans (and fellow weaners)

Pino — Tue, 08 May 2012 09:12:30 GMT

Sinds my last drop to 7, 8 weeks ago i hit � real nasty wave.
It felt just like when i stopped to fast. It started with pain In my body and within � days i had akathesia. I posted � thread back then. Normally after � drop i stabalize again but This time i remain on the rollercoaster. Symptoms keep waxing and wanIng. The akathesia is gone, i had days were i felt pretty decent and then wham Depressed and anxiety overnight. Then that fades agaIn and i'm left with irrational worries. For example when i say to my gf that i love her and she says it back but in my opinion not passionate enough i get worried she doesnt love me anymore. Rationally i know This is not through but THE feelings are there strong and i have � hard time to change it. The past 3 days i can start Crying real easy. It seems my brain is trying to feel balance and This current State is just not myself or some issues i do have are way exagarated.

Could it be i reached poop Out while tapering to 7? Happened This before?
I'm not sure how to proceed. I don't to back up but should i wait longer Or try � small drop and see how i feel?

psychotherapy vs acupunture

sid82 — Tue, 08 May 2012 08:38:49 GMT

All,

I would like to know your opinion on the above..

which one do you think is more effective..

i am getting depressed by the cost of therapy...and it hasnt had any impact until now..

i would like to know,what is your typical session like and do you acheive any goals.

i was thinking maybe i should look into acyupuntyure

Here goes nothing!

PaxilPit2011 — Tue, 08 May 2012 03:30:54 GMT

Background: I have been on Paxil 20mg for almost a year. Over the past few months thing have gone south. I thought I had some form of autoimmune (I have a history of MS and hypothyroidism in my family) but my blood work came out clean. The only other cause would be the Paxil so I have decided to quit!! Starting today! Wish me Luck!

Day 1: cutting back to 10mg a night for one week (spoke to my nurse practitioner mother and she has given me some suggestion on how to come off slowly.) I will keep you posted and hopefully only have good things to submit! Positivity will get me through right?! :)

Thanks all for this amazing page to help people like me who felt lost and needed help. You guys are amazing and a great inspiration.

Effexor poop-out (Literally)

aberdeen — Tue, 08 May 2012 02:23:13 GMT

When I was going through my Effexor fiasco, while in tolerance, tapering or acute withdrawal, I noticed sometimes there would be little white balls in the toilet after I went to the bathroom, even on the tissue (lalalalala TMI sorry) after I wiped. Have any of you ever had this? I literally wasn't even digesting it. I wonder if it was cheap generics that did it. It didn't happen all the time, but sometimes, or maybe I only noticed it, or it only happened...when I had diarrhea.

I'm at 2.5mg, can I quit now??

Sharron — Mon, 07 May 2012 23:59:21 GMT

Wanted to ask out there, can I just quit? I'm down to
2.5mg (or 1.25ml). I'm kinda afraid too, been down sizing for 3 years now.
No side effects for at least 6 months now.

Newbie needs help!

PaxilPit2011 — Mon, 07 May 2012 22:36:22 GMT

Hi this is my first time posting. I have been on Paxil for a little less than a year and I think I need to get off. I have never tried to quit before but did have a few days where I couldn't afford my refill and it was horrible. The reason I am posting is because I am trying to figure out of I need to get off or of maybe there is something different effecting me.

Over the past few months I feel as though my health is declining. I went to the doctor and had blood work done and everything came back normal. I feel exhausted all of the time, my vision seems off, I have been having joint pain and muscle aches, the feeling you get when you have a fever (cold sweats) but my temp is never over 99, I am VERY shaky all the time, sometimes I get this thumping feeling in my chest like my heart is pounding but it doesn't always match my heart rate.

Is it possible that these things I am feeling are a result of te Paxil? I cannot remember for the life of me when I started feeling like this. I hate this feeling. It's like I never have energy or emotion. I need advise from people that have been on Paxil. Thank you all

Husband Withdrawals

Tatki06 — Mon, 07 May 2012 20:33:43 GMT

In the Fall my husband suffered from severe depression for several months. During that time he pushed me away and I found out that he'd been sending inappropriate texts to another girl. When I found out he begged me to stay and said he'd do anything. My ultimatum was that he seek counseling and medication.*

His doctor put him on Paxil. After a couple months he decided he'd go to half doses. I noticed he was getting grouchier and he admitted to what he was doing. He went back up to the normal dosage, which I now know was the wrong thing to do without talking to his doctor. He ended up pushing me away again and suffering from more severe depression. He started texting and spending time with two girls. He didn't see anything wrong with it. He even started having suicidal thoughts and cut himself one day. I called his counselor and my husband had to stay in a hospital for a couple days.*

In the hospital, they took him off Paxil totally and started him on Prozac, which I know takes 30 days to kick in fully. He has had horrible withdrawal symptoms: nausea, headaches, the zapping, bad thoughts, sudden crying, ect. He says he doesn't know if he wants to be married anymore but that he needs to talk to his counselor to figure it out.*

It's been almost three weeks and he still has bad withdrawal symptoms and he keeps pushing me away. Now he won't touch me. We haven't kissed for days. He says he loves me but he doesn't know if he wants to be married. He said he is fighting wanting to just be alone. I want to go to marriage counseling but he keeps saying he doesn't know. That's his saying now. I don't know.*It breaks my heart because when he is good, we are perfect.*

I don't know what to do. I'm trying to hold on, hoping that once the Prozac kicks in, he'll want me again. It's just so hard not knowing. I have times where I just can't function I'm so upset but then sometimes I'm able to fool myself that everything will be okay. My hope is wearing thin. I get upset more because I just want him to be like he was before.*

Is there any advice out there? Does anyone think that this will ever get better? Is there hope for our marriage?*

need to vent

Rhondaj — Mon, 07 May 2012 18:45:26 GMT

Well for starters I feel like crap I'm tired of laying around watching life pass me by my hubby which I No is sick of me because he does not even kiss me good bye anymore I really hate this I try to get up and do things but I get dizzy and feel off not to mention it's that time of the month I'm so sick of being sick this is b.s I don't No what to do any more I'm tired of crying I feel so frustrated with this every day is something new it really feels like something trying every thing in it's power to get me down and keep me there. I'm really hot right now! I mean what the he'll are they thinking this medicine is torture. My son says mommy I love you and just don't want you to be sick. Huh well I'm done toodles!

Sex drive

Stef88 — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:34:09 GMT

Hi all,

Newbie here and just wondering, i've read alot on here about men suffering sexual dysfunction while taking Paxil and after, wondering what women's experiences were regarding sex drive and paxil?
Personally i've been on Paxil about 5 years, started it when I was around 17, and I can't ever remember having a sex drive - heck I don't think I even know what real arousal feels like! My sex experiences have been average and (sorry for TMI) i've never had a big 'o'. I used to think perhaps I was asexual, now I wonder and think maybe it is the paxil preventing me from having a normal/healthy sex drive/life. Thoughts/experiences other ladies? I wonder will I EVER have good sex!?!?!! :uhoh2:

PS I am FINALLY starting to taper/work towards getting OFF paxil for good, so hoping very much this will help! Was on 80mg :S

What's Your Psychiatrist Like?

Goosey — Mon, 07 May 2012 08:30:13 GMT

I found this guy on YouTube. He's got a high creep factor but he knows his SSRIs. Enjoy! Doctor of Mind

Just come through a rough wave

julie-d — Sun, 06 May 2012 23:19:13 GMT

I'm a little over 5 months since my last dose of Paxil, and I was starting to feel better, but I've just come a rough wave. It was really intense almost as bad as in the beginning. I'm under a lot of stress with major family issues, and it just made everything feel overwhelming and depresssing beyond belief. I just wanted to jump out of my skin, I felt so awful and so on edge (or over the edge). And my sleep was worse than usual, making everything worse. I seriously considered breaking down and getting an Rx for a benzo. Thankfully, it seems to have passed and I'm feeling some semblance of normalcy. Today it feels like there is light at the end of the tunnel, and it's not an oncoming train. I guess my point is that no matter how horrible you feel, it will pass eventually. Don't quit before the miracle. :daisy:

Drug Interaction Oops...

wanting2quit — Sun, 06 May 2012 23:05:51 GMT

I recently suffered a horrendous double ear infection and sinus infection and am on antiobiotics for it. Went to the minute clinic (I swear I like them more than my doc sometimes) and they gave me a prescription for fluconazole too because I always have issues with antiobiotics.

As I was leaving, the RN said that a new warning popped up with fluconazole and lexapro and that taking them together may increase the intensity of the lexapro and to be aware of it.

I have taken these two meds together before... sometimes within an hour of eachother and have never had a problem. To play it safe though I decided I wouldn't take the fluconazole. Fast forward to today though, and I took it without even remembering. Supposedly fluconazole stays in your system for 72 hours. I took 5 Mg of lexapro last night, and the fluconazole this afternoon.

Should I play it safe and not take the lexapro tonight and tomorrow, or should I take it as usual since I have never had an issue before?

I looked it up and it says the interaction risk is moderate and the concern is seratonin syndrome, which I am not really sure what that even is, so I don't know what symptoms to look for.

Ugh... will be so glad once I'm off this drug!

For the Losers in the Group

Wld — Sun, 06 May 2012 20:33:26 GMT

So what percentage of people on this forum do you suppose become "educated" too late? I feel like I'm one of the few. It took me 4 months after cold turkeying to find this site and by then my window of opportunity to reinstate closed. I feel like everyone else is being rescued and I'm left here on the island of terror. It's very disheartening to hear everyone advising new members who decided to CT or do a rapid wean to go back to their original drug and begin a slow taper, knowing full well of course it's the truth and happy for them but at the same time sad and scared for myself. Long story short, reinstating didn't work for me. I'm just wondering how many members here didn't follow conventional wisdom and do a slow taper? And what advice is there for us? I could REALLY use some today...fighting off this immense need to cry and overwrought with sadness.

I'm 41 days from my last dose--not that I'm counting or anything. Am I any worse off than someone who spent a good year weaning? How'd you even know? I'm just bad, that's all I know. I've thought about Prozac but god I
don't want to do this again....but then again this is pretty unlivable....the depression, incredible saddness, irritability, anxiety, fear, fatigue, anthedonia, stomach issues, insomnia---I have them all, sometimes all at once, other times intermittently but there's always something. People talk about 2yrs. (bless their hearts) recovery time and I just cringe---HOW would I ever do that? Tomorrrow's not even looking very good let alone 2 yrs. from now.

I feel like Little Miss Negativity today and I'm sorry about that, there are so many good people here fighting the good fight and remaining positive despite. I'm sorry, I don't mean to bring you down.

How long........

ElVito1981 — Sun, 06 May 2012 16:25:00 GMT

does it take, on average (assuming a nice slow taper), for the brain to heal completely once off SSRIs?

I have been on them for 13 years, and plan to taper for almost the next 2 years.

While I know that I won't be the same person I was pre-med (since nobody, meds or no meds, is the same exact person in adulthood as they were as a teenager), I just want to know a ballpark estimation.

Will my brain--receptors, neurotransmitters, etc--be able to heal fully? How long am I looking at?

Side effects worse after drop?

jr1985 — Sun, 06 May 2012 16:17:16 GMT

I noticed my teeth chattering, muscle tingling, etc got worse after I dropped 5% the other day. I thought these were side effects, since they appeared after I reinstated.

Can your side effects (NOT w/d symptoms) get worse after a drop? You would expect them to improve as you drop, but maybe they get a little worse at the start of each drop, and get better as you stabilise?

Or was I wrong about them being side effects, and they're actually w/d?

Why I need all of you

lotusflower — Sun, 06 May 2012 10:37:49 GMT

I seriously would not be tapering if not for you.......here's why:

Today my friend and (Italian) neighbor stopped by.
I hadn�t seen her for over a week because they had gone away. I�d been crying just before she arrived (day 7 taper blues) and tried to wipe away the tears and compose myself before I opened the door. Thought I�d taken care of my face, but she immediately noticed and asked me, �why are you crying?� (perche piangi?)
I lost control and began sobbing uncrontollably. She, too, began to cry (so Italian) and was urging me to tell her what had happened? (Cosa e successo?)
I felt so stuck at that moment�..because Itallian is my second language and didn�t know if I�d be able to explain well. I decided to try to explain that there was no real reason other than that I was trying to stop taking my medicine for depression.
Sadly and surprisingly, she quickly advised me that I could not just STOP taking it.
She thought I said I had stopped taking it cold turkey. I was amazed that she knew about ssri�s and cold turkey.
She had been through it herself and her doctor advised her to switch to another medicine, she said. So she of course proceeded to try to convince me to try a new medicine.
Obviously, I�m aware that it�s not just America, it�s also other countries because of our membership right here. But it just seems that I can�t get away from it. Even my friend who visited us last week is on paxil. She�s been on it for years. She asked me why I �m tapering and I told her that the drug wasn�t working any more. She then explained that there are lots of new drugs (she�s a therapist)�..why don�t you try another?
Same with my AA sponsor and close AA friends. I�m trying so hard to stay involved in my life but I�m not the same person and I want those close to me to understand why.
It is so dam hard to act like I�m ok when I�m not. And if I tell the truth, they just don�t get why I don�t just go back on the meds. SHOULDN�T IT BE OBVIOUS WHY I DON�T WANT TO PUT POISON IN MY BODY? Shouldn�t my friends be discouraging me to take drugs instead of encouraging me? The isolation I�m feeling out here contributes to the overwhelming challenge of my taper. It�s truly a totally different reality out here.
I can talk with my husband who supports my taper (thank God) but I have no girlfriend who can relate or support me. It sucks. I�m currently in a wave which is my typical day 7 pattern so I�m sure that is why I�m in hell today.
I feel like Peter Finch in that movie, Network: �I�m mad as hell and I�m not going to take this anymore!� What has happened to the world, folks? Why is life without a drug unmanageable for so many?

elevated liver enzymes anyone?

johnDinvegas — Sun, 06 May 2012 09:29:49 GMT

has to be some correlation between pharmcokinetic tolerance and elevated liver enzymes (from personal experiance)...

intrusive thoughts

jcsneddon — Sun, 06 May 2012 08:22:50 GMT

ever since i dropped the dose this time i am having these thoughts "i want to kill myself". i really do not feel suicidal - just a bit overwhelmed and a bit despairing. but i don't want to kill myself! these thoughts aren't very nice though! does anyone else get this?

Hands asleep

Anna_Anna — Sun, 06 May 2012 06:34:28 GMT

Hello to all,
by the morning I wake up I have hands asleep (I'm in withdrawal). Do some case like mine?
Thank you.
Anna.

Tapering Off of TWO SSRIs at the same time

Goosey — Sun, 06 May 2012 06:01:59 GMT

I've been taking Paxil for 16 years and Lamictal for 5 years. I've been reading here about docs who switch people over from Paxil to another SSRI. Well, my doctor INCREASED my Paxil dosage (to 30mg) then ADDED Lamictal to my doping.

I intend on doing an extremely slow tapering of Paxil (I'm documenting my withdrawal on YouTube) and I am going to taper off Lamictal too. However, I wonder if I can CT the Lamictal and feel any effect since I'll still be taking Paxil at 26.25 mg.

I know that Lamictal has a half life of about three weeks and I reduced my dosage on May 1 from 100 mg to 75mg. I figured if Lamictal has withdrawal effects they would start around May 22.

I am not working right now so I could take the next few weeks for this experimentation.

What do you think? Taper Lamictal or CT since I'm still on Paxil?

What s poop out?

tchrldy — Sun, 06 May 2012 05:47:27 GMT

Is poop out when you experience withdrawal symptoms while taking usual dose of Paxil?

Rebuilding My Life

Goosey — Sun, 06 May 2012 02:52:42 GMT

I intend on being an all-new me by June 2015, the month of my 59th birthday. I intend on making my body the cleanest, healthiest, strongest, and leanest its every been, even as a child. All the things I'm doing to make that happen go hand-in-hand. The thing that is going to be the most difficult and the trickiest is withdrawal from Paxil and Lamictal. But I am determined. I made this YouTube video to remind myself why Paxil can't be a part of my life anymore:

http://youtu.be/Z1rTWaUfjMw

I can't believe this hellish addiction started with an innocent response to my gynecologist's question if I had any concerns. I said "I think my PMS is becoming worse." BAM! I became a lamb to the slaughter by the worse drug lords in the history of mankind. This is no exaggeration. I had no idea I was being given a monster drug that I would not be able to stop taking, a drug that I've been on for 16 years (since 1996). I thought the gyn would give me some kind of sedatative drug that I would only take at the time of need.

I did not have depression. I did not have anxiety. I didn't have anything except discomfort for one or two days, once a month. Which, by the way, I don't have anymore as I've gone through menopause. But I'm still on Paxil!

The rest of my Paxil story is similar to everyone else's - tried to quit cold turkey and thought I was going to die. Tried to wean myself off but didn't do it slow enough. I've had uncontrollable crying, zaps, nausea, severe headaches, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts and rages - I even had a rage in public and was cited for disturbing the peace. All while I'm trying to get off Paxil.

TO BE CONTINUED

PP friends....get me outta here

lmac — Sat, 05 May 2012 23:37:18 GMT

Panic week, yet I can't seem to get out of ANYTHING!! My 15 year old never gives me the time of day.....EVER! Tonight she asks me to go to the movies on a mom/daughter night! OMG, now? During this? After having to go to that dinner last night, I swore that's it for the weekend for me. Too much stimulation! I can't say no to my daughter, I've been waiting years for her to want to spend time with me!!!!
Wish me luck.... Say a prayer please... I NEED to get through this movie without having a heart attack or going insane!!

help anyone have this

Rhondaj — Sat, 05 May 2012 22:38:39 GMT

I walked to the Chinese restaurant it was hot got home ate I notice my veins bulging out they were huge and tingling pain I went to lay down as I felt hot n really sick I'm small they do stick out but I never had pain slight shortness of breath when I woke up heart was racing panic attack idk any more it's like I caint deal with heat I'm so sick of this I just was at the hospital five days had cbc ekg chest ex ray everything looked fine I'm so sick of running to the hospital now I'm scared there something they missed now I'm wandering do I need a cat scan

Cognitive difficulties

julleri — Sat, 05 May 2012 22:07:18 GMT

I have been suffering from some major cognitive impairments lately. My brain feels really foggy. I have a terrible time with short term memory. Sometimes I can't even remember the details of events earlier in the day. Sometimes I'll read a sentence and have to re-read it from the beginning because it just doesn't flow correctly or make any sense to me, and I will have to slow down and read it word-by-word.

I'm just wondering how common this is from withdrawal/low serotonin? It's truly terrifying, actually. I have always had a sharp mind, but these moments of brain fog and memory loss is scary. I also am suffering from a lot of low vitamin B12 symptoms. I know that this is actually very common with low B12, especially if it has gone on long enough (I don't know how long I have been low and I suspect it has been over the last few years... which scares me).

It's really terrifying. I feel so stupid now. How am I supposed to get on with my life if I can barely think? Sometimes familiar things and places around me feel new, or like I haven't been there before (like a jamais vu), even though I know logically that I have done this or have been there.

Really feels like permanent brain damage. I see a neurologist Tuesday, thankfully. I will tell him all about this (as I suspect it's from low B12, but I wanted to see if maybe - just maybe - this is a serotonin/antidepressant withdrawal thing...)

Thanks everyone. I am hanging on for dear life but it's getting hard. :( I really hope things get better, including any mental changes I could be suffering from low vitamin B12 or a/d withdrawal. I'm 30 years old and feel like I'm 60 or that I am dying. It's pretty scary stuff.

Jason

accuracy

chris'gal — Sat, 05 May 2012 20:21:34 GMT

Over the last year I have been shaving and weighing my dosage to taper. A pharmacist that I know told me a few days ago that this was not an accurate way to get a dosage at all. I was a little concerned about this. I have had a lot of ups and even more downs, this makes me wonder if it could be due to this "inaccuracy". I know that withdrawal in and of itself can cause this, I just was concerned that I was adding fuel to the fire. Liquid is not an option for me. Thanks guys just talking out loud.

Question about possible withdrawal symptoms?

schroern — Sat, 05 May 2012 18:34:46 GMT

I recently (four days ago maybe) cut my nighttime dosage of Paxil from 2.5 mg to 1.25. Now, I'm just feeling sick. Nauseous (if I end up throwing up by the end of the day I wouldn't be surprised), stomach pain on and off, not hungry, feeling hot flashes, muscle aches, essentially flu-like symptoms.

Can cutting the dosage that that small of an amount make me feel this sick? It could be a stomach bug I suppose, but nothing like that is really going around in my family, so I'm just surprised. Could be hormones too perhaps, since I started a new supplement called DIM which is to regulate my estrogen.

I just kinda wanted to see if it could be the Paxil though.....

Post effexor depressive episodes complicated by situational depression

kathrynE — Sat, 05 May 2012 16:52:05 GMT

Hi! I'd really like (actually feel pretty desparate) to know if anyone has gone through post effexor depressive/anxiety symptoms and then in circumstances beyond their control, found themselves so down and discouraged about them, they slipped into situational depression. This is where I find myself and I'm thoroughly disgusted about it. I sure as heck don't want to go back on meds so what do I do? I'm just dipping my toe in the water here, actually don't want to even look at it but I'm pretty sure that's what's happening.

If I were to take one of those stress level evaluation tests, with every circumstance and event I've been in or experienced or am in the present still experiencincing, it would top the charts! Divorce death poverty; you name it I'd top the charts. I want to actively participate in fighting this. Those of u who know my history and situation know I have limited support. Hearing ANYONE who made it thru this type of scenario would really really help.

Thank you for reading this and any help you might have for me

Very very sincerely
Kathryn