Six Days Cold Turkey

09-25-2002, 03:32 PM

Six Days Cold Turkey! A co-worker placed me on Paxil CR and I was on it for approximatley six months, at the suggestion of a psychologist, as I was going through an early menopause, remarriage over the past two years, and recent job changes, on top of recent surgery. Then several months later I started waking up in the middle of the night soaking wet, yet freezing cold, in the middle of night mares, and my spouse said almost screaming in my sleep! I thought I was losing my mind when I began to see light flashes, whenever I closed my eyes, or when I was unusually tired, on top of a large weight gain.
Though, I should have known better I made the decision to quit "COLD TURKEY!" It has been rough, I feel like I have just woke up after having surgery after major anethesia! I feel nauseated, disorientated, and have GI disturbance. I saw on this website suggestions for taking Antivert and Benadryl, any other words of advice would be certainly appreciated!
Thanks

safarigal · 09-25-2002, 09:32 PM

I haven't read anything about Antivert nor Benedryl on this website. I don't know what Antivert is but Benedryl is an anti-histamine and wouldn't do anything for withdrawal from Paxhell unless you were having an allergic reaction to it.

Cold turkey is very dangerous, please read up on this site about what symptoms to watch for. Beware of feeling like you are going crazy and suicidal thoughts!! These are by far the scariest symptoms and after 6 days cold turkey you may find yourself going into these symptoms. Then again if you've only been on Paxhell for 6 months you may be among the lucky few not to experience severe withdrawal.

Good Luck!!

JulieD

09-25-2002, 10:11 PM

I read something about Meclazine, same thing as Anivert, for the dizziness, it is available over the counter. Benadryl at night is the active ingredient in Tylenol PM, for sleep. I am going through the depression big time, and keep telling myself, this is just a symptom of the withdrawl.
Tonight is particulary tough!
Hope your having a good one, thanks for the reply

09-26-2002, 09:14 AM

Donna,
I am starting day 6 today of the cold turkey off paxil. I don't know if I can handle it though. I have had horrible side effects again. This is my 4th try at coming off the devils drug. I am just so mad about the whole situation of paxil. I am going to the doctor today to take him some lititure I printed off. He has no idea of whay I am going thru because I haven't discussed it with him. I'm afraid I might have to get real mean and in his face about it, and I don't want to do that. Well, wish me luck.
Princess

09-26-2002, 11:59 AM

Princess,
Take a look at the thread "saw my doctor yesterday - what a joke". Doctors can be quite resistant to "learning" from a patient, but you may be able to convince them to check out a situation for themselves.
Brent

09-26-2002, 04:10 PM

Donna, I admire your bravery, but cold turkey off Paxil is nuts! Even the controlled release stuff. You can look forward to not even being able to complete sentences when the zaps get worse within a day or so. The sweating and nighmares don't let up, either. I just tapered over a ten week period and am finally clear. I had problems with dizziness, headaches, flu, and anxiety, but NONE of the zaps, sweating, nightmares, or other serious symptoms I got when trying to quit cold turkey. Tips during the taper method: DRINK lots of water, take vitamins, use 5-HTP for anxiety, use liquid Paxil do go down a few mg at a time, and brace yourself for two months of feeling like crap. Then it's gone!

:P

09-26-2002, 04:14 PM

Princess,
I hope you have had a better day than I, my husband is going out of town for a few days, which is a good thing for both of us. I had him read some information from this site, No I haven't gone off the deep in, unfortunately as a member of the medical community myself, I know how resistant physician's can be, when dealing with such issues.
I truly thought this drug was the answer for several weeks, before the night traumas ( they surpassed nightmares), night sweats, weight gain, that was horrible for the self-esteem.
I have cried at the drop of the hat for two days, vomited up everything I've eaten, or had diarrhea. Princess, I am praying for you
Donna RN

09-26-2002, 04:41 PM

Tara,
I am drinking lots of H20 and went and got lots of herbals and vitamins today! Thanks for tip, I am willing to try almost anything, non prescription!
Donna

09-26-2002, 06:57 PM

FYI--Antivert is a prescription med for vertigo. It's essentially what Dramamine is. "Anti"--against, "vert"--vertigo. I agree, these vitamins, supplements, and remedies do help with the withdrawal. I know we can all get through this with the encouragement and helpful tips from each other! Good luck!

09-27-2002, 09:32 PM

Donna,
Thank you for the e-mail. Sometimes I think I am alone in this war against the Devil's drug. I love this community and everyone in it. As soon as I start reading the messages, I realize we are all in this together.
My doctor visit was a joke. I gave him the copied articles and he set them down and asked me if i wanted to try Paxil CR. I was in shock. I couldn't believe I actually heard what he said, after I had just told him I was going off the deep end and at times thought about taking my family with me. It just made me realize I had to do this without his help. He wouldn't even give me a script for liquid Paxil, just incase I felt like I needed to take it again. I told him I wanted to take a little as possible. Inone ear and out the other. Maybe I was talking in a foreign language ... Paxilism or something. I told him I shouldn't be driving ... but had no return suggestions or comments. I told him I felt better driving and walking with one eye closed, that it made me feel less dizzy and sick. Once again ... nothing. I am going to beat this, and I don't need his help to do it either. You are in my thoughts and prayers Donna.
Love,
Princess

09-28-2002, 08:40 PM

Princess,
Sorry that your visit to the doctor was not helpful, unfortunately the medical community needs some education in this matter. I have my appointment on Monday at 11:00, and will give you the scoop ASAP.
The muscle aches are awful, I can hardly use my right arm, and if it was not for the Anivert, Meclazine, or Non-Drowsy DRAMAMINE, whichever you choose, I am certain my equilibrium would not allow me to drive, I do start getting extremely disoriented the longer the day goes. The nausea was slightly better today, although.
I spoke with a Psychologist friend today, who is a big SSRI fan, and I told them my recent battle to get off Paxil, and she promises to do some independent research. I agree it is demonic!!!
I am adding the supplements Valerian, for restful sleep; ST. John's Wort; Ginkgo Bilbo for mental focus, as I have felt so disoriented as of late, and Kava Kava ( but, do not plan on using it every day, due to its effect with prolonged use, on the liver.)
Best Luck to You!
God Bless,
Donna

10-05-2002, 05:53 PM

Thanks Donna ........... I will give those herbal ideas a try. I am currently taking the non-drowsie Dramamine, seems to be helping a lot. I have bouts of depression and crying still, but I am hoping maybe the herbal remidies will help me with that. I have also gain a lot of weight SINCE having the baby. I am upto what I was full term. However I only gained about 15 pounds with my pregnancy.

I am very excited that your friend is going to put some effort forth in the study of this drug. Keep us updated on her findings and if her opinion changes. I have an internet psychiatric doctor friend that is also a fan of Paxil. I have been talking to her about it too. I hope your doctor visit is better than mine was. Let me know what you find out. Thanks a bunch Donna. :P
Princess

10-07-2002, 04:33 PM

Donna,

I know our pharmacist of all people said to wait until the paxil was totally out of your system before trying any herbal remedies. Our family member went cold turkey and it is now 11 weeks. The first month was total hell!!!!!!! Mean outbursts and almost all the other symptoms. They managed to continue to work in a public service job. I don't know how. But we are still moving forward. It's getting better everyday, but a long way to go yet. The outbursts have subsided. Hang in there and let us know if there is anything we can do as a group to educate the medical profession.

09-25-2002, 03:32 PM	#1
DonnaRN Posts: n/a	Six Days Cold Turkey Six Days Cold Turkey! A co-worker placed me on Paxil CR and I was on it for approximatley six months, at the suggestion of a psychologist, as I was going through an early menopause, remarriage over the past two years, and recent job changes, on top of recent surgery. Then several months later I started waking up in the middle of the night soaking wet, yet freezing cold, in the middle of night mares, and my spouse said almost screaming in my sleep! I thought I was losing my mind when I began to see light flashes, whenever I closed my eyes, or when I was unusually tired, on top of a large weight gain. Though, I should have known better I made the decision to quit "COLD TURKEY!" It has been rough, I feel like I have just woke up after having surgery after major anethesia! I feel nauseated, disorientated, and have GI disturbance. I saw on this website suggestions for taking Antivert and Benadryl, any other words of advice would be certainly appreciated! Thanks

09-25-2002, 09:32 PM	#2
safarigal Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 4,879	I haven't read anything about Antivert nor Benedryl on this website. I don't know what Antivert is but Benedryl is an anti-histamine and wouldn't do anything for withdrawal from Paxhell unless you were having an allergic reaction to it. Cold turkey is very dangerous, please read up on this site about what symptoms to watch for. Beware of feeling like you are going crazy and suicidal thoughts!! These are by far the scariest symptoms and after 6 days cold turkey you may find yourself going into these symptoms. Then again if you've only been on Paxhell for 6 months you may be among the lucky few not to experience severe withdrawal. Good Luck!! JulieD __________________ Julie Paxil free since Nov 2002! Forum Rules Withdrawal FAQ

09-26-2002, 11:59 AM	#5
be550034 Posts: n/a	Experience with doctors Princess, Take a look at the thread "saw my doctor yesterday - what a joke". Doctors can be quite resistant to "learning" from a patient, but you may be able to convince them to check out a situation for themselves. Brent

09-26-2002, 04:10 PM	#6
Anonymous Posts: n/a	Cold turkey not a good idea Donna, I admire your bravery, but cold turkey off Paxil is nuts! Even the controlled release stuff. You can look forward to not even being able to complete sentences when the zaps get worse within a day or so. The sweating and nighmares don't let up, either. I just tapered over a ten week period and am finally clear. I had problems with dizziness, headaches, flu, and anxiety, but NONE of the zaps, sweating, nightmares, or other serious symptoms I got when trying to quit cold turkey. Tips during the taper method: DRINK lots of water, take vitamins, use 5-HTP for anxiety, use liquid Paxil do go down a few mg at a time, and brace yourself for two months of feeling like crap. Then it's gone! :P

09-26-2002, 04:14 PM	#7
DonnaRN Posts: n/a	how did the dr.'s visit go? Princess, I hope you have had a better day than I, my husband is going out of town for a few days, which is a good thing for both of us. I had him read some information from this site, No I haven't gone off the deep in, unfortunately as a member of the medical community myself, I know how resistant physician's can be, when dealing with such issues. I truly thought this drug was the answer for several weeks, before the night traumas ( they surpassed nightmares), night sweats, weight gain, that was horrible for the self-esteem. I have cried at the drop of the hat for two days, vomited up everything I've eaten, or had diarrhea. Princess, I am praying for you Donna RN

09-25-2002, 10:11 PM	#3
DonnaRN Posts: n/a	I read something about Meclazine, same thing as Anivert, for the dizziness, it is available over the counter. Benadryl at night is the active ingredient in Tylenol PM, for sleep. I am going through the depression big time, and keep telling myself, this is just a symptom of the withdrawl. Tonight is particulary tough! Hope your having a good one, thanks for the reply

09-26-2002, 09:14 AM	#4
Princess Posts: n/a	Donna, I am starting day 6 today of the cold turkey off paxil. I don't know if I can handle it though. I have had horrible side effects again. This is my 4th try at coming off the devils drug. I am just so mad about the whole situation of paxil. I am going to the doctor today to take him some lititure I printed off. He has no idea of whay I am going thru because I haven't discussed it with him. I'm afraid I might have to get real mean and in his face about it, and I don't want to do that. Well, wish me luck. Princess

09-26-2002, 04:41 PM	#8
DonnaRN Posts: n/a	Thanks, Tara Tara, I am drinking lots of H20 and went and got lots of herbals and vitamins today! Thanks for tip, I am willing to try almost anything, non prescription! Donna

09-26-2002, 06:57 PM	#9
Anonymous Posts: n/a	Antivert FYI--Antivert is a prescription med for vertigo. It's essentially what Dramamine is. "Anti"--against, "vert"--vertigo. I agree, these vitamins, supplements, and remedies do help with the withdrawal. I know we can all get through this with the encouragement and helpful tips from each other! Good luck!

09-27-2002, 09:32 PM	#10
Princess Posts: n/a	Donna, Thank you for the e-mail. Sometimes I think I am alone in this war against the Devil's drug. I love this community and everyone in it. As soon as I start reading the messages, I realize we are all in this together. My doctor visit was a joke. I gave him the copied articles and he set them down and asked me if i wanted to try Paxil CR. I was in shock. I couldn't believe I actually heard what he said, after I had just told him I was going off the deep end and at times thought about taking my family with me. It just made me realize I had to do this without his help. He wouldn't even give me a script for liquid Paxil, just incase I felt like I needed to take it again. I told him I wanted to take a little as possible. Inone ear and out the other. Maybe I was talking in a foreign language ... Paxilism or something. I told him I shouldn't be driving ... but had no return suggestions or comments. I told him I felt better driving and walking with one eye closed, that it made me feel less dizzy and sick. Once again ... nothing. I am going to beat this, and I don't need his help to do it either. You are in my thoughts and prayers Donna. Love, Princess

09-28-2002, 08:40 PM	#11
DonnaRN Posts: n/a	Hang In There You Are Not Alone Princess, Sorry that your visit to the doctor was not helpful, unfortunately the medical community needs some education in this matter. I have my appointment on Monday at 11:00, and will give you the scoop ASAP. The muscle aches are awful, I can hardly use my right arm, and if it was not for the Anivert, Meclazine, or Non-Drowsy DRAMAMINE, whichever you choose, I am certain my equilibrium would not allow me to drive, I do start getting extremely disoriented the longer the day goes. The nausea was slightly better today, although. I spoke with a Psychologist friend today, who is a big SSRI fan, and I told them my recent battle to get off Paxil, and she promises to do some independent research. I agree it is demonic!!! I am adding the supplements Valerian, for restful sleep; ST. John's Wort; Ginkgo Bilbo for mental focus, as I have felt so disoriented as of late, and Kava Kava ( but, do not plan on using it every day, due to its effect with prolonged use, on the liver.) Best Luck to You! God Bless, Donna

10-05-2002, 05:53 PM	#12
Princess Posts: n/a	Thanks Donna ........... I will give those herbal ideas a try. I am currently taking the non-drowsie Dramamine, seems to be helping a lot. I have bouts of depression and crying still, but I am hoping maybe the herbal remidies will help me with that. I have also gain a lot of weight SINCE having the baby. I am upto what I was full term. However I only gained about 15 pounds with my pregnancy. I am very excited that your friend is going to put some effort forth in the study of this drug. Keep us updated on her findings and if her opinion changes. I have an internet psychiatric doctor friend that is also a fan of Paxil. I have been talking to her about it too. I hope your doctor visit is better than mine was. Let me know what you find out. Thanks a bunch Donna. :P Princess

10-07-2002, 04:33 PM	#13
Anonymous Posts: n/a	Withdrawel Donna, I know our pharmacist of all people said to wait until the paxil was totally out of your system before trying any herbal remedies. Our family member went cold turkey and it is now 11 weeks. The first month was total hell!!!!!!! Mean outbursts and almost all the other symptoms. They managed to continue to work in a public service job. I don't know how. But we are still moving forward. It's getting better everyday, but a long way to go yet. The outbursts have subsided. Hang in there and let us know if there is anything we can do as a group to educate the medical profession.

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