i don't think I can do this anymore!

10-08-2002, 08:07 AM

Hi guys,

I just don't think I am strong enough to do this anymore. I want to, Lord knows I want to, but I am tired of feeling like crap! I have found a new doctor (GP), and I am hoping she will be more sympathetic than my last doctor. I filed a report with his adminstrator yesturday, and I am going to pick up my medical records this week and have them transfered over to the new doctor. I don't know if my complaint with his administrator will do any good, but at least I have alerted them to the seriousness of Paxil Withdrawl.
I called my theripist and she is calling me back today. Maybe I just need a pep talk from her. I'm on the 2.5 liquid still and the other day I skipped it, so maybe that is part of my problem today. I just want to feel better.
I'm thinking that maybe going back to 5 miligrams might be best. I really don't know. I have come so far, but last night I was just sitting, just sitting, and I felt like I was on a cruise ship, like waves were underneath me. I'm tired of this and frustrated and I am also scared about what this drug may have done to my brain. Once I see the new doctor I am going to ask her for a referal to see a neurologist. Just to be safe, maybe they can run some tests. Maybe I'm a little baby! At least that's the way the doctors and even my therapist has made me feel on occassion. I just want this to be over and I see no end to it. I wish someone would take me seriously. I am not a fruit cake, I am a wonderful person when I am feeling normal! Really I am...

Can some one please tell me why a company would put something out for people who obviously are having problems with their mental condition already, why they would put out a drug that has such horrible withdrawl effects. I have to believe that they have a soul somewhere...But I know it was all about money! And it sucks! And I am ready to just end it...

10-08-2002, 08:40 AM

Dianna,

I am in the exact same spot, sort of. Last night, I switched from 5 mg. to 3.5 mgs. (partially because my liquid dropper is poor). I am quite scared and fearful to continue and be off - but I want to do this and need to do this. You can do it too!

A jump from 5 to 2.5 can be dramatic (50% drop) - usually it is suggested to go no more than 10% at a time. Why not take 5-6 weeks and just come off 1 mg. per week?

You are almost there - keep up the great, brave work and don't skip doses, if you can help it!

Like you, I have thought that I have all sorts of other diseases and have consulted other GP's. The simple fact is that I am suffering from Paxil withdrawal. I know my God is stronger than a pill!

Hang in there and we will be here for eachother as we go below 5!

Blessings, Bill

PS. I think the 10 to 5 is the hardest of all drops because you go well below medicinal doses and need to really adjust. 5 off, as long as it is slowly done, should be much easier - especially if you have left enough time between 10 and 5mgs. How long have you been on? Get lots of rest, drink lots of water, deal "lightly" with people and beat back the fear.

10-08-2002, 09:18 AM

I had to go back onto 5mg after spending two weeks at zero and realizing I couldn't handle it. I hear you on the dizziness and other terrible symptoms. I don't feel so bad about going back up, though, and you shouldn't either. I was at 30mg for six years and 20mg Prozac for seven years prior. It feels GOOD to finally be 'mostly' off of SSRI medications and I'm gradually losing the 50lbs Paxil gave me. 5mg or 2.5 mg is NOTHING compared to a normal dose, and you can use it to regroup and go down again when you strengthen again! You could take the time at 5mg to get to a health food store and build up an arsenal of imino acids (there are so many that effect seratonin levels). Strengthen your system and your mental state, then try again. Also, if I were you I'd forget paying for a neurologist. Paxil does something with your brain chemistry alright, but it's nothing that would show up on an MRI. It feels like the zaps and headaches are causing physical damage, but I doubt it's permanent. Your body just needs time.

10-08-2002, 11:11 AM

Diana - hang in there! I have been down to zero for over two weeks now and did a slow taper of about 5 or 6 months. It is surprisingly hard the lower you get. You would think such a small dose would allow you to just stop but it isn' that way. I suggest you stay a month at each dose so that you can really stabilize then drop a little at a time, maybe 1 to 2 mg. If the 2.5 is really rough for more than a few days, there is nothing wrong with going back to 5 for a few weeks and then go down maybe a little slower. Like others suggest, be sure and exercise, take supplements (especially B vitamins), get adequate sleep, and draw on your spiritual strength. You will make it - think of it as a process rather than a goal only. Be encouraged by how far you have come rather than discouraged that you are not at zero yet. You are doing great!

JulieG · 10-08-2002, 12:33 PM

I agree wholeheartedly with Robert. He's our new success story and he knows what he's talking about!

10-08-2002, 05:16 PM

Please hang in there. Know the tired of feeling like crap routine and it only makes you feel worse when you go to people for help and they can't/won't help you! Do what you are comfortable with but also try to find something to be hopeful about. I know that is hard but there are days when it can make ALL the difference in your energy level and how you cope with your symptoms. Do whatever you can to reassure yourself! Make a list of positive things in your life or things you can think of to look forward to and focus on those.

my therapist tells me sometimes when I feel negative--if it's not helping you, throw it away! so keep trying and if you have to go back then go back but don't give up.

Positive hugs, vibes to you!

Stephanie

JulieG · 10-08-2002, 05:56 PM

We are here for you, we understand even if your doctors cant see it. We've all been to the point where we don't think we can take it anymore. You'll get thru it and you'll realize you're stronger than you ever realized you were! We all are. Hang in there!

10-08-2002, 06:34 PM

try to just think about how far you have come. Remember that your accomplishments of getting this far is a lot to be said for your integerity, determination, and strength. Be proud of yourself !!!! You are almost there ! I'll pray for you that you continue to find the strength that I know you have. We are all here for you. Wishing you healthier days!

safarigal · 10-08-2002, 08:36 PM

I totally agree...we've got to just hang on!! I fell like absolute crap tonight, really don't feel like typing, can barely read the forum. BUT I need to realize that this is GOING TO END some day and its great to hear positive feedback from all of you on this forum. THANK GOD for all of you!!

Hmmm...is it the drop to 10mg or is it PMS?

No chocolate cravings....must be the withdrawal

JulieD

10-08-2002, 08:07 AM	#1
Anonymous Posts: n/a	i don't think I can do this anymore! Hi guys, I just don't think I am strong enough to do this anymore. I want to, Lord knows I want to, but I am tired of feeling like crap! I have found a new doctor (GP), and I am hoping she will be more sympathetic than my last doctor. I filed a report with his adminstrator yesturday, and I am going to pick up my medical records this week and have them transfered over to the new doctor. I don't know if my complaint with his administrator will do any good, but at least I have alerted them to the seriousness of Paxil Withdrawl. I called my theripist and she is calling me back today. Maybe I just need a pep talk from her. I'm on the 2.5 liquid still and the other day I skipped it, so maybe that is part of my problem today. I just want to feel better. I'm thinking that maybe going back to 5 miligrams might be best. I really don't know. I have come so far, but last night I was just sitting, just sitting, and I felt like I was on a cruise ship, like waves were underneath me. I'm tired of this and frustrated and I am also scared about what this drug may have done to my brain. Once I see the new doctor I am going to ask her for a referal to see a neurologist. Just to be safe, maybe they can run some tests. Maybe I'm a little baby! At least that's the way the doctors and even my therapist has made me feel on occassion. I just want this to be over and I see no end to it. I wish someone would take me seriously. I am not a fruit cake, I am a wonderful person when I am feeling normal! Really I am... Can some one please tell me why a company would put something out for people who obviously are having problems with their mental condition already, why they would put out a drug that has such horrible withdrawl effects. I have to believe that they have a soul somewhere...But I know it was all about money! And it sucks! And I am ready to just end it...

10-08-2002, 09:18 AM	#3
Anonymous Posts: n/a	Neurologist I had to go back onto 5mg after spending two weeks at zero and realizing I couldn't handle it. I hear you on the dizziness and other terrible symptoms. I don't feel so bad about going back up, though, and you shouldn't either. I was at 30mg for six years and 20mg Prozac for seven years prior. It feels GOOD to finally be 'mostly' off of SSRI medications and I'm gradually losing the 50lbs Paxil gave me. 5mg or 2.5 mg is NOTHING compared to a normal dose, and you can use it to regroup and go down again when you strengthen again! You could take the time at 5mg to get to a health food store and build up an arsenal of imino acids (there are so many that effect seratonin levels). Strengthen your system and your mental state, then try again. Also, if I were you I'd forget paying for a neurologist. Paxil does something with your brain chemistry alright, but it's nothing that would show up on an MRI. It feels like the zaps and headaches are causing physical damage, but I doubt it's permanent. Your body just needs time.

10-08-2002, 06:34 PM	#8
Jackie Posts: n/a	hang in there dianna try to just think about how far you have come. Remember that your accomplishments of getting this far is a lot to be said for your integerity, determination, and strength. Be proud of yourself !!!! You are almost there ! I'll pray for you that you continue to find the strength that I know you have. We are all here for you. Wishing you healthier days!

10-08-2002, 08:40 AM	#2
gettingonwithit Posts: n/a	Dianna, I am in the exact same spot, sort of. Last night, I switched from 5 mg. to 3.5 mgs. (partially because my liquid dropper is poor). I am quite scared and fearful to continue and be off - but I want to do this and need to do this. You can do it too! A jump from 5 to 2.5 can be dramatic (50% drop) - usually it is suggested to go no more than 10% at a time. Why not take 5-6 weeks and just come off 1 mg. per week? You are almost there - keep up the great, brave work and don't skip doses, if you can help it! Like you, I have thought that I have all sorts of other diseases and have consulted other GP's. The simple fact is that I am suffering from Paxil withdrawal. I know my God is stronger than a pill! Hang in there and we will be here for eachother as we go below 5! Blessings, Bill PS. I think the 10 to 5 is the hardest of all drops because you go well below medicinal doses and need to really adjust. 5 off, as long as it is slowly done, should be much easier - especially if you have left enough time between 10 and 5mgs. How long have you been on? Get lots of rest, drink lots of water, deal "lightly" with people and beat back the fear.

10-08-2002, 11:11 AM	#4
Anonymous Posts: n/a	Diana - hang in there! I have been down to zero for over two weeks now and did a slow taper of about 5 or 6 months. It is surprisingly hard the lower you get. You would think such a small dose would allow you to just stop but it isn' that way. I suggest you stay a month at each dose so that you can really stabilize then drop a little at a time, maybe 1 to 2 mg. If the 2.5 is really rough for more than a few days, there is nothing wrong with going back to 5 for a few weeks and then go down maybe a little slower. Like others suggest, be sure and exercise, take supplements (especially B vitamins), get adequate sleep, and draw on your spiritual strength. You will make it - think of it as a process rather than a goal only. Be encouraged by how far you have come rather than discouraged that you are not at zero yet. You are doing great!

10-08-2002, 12:33 PM	#5
JulieG Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio, USA Posts: 589	I agree wholeheartedly with Robert. He's our new success story and he knows what he's talking about!

10-08-2002, 05:16 PM	#6
bodhipuff Posts: n/a	Please hang in there. Know the tired of feeling like crap routine and it only makes you feel worse when you go to people for help and they can't/won't help you! Do what you are comfortable with but also try to find something to be hopeful about. I know that is hard but there are days when it can make ALL the difference in your energy level and how you cope with your symptoms. Do whatever you can to reassure yourself! Make a list of positive things in your life or things you can think of to look forward to and focus on those. my therapist tells me sometimes when I feel negative--if it's not helping you, throw it away! so keep trying and if you have to go back then go back but don't give up. Positive hugs, vibes to you! Stephanie

10-08-2002, 05:56 PM	#7
JulieG Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio, USA Posts: 589	We are here for you, we understand even if your doctors cant see it. We've all been to the point where we don't think we can take it anymore. You'll get thru it and you'll realize you're stronger than you ever realized you were! We all are. Hang in there!

10-08-2002, 08:36 PM	#9
safarigal Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 4,879	I totally agree...we've got to just hang on!! I fell like absolute crap tonight, really don't feel like typing, can barely read the forum. BUT I need to realize that this is GOING TO END some day and its great to hear positive feedback from all of you on this forum. THANK GOD for all of you!! Hmmm...is it the drop to 10mg or is it PMS? No chocolate cravings....must be the withdrawal JulieD

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