Help! Cold turkey withdrawal

[sadbunny]

I just found this site and am so happy to know I'm not the only one in antidepressant hell. I've been on every SSRI in the book but Paxil for the past few years, but I'm scared because my doctor has me on 70 mg! Why doesn't anyone else need this much?

So, I ran out of pills because I'm stupid and now I'm completely psycho after 3 days without. I got a refill today, but obviously it's not gonna help right away and I feel like I'm losing my mind. My boyfriend got so angry because I've run out before and always get crazy and keep doing this, but I really just needed him not to yell at me at least until I get my brain working in a few days. I know he's right that it was stupid, but right now he just made me feel worse, and crazier.

What can I do till I get back on track? I can't sit still or do anything and feel like throwing up, and I'm shaking and can't stop crying.

Help! Anyone? Please?

[unique]

Someone who knows far more than I will be on to help you, I'm sure! Just hang in there...I know it's easier said than done. The stores are open late and many are still holiday shopping. Try to rest.

[scotty]

Welcome!! The only way to end with withdrawal is to take the paxil. Once you're stablized again it's time to make a decision on continuing with paxil. The fact that you're on 70 mg is outrageous!! What was going on that your dose got that high???

[rdjanis]

Welcome, I agree, go back on and stabilize. I would be seeing another doc and getting a second opinion.... no reason for anyone to be taking 70 mg, IMO.

[sadbunny]

Thanks so much for reading. I am taking the paxil again, but just re-started today.

I've been taking this ridiculous dosage for depression after having a bad bruising reaction to Prozac. It's been a few years of the Paxil now, and I knew it was a high dosage, but I didn't realize just how far beyond the normal amount. I started much lower (I don't even remember what the amount was) but was still depressed, so my doctor kept inching it up. With the 70 mg I guess you could say I'm not depressed. More like numb.
I was in therapy but decided to stop after years of frustration with the doctor telling me things I already knew and charging hundreds of dollars for it. We do communicate every once in a while by phone, so the prescriptions keep coming.

I don't really want to be on medication at all, but it seems better than the alternative.

[Charlie]

Sadbunny
Forgetting the prescription wasn't stupid it was just a mistake. Memory problems and confusion are side effects of SSRI's as a group. If you should decide to quit the Paxil after you stabilize and I'd suggest after the holidays remember slow and steady wins the race. Small reductions and patience are important along with suppliments. I would also suggest showing the people closest to you this site so they understand what lies ahead and can better support you in your withdrawal.

[elisa]

I don't really want to be on medication at all, but it seems better than the alternative.

What is the alternative sadbunny??

I was told by 2 pdocs that I have chronic depression and therefore would have to take these AD's for life....

Fact is that now, almost done with the taper, I'm feeling way better than while on the psychotropics meds. My mood is better, more alert, and many of the side-effects I experienced while on the meds are much less now. Additionally, I've lost almost all the weight that I put on while on the drugs.

Sofar, I'm proving the docs wrong....

We have choices in life ya know?? My choice was to get off the meds after a 10 year stint on them. Glad I woke up and realized that I had a CHOICE!