New to this whole thing and have so many questions...

[ratgirl]

I was given Paxil around fall or early winter of 2002 and have been taking it since. I was told it was completely non addicting with little to no side effects. At some point in history I was swapped from Paxil to Paroxetine CR and always stayed at the lowest dose (25mg).
This past month I started weaning off of it with advice from my doctor. Last Saturday I was so sick I thought I would die. I had been dizzy on Friday and knew that was from lack of the drug so I thought maybe the sickness was also related. When I found all of these websites dedicated to the severe withdrawal I began to cry in hopelessness. I can't believe I have to go through this.
I put myself back on the full dose and stopped the weaning because I wasn't ready for this sort of reaction. I already talked to my boss and told him I fully intend on getting this out of my system but I may have sick days I need to use and I may be a little crazy. He was very understanding. I have my new husband catering to me and taking me back to the doctors this coming Monday. I am blessed to have such wonderful people in my life.
My questions are:
1. Right now I feel no anxiety. When I am completely done with the drug and the withdrawal, will I lose that? (I just want to be prepared)
2. Did the people that had to withdraw from the 25mg or 20mg have an easier time withdrawing then those that were on higher doses?
3. I don't think my doctor is aware yet of the severe withdrawal of Paxil and Paroxetine. How can I get her to believe me?

[imokay]

Originally Posted by ratgirl

I was given Paxil around fall or early winter of 2002 and have been taking it since. I was told it was a completely non addicting drug with few side effects. I just started weaning myself off with advice from my doctor this past month. Last Saturday I was so sick I thought I would die. I had been dizzy the day before and new that was lack of the drug so I thought maybe the sickness I was having was also related. When I found all these websites dedicated to the severe withdrawal I began to cry in hopelessness. I can't believe I have to go through this.
At some point I was swapped from Paxil to Paroxetine CR and always stayed at the lowest dose (25mg). I put myself back on the full dose and stopped the weaning because I wasn't ready for this sort of reaction. I already talked to my boss and told him I fully intend on getting this out of my system but I may have sick days I need to use and I may be a little crazy. He was very understanding. I have my new husband catering to me and taking me back to the doctors this coming Monday.

My questions are:
1. Right now I feel no anxiety. When I am completely done with the drug and the withdrawal, will I lose that? (I just want to be prepared)
2. Did the people that had to withdraw from the 25mg or 20mg have an easier time withdrawing then those that were on higher doses?
3. I don't think my doctor is aware yet of the severe withdrawal of Paxil and Paroxetine. How can I get her to believe me?

Welcome Ratgirl if you could could you please let us know your weaning schedule? It will help us help you better..
To try to answer your questions...
1. Everyone is different for some people it goes away and for some it doesnt.
2. It doest seem to matter what dose you were on. The key is to go ssslllooowww.
3. There is SO much information in here and other places on the net about discontinuation syndrome you need to print a bunch of it up and bring it with you.
Are you able to get the iquid form?

[Homerbcool]

Ratgirl..welcome to PaxilProgress..You will find real world answers and advice from real world suffers here..this is not I love paxil site...we collectively hate it.

There is an excel spreadsheet on the site for tapering scheduling etc..we recommend that you drop 10% of yuor dose..stabilize at that dose, allowing your brain to heal usually minimum of 4 weeks, but it is such an individualistic journey there is no hard fast rule that covers everyone...

Will you get anxiety back..most likely yes...but, now is the time to learn coping skills, supplement your diet via nutrition and supplements..cut out sugar, caffenine...add Magnesium and Omega3...and you will have to learn coping skills..this is basically talk therapy that will entrench survival, trigger identification and how to cope skills...they are within you now, they just need awaken and your brain needs to be taught how to use them..the more you use them the more "automatic" they become...

As far as educating your doctor..well that one just might be the hardest thing in this tapering journey. Most have their heads so far entrenched up big pharmas arse that they choose not to believe it.....some doctors are now catching on, the stigmatism is lessening so yuor doctor may be one of the good ones...tell her about this site..she will either be interested or tell you not to come to these sites...the ones that tell their patients not to come to these sites, typically are further up the arses then others.....

And as far as your hubby and boss..THAT IS FANTASTIC..TWO KEY FOUNDATIONS TO A GOOD SMOOTH TAPERING JOURNEY..

Freedom is with you!!!!

[ratgirl]

Thank you guys. I will use this site to help me and catalog my journey for other people.
When I decided to get off of Paroxetine my doctor told me to just cut down one pill during the week and see how I feel for a couple of weeks and then cut down 2 pills (like don't take it Tuesday and Thursday) for a couple of weeks and see how I feel and so on.
I did it a little quicker than that because I felt great and had heard it was easy to get off of (when I was put on it). But I started taking the pill every other day and then went three days without it. The 4th day I was physically and mentally sick. I cataloged the whole thing in my journal on here. Thankfully I am super organized and had been keeping tabs on when I was taking the pill. Now I can look back and see my mistakes.
I understand now that my doctor should have had me take the pill every day and just gradually make it a smaller dose. I will see if I can be changed back to paxil and get the 10mg pills or the liquid form. I really don't think she knows anything about Paxil having withdrawal issues even today. I am hoping she at least knows about these other forms of it. She is very kind and tries to do what the patient wants. She is about 65 and vietnamese so she does not like to prescribe strong meds. We talked good and long 4 years ago about how this is a "safe" drug for me to take where others were addicting. I could just spit on the people that told those lies.

[LossLeader]

GSK hired an advertising agency to convince doctors Paxil had the "cleanest" side effect profile of all the SSRIs. Unfortunately, it turns out that it actually has the "dirtiest" side effect profile of all the SSRIs. However could they have made such a mi$$$take?

That's where to start spitting. Add your contribution to the torrent of phlegm aimed at GSK headquarters...

[Katesmom]

Just FYI, if it hasn't been mentioned, CR is more difficult to taper off of than regular. The CRs are very hard to cut beyond 1/2. You can 1/4 the regulars. I would try to get 10mg regulars and start with 20mg dose. That is the regular equivalent of CR 25mg. That should be an easy transition, but give yourself a week just to make sure. Then, taper by 2.5mg every 3 or 4 weeks depending on symptoms. Good luck!

[ratgirl]

I actually had just searched that on this board. I thought I read a post that said that but wanted to make sure. I will definately do that. Thank you for trying to make this easier on me.

[cinderella]

Yes we are all very different thats for sure. I was on paxil 20mg for 1 year, I weaned 5mg each month, easy peasy with no problems. I imagine if you have been on a long time it will be harder. My nervous system is still sensitive, I get a little morning anxiety, jittery through the day, burning and sweating. Im not really sure if this is withdrawal or just anxiety. I have been off 14 months now.

[Scott]

make sure your doctor writes down all of your symptoms in your medical record.. do not leave until he or she does. If you ever need to apply for disability you will have to show in your history. I found out the hard way yesterday that they can't add to past records. I wrote out my entire history and my doctor wouldn't add it to my past. They will decline you if you can't show it. It doesn't matter if your doctor believes you or not.

As for withdrawal, you may not have as hard of a time as most that you read about here. It does need to be tapered slowly though.

[ratgirl]

I still feel lowsy even though I have been taking my full dose since Saturday. I have had a constant headache, occasional run for the bathroom, and just feeling a little antsy. I stopped drinking my normal 1 cup of coffee too. I wish my body could talk to me and say "I don't feel well because I want coffee!" or "I'm still having withdrawal." I want answers to what is happening and what will happen to me. It's miserable not knowing.
My husband calls me every day at about 2:30PM to see how I'm feeling. I am thankful for that. I try to be as chipper as possible. I don't hide anything, I just try to be positive. It makes us both feel better. My boss just asked me if I had gone back to the full dose. For the moment I have. I am lucky to have the 2 guys I see every day be so caring. I am hating having to put them through a rough time while I try to come back to life. I hope I don't put too much stress on my boss by having to miss work or not giving it my all because I don't feel well. My husband is tough, happy and forgiving.
I told my hubby last night that I am looking forward to losing the weight that I gained while on Paxil (about 30lbs) and he said he will miss my pudge. *L* I used to be so skinny and gorgeous that guys would stop and stare. Since on Paxil I am definately a fat girl. It's a big diffrence and your self esteem notices it. It didn't make me to upset. Only made me miss the attention and hate shopping.
Speaking of shopping, I did also spend alot while on Paxil. I went from $1,500 on my credit cards to $20,000. I wonder why that seems to be a common thread with us "users". I'm down alot less than that $20,000 now so I don't feel so ashamed that I can't mention it.
Anyway, that's my blurb for the moment. I feel better getting it out. I hope you all feel better every day that goes by. Monday is my doctors appt to go over attempting weaning the right way. I'm hoping I will be lucky and not have much of a problem by doing it correctly. I want to get out of debt, have a baby, and save money up for a house with a ton of pets. That's been my dream since I could remember. I already have the perfect husband and that was one of the hardest parts.

[cinderella]

Having the perfect (really!) husband is the best, mines almost perfect and was a godsend to me even though he really didnt understand what I was going through. When you hit the bad patches just remember him and how lucky you are. It would be hell to go through all this stuff with a dud for a partner. Sounds like you will have to take it really slow though.

[mstimc]

Hi RatGirl--

I managed to avoid side effects while on the full 20,g a day does, and right now I'm on 13 mg with no w/d symptoms yet. But I thinks its also important to get into therapy with a good psychologist to learn coping skills without the drugs. I've been using CBT with great success for the past few months. There are some great books on handling anxiety out there, too. There are lots of resources--therapists, this site, books, and prayer--that can get you through this. And its worth it. I've lost 10 pounds since beginning my taper, and I'm more energetic, too! Those are just some of the side benefits of knocking off the Paxil.

[ratgirl]

I was on Buspar in highschool and got off after a year and feeling fine. But then in college I had 1 full time job, 1 part time job and was full time in school. Plus an abusive boyfriend and needy family. I had a total break down and therefore took Paxil. I am desperately hoping to feel collected again without medicine like I was before that lump of stress hit my lap. I truly believe that once it is out of my system and my body grows used to it that I can function happily. I'm just scared of the journey.

[mouse]

Originally Posted by ratgirl

I still feel lowsy even though I have been taking my full dose since Saturday. I have had a constant headache, occasional run for the bathroom, and just feeling a little antsy. I stopped drinking my normal 1 cup of coffee too. I wish my body could talk to me and say "I don't feel well because I want coffee!" or "I'm still having withdrawal." I want answers to what is happening and what will happen to me. It's miserable not knowing.
My husband calls me every day at about 2:30PM to see how I'm feeling. I am thankful for that. I try to be as chipper as possible. I don't hide anything, I just try to be positive. It makes us both feel better. My boss just asked me if I had gone back to the full dose. For the moment I have. I am lucky to have the 2 guys I see every day be so caring. I am hating having to put them through a rough time while I try to come back to life. I hope I don't put too much stress on my boss by having to miss work or not giving it my all because I don't feel well. My husband is tough, happy and forgiving.
I told my hubby last night that I am looking forward to losing the weight that I gained while on Paxil (about 30lbs) and he said he will miss my pudge. *L* I used to be so skinny and gorgeous that guys would stop and stare. Since on Paxil I am definately a fat girl. It's a big diffrence and your self esteem notices it. It didn't make me to upset. Only made me miss the attention and hate shopping.
Speaking of shopping, I did also spend alot while on Paxil. I went from $1,500 on my credit cards to $20,000. I wonder why that seems to be a common thread with us "users". I'm down alot less than that $20,000 now so I don't feel so ashamed that I can't mention it.
Anyway, that's my blurb for the moment. I feel better getting it out. I hope you all feel better every day that goes by. Monday is my doctors appt to go over attempting weaning the right way. I'm hoping I will be lucky and not have much of a problem by doing it correctly. I want to get out of debt, have a baby, and save money up for a house with a ton of pets. That's been my dream since I could remember. I already have the perfect husband and that was one of the hardest parts.

Paxil is not actually even an "anti-depressant" ( in the conventional sense of the word) .. Its actually a "hypnotic" .. This is why people experience strange behavioural changes such as compulsive shopping and spending etc....

[Homerbcool]

...and i am still being found in neighbors back yards clucking like a chicken....

[ratgirl]

Hahaha!

[LCrawford67]

Originally Posted by Homerbcool

...and i am still being found in neighbors back yards clucking like a chicken....

Nekid and doing the chicken dance!

Ratgirl, when you're ready to taper again, just be sure to do it nice and slow. There's an excel spreadsheet posted called Tapering Schedule Spreadsheet. It'll really help you on your journey.

I too, had to go back up in dose after an unsuccessful taper. Sadly, Paxil just didn't work the same anymore, so I had monthly anxiety and all sorts of crap. I started on supplements, and here I am again! Doing it the right way, this time!

[ratgirl]

Thank you guys for all of your advice and support.
I already got the spreadsheet and I am good with Excel so it's awesome to have and customize.
I just am not sure if I can get the liquid form of Paxil. I am seeing my doctor on Monday and going to tell her how sick I was last weekend and tell her I want to switch from Paroxetine CR to Paxil to make the withdrawal easier. I will try that for a month and if that goes well then I will go back and see if I can get the liquid form.
All the reasons I had to be scared before are gone so I pray that when the withdrawal is over I will be sane and happy and ready to have babies! I'm fine with it taking time. I have time. I just hope my doctor knows about the liquid form, prescribes it, and my pharmacy can get it for me to make this whole thing smooth. I don't want to be chicken dancing with homer unless he is a really happy calm chicken!

[Homerbcool]

I am the calmest chicken in the pen...nice photo Ratgirl..if I may ask..why did you choose ratgirl..it conjurs up an image so far from the one I have of you, now especially since the photo..I should put mine back up..this is my son Jeff..

[Katesmom]

If your doc doesn't know about the liquid, it's time he/she learns! But know, that not all insurance covers it and it can be expensive. If you feel you need it (2.5mg drops are too much), then it's well worth the investment.

[ratgirl]

I have pet rats. They are really wonderful animals. Extremely smart and sickeningly sweet. The part that sold me on getting them to begin with is that they NEVER bite. They give kisses, come when they are called, curl up and sleep on you, play with you, and wait for you to take them out of their cage again.
Your son is really hot Homer!
Anyway, I will definately tell my doctor that there is liquid form of Paxil. I just hope she gets it for me. I got my regular prescription last night and to my shock I have been taking Paroxetine 20mg (not CR). I don't know when I was changed from CR to regular. I have my slips till about March and they are all the regular Paroxetine. So strange. Well I guess I will ask for the liquid and if she wont do it then I will ask for the 10mg pills on my visit to her Monday.

[Scott]

yeah you need to watch caffeine when you're cutting this drug.. you'll find you can't tolerate it as much, if at all... and that alone may be enough to give you symptoms of headache and weakness from the caffeine withdrawal.

[Scott]

Originally Posted by ratgirl

I have pet rats.

everyone that lives that close to nyc has pet rats