reaching out for help

Casey1231 · 08-10-2007, 05:40 PM

Hi all,

The last several days have been difficult, today has been almost unbearable. I feel like my hormones are out of whack, just terrible surges of heat, burning pain, then cold, nausea, stomache pain, headache, anxiety, etc. Some of the coping skills I am utilizing:

drinking lots of water
took a long warm bath
spoke on the phone with several people, including several PP members
meditated, and realized I just have to walk through it
read several good books, including The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
prayed
took some magnesium and fish oil

I think I may be coming down with something, because there is just minimal improvement, and usually I am much better by the evening when I have a bad day. But, despite all my good efforts, I am plagued by dark thoughts of fear that this won't work for me, and I would just love to hear from anyone who feels like saying anything. I am a big believer in the power of community and shared experience and just feel like a friggin baby who needs a big pacifier right now.

Cindywho · 08-10-2007, 05:46 PM

It does sound kind of hormonal based on the symptoms. Just remember that hormones fluctuate and this too shall pass. Also, give the supplements some time to work before getting discouraged. I'm sorry you aren't feeling well today. Oh yeah, here's the pacifier

. Hang in there.

kris10 · 08-10-2007, 05:49 PM

All of those symptoms...hot/cold, nausea, burning, stomache pain, headaches etc...are all symptoms I get when I'm really anxious. They will pass! Try to stay disracted when you're not doing using your coping skills. Don't anticipate feeling this way in the next month, week, day or even hour! Sometimes I feel that way for days, then next thing I know I feel much less anxiety, even none, for weeks! It is chemical withdrawal...NOT you! Remember that....it will pass!

LCrawford67 · 08-10-2007, 07:34 PM

I want to throw this out there too, for everyone. The horrible heat and humidity seems to be wreaking havoc with us in w/d. Keep this in mind.

Casey, I don't know where you live, so this may not apply to you, but for me, I've felt HORRIBLE this week. And, I've been fine through this taper, so I know it's the weather. I also did a little research about it too, so hang in there and don't let this discourage you.

nicemom · 08-10-2007, 08:12 PM

Casey~I'm sorry. I know how those days feel and they seem to last forever. Its so discouraging when you try everything and nothing can make you feel better. (((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))
Instead of a hot bath you might try a cold shower. I read that in the wellness section the other day and tried it. It did help believe it or not. Have you also tried a nice walk?

I know too, for me, I have to keep finding things that bring me comfort. Things that work for awhile don't seem to work anymore and I have to find new thing. Have you gone to your library lately and looked at the audio books. Mine has wonderful positive tapes or CDs or maybe you can pick up a humerous DVD. Catch and Release is a good movie to watch. I felt very good after watching it. Music and Lyrics was cute.

I will pray that tomorrow you wake up and find it to be a better day because perhaps today you just needed rest!! Maybe your body/mind were telling you it needed some down time for some healing to take place.

LCrawford67 · 08-10-2007, 08:17 PM

Music and Lyrics is a cute movie. I find, these are the types of movies I watch now. Surround yourself with happiness, Casey.

Or, just look at my avatar. It's David Beckham...shirtless.

Casey1231 · 08-10-2007, 08:18 PM

Thanks everyone for your kind responses. Yes Laurie the weather here (in NJ) has been very hot and humid, then a huge temperature drop today with tons of rain, so that probably wreaked havoc with my system. I am just in disbelief at the level of nerve pain/burning I have been experiencing, I guess it's just to be expected that my brain is in shock, even with a slow wean, after 13 years of paxil...

I will definitely not be dropping again until at least September, and may consider even small doses. On a lighter note, my youngest son just planted a bunch of kisses on me so that makes it worthwhile. They are part of the reason I am enduring this hell because I want to recover and not be a slave to this pill anymore.

I would be completely lost without PP at this time in my life.

LCrawford67 · 08-10-2007, 08:22 PM

Actually, you may feel better, now that the temp dropped. We got, last night, what you're getting today. And, I feel MUCH better today!

There's absolutely no rush in this, so just stay where you are till you're ready!

scotty · 08-10-2007, 08:26 PM

NJ weather has been AWFUL!!! No hurry to wean Casey..you do it when YOU'RE ready!

mapleleafgirl25 · 08-10-2007, 08:31 PM

when it was hot here i felt awful..the last weeks have been a little cooler..i can feel that the air has changed now for fall..and it makes a big difference!!

michele

CELESTEP · 08-10-2007, 09:41 PM

Casey.....it's up and down isn't it. A few weeks back I was down and that fear thing kept nagging at me. I fought it, but my relief came from asking for help just like you did. The responses were very comforting and true.

It is 93 degress here in "hurricane central.' Brutal and I found today that it affected me. I feel the intense heat is worse for me during w/d. You did so many things to take care of yourself today. It will ease up.

As for smaller drops they are much better than the 10% for me anyway.
This week I did a 1/4 mg drop by using liquid. I usually do a 1/2 mg. It's easier. Hang in there and believe it will pass, and ask your son for more kisses.....hugs

Johnnny off Paxil · 08-10-2007, 10:33 PM

Casey....your doing all the right things..just keep at it..I know it seems somewhat fruitless right now..but you will see that this "extra care" will pay big dividends as time passes by.

Hang in there and stay at 6 mg as long as you need to feel comfortable.

Regards,Johnny

babs · 08-11-2007, 01:51 AM

I'm sorry you're having a rough time. I know it's hard to believe but it does get better. I hope you get some relief soon!

08-10-2007, 05:40 PM	#1
Casey1231 Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 717	reaching out for help Hi all, The last several days have been difficult, today has been almost unbearable. I feel like my hormones are out of whack, just terrible surges of heat, burning pain, then cold, nausea, stomache pain, headache, anxiety, etc. Some of the coping skills I am utilizing: drinking lots of water took a long warm bath spoke on the phone with several people, including several PP members meditated, and realized I just have to walk through it read several good books, including The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama prayed took some magnesium and fish oil I think I may be coming down with something, because there is just minimal improvement, and usually I am much better by the evening when I have a bad day. But, despite all my good efforts, I am plagued by dark thoughts of fear that this won't work for me, and I would just love to hear from anyone who feels like saying anything. I am a big believer in the power of community and shared experience and just feel like a friggin baby who needs a big pacifier right now. __________________ Paxil 10 or 20mg for 14 years for panic and depression - 10mg for past 7 years. Unable to continue slow wean with liquid. Attempt to switch to lexapro initially successful, then worsened anxiety, so now back on 10 of paxil.

08-10-2007, 05:46 PM	#2
Cindywho Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 441	Re: reaching out for help It does sound kind of hormonal based on the symptoms. Just remember that hormones fluctuate and this too shall pass. Also, give the supplements some time to work before getting discouraged. I'm sorry you aren't feeling well today. Oh yeah, here's the pacifier . Hang in there. __________________ ----------------------- Started Paxil 1999 for anxiety Stopped in Apr 2003 after tapering from 30 mg Started Paxil again in Mar 2005 Oct 2006 tapered to 5mg too fast and flamed out Now at 20mg

08-10-2007, 05:49 PM	#3
kris10 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 92	Re: reaching out for help All of those symptoms...hot/cold, nausea, burning, stomache pain, headaches etc...are all symptoms I get when I'm really anxious. They will pass! Try to stay disracted when you're not doing using your coping skills. Don't anticipate feeling this way in the next month, week, day or even hour! Sometimes I feel that way for days, then next thing I know I feel much less anxiety, even none, for weeks! It is chemical withdrawal...NOT you! Remember that....it will pass! __________________ I've never been so anxious/depressed since starting/switching/withdrawing from antidepressants...hmm something's wrong here! 96 Zoloft for PMS & mild anxiety 97 Prozac CT...severe W/D & depression 97-99 Prozac again PAXIL 30mg in 2000 Began w/d 3/2007... Paxil 20mg x 2wks; Paxil 15mg (found PP!) x 4wks; 13.5 x 4wks; 12 mg x 2wks; 10mg x 7 wks; 9mg x 6wks, 7.5mg x 4wks, 5mg x 2wks, 6mg x 8wks, back up to 7.5mg In 11th yr of CBT

08-10-2007, 07:34 PM	#4
LCrawford67 Moderator "Everybody poops" Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 26,493	Re: reaching out for help I want to throw this out there too, for everyone. The horrible heat and humidity seems to be wreaking havoc with us in w/d. Keep this in mind. Casey, I don't know where you live, so this may not apply to you, but for me, I've felt HORRIBLE this week. And, I've been fine through this taper, so I know it's the weather. I also did a little research about it too, so hang in there and don't let this discourage you. __________________ aka LC aka Laurie C. Paxil, 20 mg since 1997, for IBS Two unsuccessful attempts to quit. Started tapering 11/27/06 PAXIL FREE 12/29/07 If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. ~Meister Eckhart Thanksgiving, man. Not a good day to be my pants. ~Kevin James

08-10-2007, 08:12 PM	#5
nicemom Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 3,183	Re: reaching out for help Casey~I'm sorry. I know how those days feel and they seem to last forever. Its so discouraging when you try everything and nothing can make you feel better. (((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))) Instead of a hot bath you might try a cold shower. I read that in the wellness section the other day and tried it. It did help believe it or not. Have you also tried a nice walk? I know too, for me, I have to keep finding things that bring me comfort. Things that work for awhile don't seem to work anymore and I have to find new thing. Have you gone to your library lately and looked at the audio books. Mine has wonderful positive tapes or CDs or maybe you can pick up a humerous DVD. Catch and Release is a good movie to watch. I felt very good after watching it. Music and Lyrics was cute. I will pray that tomorrow you wake up and find it to be a better day because perhaps today you just needed rest!! Maybe your body/mind were telling you it needed some down time for some healing to take place. __________________ Diane On Paxil for 5+ years Weaned from 40mg to 15 over a 1 1/2 year period. From 15mg-0 May/June 06 (before finding PP) Protracted w/d from c/t. First 10 mths up and down but tolerable. Akathesia hit at 11 months. Many months of terrible mental and physical torture. 3/09 started Prozac but too stimulating. Currently on 15mg Lexapro and feeling so much better. Not all who waunder are lost.

08-10-2007, 08:17 PM	#6
LCrawford67 Moderator "Everybody poops" Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 26,493	Re: reaching out for help Music and Lyrics is a cute movie. I find, these are the types of movies I watch now. Surround yourself with happiness, Casey. Or, just look at my avatar. It's David Beckham...shirtless. __________________ aka LC aka Laurie C. Paxil, 20 mg since 1997, for IBS Two unsuccessful attempts to quit. Started tapering 11/27/06 PAXIL FREE 12/29/07 If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. ~Meister Eckhart Thanksgiving, man. Not a good day to be my pants. ~Kevin James

08-10-2007, 08:18 PM	#7
Casey1231 Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 717	Re: reaching out for help Thanks everyone for your kind responses. Yes Laurie the weather here (in NJ) has been very hot and humid, then a huge temperature drop today with tons of rain, so that probably wreaked havoc with my system. I am just in disbelief at the level of nerve pain/burning I have been experiencing, I guess it's just to be expected that my brain is in shock, even with a slow wean, after 13 years of paxil... I will definitely not be dropping again until at least September, and may consider even small doses. On a lighter note, my youngest son just planted a bunch of kisses on me so that makes it worthwhile. They are part of the reason I am enduring this hell because I want to recover and not be a slave to this pill anymore. I would be completely lost without PP at this time in my life. __________________ Paxil 10 or 20mg for 14 years for panic and depression - 10mg for past 7 years. Unable to continue slow wean with liquid. Attempt to switch to lexapro initially successful, then worsened anxiety, so now back on 10 of paxil.

08-10-2007, 08:22 PM	#8
LCrawford67 Moderator "Everybody poops" Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 26,493	Re: reaching out for help Actually, you may feel better, now that the temp dropped. We got, last night, what you're getting today. And, I feel MUCH better today! There's absolutely no rush in this, so just stay where you are till you're ready! __________________ aka LC aka Laurie C. Paxil, 20 mg since 1997, for IBS Two unsuccessful attempts to quit. Started tapering 11/27/06 PAXIL FREE 12/29/07 If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. ~Meister Eckhart Thanksgiving, man. Not a good day to be my pants. ~Kevin James

08-10-2007, 08:26 PM	#9
scotty Administrator & Advocate Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: new jersey Posts: 38,590	Re: reaching out for help NJ weather has been AWFUL!!! No hurry to wean Casey..you do it when YOU'RE ready! __________________ AKA Laurie "If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." ~Frank A. Clark

08-10-2007, 08:31 PM	#10
mapleleafgirl25 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 2,132	Re: reaching out for help when it was hot here i felt awful..the last weeks have been a little cooler..i can feel that the air has changed now for fall..and it makes a big difference!! michele __________________ aka MICHELE My history with paxil is too long to write here..lol..but you can look at my old posts to see!

08-10-2007, 09:41 PM	#11
CELESTEP Banned Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Jupiter - FL Posts: 597	Re: reaching out for help Casey.....it's up and down isn't it. A few weeks back I was down and that fear thing kept nagging at me. I fought it, but my relief came from asking for help just like you did. The responses were very comforting and true. It is 93 degress here in "hurricane central.' Brutal and I found today that it affected me. I feel the intense heat is worse for me during w/d. You did so many things to take care of yourself today. It will ease up. As for smaller drops they are much better than the 10% for me anyway. This week I did a 1/4 mg drop by using liquid. I usually do a 1/2 mg. It's easier. Hang in there and believe it will pass, and ask your son for more kisses.....hugs

08-10-2007, 10:33 PM	#12
Johnnny off Paxil Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Persona Non Grata... I am No Expert on Nothing Posts: 2,894	Re: reaching out for help Casey....your doing all the right things..just keep at it..I know it seems somewhat fruitless right now..but you will see that this "extra care" will pay big dividends as time passes by. Hang in there and stay at 6 mg as long as you need to feel comfortable. Regards,Johnny

08-11-2007, 01:51 AM	#13
babs Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 4,939	Re: reaching out for help I'm sorry you're having a rough time. I know it's hard to believe but it does get better. I hope you get some relief soon! __________________ Babs Paxil 20mg 1994-2005 2 failed attempts to quit Tapered Jan-April 2005 Paxil-free since May 1, 2005 "Glinda the Good Witch informed her that she had the power to go home all along; all she had to do was click her heels together. Why hadn't she told Dorothy that in the first place? Because, explains Glinda, she wouldn't have believed it, she had to learn it for herself."

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