Low Blood Pressure - Help!!!

Songbird · 02-09-2008, 09:05 PM

A week ago I dropped my dose from 5.5mg to 5.0mg. On Friday I felt slightly hypomanic, then Saturday (yesterday) I felt very tired. Today I felt kind of strange this morning, so I took my blood pressure. I've had lowish BP (usually 110/70 or a little lower) all my life but today it was 94/56. A little later I felt a bit better, it had gone up to 100/64. Then later on I felt a bit worse, took it again, 94/61. I felt very tired and managed to have a small nap. I've woken up again now, feeling worse, took my BP again, 100/51.

Can anyone tell me what is going on here? Is this from dropping my dose? It is very humid here, could that be contributing? Is this dangerous?? Should I see a doctor? Is there any treatment? Maybe Scotty or any other medical-type people out there can answer this...I'm really starting to get worried!

Katesmom · 02-09-2008, 09:12 PM

It's pretty typical to have crazy bp issues with w/d. For now, eat some potato chips or something else salty. That will make a big difference. Keep your eye on it. If it continues, then call your doctor.

Remember, if you are usually running 110/70 then you're only 10 points low. If I eat a meal at a restaurant, my bp goes up 10 points on each number. Try the salty snack first.

scotty · 02-09-2008, 09:15 PM

You're not really that low, when you consider your norm, but this is what Ryan is dealing with. Eat more salt, drink normal fluids. This is probably adrenal stuff, but you can control it with diet.

Songbird · 02-09-2008, 09:26 PM

Thanks so much for your quick replies! Maybe I'm panicking a bit, I mean, I'm used to low BP in the mornings, but I've never felt like this all day before. It's amazing that only half a mg drop can do this! I've just eaten a bunch of chippies and had a drink, hopefully that will help! I feel reassured by your answers that I'm not in danger of anything really terrible, that helps a lot.

Katesmom · 02-09-2008, 09:27 PM

Nah, just enjoy getting to indulge in snacks!

scotty · 02-09-2008, 09:28 PM

Gatorade is Ryan's best friend for the last year.

since95 · 02-10-2008, 12:44 AM

My heart rate has been all over the map the past 6 months. Sometimes low, sometimes high. I just had a full physical and everything else is fine so I'm not letting it worry me. Just another w/d symptom that is caused by the dreaded pink pill.

mrsc · 02-10-2008, 10:31 AM

I also have had heart irregularities and low bp on and off Paxil. The first three months I had irregular heartbeat day and night, it would wake me up! I was scary, but I reasoned that it might be helped by increasing postassium in my diet. I also had lost a lot of weight rather quickly due to the withdrawal symptom of frequent bowels, so I took a supplemental postassium for a few weeks and made sure I ate at least one banana, orange juice, dried apricots, etc. each day. It resolved in a couple of weeks, and I have very few episodes now (6 mos. out, from way too rapid taper.)

Bad news, I went to the cardiologist 5 years ago when I began having irregular heartbeat. The work up and resulting 'diagnosis' has precluded me from being able to get a private health insurance policy I can afford. (HIPAA offered me one for almost $900 a month, with a 3K deductible. So I am now among the uninsured

)

Johnnny off Paxil · 02-10-2008, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Songbird

A week ago I dropped my dose from 5.5mg to 5.0mg. On Friday I felt slightly hypomanic, then Saturday (yesterday) I felt very tired. Today I felt kind of strange this morning, so I took my blood pressure. I've had lowish BP (usually 110/70 or a little lower) all my life but today it was 94/56. A little later I felt a bit better, it had gone up to 100/64. Then later on I felt a bit worse, took it again, 94/61. I felt very tired and managed to have a small nap. I've woken up again now, feeling worse, took my BP again, 100/51.

Can anyone tell me what is going on here? Is this from dropping my dose? It is very humid here, could that be contributing? Is this dangerous?? Should I see a doctor? Is there any treatment? Maybe Scotty or any other medical-type people out there can answer this...I'm really starting to get worried!

For months my blood pressure was all over the map..I don't have a fancy blood pressure thingy to monitor it but I can tell from my wedding ring, when its lose..the blood pressure is low..when it fits just right I am back to normal..when its about to fall off..... its real low and I start to drink lots of herbal tea and I eat something salty, like corned beef ..that helps.

It has slowly started to get better..at least the thumping in my chest has abated.

Regards, Johnny

mrsc · 02-10-2008, 03:48 PM

I have had low BP most of my adult life. I actually was given the advice by my Dr. to consume more salt in my diet. So the Gatorade recommendation would probably be a good one.

Songbird · 02-10-2008, 05:19 PM

I've had minor low bp issues all my life, when getting up too quickly, or jumping out of bed and into a hot shower too quickly in the morning. But I'm usually okay once I get up and about.

I feel a bit better today, although BP is still quite low. I ate some more chippies. I guess it is just another w/d symptom. I'm feeling less worried thanks to everyone's reassurances.

LCrawford67 · 02-10-2008, 05:24 PM

Any reason is eat chippies is a good reason, Songbird!!! LOL!!!

I think it's cute you guys call them "chippies."

02-09-2008, 09:05 PM	#1
Songbird Queen of the appendage vocabulary Join Date: May 2007 Location: New Zealand Posts: 11,325	Low Blood Pressure - Help!!! A week ago I dropped my dose from 5.5mg to 5.0mg. On Friday I felt slightly hypomanic, then Saturday (yesterday) I felt very tired. Today I felt kind of strange this morning, so I took my blood pressure. I've had lowish BP (usually 110/70 or a little lower) all my life but today it was 94/56. A little later I felt a bit better, it had gone up to 100/64. Then later on I felt a bit worse, took it again, 94/61. I felt very tired and managed to have a small nap. I've woken up again now, feeling worse, took my BP again, 100/51. Can anyone tell me what is going on here? Is this from dropping my dose? It is very humid here, could that be contributing? Is this dangerous?? Should I see a doctor? Is there any treatment? Maybe Scotty or any other medical-type people out there can answer this...I'm really starting to get worried! __________________ Jul 01-Feb 02 Aropax Feb-Dec 03 Citalopram Jul 04 Aropax Jan 07-Feb 08 20mg > 5mg Apr 4.5mg 5mg Jun 10mg Jul 20mg Oct Loxamine Dec 17.5mg 15mg 2009 24 Jan 12.5mg 16 Feb 10mg 10 May 9mg 30 May 8mg 5 July 7.5mg 2 Aug 7.25mg 1 Sep 7mg 9 Oct 6.75mg 8 Nov 6.5mg 18 Dec 6.3mg 2010 30 Aug 6.15mg 28 Nov 6 mg 2011 20 Feb 5.9mg 11 Apr 5.8mg 29 May 5.7mg 24 Jun 5.6mg 17 Sep 5.5mg 2 Nov 5.4mg 26 Dec 5.3mg 2012 19 Feb 5.2mg 14 Oct 5.1mg 6 Dec 5mg 25 Jan 4.9mg

02-09-2008, 09:12 PM	#2
Katesmom Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 13,812	Re: Low Blood Pressure - Help!!! It's pretty typical to have crazy bp issues with w/d. For now, eat some potato chips or something else salty. That will make a big difference. Keep your eye on it. If it continues, then call your doctor. Remember, if you are usually running 110/70 then you're only 10 points low. If I eat a meal at a restaurant, my bp goes up 10 points on each number. Try the salty snack first. __________________ Katesmom aka Kim started Paxil Oct. 2003 for PIH Paxil free since 19 Jul 2005 ". . .the cruelest lies are often told without a word. . .the kindest truths are often spoken, never heard." -- Ben Folds

02-09-2008, 09:15 PM	#3
scotty Administrator Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: new jersey Posts: 47,007	Re: Low Blood Pressure - Help!!! You're not really that low, when you consider your norm, but this is what Ryan is dealing with. Eat more salt, drink normal fluids. This is probably adrenal stuff, but you can control it with diet. __________________ AKA Laurie "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." MLK

02-09-2008, 09:26 PM	#4
Songbird Queen of the appendage vocabulary Join Date: May 2007 Location: New Zealand Posts: 11,325	Re: Low Blood Pressure - Help!!! Thanks so much for your quick replies! Maybe I'm panicking a bit, I mean, I'm used to low BP in the mornings, but I've never felt like this all day before. It's amazing that only half a mg drop can do this! I've just eaten a bunch of chippies and had a drink, hopefully that will help! I feel reassured by your answers that I'm not in danger of anything really terrible, that helps a lot. __________________ Jul 01-Feb 02 Aropax Feb-Dec 03 Citalopram Jul 04 Aropax Jan 07-Feb 08 20mg > 5mg Apr 4.5mg 5mg Jun 10mg Jul 20mg Oct Loxamine Dec 17.5mg 15mg 2009 24 Jan 12.5mg 16 Feb 10mg 10 May 9mg 30 May 8mg 5 July 7.5mg 2 Aug 7.25mg 1 Sep 7mg 9 Oct 6.75mg 8 Nov 6.5mg 18 Dec 6.3mg 2010 30 Aug 6.15mg 28 Nov 6 mg 2011 20 Feb 5.9mg 11 Apr 5.8mg 29 May 5.7mg 24 Jun 5.6mg 17 Sep 5.5mg 2 Nov 5.4mg 26 Dec 5.3mg 2012 19 Feb 5.2mg 14 Oct 5.1mg 6 Dec 5mg 25 Jan 4.9mg

02-09-2008, 09:27 PM	#5
Katesmom Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 13,812	Re: Low Blood Pressure - Help!!! Nah, just enjoy getting to indulge in snacks! __________________ Katesmom aka Kim started Paxil Oct. 2003 for PIH Paxil free since 19 Jul 2005 ". . .the cruelest lies are often told without a word. . .the kindest truths are often spoken, never heard." -- Ben Folds

02-09-2008, 09:28 PM	#6
scotty Administrator Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: new jersey Posts: 47,007	Re: Low Blood Pressure - Help!!! Gatorade is Ryan's best friend for the last year. __________________ AKA Laurie "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." MLK

02-10-2008, 12:44 AM	#7
since95 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 496	Re: Low Blood Pressure - Help!!! My heart rate has been all over the map the past 6 months. Sometimes low, sometimes high. I just had a full physical and everything else is fine so I'm not letting it worry me. Just another w/d symptom that is caused by the dreaded pink pill. __________________ Since95 aka Dan -On Paxil for 15-1/2 years. Completed 2-1/2 year taper from 40mgs Paxil - 0. Med free August 24, 2009!

02-10-2008, 10:31 AM	#8
mrsc Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northern California Posts: 18	Re: Low Blood Pressure - Help!!! I also have had heart irregularities and low bp on and off Paxil. The first three months I had irregular heartbeat day and night, it would wake me up! I was scary, but I reasoned that it might be helped by increasing postassium in my diet. I also had lost a lot of weight rather quickly due to the withdrawal symptom of frequent bowels, so I took a supplemental postassium for a few weeks and made sure I ate at least one banana, orange juice, dried apricots, etc. each day. It resolved in a couple of weeks, and I have very few episodes now (6 mos. out, from way too rapid taper.) Bad news, I went to the cardiologist 5 years ago when I began having irregular heartbeat. The work up and resulting 'diagnosis' has precluded me from being able to get a private health insurance policy I can afford. (HIPAA offered me one for almost $900 a month, with a 3K deductible. So I am now among the uninsured ) __________________ MrsC Paxil 20 mg. 1993-Aug 2007 53 year old married mom Homeschooling last child, age 14. Paxil prescribed for myofacial pain due to surgical (accident) visual impairment leading to double vision. Gained 60 lbs. on Paxil. In LONG withdrawal (8 mos as of 3-08.) with continuing irritable bowel, weight loss, anxiety, dizziness, foggy thinking and myriad of other symptoms common to ssri withdrawal. Looking hard for that light at the end of the tunnel!

02-10-2008, 03:48 PM	#10
mrsc Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northern California Posts: 18	Re: Low Blood Pressure - Help!!! I have had low BP most of my adult life. I actually was given the advice by my Dr. to consume more salt in my diet. So the Gatorade recommendation would probably be a good one. __________________ MrsC Paxil 20 mg. 1993-Aug 2007 53 year old married mom Homeschooling last child, age 14. Paxil prescribed for myofacial pain due to surgical (accident) visual impairment leading to double vision. Gained 60 lbs. on Paxil. In LONG withdrawal (8 mos as of 3-08.) with continuing irritable bowel, weight loss, anxiety, dizziness, foggy thinking and myriad of other symptoms common to ssri withdrawal. Looking hard for that light at the end of the tunnel!

02-10-2008, 05:19 PM	#11
Songbird Queen of the appendage vocabulary Join Date: May 2007 Location: New Zealand Posts: 11,325	Re: Low Blood Pressure - Help!!! I've had minor low bp issues all my life, when getting up too quickly, or jumping out of bed and into a hot shower too quickly in the morning. But I'm usually okay once I get up and about. I feel a bit better today, although BP is still quite low. I ate some more chippies. I guess it is just another w/d symptom. I'm feeling less worried thanks to everyone's reassurances. __________________ Jul 01-Feb 02 Aropax Feb-Dec 03 Citalopram Jul 04 Aropax Jan 07-Feb 08 20mg > 5mg Apr 4.5mg 5mg Jun 10mg Jul 20mg Oct Loxamine Dec 17.5mg 15mg 2009 24 Jan 12.5mg 16 Feb 10mg 10 May 9mg 30 May 8mg 5 July 7.5mg 2 Aug 7.25mg 1 Sep 7mg 9 Oct 6.75mg 8 Nov 6.5mg 18 Dec 6.3mg 2010 30 Aug 6.15mg 28 Nov 6 mg 2011 20 Feb 5.9mg 11 Apr 5.8mg 29 May 5.7mg 24 Jun 5.6mg 17 Sep 5.5mg 2 Nov 5.4mg 26 Dec 5.3mg 2012 19 Feb 5.2mg 14 Oct 5.1mg 6 Dec 5mg 25 Jan 4.9mg

02-10-2008, 05:24 PM	#12
LCrawford67 Moderator "Everybody poops" Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 34,484	Re: Low Blood Pressure - Help!!! Any reason is eat chippies is a good reason, Songbird!!! LOL!!! I think it's cute you guys call them "chippies." __________________ 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 Today is the best day, EVER!

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