3 month update or should I say wave

since95 · 11-20-2009, 01:41 PM

Hi Everyone,

Well, it seems I have hit the good old 3 month wave (actually hit about 2 1/2 months in). The good old zaps and electric head are back after almost 2 months of them hiding. And when I say they are back, they are back. In all honesty, it seems like every symptom I have experienced the past 33 months has all come back to bite me in my @ss the past few weeks. Stressful indeed!!!!

However, my worst symptom that has not let up in over 4 months is the nerve pain I experience all over my body. Whether it is painful, sharp pins & needles, stabbing itches or burning/stinging (like acid in my veins), it just won't let up. I am going through all the precautionary procedures with my doctor and will see the Neurologist in a few weeks for a nerve study (had the MRI yesterday). I know that 99.9% it is from withdrawal but I had to get it checked out. It worries me however, as I am living with 7-9 out of 10 pain all day, every day.

Of course my doctor has prescribed me some pretty heavy pills (Neurontin & Tramacet) but I need to know if I have nerve damage before I take anything. Advil does nothing for the pain (except upsets my stomach). If the pain continues to be so severe, I don't know how long I can take it without trying something. Opiods may be my only answer as I don't want to take a SSRI / SSNI or anti-seizure.

The really hard part that I am dealing with is my job. Somehow over the past 3 years I have kept my job as a District Sales Manager with a large company. This job requires me to travel over 50,000 km a year. I have been able to suck it up during times of extreme withdrawal but this nerve pain is a whole other beast. I have one big trip next week in which the VP of Sales and Marketing will be accompanying me and I just don't know how I am going to do it. However, after this trip, December should be a pretty easy month so I have that to look forward to.

So just a post in which I wanted to vent a bit and get my thoughts out. Thanks for reading my post!

Dan

LCrawford67 · 11-20-2009, 02:23 PM

I'm sorry you're going through this, Dan. My mother has nueropathy and takes Neuronton and has nerve block shots every six months in her spine.

Don't just assume that type of pain is just w/d. Neuropathy is a condition that will have to be diagnosed and dealt with.

since95 · 11-20-2009, 02:30 PM

Thanks Laurie, that's why I'm going through all the proper testing. It is just so weird, as the pain wanders around my body. I guess time will tell. Hard to say what is what when I'm only 3 months out from my taper. I did a super slow taper but I never did truly stabalize at any dose. Hopefully that will help my recovery.

LCrawford67 · 11-20-2009, 02:39 PM

I pray it does too, Dan. You've been through an awful lot with Paxil and the PPI meds.

You're in my prayers and please, keep us posted as to what the MRI and neurologist says.

nickels · 11-20-2009, 04:10 PM

Hey Dan,

So sorry to hear that you are still having these nerve pains...I don't have much advice, but I do hope you get to the bottom of this and find some relief soon.

As far as the 2 1/2-3 month wave goes...I remember mine being pretty nasty too...but it will pass. Try to keep this in mind, I know its rough while in the midst of things but it does get better.

Hang in there...you have come so far and have really battled through a lot already, I'm praying that things start getting easier for you.

jule1 · 11-20-2009, 04:11 PM

Dan,

Just wanted to let you know that I am suffering through the same thing right now. It didn't show up until August and has just recently gotten very uncomfortable. I would describe it as a burning in spots on certain areas of my body-head, neck, lower back, sometimes the legs too. I can feel nerves pulsing under the skin. Also have these chills or pins and needles sensations that come and go. I know what you mean about the nerve pain-it's excrutiating. I also have the electric shocks in my head along with it usually. I just keep trying to tell myself that it's my body's way of healing and hope that I am right. I mean all these withdrawal symptoms have to go eventually right?? The other ones have so I am hoping maybe this is the last stretch of it! I wish I could offer something to comfort but cold compresses are the only thing that I think works if it even does. Hope this passes for you soon. Ibuprofen has helped but like you said it does sometimes upset the stomach.

Oh yeah I also saw a neurologist and he did some testing. He did note some tremors. Had the MRI too. Was normal

BlueEyes · 11-20-2009, 04:12 PM

Dan: I see we ended both our WD journeys around the same time (in my case, August 13th was my last day).

While I don't have the nerve pain you mention (and I'm terribly sorry to hear about it, that must be awful), I too am experiencing a crappy wave right now. In my case, it hits me with anxiety and insomnia.

So I know how frustrating it is when you think some symptoms have left and then they come back with a vengeance.

I hope your MRI results come back favorably for you!!

Terri

scotty · 11-20-2009, 04:22 PM

I just want to put this out there so you know. Tramacet is a combination drug. Tramadol is one portion of it. Tramadol alters serotonin and cannot be taken with ssri due to potential serotonin syndrome. I know that you are off Paxil, but wanted you to have the serotonin connection. Just something to keep in mind.

jule1 · 11-20-2009, 04:26 PM

My neurologist also recommended Neurontin or Lyrica but I know that they all affect serotonin Dan so I said H$$$ NO! after my experience with Effexor. I don't know if you have to wean off those type meds or not.

scotty · 11-20-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jule1

My neurologist also recommended Neurontin or Lyrica but I know that they all affect serotonin Dan so I said H$$$ NO! after my experience with Effexor. I don't know if you have to wean off those type meds or not.

Neither of those two drugs effect serotonin, Tramadol does.

LCrawford67 · 11-20-2009, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jule1

My neurologist also recommended Neurontin or Lyrica but I know that they all affect serotonin Dan so I said H$$$ NO! after my experience with Effexor. I don't know if you have to wean off those type meds or not.

Neurontin and Lyrica are actually an anti-epileptic medications and effect pain signals from the brain. They don't effect serotonin.

matthew T · 11-20-2009, 04:49 PM

is depression [ severe type] been a re occurrence to you all several months off?
were you on med for depression in the first place?

it seems symptoms now are pain, sleep issues and anxiety

since95 · 11-20-2009, 08:15 PM

Hi Laurie (Scotty)

I was aware of the Tramadol altering serotonin and have ruled it out as an option. However, after 4 months of my pain not letting up, I think I may have to give Neurontin a shot. I am so utterly scared to try any prescription drug now but the pain I am experiencing is not letting up. After my big trip next week, I'll give it a try and see how I feel.

Thank you all for your replies.

Matthew, at times I get feelings of depression. This is mainly due to dealing with withdrawal for almost three years. I think any healthy individual that would have this thrown at them would feel the same. I never had depression before the meds. My beast was anxiety. The one positive aspect that w/d has given me was the push towards talk therapy and learning CBT and coping skills. I haven't had an anxiety attack in over 6 months and could count the attacks on my one hand in the past 18 months.

since95 · 11-21-2009, 10:50 AM

Today is officially day 90 med free. I guess I can look at it as 90 days I will never have to live through again coming off an SSRI. Glass half full thinking!

scotty · 11-21-2009, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by since95

Today is officially day 90 med free. I guess I can look at it as 90 days I will never have to live through again coming off an SSRI. Glass half full thinking!

Love it!

Light · 11-21-2009, 12:02 PM

Dan,

I had the same pain sensations that you are describing (although not as intense). Mine went away during the first year of withdrawal. Best of luck with your medical evaluation and keep up the good fight!

-Mike

since95 · 11-21-2009, 01:31 PM

Thanks Light,

Comforting to know that you had sort of the same issues. Though your pain wasn't as intense, was it body wide or specific to an area of your body?

11-20-2009, 01:41 PM	#1
since95 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Edmonton Posts: 396	3 month update or should I say wave Hi Everyone, Well, it seems I have hit the good old 3 month wave (actually hit about 2 1/2 months in). The good old zaps and electric head are back after almost 2 months of them hiding. And when I say they are back, they are back. In all honesty, it seems like every symptom I have experienced the past 33 months has all come back to bite me in my @ss the past few weeks. Stressful indeed!!!! However, my worst symptom that has not let up in over 4 months is the nerve pain I experience all over my body. Whether it is painful, sharp pins & needles, stabbing itches or burning/stinging (like acid in my veins), it just won't let up. I am going through all the precautionary procedures with my doctor and will see the Neurologist in a few weeks for a nerve study (had the MRI yesterday). I know that 99.9% it is from withdrawal but I had to get it checked out. It worries me however, as I am living with 7-9 out of 10 pain all day, every day. Of course my doctor has prescribed me some pretty heavy pills (Neurontin & Tramacet) but I need to know if I have nerve damage before I take anything. Advil does nothing for the pain (except upsets my stomach). If the pain continues to be so severe, I don't know how long I can take it without trying something. Opiods may be my only answer as I don't want to take a SSRI / SSNI or anti-seizure. The really hard part that I am dealing with is my job. Somehow over the past 3 years I have kept my job as a District Sales Manager with a large company. This job requires me to travel over 50,000 km a year. I have been able to suck it up during times of extreme withdrawal but this nerve pain is a whole other beast. I have one big trip next week in which the VP of Sales and Marketing will be accompanying me and I just don't know how I am going to do it. However, after this trip, December should be a pretty easy month so I have that to look forward to. So just a post in which I wanted to vent a bit and get my thoughts out. Thanks for reading my post! Dan __________________ 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!

11-20-2009, 02:23 PM	#2
LCrawford67 Moderator "Everybody poops" Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 27,640	Re: 3 month update or should I say wave I'm sorry you're going through this, Dan. My mother has nueropathy and takes Neuronton and has nerve block shots every six months in her spine. Don't just assume that type of pain is just w/d. Neuropathy is a condition that will have to be diagnosed and dealt with. __________________ 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 Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look what they do when they stick together. ~ Verna M. Kelly

11-20-2009, 02:30 PM	#3
since95 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Edmonton Posts: 396	Re: 3 month update or should I say wave Thanks Laurie, that's why I'm going through all the proper testing. It is just so weird, as the pain wanders around my body. I guess time will tell. Hard to say what is what when I'm only 3 months out from my taper. I did a super slow taper but I never did truly stabalize at any dose. Hopefully that will help my recovery. __________________ 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!

11-20-2009, 02:39 PM	#4
LCrawford67 Moderator "Everybody poops" Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 27,640	Re: 3 month update or should I say wave I pray it does too, Dan. You've been through an awful lot with Paxil and the PPI meds. You're in my prayers and please, keep us posted as to what the MRI and neurologist says. __________________ 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 Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look what they do when they stick together. ~ Verna M. Kelly

11-20-2009, 04:10 PM	#5
nickels Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 2,042	Re: 3 month update or should I say wave Hey Dan, So sorry to hear that you are still having these nerve pains...I don't have much advice, but I do hope you get to the bottom of this and find some relief soon. As far as the 2 1/2-3 month wave goes...I remember mine being pretty nasty too...but it will pass. Try to keep this in mind, I know its rough while in the midst of things but it does get better. Hang in there...you have come so far and have really battled through a lot already, I'm praying that things start getting easier for you. __________________ Nicole 2000 - 20mgs Paxil for GAD & Panic Attacks 2001 - 30mgs increased to 40mgs 2006 - back down to 20mgs - poop out 2/2007 - C/T off 20mgs - went back on at 10mgs 7/2007 - stabilized then started my taper off of 10mgs 8/2007 - down to 5mgs then found PP and began 10% taper 10/15/2008 - 0! 2/2009 - started CBT to finally work on anxiety

11-20-2009, 04:11 PM	#6
jule1 Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 1,328	Re: 3 month update or should I say wave Dan, Just wanted to let you know that I am suffering through the same thing right now. It didn't show up until August and has just recently gotten very uncomfortable. I would describe it as a burning in spots on certain areas of my body-head, neck, lower back, sometimes the legs too. I can feel nerves pulsing under the skin. Also have these chills or pins and needles sensations that come and go. I know what you mean about the nerve pain-it's excrutiating. I also have the electric shocks in my head along with it usually. I just keep trying to tell myself that it's my body's way of healing and hope that I am right. I mean all these withdrawal symptoms have to go eventually right?? The other ones have so I am hoping maybe this is the last stretch of it! I wish I could offer something to comfort but cold compresses are the only thing that I think works if it even does. Hope this passes for you soon. Ibuprofen has helped but like you said it does sometimes upset the stomach. Oh yeah I also saw a neurologist and he did some testing. He did note some tremors. Had the MRI too. Was normal __________________ Was on Effexor (150mg) @January? of 2006 until January 1, 2008. Weaned off over 3 month period with no instructions of weaning from doctor. 24 months off Effexor January 2010 Supplements: Tryptophan, Magnesium, Fish Oil, Calcium D, Inositol, Stress B Complex, Ashwagandha, Progesterone Cream, Vit C .5 mg Xanax at bedtime

11-20-2009, 04:12 PM	#7
BlueEyes Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Northern New Jersey Posts: 814	Re: 3 month update or should I say wave Dan: I see we ended both our WD journeys around the same time (in my case, August 13th was my last day). While I don't have the nerve pain you mention (and I'm terribly sorry to hear about it, that must be awful), I too am experiencing a crappy wave right now. In my case, it hits me with anxiety and insomnia. So I know how frustrating it is when you think some symptoms have left and then they come back with a vengeance. I hope your MRI results come back favorably for you!! Terri __________________ On Prozac/Trazodone since 1991 Tried unsuccessfully to come off it "the doctor's way" 3 separate time. Weaned myself off Trazodone 2006 Started off at 25 mg of Prozac in 2006 Slow my own slow wean of 1 mg every 4-6 weeks From 2008 - Dec 21, 2008 - 3.5 mg Jan 27, 2009 - 3 mg; Feb 23, 2009 - 2.5 mg March 25, 2009 - 2 mg; April 21, 2009 - 1.5 mg June 6, 2009 - 1 mg; July 14, 2009 - 0.5 mg LAST DAY OF PROZAC - August 13, 2009!!!!

11-20-2009, 04:22 PM	#8
scotty Administrator Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: new jersey Posts: 39,329	Re: 3 month update or should I say wave I just want to put this out there so you know. Tramacet is a combination drug. Tramadol is one portion of it. Tramadol alters serotonin and cannot be taken with ssri due to potential serotonin syndrome. I know that you are off Paxil, but wanted you to have the serotonin connection. Just something to keep in mind. __________________ AKA Laurie "If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." ~Frank A. Clark

11-20-2009, 04:26 PM	#9
jule1 Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 1,328	Re: 3 month update or should I say wave My neurologist also recommended Neurontin or Lyrica but I know that they all affect serotonin Dan so I said H$$$ NO! after my experience with Effexor. I don't know if you have to wean off those type meds or not. __________________ Was on Effexor (150mg) @January? of 2006 until January 1, 2008. Weaned off over 3 month period with no instructions of weaning from doctor. 24 months off Effexor January 2010 Supplements: Tryptophan, Magnesium, Fish Oil, Calcium D, Inositol, Stress B Complex, Ashwagandha, Progesterone Cream, Vit C .5 mg Xanax at bedtime

11-20-2009, 04:49 PM	#12
matthew T Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: maryland Posts: 585	Re: 3 month update or should I say wave is depression [ severe type] been a re occurrence to you all several months off? were you on med for depression in the first place? it seems symptoms now are pain, sleep issues and anxiety __________________ sept 05 20 lexapro oct 05 added 300 wellbutrin oct 05 added 50 trazadone 2007 tapered off lorazepams, june 08 taper to 250 wellbutrin july' 225 aug 200 sept 175 oct 150 nov 125 dec 100 march 09' 80 april C/t wellbutrin off wellbutrin, Jan 09 started Lexapro taper from 20 mg jan 18 mg feb 16.5 march 15 may 13.5 june 11.5 mg july 10 mg july 9 mg august 8 mg may started lamactil started cbt sept 7 mg oct 6 mg nov 5mg dec 4.5

11-20-2009, 08:15 PM	#13
since95 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Edmonton Posts: 396	Re: 3 month update or should I say wave Hi Laurie (Scotty) I was aware of the Tramadol altering serotonin and have ruled it out as an option. However, after 4 months of my pain not letting up, I think I may have to give Neurontin a shot. I am so utterly scared to try any prescription drug now but the pain I am experiencing is not letting up. After my big trip next week, I'll give it a try and see how I feel. Thank you all for your replies. Matthew, at times I get feelings of depression. This is mainly due to dealing with withdrawal for almost three years. I think any healthy individual that would have this thrown at them would feel the same. I never had depression before the meds. My beast was anxiety. The one positive aspect that w/d has given me was the push towards talk therapy and learning CBT and coping skills. I haven't had an anxiety attack in over 6 months and could count the attacks on my one hand in the past 18 months. __________________ 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!

11-21-2009, 10:50 AM	#14
since95 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Edmonton Posts: 396	Re: 3 month update or should I say wave Today is officially day 90 med free. I guess I can look at it as 90 days I will never have to live through again coming off an SSRI. Glass half full thinking! __________________ 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!

11-21-2009, 12:02 PM	#16
Light Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 2,301	Re: 3 month update or should I say wave Dan, I had the same pain sensations that you are describing (although not as intense). Mine went away during the first year of withdrawal. Best of luck with your medical evaluation and keep up the good fight! -Mike __________________ Drug-free since 4/9/05 If you ever teach a yodeling class, probably the hardest thing is to keep the students from just trying to yodel right off the bat. You see, "we build to that. " — Jack Handey

11-21-2009, 01:31 PM	#17
since95 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Edmonton Posts: 396	Re: 3 month update or should I say wave Thanks Light, Comforting to know that you had sort of the same issues. Though your pain wasn't as intense, was it body wide or specific to an area of your body? __________________ 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!

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