Cold turkey question

[tombuddy4]

To anyone who has tried quitting cold turkey: After simply discontinuing paroxetine, how long before serious withdrawl symptoms occured? No tapering, just cold turkey.

[LCrawford67]

When I quit CT, it was 3-4 days. For some, it's several weeks. Everyone is different.

[tombuddy4]

Other than all the reasons' for not quitting Cold Turkey, does anyone know of any potential long-term psychological damage that can occur? Again, i'm aware of potential short-term affects, and I know the potential dangers of quitting cold turkey. Thank you.

[LCrawford67]

I've merged your two threads. To answer your question; define "long term?" Those who quit abruptly will tell you, it's a mighty long road, one that can last a year or more, and not one they'd wish on their worst enemy. The trauma of a hellish w/d will stay with you and does cause PTSD in many.

What dose are you on and how long have you been on it?

[tombuddy4]

Well, by long term I mean permanant damage to the brain. Other than trauma caused by just dealing with the discontinuation, is there any actual damages that can occur by such a quick change in brain chemistry? Also, I DID quit cold turkey, it's been a week, and other than the PPhhhtt noise in my head upon eye and head movement, and some pretty bad tics, I've been just fine. I've been taking paroxetine for about 5 yrs. now.

[rbds22]

a couple things I can add. It took me around 1 month before I started experiencing withdrawal symptoms and then the next two months were horrid after that. The fourth month was still very bad with very slight improvements. This is when I tapered for about 3 to 4 months. It is best to taper no doubt, but no one can assure you will be problem free just because you did a slow taper. Also it is possible to have very bad adverse reactions upon reinstating after you have been off of it for a couple of months or more. That was the case for me anyway. The meds now are only half as effective and cause horrible side effects. If I had tapered slowly the first time, I think I may have had a better outcome. I am now tapering 3 times slower for the second time and the taper has been absolutely agonizing. My advice, do it slow the first time.

[LCrawford67]

Originally Posted by tombuddy4

Well, by long term I mean permanant damage to the brain. Other than trauma caused by just dealing with the discontinuation, is there any actual damages that can occur by such a quick change in brain chemistry? Also, I DID quit cold turkey, it's been a week, and other than the PPhhhtt noise in my head upon eye and head movement, and some pretty bad tics, I've been just fine. I've been taking paroxetine for about 5 yrs. now.

No one can tell you what you'll experience, when, or how bad. Permanent? No. Long lasting? A distinct possibility. That being said, there are some who can quit abruptly with minimal problems, but only time will tell if you're one of those people.

All we can tell you is this; if you choose to go this route, be sure to go right back up in dose if things get too rough.

[tombuddy4]

Thank you so much

[Cosette123]

I did Cold turkey after several years on Paxil 30 months ago.I'd not wish it to nobody even to my worst enemy but I am still alive .
First year was very hard, the next 6 months were hell. Now I think I have "turned the corner" even if I still have some physical symptomes .

[Sonika]

I tried CT once (the only other time i tried to quit) and after two days of absolutely nothing... the meltdown started.

[Jackson]

Originally Posted by tombuddy4

Well, by long term I mean permanant damage to the brain. Other than trauma caused by just dealing with the discontinuation, is there any actual damages that can occur by such a quick change in brain chemistry? Also, I DID quit cold turkey, it's been a week, and other than the PPhhhtt noise in my head upon eye and head movement, and some pretty bad tics, I've been just fine. I've been taking paroxetine for about 5 yrs. now.

Permanent damage? I haven't seen any evidence or heard any testimonials of this so far.

Many years of horrific disability? You bet, this is the reality of many on this board, including myself. Two years, three years, four years, five years with a destroyed mind isn't an exaggeration by any means.

[Pat Shields]

Originally Posted by tombuddy4

To anyone who has tried quitting cold turkey: After simply discontinuing paroxetine, how long before serious withdrawl symptoms occured? No tapering, just cold turkey.

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I was so sick, that's why I stopped taking it, I couldn't keep it down or in anyway, I was so sick that I really couldn't tell when serious withdrawal symptoms occurred, but my best guess is 2-3 days, at least that's when my eyes started making noise every time they would move, toward the third day. I was still so sick that any other serious symptoms were not even noticeable until about a week later.

I CT'd by accident a month after I started taking Paxil; I can say that by 2 days after the last dose I thought I was dying, having a stroke or something.

Originally Posted by Cosette

I did Cold turkey after several years on Paxil 30 months ago.I'd not wish it to nobody even to my worst enemy but I am still alive .

I'd wish it to my worst enemy. They deserve it, we don't. And we know we are strong enough to handle it, but our worst enemies probably aren't.

[Anhedonia]

Suffering for over 2 years of anhedonia (Complete emotional numbness) due to quitting Cold Turkey.