Moderator Emeritus KarenB Posted February 23, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted February 23, 2017 The brand of the magnesium citrate I take is 'Solgar' - 400mg per tablet. From memory I started by taking 1/2 a pill per day, and gradually added more. I am now taking two pills per day. I see on the label it also says 'made in USA' so I imagine you can get it there. 2010 Fluoxetine 20mg. 2011 Escitalopram 20mg. 2013 Tapered badly and destabilised CNS. Effexor 150mg. 2015 Begin using info at SurvivingAntidepressants. Cut 10% - bad w/d 2 months, held 1 month. Micro-tapering: four weekly 0.4% cuts, hold 4 weeks (struggling with symptoms). 8 month hold. 2017 Micro-tapering: four weekly 1% cuts, hold 4 weeks (symptoms almost non-existent). 2020 Still micro-tapering. Just over 2/3 of the way off effexor. Minimal symptoms, - and sleeping well. Supplements: Fish oil, vitamin C, iron, oat-straw tea, nettle tea. 2023 December - Now on 5 micro-beads Effexor. Minimal symptoms but much more time needed between drops. Symptoms begin to increase. 2024 April - Updosed to 6 microbeads - immediate increase in symptoms for 4 days. Decreased to 5 microbeads. 'The possibility of renewal exists so long as life exists.' Dr Gabor Mate. Link to comment
LexAnger Posted February 23, 2017 Share Posted February 23, 2017 Hi Kate, I'm sorry you are caught in such a tough situation. I'd like to share my thoughts About your recent experience with updosing. I feel it's a reaction to the increase dose of Paxil, nothing to do with fish oil. I know this may not be in agreement with many others but your symptoms are very much alike what I got from dose increase which is proven as drug reaction. If I were you, at the least not to add any more drugs/doses if you are not considering decrease a tiny bit of the 2.5mg see if the new symptoms would lesson some. I could be wrong giving your short term since updosing, but really want to warn you about the serious consequences from drug reaction from dose increase during tapering, it's a very tricky and horrible situation to be in. Be extremely careful before taking any action from here. Drug free Sep. 23 2017 2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks. 2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg 2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain 2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain; 2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain 2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg, 2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on 2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks. 2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR 2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg，8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg， 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg 2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg, Link to comment
Jlynn Posted February 23, 2017 Share Posted February 23, 2017 Welcome Kate! I am so glad you found SA. This is the place to be. You unfortunately ran head on with the most brutal part of paxil. It can take a long time before symptoms show up and run you over. You feel like you are doing this and you are doing good and then bam, out of nowhere here they come in full force. So in a natural attempt to get yourself back to any sort of normal you start messing with different things, up-dosing, adding things, changing medications and nothing works. And yet we keep overthinking, changing, and losing our minds trying to get relief. The harsh reality is sometimes the best thing to do is do nothing and give it time to settle down and see where things go. It can take me up to 30 days before I notice changes in symptoms (good or bad). They say 4-14 days but some just take longer. I know it is not the news you are looking for but I believe the mods when they say just hold and wait. It really is worth it in the long run. I have managed to get though all of this working three jobs in high stress fields and taking care of my family, doing my daily activities ect. by just waiting it out. I have had days where I couldn't get out of bed for sure, but things do get better. I would definitely familiarize yourself with the windows and waves pattern as it is important to help you understand what is happening. I have a lot of things I do to cope and supplements I take that help me but figuring out all of these were trial and error for the most part. What works for me doesn't work for some and vise versa. In answer to your question on my thread about CBT or talk therapy, I don't do either. I feel like talk therapy is how I got in this mess to begin with. I rely on prayer and worship and close friends, family, and church members I trust with my situation to work through the things I need to. Again that is just my opinion and some people have great success with therapy and CBT. Hang in there, it will be okay! 40 years old and have been on 20 mg of Paxil for the last 19 years. Multiple unsuccessful attempts to quit over the years.01/2015 Was tapering using liquid Paxil. MD has prescribed 1 ml = 2mg taper every two weeks or once withdrawal symptoms at that dose subside. Reduced from 20 to 10 mg using this method and at 10 mg severe withdrawal set in. 1.5 months of pure hell. Found SA, learned what was happening, and reinstated to 20 mg. After a month of severe symptoms recovered with the reinstatement. Fish oil - Multi Vitamin - Pro-biotic, amino-acid/B Vitamin supplement every day. Magnesium as needed.08/09/15 - 18 mg - 09/08/15 - 16.4 mg - 10/10/15 - 15 mg - 01/02/16 - 13.6 mg 02/15/16 - 12.0 mg - Bad symptom flare up 40 days into drop - Dizziness, panic/anxiety, overheating (esp at night), low appetite, headache, insomnia with bizarre dreams, internal shaking. 04/16/16 - 11mg - 7/17/16 - 10 mg holding..... Link to comment
kateinsocal Posted February 23, 2017 Author Share Posted February 23, 2017 Hi Kate, I'm sorry you are caught in such a tough situation. I'd like to share my thoughts About your recent experience with updosing. I feel it's a reaction to the increase dose of Paxil, nothing to do with fish oil. I know this may not be in agreement with many others but your symptoms are very much alike what I got from dose increase which is proven as drug reaction. If I were you, at the least not to add any more drugs/doses if you are not considering decrease a tiny bit of the 2.5mg see if the new symptoms would lesson some. I could be wrong giving your short term since updosing, but really want to warn you about the serious consequences from drug reaction from dose increase during tapering, it's a very tricky and horrible situation to be in. Be extremely careful before taking any action from here. Hi Lex, I so so SO appreciate your thoughts! I considered updosing again many times to offset the withdrawal effects but after reading this, I'm really glad I didn't. The fish oil theory came about because I had two days where I could cope after reupping to 2.5mg (I could NOT function on the 1.25mg), then as I introduced the fish oil, it got worse as I kept taking more. As soon as I stopped, it progressively got better. This article also sort of affirmed it in my mind. Regardless, it's very reassuring to know that whatever happened was a result of a drug, and not a severe resurgence of my original symptoms. I am feeling like I am stabilizing on the 2.5mg, so I'm going to hang here for a bit unless things take a turn for the worse. Again, thank you so much for your input! 2002-2003 25mg Paxil CR due to PTSD and severe anxiety. 2005-2016 25mg Paxil CR due to resurgence of panic attacks and severe anxiety. Started tapering late summer 2016. Aug 2016 - 25mg CR immediate cut to 12.5mg CR, then held 4-5 months Jan 2017 - 12.5mg (CR) to 12.5mg (non CR), then after a week. Jan/Feb 2017 - 12.5mg (non CR) taper down 2.5mg/week (1.25mg every 3-4 days), and felt no symptoms at all until debilitating withdrawal effects at 1.25mg, so immediately went back up to last stable dose of 2.5mg. Held at 2.5mg. Experienced mild/moderate anxiety waves, brain zaps, lightheadedness, feeling fuzzy, cortisol spikes, burning/prickling skin and lots of anxious energy. Tried Omega 3s for two days and experienced debilitating anxiety and depression (+urgent care visit), so stopped that 2/19. Mar 12 2017 - Switched to half liquid/half pill, had a minor spike in anxiety but it faded over a couple days Mar 19 2017 - Switched to full liquid - 2.5mg/1.25ml - experienced a spike 7-8 days in, but stabilized over next week. Another awful spike over 4/12-4/16 due to inadvertently eating a ton of flax seed, but two amazing normal weeks followed that. Tapering off liquid - 3/19 - 2.5mg, 4/30 - 2.25mg, 5/29 - 2.02mg, (weekend of depression around 7/2), 7/24 - 1.82mg, 9/4 - 1.64mg, slow taper (.04mg/wk) until .025ml liquid (0.50mg) last dose on 8/8/18, plus melatonin almost every night. Also daily mindfulness, CB therapy, exercise, and positive self talk. 1/2 lorazepam in emergencies (not since Sept 2017). Battle random nights of insomnia, and difficulty falling/staying asleep, lapses in focus, obsessive thought. A/O Aug 9. 2018 - PAXIL FREE. Link to comment
kateinsocal Posted February 23, 2017 Author Share Posted February 23, 2017 Welcome Kate! I am so glad you found SA. This is the place to be. You unfortunately ran head on with the most brutal part of paxil. It can take a long time before symptoms show up and run you over. You feel like you are doing this and you are doing good and then bam, out of nowhere here they come in full force. So in a natural attempt to get yourself back to any sort of normal you start messing with different things, up-dosing, adding things, changing medications and nothing works. And yet we keep overthinking, changing, and losing our minds trying to get relief. The harsh reality is sometimes the best thing to do is do nothing and give it time to settle down and see where things go. It can take me up to 30 days before I notice changes in symptoms (good or bad). They say 4-14 days but some just take longer. I know it is not the news you are looking for but I believe the mods when they say just hold and wait. It really is worth it in the long run. I have managed to get though all of this working three jobs in high stress fields and taking care of my family, doing my daily activities ect. by just waiting it out. I have had days where I couldn't get out of bed for sure, but things do get better. I would definitely familiarize yourself with the windows and waves pattern as it is important to help you understand what is happening. I have a lot of things I do to cope and supplements I take that help me but figuring out all of these were trial and error for the most part. What works for me doesn't work for some and vise versa. In answer to your question on my thread about CBT or talk therapy, I don't do either. I feel like talk therapy is how I got in this mess to begin with. I rely on prayer and worship and close friends, family, and church members I trust with my situation to work through the things I need to. Again that is just my opinion and some people have great success with therapy and CBT. Hang in there, it will be okay! Ahhh, thanks so much for your encouragement, Jlynn! This Paxil sure is a beast, but it won't get the best of us! Prayer was the only thing that got me through the last weekend <3 I'm so happy to hear you have such supportive community around you! After having a mostly window day yesterday, I was terrified of having another wave day, and sure enough woke up feeling like my body was in flight or fight mode. Luckily some meditation, deep breathing and worship music helped it to somewhat subside. OY! What a journey we are on. Thank you again so much for telling me the truth (and knowing that with that, it will all stabilize at some point!) Thankful for S/A, for sure!! 2002-2003 25mg Paxil CR due to PTSD and severe anxiety. 2005-2016 25mg Paxil CR due to resurgence of panic attacks and severe anxiety. Started tapering late summer 2016. Aug 2016 - 25mg CR immediate cut to 12.5mg CR, then held 4-5 months Jan 2017 - 12.5mg (CR) to 12.5mg (non CR), then after a week. Jan/Feb 2017 - 12.5mg (non CR) taper down 2.5mg/week (1.25mg every 3-4 days), and felt no symptoms at all until debilitating withdrawal effects at 1.25mg, so immediately went back up to last stable dose of 2.5mg. Held at 2.5mg. Experienced mild/moderate anxiety waves, brain zaps, lightheadedness, feeling fuzzy, cortisol spikes, burning/prickling skin and lots of anxious energy. Tried Omega 3s for two days and experienced debilitating anxiety and depression (+urgent care visit), so stopped that 2/19. Mar 12 2017 - Switched to half liquid/half pill, had a minor spike in anxiety but it faded over a couple days Mar 19 2017 - Switched to full liquid - 2.5mg/1.25ml - experienced a spike 7-8 days in, but stabilized over next week. Another awful spike over 4/12-4/16 due to inadvertently eating a ton of flax seed, but two amazing normal weeks followed that. Tapering off liquid - 3/19 - 2.5mg, 4/30 - 2.25mg, 5/29 - 2.02mg, (weekend of depression around 7/2), 7/24 - 1.82mg, 9/4 - 1.64mg, slow taper (.04mg/wk) until .025ml liquid (0.50mg) last dose on 8/8/18, plus melatonin almost every night. Also daily mindfulness, CB therapy, exercise, and positive self talk. 1/2 lorazepam in emergencies (not since Sept 2017). Battle random nights of insomnia, and difficulty falling/staying asleep, lapses in focus, obsessive thought. A/O Aug 9. 2018 - PAXIL FREE. Link to comment
LexAnger Posted February 23, 2017 Share Posted February 23, 2017 Hi Kate, First and the most important, I'm so happy to hear you are feeling stabilizing with the 2.5mg dose! I probably should have given your situation more thoughts before I shared my opinion. Obviously you are having WD symptoms due to big dose drops down to 1.25mg, may be on top of that, some RI effect at the early stage, not all if any from reaction. A more proper message I should have sent is, be very careful about dose increase. Anyway, great you can stay here at the current dose. Hope you continue feeling better. Lex Drug free Sep. 23 2017 2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks. 2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg 2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain 2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain; 2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain 2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg, 2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on 2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks. 2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR 2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg，8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg， 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg 2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg, Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus SkyBlue Posted February 24, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted February 24, 2017 Hi again Kate, Glad to see you are still hanging in there. As jlynn said above, it can be very very brutal. Please check in here as often as you need. As for magnesium, I take Natural Calm. It is a powder that you mix with water and then drink. It is amazing! If you try it, I would recommend starting slow. It can be very powerful and the first night I took a full dose (about 325 mg) I just sat in a chair dazing into space! ! ! lol It wasn't unpleasant, just weird! I feel like there were other things that occurred to me that I wanted to tell you, but they're escaping me right now. Hang in there and let us know how you are doing! 2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever. 2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds. 2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better. Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.) "You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa Link to comment
kateinsocal Posted February 24, 2017 Author Share Posted February 24, 2017 Hi again Kate, Glad to see you are still hanging in there. As jlynn said above, it can be very very brutal. Please check in here as often as you need. As for magnesium, I take Natural Calm. It is a powder that you mix with water and then drink. It is amazing! If you try it, I would recommend starting slow. It can be very powerful and the first night I took a full dose (about 325 mg) I just sat in a chair dazing into space! ! ! lol It wasn't unpleasant, just weird! I feel like there were other things that occurred to me that I wanted to tell you, but they're escaping me right now. Hang in there and let us know how you are doing! Thank you! I ordered some free samples of that one actually this past week, so I will give it a go when it arrives! I'm super scared of trying anything new after the fish oil incident of last weekend, but I think starting slow is KEY. If you think of anything else, please feel free to circle back Happy to take any advice/tips/tricks. Feeling like I'm stabilizing at this dose and am very happy about it. Slowly but surely! 2002-2003 25mg Paxil CR due to PTSD and severe anxiety. 2005-2016 25mg Paxil CR due to resurgence of panic attacks and severe anxiety. Started tapering late summer 2016. Aug 2016 - 25mg CR immediate cut to 12.5mg CR, then held 4-5 months Jan 2017 - 12.5mg (CR) to 12.5mg (non CR), then after a week. Jan/Feb 2017 - 12.5mg (non CR) taper down 2.5mg/week (1.25mg every 3-4 days), and felt no symptoms at all until debilitating withdrawal effects at 1.25mg, so immediately went back up to last stable dose of 2.5mg. Held at 2.5mg. Experienced mild/moderate anxiety waves, brain zaps, lightheadedness, feeling fuzzy, cortisol spikes, burning/prickling skin and lots of anxious energy. Tried Omega 3s for two days and experienced debilitating anxiety and depression (+urgent care visit), so stopped that 2/19. Mar 12 2017 - Switched to half liquid/half pill, had a minor spike in anxiety but it faded over a couple days Mar 19 2017 - Switched to full liquid - 2.5mg/1.25ml - experienced a spike 7-8 days in, but stabilized over next week. Another awful spike over 4/12-4/16 due to inadvertently eating a ton of flax seed, but two amazing normal weeks followed that. Tapering off liquid - 3/19 - 2.5mg, 4/30 - 2.25mg, 5/29 - 2.02mg, (weekend of depression around 7/2), 7/24 - 1.82mg, 9/4 - 1.64mg, slow taper (.04mg/wk) until .025ml liquid (0.50mg) last dose on 8/8/18, plus melatonin almost every night. Also daily mindfulness, CB therapy, exercise, and positive self talk. 1/2 lorazepam in emergencies (not since Sept 2017). Battle random nights of insomnia, and difficulty falling/staying asleep, lapses in focus, obsessive thought. A/O Aug 9. 2018 - PAXIL FREE. Link to comment
snostorm Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 Hi again Kate, Glad to see you are still hanging in there. As jlynn said above, it can be very very brutal. Please check in here as often as you need. As for magnesium, I take Natural Calm. It is a powder that you mix with water and then drink. It is amazing! If you try it, I would recommend starting slow. It can be very powerful and the first night I took a full dose (about 325 mg) I just sat in a chair dazing into space! ! ! lol It wasn't unpleasant, just weird! I feel like there were other things that occurred to me that I wanted to tell you, but they're escaping me right now. Hang in there and let us know how you are doing! Thank you! I ordered some free samples of that one actually this past week, so I will give it a go when it arrives! I'm super scared of trying anything new after the fish oil incident of last weekend, but I think starting slow is KEY. If you think of anything else, please feel free to circle back Happy to take any advice/tips/tricks. Feeling like I'm stabilizing at this dose and am very happy about it. Slowly but surely! So glad to hear you are stabilizing at that dose. May I ask how long you held before you started to see improvement? 14mg prozac liquid 4/20/2018 3/11/2019 6.0mg prozac liquid. 2/17/2020 3.6mg prozac liquid Link to comment
megb Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 Hi Kate, I too am in the Paxil hell-hole trying to get out with as few injuries as possible My main symptoms are insomnia and lack of motivation. We are all different. Hoping your symptoms are very short lived! Praying for you fellow SA friend. Glad you know where your hope is found!! Feel free to message me anytime. -Meg Sep '18 - became pregnant in late August, then on 9/5 insomnia/anxiety went THROUGH the roof. I tried a lot of things but here is what is current: Paroxetine: 6.2mg (began 9/5/18, and there was a new manufacturer of which I just found out 2 days ago) during the day Olanzapine : 7.5mg at night Ambien: 5-10mg at night Xanex: 5-10mg at night Fish Oil: for prenatal things Aug '18: Paroxetine 6.6mg, (30mg thyroid hormone, fish oil, vit D3, SBI protect, probiotic. Following AIP diet) Mar '16: began taper from 20mg. Decreasing .75mg or less each month or more. Sporadically used Ambien &/or Trazodone for insomnia. Sep'15: tried to come off slower. Used fish oil, vit D3, and regular exercise/healthy diet to assist. (Taper sched= 18mg for 60days, 15mg for 60d, 10mg for 30d, 8mg for 30d) At my 3rd week of 8mg in Nov '15, insomnia and panic attacks began. Back up to 20mg after a month of horrible withdrawal. Oct'12-Sep'15: 20mg Paxil Sep'12: 1st attempt to get off, naively tried cold turkey per Dr. suggestion. Couldn't work for 2 months. Another Doc upped dose to 20mg. Jun '09-Aug '12: 10mg Paxil for severe insomnia due to anxiety. Also took Ambien/Trazodone for sleep. Other meds taken sporadically: Ativan, Abilify, Xyrem My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus' blood and righteousness. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus SkyBlue Posted March 30, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 30, 2017 Kate, how have you been doing? 2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever. 2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds. 2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better. Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.) "You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa Link to comment
kateinsocal Posted April 5, 2017 Author Share Posted April 5, 2017 Hi SkyBlue!Thanks for checking in!As with stabilization, there have been windows and waves, but thankfully I've been mostly in windows and the waves have been mild. I was feeling as if I wasn't getting a super consistent dose on the 2.5mg pill due to having to cut it into quarters, so I decided I should try to switch to the liquid. On Mar 12, I switched to half liquid, half pill for a week. I felt an immediate spike in anxiety the next day, but it faded away over the next couple days. A week later, on Mar 19, I switched to full liquid. I didn't experience another spike until 7-8 days after, and it lasted for about 4 days. Yesterday was the first day I was free from anxiety, so I'm going to stay here for a little bit then consider making my first 10% cut (and my first reduction since mid-Feb). I plan on staying there at least two weeks, maybe a month - I will listen to my body and play it by ear for sure. The good news is that when I do feel a spike in withdrawal effects, it doesn't bother me as much anymore (thank you, headspace!) and it goes away after a couple days. The thing I'm struggling with most is trying to gage what "normal" is, and trying to discern when the anxiety I feel is situational and common to what others would feel in the same scenario versus an indication of work to still be done. After being on these meds for 13 years, I'm not sure I have any idea what normal looks or feels like, and I often get afraid that I'll never know. All I have to go on is that any random anxiety that appears is consistently mild, and any anxiety that is more intense is almost always situational and what I would imagine others would feel in the same scenario. I will summarize by saying most of the time I feel as if I'm doing extraordinarily well I'm still in CB therapy every week to try to discern if there is anxiety arising from any underlying matters I haven't dealt with, in addition to yoga almost every day, meditation (headspace) every day, essential oils and a ton of praying. I am feeling very optimistic about the future 2002-2003 25mg Paxil CR due to PTSD and severe anxiety. 2005-2016 25mg Paxil CR due to resurgence of panic attacks and severe anxiety. Started tapering late summer 2016. Aug 2016 - 25mg CR immediate cut to 12.5mg CR, then held 4-5 months Jan 2017 - 12.5mg (CR) to 12.5mg (non CR), then after a week. Jan/Feb 2017 - 12.5mg (non CR) taper down 2.5mg/week (1.25mg every 3-4 days), and felt no symptoms at all until debilitating withdrawal effects at 1.25mg, so immediately went back up to last stable dose of 2.5mg. Held at 2.5mg. Experienced mild/moderate anxiety waves, brain zaps, lightheadedness, feeling fuzzy, cortisol spikes, burning/prickling skin and lots of anxious energy. Tried Omega 3s for two days and experienced debilitating anxiety and depression (+urgent care visit), so stopped that 2/19. Mar 12 2017 - Switched to half liquid/half pill, had a minor spike in anxiety but it faded over a couple days Mar 19 2017 - Switched to full liquid - 2.5mg/1.25ml - experienced a spike 7-8 days in, but stabilized over next week. Another awful spike over 4/12-4/16 due to inadvertently eating a ton of flax seed, but two amazing normal weeks followed that. Tapering off liquid - 3/19 - 2.5mg, 4/30 - 2.25mg, 5/29 - 2.02mg, (weekend of depression around 7/2), 7/24 - 1.82mg, 9/4 - 1.64mg, slow taper (.04mg/wk) until .025ml liquid (0.50mg) last dose on 8/8/18, plus melatonin almost every night. Also daily mindfulness, CB therapy, exercise, and positive self talk. 1/2 lorazepam in emergencies (not since Sept 2017). Battle random nights of insomnia, and difficulty falling/staying asleep, lapses in focus, obsessive thought. A/O Aug 9. 2018 - PAXIL FREE. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus SkyBlue Posted May 6, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 6, 2017 Kate, how have you been doing? <3 2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever. 2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds. 2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better. Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.) "You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa Link to comment
kateinsocal Posted May 8, 2017 Author Share Posted May 8, 2017 Kate, how have you been doing? <3 Hi Sky! Thanks for asking! I've been doing pretty dang well. Spent several weeks trying to stabilize at the 2.5mg liquid while simultaneously not trying to get too frustrated at the random(!) waves. The blessing in all of it is that any spikes or waves have been completely tolerable, and for the vast majority I don't think anyone observing me would be able to tell - this has always been an indicator for success for me. However, right before Easter, 1 month into stable liquid dose, I started wigging out and could not figure out what was happening. I was overcome with feelings of dread, I was freaking out at everything and could not get my mind to settle. I eventually caught a glance at the remnants of a empty granola/yogurt snack I had, and remembered reading in the Omega-3 thread that flax seed was high in it. Recalling that I had such an adverse reaction to the fish oil, I realized I had been inadvertently eating extra heavy flax seed foods twice a day for 4 days in a row. I stopped eating those, and each day got better. That following week, I had one of the best weeks I had in months. Felt 100% totally and completely normal with zero anxiety. That continued into week 2 until I started to get anxious over my mom having surgery + some other big life events (all of which are totally normal to be anxiety inducing). That third week was last week and I decided I was feeling good enough to do my first cut in 3 months. Minor waves here and there but all tolerable. Funnily enough, the thing I struggle with the most and find most anxiety inducing is when my favorite baseball team loses - AGH. It's a nice distraction from thinking about my anxiety though. Gonna hang here for a couple weeks at least and go from there. YAY <3 I've been following along on your updates, and am hoping your window days become more and more in number <3 Hang in there! I rely so much on reminding myself that I have what I need to get through the day (whether it be tough or not) and that tomorrow always comes. This is such a brutal process to endure but imagine the reward on the other side. Can't wait. Sending love <3 2002-2003 25mg Paxil CR due to PTSD and severe anxiety. 2005-2016 25mg Paxil CR due to resurgence of panic attacks and severe anxiety. Started tapering late summer 2016. Aug 2016 - 25mg CR immediate cut to 12.5mg CR, then held 4-5 months Jan 2017 - 12.5mg (CR) to 12.5mg (non CR), then after a week. Jan/Feb 2017 - 12.5mg (non CR) taper down 2.5mg/week (1.25mg every 3-4 days), and felt no symptoms at all until debilitating withdrawal effects at 1.25mg, so immediately went back up to last stable dose of 2.5mg. Held at 2.5mg. Experienced mild/moderate anxiety waves, brain zaps, lightheadedness, feeling fuzzy, cortisol spikes, burning/prickling skin and lots of anxious energy. Tried Omega 3s for two days and experienced debilitating anxiety and depression (+urgent care visit), so stopped that 2/19. Mar 12 2017 - Switched to half liquid/half pill, had a minor spike in anxiety but it faded over a couple days Mar 19 2017 - Switched to full liquid - 2.5mg/1.25ml - experienced a spike 7-8 days in, but stabilized over next week. Another awful spike over 4/12-4/16 due to inadvertently eating a ton of flax seed, but two amazing normal weeks followed that. Tapering off liquid - 3/19 - 2.5mg, 4/30 - 2.25mg, 5/29 - 2.02mg, (weekend of depression around 7/2), 7/24 - 1.82mg, 9/4 - 1.64mg, slow taper (.04mg/wk) until .025ml liquid (0.50mg) last dose on 8/8/18, plus melatonin almost every night. Also daily mindfulness, CB therapy, exercise, and positive self talk. 1/2 lorazepam in emergencies (not since Sept 2017). Battle random nights of insomnia, and difficulty falling/staying asleep, lapses in focus, obsessive thought. A/O Aug 9. 2018 - PAXIL FREE. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus SkyBlue Posted May 8, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 8, 2017 Hi Kate, You're welcome, and glad to know you're doing well! Thanks for your kind words as well. That's really amazing about the flax seed/ granola bar connection. I'm glad you were able to figure that out. It's incredible how seemingly "small" things can affect us! You're doing great! Keep hanging in there. <3 2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever. 2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds. 2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better. Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.) "You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa Link to comment
kateinsocal Posted September 11, 2017 Author Share Posted September 11, 2017 Hi All, It's been a while. I haven't had a ton to report, but I feel like it's a good time for an update. The good news it that I had a talk therapy appt this Saturday (as I have had for almost a year ago), and my therapist told me that I had made such great progress over the past year, that I don't need to be coming weekly anymore. He dropped me down to once a month, just to check in (which I am happy with), but I am so proud of myself to have made it this far. I'm not fully through yet, but man have I come far. It was a huge victory after what has been an incredibly tough 12 months. I've been doing very well with my slow taper off the liquid. I'm averaging 10% reduction every 5-6 weeks (depending on how I feel. I usually wait for at least 1-2 great weeks before I drop down again). I have little spells every once in a while where I'll have a day or a few days where I feel like crap. I'll either be really anxious, or I'll feel borderline depressed (a new thing for me, surprisingly). While it's been irritating and certainly messes with my plans during those days, I just know it won't last forever and usually just power through. The random emotions, in addition to other physical symptoms (sometimes I have a loss of appetite, nausea, very minor head zaps, hot flashes, skin tingling) are reminders that it's all part of this large chemical adjustment in my brain and that one day it will be better. The unpredictability of it all is maddening, especially when the reductions seem so small at this point, but such is life. There are so many days I have where I feel absolutely great, and I use those as reassurance that I'm doing the right thing, I can be successfully and it will all be worth it....someday. My main issues are still insomnia (most nights I can fall asleep, but can't stay asleep) and obsessive thought. The obsessive thought is kind of new and also unexpected, but it makes sense to me considering the Paxil would have helped with that. Mostly I get caught in thought patterns and can't stop thinking about something no matter how hard I try. Like, I will literally spend hours each day trying to stimulate my brain and fill it with information (i.e., baseball) because I can't get enough. I've had to really work at it with meditation...and have recently downloaded an EMDR app, which is interesting. If something is bothering me, it's really hard for me not to dwell on it, and to let it go. I came today to look for more info on the Melatonin, because I was afraid I was taking it too often to help with the lack of sleep. I read the page (thank you, Alto!) and am now more empowered on what I can try to help with the insomnia. I appreciate all the stories of your own experiences, and reassurances that it will sort itself out in time. The inconsistency is a little maddening, because some nights I'm totally fine, but others, it's 4am and I'm wide awake and completely freaking out about how tired I'm going to be the next day. I think I was taking too much (the nights where it got later, I kept taking more and more), and was also taking it too late (i.e. right before I wanted to sleep). I'm happy to now have a plan in place based on what has been recommended here..and hoping for the best! Thankful for you all! 2002-2003 25mg Paxil CR due to PTSD and severe anxiety. 2005-2016 25mg Paxil CR due to resurgence of panic attacks and severe anxiety. Started tapering late summer 2016. Aug 2016 - 25mg CR immediate cut to 12.5mg CR, then held 4-5 months Jan 2017 - 12.5mg (CR) to 12.5mg (non CR), then after a week. Jan/Feb 2017 - 12.5mg (non CR) taper down 2.5mg/week (1.25mg every 3-4 days), and felt no symptoms at all until debilitating withdrawal effects at 1.25mg, so immediately went back up to last stable dose of 2.5mg. Held at 2.5mg. Experienced mild/moderate anxiety waves, brain zaps, lightheadedness, feeling fuzzy, cortisol spikes, burning/prickling skin and lots of anxious energy. Tried Omega 3s for two days and experienced debilitating anxiety and depression (+urgent care visit), so stopped that 2/19. Mar 12 2017 - Switched to half liquid/half pill, had a minor spike in anxiety but it faded over a couple days Mar 19 2017 - Switched to full liquid - 2.5mg/1.25ml - experienced a spike 7-8 days in, but stabilized over next week. Another awful spike over 4/12-4/16 due to inadvertently eating a ton of flax seed, but two amazing normal weeks followed that. Tapering off liquid - 3/19 - 2.5mg, 4/30 - 2.25mg, 5/29 - 2.02mg, (weekend of depression around 7/2), 7/24 - 1.82mg, 9/4 - 1.64mg, slow taper (.04mg/wk) until .025ml liquid (0.50mg) last dose on 8/8/18, plus melatonin almost every night. Also daily mindfulness, CB therapy, exercise, and positive self talk. 1/2 lorazepam in emergencies (not since Sept 2017). Battle random nights of insomnia, and difficulty falling/staying asleep, lapses in focus, obsessive thought. A/O Aug 9. 2018 - PAXIL FREE. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus baroquep Posted September 12, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted September 12, 2017 Great update, you've obviously worked hard and have a great attitude ... you should be proud of yourself Wishing you continued success on your journey off of Prozac !!! Current Prescription Drugs for Hypothyroidism: Synthroid 100mcg / Cytomel 5mcg (15 years Pristiq/Effexor)Tapering Schedule September 15, 2016 - switched from Pristiq 50mg to Effexor XR 75mg; November 10, 2016 - reduced to 67.5 Effexor XR December 9, 2016 - reduced 60.75 January 5, 2017 - reduced 54.67 January 30, 2017 - reduced to 49.0 February 20, 2017 - reduced to 44.0 May 20, 2017 - reduced to 40.25 (holding for additional month due to late onset of withdrawal symptoms after this taper) July 17, 2017 - reduced to 38.24 August 15, 2017 - reduced to 37.5 (50% of my original dose) October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6 November 12, 2017 - reduced to 33.8 December 15, 2017 - up-dose to 35.6 December 28, 2017 - up-dose to 37.5 Link to comment
kateinsocal Posted March 14, 2018 Author Share Posted March 14, 2018 Hi All, I figured it was time for an update. I'm happy to report that I'm actually doing fairly well these days. I was so afraid that what I was experiencing last year as I was trying to stabilize was my "new normal", but after many holds (and healing, and rest) I've seen great improvement. Most of the day, I feel totally normal. I'm still learning how to better deal with situational-based anxiety, but at least the random non-situational anxiety seems to mostly stay away. And if I do feel anxiety, it's managable. I've shifted since the start of the year to doing teeny tapers each week - started at 1% per week for six weeks, then upped it to 2.5% per week. Hoping to continue to progress toward 10% per week (allowing for holds as necessary, I have been overly cautious this time around and have no problem taking them). I haven't experienced any problematic symptoms outside of difficulty falling asleep/staying asleep 1-2 nights per week. I still take 1/4 of a melatonin pill each night (I think it's 3mg), and I am thankful for it. 1/4 is more effective for me than 1 whole pill (thanks to this board for the education on that). I am currently at 5% of my initial dose (YAY!) and plan to keep making reductions until I hit 2%. Slow and steady wins the race. Never did I think it would take this long, but I am so relieved to see an end in sight. 2002-2003 25mg Paxil CR due to PTSD and severe anxiety. 2005-2016 25mg Paxil CR due to resurgence of panic attacks and severe anxiety. Started tapering late summer 2016. Aug 2016 - 25mg CR immediate cut to 12.5mg CR, then held 4-5 months Jan 2017 - 12.5mg (CR) to 12.5mg (non CR), then after a week. Jan/Feb 2017 - 12.5mg (non CR) taper down 2.5mg/week (1.25mg every 3-4 days), and felt no symptoms at all until debilitating withdrawal effects at 1.25mg, so immediately went back up to last stable dose of 2.5mg. Held at 2.5mg. Experienced mild/moderate anxiety waves, brain zaps, lightheadedness, feeling fuzzy, cortisol spikes, burning/prickling skin and lots of anxious energy. Tried Omega 3s for two days and experienced debilitating anxiety and depression (+urgent care visit), so stopped that 2/19. Mar 12 2017 - Switched to half liquid/half pill, had a minor spike in anxiety but it faded over a couple days Mar 19 2017 - Switched to full liquid - 2.5mg/1.25ml - experienced a spike 7-8 days in, but stabilized over next week. Another awful spike over 4/12-4/16 due to inadvertently eating a ton of flax seed, but two amazing normal weeks followed that. Tapering off liquid - 3/19 - 2.5mg, 4/30 - 2.25mg, 5/29 - 2.02mg, (weekend of depression around 7/2), 7/24 - 1.82mg, 9/4 - 1.64mg, slow taper (.04mg/wk) until .025ml liquid (0.50mg) last dose on 8/8/18, plus melatonin almost every night. Also daily mindfulness, CB therapy, exercise, and positive self talk. 1/2 lorazepam in emergencies (not since Sept 2017). Battle random nights of insomnia, and difficulty falling/staying asleep, lapses in focus, obsessive thought. A/O Aug 9. 2018 - PAXIL FREE. Link to comment
kateinsocal Posted August 9, 2018 Author Share Posted August 9, 2018 Hi All, I have finally arrived at my 2% mark - 0.50mg (0.25ml), aka, the recommended drop off point. I have been holding here for two weeks since my last reduction and am planning on tonight being the first night I don't take any Paxil. I'm incredibly nervous for any side effects but I am hoping at this small of a dose that they will be minimal. I have been so fortunate to have not had any side effects outside of the mild range in about five months. I am incredibly grateful to this website for continued advice and guidance throughout the past two years. I honestly don't know how I would have made it through otherwise. I have also relayed most things I have come to know to my therapist, and he said he has been able to share that knowledge with some of his other patients too. If I'm able to use this hellish two year ride to help others in some way, then it will make all this seem worth it. I will check back in a few days and let everyone know how it is going. Hoping for relatively smooth sailing. 2002-2003 25mg Paxil CR due to PTSD and severe anxiety. 2005-2016 25mg Paxil CR due to resurgence of panic attacks and severe anxiety. Started tapering late summer 2016. Aug 2016 - 25mg CR immediate cut to 12.5mg CR, then held 4-5 months Jan 2017 - 12.5mg (CR) to 12.5mg (non CR), then after a week. Jan/Feb 2017 - 12.5mg (non CR) taper down 2.5mg/week (1.25mg every 3-4 days), and felt no symptoms at all until debilitating withdrawal effects at 1.25mg, so immediately went back up to last stable dose of 2.5mg. Held at 2.5mg. Experienced mild/moderate anxiety waves, brain zaps, lightheadedness, feeling fuzzy, cortisol spikes, burning/prickling skin and lots of anxious energy. Tried Omega 3s for two days and experienced debilitating anxiety and depression (+urgent care visit), so stopped that 2/19. Mar 12 2017 - Switched to half liquid/half pill, had a minor spike in anxiety but it faded over a couple days Mar 19 2017 - Switched to full liquid - 2.5mg/1.25ml - experienced a spike 7-8 days in, but stabilized over next week. Another awful spike over 4/12-4/16 due to inadvertently eating a ton of flax seed, but two amazing normal weeks followed that. Tapering off liquid - 3/19 - 2.5mg, 4/30 - 2.25mg, 5/29 - 2.02mg, (weekend of depression around 7/2), 7/24 - 1.82mg, 9/4 - 1.64mg, slow taper (.04mg/wk) until .025ml liquid (0.50mg) last dose on 8/8/18, plus melatonin almost every night. Also daily mindfulness, CB therapy, exercise, and positive self talk. 1/2 lorazepam in emergencies (not since Sept 2017). Battle random nights of insomnia, and difficulty falling/staying asleep, lapses in focus, obsessive thought. A/O Aug 9. 2018 - PAXIL FREE. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted August 9, 2018 Administrator Share Posted August 9, 2018 Hi, kate. Congratulations! There is no recommended drop-off point. How has your taper been going? If you've been going in teeny-tiny steps, no harm in doing a few more. You've come such a long way, how about thinking of going off at 0.10mg Paxil or thereabouts? This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
kateinsocal Posted August 9, 2018 Author Share Posted August 9, 2018 Thank you! Oh hmm, I thought I recalled reading that at 2% it was said we could safely drop off. Thank you for the correction. The taper has been going very well so far this year- the only symptoms I've really had are difficulty falling asleep/staying asleep, feeling distracted a lot/having a hard time focusing, and dealing with obsessive thought. Nothing anywhere close to what I experienced last year. It has been mostly very mild - only increasing past that when facing the occasional real life stressful situation - but it always fades as the situation is resolved. I always had it in my head that the 2% was the drop off point - I certainly could try a .10mg reduction and see if there are any side effects...but since it has been smooth sailing for 8 months now and I am on such a small dose, I figured I would be okay to try this as the final drop. 2002-2003 25mg Paxil CR due to PTSD and severe anxiety. 2005-2016 25mg Paxil CR due to resurgence of panic attacks and severe anxiety. Started tapering late summer 2016. Aug 2016 - 25mg CR immediate cut to 12.5mg CR, then held 4-5 months Jan 2017 - 12.5mg (CR) to 12.5mg (non CR), then after a week. Jan/Feb 2017 - 12.5mg (non CR) taper down 2.5mg/week (1.25mg every 3-4 days), and felt no symptoms at all until debilitating withdrawal effects at 1.25mg, so immediately went back up to last stable dose of 2.5mg. Held at 2.5mg. Experienced mild/moderate anxiety waves, brain zaps, lightheadedness, feeling fuzzy, cortisol spikes, burning/prickling skin and lots of anxious energy. Tried Omega 3s for two days and experienced debilitating anxiety and depression (+urgent care visit), so stopped that 2/19. Mar 12 2017 - Switched to half liquid/half pill, had a minor spike in anxiety but it faded over a couple days Mar 19 2017 - Switched to full liquid - 2.5mg/1.25ml - experienced a spike 7-8 days in, but stabilized over next week. Another awful spike over 4/12-4/16 due to inadvertently eating a ton of flax seed, but two amazing normal weeks followed that. Tapering off liquid - 3/19 - 2.5mg, 4/30 - 2.25mg, 5/29 - 2.02mg, (weekend of depression around 7/2), 7/24 - 1.82mg, 9/4 - 1.64mg, slow taper (.04mg/wk) until .025ml liquid (0.50mg) last dose on 8/8/18, plus melatonin almost every night. Also daily mindfulness, CB therapy, exercise, and positive self talk. 1/2 lorazepam in emergencies (not since Sept 2017). Battle random nights of insomnia, and difficulty falling/staying asleep, lapses in focus, obsessive thought. A/O Aug 9. 2018 - PAXIL FREE. Link to comment
LexAnger Posted August 10, 2018 Share Posted August 10, 2018 Congratulations and good luck! its amazing how well your taper ( rather fast as compared to most others) is going! Really Happy for you! lex Drug free Sep. 23 2017 2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks. 2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg 2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain 2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain; 2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain 2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg, 2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on 2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks. 2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR 2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg，8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg， 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg 2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg, Link to comment
kateinsocal Posted August 10, 2018 Author Share Posted August 10, 2018 Thanks so much, Lex! I certainly had my fair share of rough waters last year. There were several times where I was confident I would never feel normal or happy again. The feelings always did pass though, and this year has been much, much better. Just taking it day by day and trying to keep moving forward :) 2002-2003 25mg Paxil CR due to PTSD and severe anxiety. 2005-2016 25mg Paxil CR due to resurgence of panic attacks and severe anxiety. Started tapering late summer 2016. Aug 2016 - 25mg CR immediate cut to 12.5mg CR, then held 4-5 months Jan 2017 - 12.5mg (CR) to 12.5mg (non CR), then after a week. Jan/Feb 2017 - 12.5mg (non CR) taper down 2.5mg/week (1.25mg every 3-4 days), and felt no symptoms at all until debilitating withdrawal effects at 1.25mg, so immediately went back up to last stable dose of 2.5mg. Held at 2.5mg. Experienced mild/moderate anxiety waves, brain zaps, lightheadedness, feeling fuzzy, cortisol spikes, burning/prickling skin and lots of anxious energy. Tried Omega 3s for two days and experienced debilitating anxiety and depression (+urgent care visit), so stopped that 2/19. Mar 12 2017 - Switched to half liquid/half pill, had a minor spike in anxiety but it faded over a couple days Mar 19 2017 - Switched to full liquid - 2.5mg/1.25ml - experienced a spike 7-8 days in, but stabilized over next week. Another awful spike over 4/12-4/16 due to inadvertently eating a ton of flax seed, but two amazing normal weeks followed that. Tapering off liquid - 3/19 - 2.5mg, 4/30 - 2.25mg, 5/29 - 2.02mg, (weekend of depression around 7/2), 7/24 - 1.82mg, 9/4 - 1.64mg, slow taper (.04mg/wk) until .025ml liquid (0.50mg) last dose on 8/8/18, plus melatonin almost every night. Also daily mindfulness, CB therapy, exercise, and positive self talk. 1/2 lorazepam in emergencies (not since Sept 2017). Battle random nights of insomnia, and difficulty falling/staying asleep, lapses in focus, obsessive thought. A/O Aug 9. 2018 - PAXIL FREE. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus SkyBlue Posted August 10, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 10, 2018 32 minutes ago, kateinsocal said: There were several times where I was confident I would never feel normal or happy again. The feelings always did pass though, and this year has been much, much better. Just taking it day by day and trying to keep moving forward Thanks, Kate, for the update and for sharing/inspiring hope! Keep us posted as far as what you decide in "jumping off!" ❤️ 2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever. 2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds. 2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better. Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.) "You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa Link to comment
kateinsocal Posted September 26, 2018 Author Share Posted September 26, 2018 Hi All, I have wonderful news to share. As of today, I am seven weeks Paxil free, and doing great! 😍 I was incredibly nervous about the jumping off, but it ended up being almost non-consequential. I felt a little off balance for the first couple days, and had some digestive irregularities, but other than that, didn't feel any side effects at all. Over the last seven weeks, the lack of withdrawal effects has continued. I have had trouble staying asleep at times, but even that has gotten better over the past week. I've also had a bit of a resurgence of libido which has been incredibly surprising. Outside of that, I have no other symptoms to report. I feel more alive than I have in years. I remember back over a year ago reading comments that there weren't many success stories on here, so I made a mental note to make sure I come back and post when that eventual day came. It has been a long journey, and I hope that what I've remembered to share provides encouragement regardless of which stage you are at. I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to comment or share advice with me. I honestly don't know how I would have gotten through this if it wasn't for this site. I will be forever grateful for you all. Plan on checking on every now and then, and will be praying for continued stability for everyone. ❤️ 2002-2003 25mg Paxil CR due to PTSD and severe anxiety. 2005-2016 25mg Paxil CR due to resurgence of panic attacks and severe anxiety. Started tapering late summer 2016. Aug 2016 - 25mg CR immediate cut to 12.5mg CR, then held 4-5 months Jan 2017 - 12.5mg (CR) to 12.5mg (non CR), then after a week. Jan/Feb 2017 - 12.5mg (non CR) taper down 2.5mg/week (1.25mg every 3-4 days), and felt no symptoms at all until debilitating withdrawal effects at 1.25mg, so immediately went back up to last stable dose of 2.5mg. Held at 2.5mg. Experienced mild/moderate anxiety waves, brain zaps, lightheadedness, feeling fuzzy, cortisol spikes, burning/prickling skin and lots of anxious energy. Tried Omega 3s for two days and experienced debilitating anxiety and depression (+urgent care visit), so stopped that 2/19. Mar 12 2017 - Switched to half liquid/half pill, had a minor spike in anxiety but it faded over a couple days Mar 19 2017 - Switched to full liquid - 2.5mg/1.25ml - experienced a spike 7-8 days in, but stabilized over next week. Another awful spike over 4/12-4/16 due to inadvertently eating a ton of flax seed, but two amazing normal weeks followed that. Tapering off liquid - 3/19 - 2.5mg, 4/30 - 2.25mg, 5/29 - 2.02mg, (weekend of depression around 7/2), 7/24 - 1.82mg, 9/4 - 1.64mg, slow taper (.04mg/wk) until .025ml liquid (0.50mg) last dose on 8/8/18, plus melatonin almost every night. Also daily mindfulness, CB therapy, exercise, and positive self talk. 1/2 lorazepam in emergencies (not since Sept 2017). Battle random nights of insomnia, and difficulty falling/staying asleep, lapses in focus, obsessive thought. A/O Aug 9. 2018 - PAXIL FREE. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted September 26, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted September 26, 2018 Congratulations! Gridley Introduction Lexapro 20 mg since 2004. Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017. End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg Oct. 30, 2020 Jump to zero from 0.025mg. Current dose: 0.000mg 3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete. Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium End 2021 year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper. Taper is 95% complete. Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986. Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper. Current dose as of April 1: 6.8mg Taper is 91% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs. Link to comment
PH1 Posted September 26, 2018 Share Posted September 26, 2018 That is great news! Thanks for sharing and giving us all hope. 2010: Escitalopram (Lexapro) 10 mg. Mirtazapine (Remeron) 15 mg. 2011: Tapered Mirtazapine: 5 month successful taper. Then tapered Lexapro: 4 month successful taper May 2011 to August 2017: No medications, full recovery September 6, 2017: started Mirtazapine (Remeron) 15 mg - due to severe sudden insomnia (I believe caused by statin use) November 16, 2017: started Escitalopram (Lexapro) 10 mg January 1, 2018 to October 30. 2020 -- 34 month taper off of Mirtazapine 15 mg to 0.00 mg June 16, 2018: Started slow taper of 10 mg Escitalopram (Lexapro) Current (mgai): 0.23 mg Escitalopram Supplements: Fish Oil, Curcumin, bio active B vitamins, zinc, magnesium glycinate, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, saffron, citrus bergamot, ashwagandha "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34 Link to comment
kateinsocal Posted April 19, 2019 Author Share Posted April 19, 2019 Hi All, Thought I'd share another (positive) update. I have been Paxil free for 8 months now. The one lingering withdrawal side effect has been difficulty falling asleep at night. Melatonin works well, so I've been taking 1/4 of a tablet almost every night for the past 2-3 years. I'm happy to report that over the past 3 weeks, I am able to fall asleep most nights without it. I'm not entirely sure what has changed, but I am extremely grateful. It's so reassuring to know that my brain is continuing to heal when I was convinced for so long that it would never get better. I hope this provides a little bit of encouragement and optimism for everyone still battling. It will get better. Hang in there! 2002-2003 25mg Paxil CR due to PTSD and severe anxiety. 2005-2016 25mg Paxil CR due to resurgence of panic attacks and severe anxiety. Started tapering late summer 2016. Aug 2016 - 25mg CR immediate cut to 12.5mg CR, then held 4-5 months Jan 2017 - 12.5mg (CR) to 12.5mg (non CR), then after a week. Jan/Feb 2017 - 12.5mg (non CR) taper down 2.5mg/week (1.25mg every 3-4 days), and felt no symptoms at all until debilitating withdrawal effects at 1.25mg, so immediately went back up to last stable dose of 2.5mg. Held at 2.5mg. Experienced mild/moderate anxiety waves, brain zaps, lightheadedness, feeling fuzzy, cortisol spikes, burning/prickling skin and lots of anxious energy. Tried Omega 3s for two days and experienced debilitating anxiety and depression (+urgent care visit), so stopped that 2/19. Mar 12 2017 - Switched to half liquid/half pill, had a minor spike in anxiety but it faded over a couple days Mar 19 2017 - Switched to full liquid - 2.5mg/1.25ml - experienced a spike 7-8 days in, but stabilized over next week. Another awful spike over 4/12-4/16 due to inadvertently eating a ton of flax seed, but two amazing normal weeks followed that. Tapering off liquid - 3/19 - 2.5mg, 4/30 - 2.25mg, 5/29 - 2.02mg, (weekend of depression around 7/2), 7/24 - 1.82mg, 9/4 - 1.64mg, slow taper (.04mg/wk) until .025ml liquid (0.50mg) last dose on 8/8/18, plus melatonin almost every night. Also daily mindfulness, CB therapy, exercise, and positive self talk. 1/2 lorazepam in emergencies (not since Sept 2017). Battle random nights of insomnia, and difficulty falling/staying asleep, lapses in focus, obsessive thought. A/O Aug 9. 2018 - PAXIL FREE. Link to comment
Gracee Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 Congratulations on your completed Paxil taper. Paxil is a monster of a drug. I am so happy for your success. I hope you will continue to post from time to time. G. Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3, Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin, Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo. Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol 2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010) 2011 - 30 mg 2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5} Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg Jan 11 - 33.75 mg Jan 28 - 32.5 mg Feb 4 - 33.75 mg Mar 4 - 32 mg Mar 30 - 30 mg Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Carmie Posted April 21, 2019 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted April 21, 2019 That’s fabulous news Kate, I’m so happy you are doing so well. 💚 Seroquel. 2019:➡️ From 7.25mg to 5.80mg✔️ 2020➡️From 5.60 to 4.80✔️ 2021➡️From 4.60 to 4.0✔️ 2022➡️From 3.95 to 3.55✔️2023➡️ Jan 26=3.50✔️March 17=3.45✔️ June12=3.40✔️ July30=3.35✔️ Sep14=3.30✔️ Oct31=3.25✔️ 2024➡️Jan15=3.20✔️ Feb19=3.15✔️ March26=3.10✔️This is NOT medical advice.Consult your doctor. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Carmie Posted April 21, 2019 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted April 21, 2019 Because you're feeling better, I added our cheerful "here comes the sun" symbol ☼ to the title of your Intro topic, to show you're recovering. Please continue to let us know how you're doing. I hope you will add your story to our Recovery Success Stories eventually! Seroquel. 2019:➡️ From 7.25mg to 5.80mg✔️ 2020➡️From 5.60 to 4.80✔️ 2021➡️From 4.60 to 4.0✔️ 2022➡️From 3.95 to 3.55✔️2023➡️ Jan 26=3.50✔️March 17=3.45✔️ June12=3.40✔️ July30=3.35✔️ Sep14=3.30✔️ Oct31=3.25✔️ 2024➡️Jan15=3.20✔️ Feb19=3.15✔️ March26=3.10✔️This is NOT medical advice.Consult your doctor. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted February 19, 2022 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted February 19, 2022 kateinsocal has written her success story - congratulations! As is SA's custom kate's Introduction topic will now be locked. kateinsocal's Success Story 1 * NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA * MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: (6 year taper) 0mg Pristiq on 13th November 2021 ADs since ~1992: 25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq: 50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity) Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021 LAST DOSE 0.0025mg Post 0 updates start here My tapering program My Intro (goes to tapering graph) VIDEO: Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management Link to comment
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