divalee Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 Hello MapleLeaf..... I started tapering Dec 3, 2011...and on May 17, 2013 was off completely from Zoloft. It is now 33 months of am off....I went through the tapering not bad at all..had more physical symptoms like nausea, indigestion leg pain...after going off completely about 6 or 7 months off...the waves were terrible. Pins and needles in face and head, pressure bridge of my nose, lightheadedness, migraines, feeling that my ears were blocked, night sweats, visual disturbances...with very slight waves now and then...18 months off really got worse...and it seems since 18 months til today 33 months...I have not had a wave....I am really frightened thinking this will never go away.....it seems that between 28 to 33 months things got even worse.... I hope this is a short wave for you seeing that you have been doing great for a long time before this wave suddenly appeared....please keep us posted. As for me - I just don't know any more - I don't see the light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe too, I have had recent losses that have left me not wanting to live...so it could be that the depression and anxiety I have now could be from those losses...not helping at all the central nervous system that WDs attack... We just have to hope and pray that this too will pass..... Love Lee (f) Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules Started tapering December 3, 2011, Off Zoloft May 17, 2013 While tapering WDS were tolerable Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off even worse after 18 months off Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now. Link to comment
MapleleafGirl Posted February 26, 2016 Author Share Posted February 26, 2016 my biggest issue right now is the head stuff....it happened like a light switch..i was fine one day then woke up the next day with vision off...head pressure ...anxiety ..my mood was fine..but now its wearing down on me...i just want this to be over with...my hubby is starting to get irritated now with me...he never got this whole thing..and is always fine when i am doing good...but now he just cannot understand why at 20 months off i would feel this way...like i am making this happen to myself...which is insane...because why would i want to feel like this... Michele aka MapleLeafGirl Paxil Free Since June 1st 2014 Was on Paxil for 8.5 years on and off from 2001 Did a 4 year successful taper off 20mgs of Paxil My Successful Tapering Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7812-mapleleafgirl-successfully-tapered-off-paxil/ Tapering Schedule: 3rd attempt at withdrawal going slow..compounded pills05/27/2010 - 03/12/12: Tapered From 20mgs - 6.2 (2nd year into Taper)04/11/2012 - 6.0 - 3.4 - 05/05/2013 (Third year into Taper)06/04/2013 - 3.2 - 1.0 - 05/31/2014 (Fouth and Final Year of Taper) February 9th 2016 month 20 off paxil and four year taper..experiencing a horrible wave bad bad bad May 2016 Made the decision to go back on an SSRI - Currently on Escitalopram 10mgs but planning to taper at some point in the near future Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus apace41 Posted February 26, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted February 26, 2016 Hi, MLG. As you are well aware, unfortunately our significant others frequently don't get what is going on with us. Apparently a/d withdrawal does not fall within "sickness or health", etc. I am really hopeful that given your history this is short-lived and you can go back to living and not dealing with this. As others have said, be kind and gentle to yourself (even if others aren't) and try to keep your stress levels down. Best, Andy Sertraline 50mg and Clonazapam .375mg from 2000 -- symptoms of dizziness Spring 2012 increased to .5 Clonazapam and 100mg Sertraline -- no improvement Benzo microtaper from November 2012 to November 2014 (followed benzo sites "taper benzo first") Started Sertraline taper in December 2014 cut by 25mg to 75mg; 62.5mg 1/1/15 and 50mg on 2/1/15 Held at 50mg through April 5 to use liquid Reduced dosage in 10% or less drops from 50mg to 25mg -- at single tablet of 25mg on 10/5/15 Transitioned to all liquid for accuracy while tapering -- Horrible insomnia -- back to 25mg liquid and held until October 1, 2016 10/16 -- 11/18 tapered very slowly to 10.6mg. No real improvement and never really stable so updosed to 12.5mg (1/2 a pill) for convenience and long hold. After 8+ months of holding with no noticeable improvement decided to add .4ml of liquid Prozac (about 1.5mg) to see if that improves the situation Supplements, Magnesium, D3, Omega 3, curcumin, Valerian, 81mg Aspirin, L-Theanine, Vit. C, Link to comment
btdt Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 my biggest issue right now is the head stuff....it happened like a light switch..i was fine one day then woke up the next day with vision off...head pressure ...anxiety ..my mood was fine..but now its wearing down on me...i just want this to be over with...my hubby is starting to get irritated now with me...he never got this whole thing..and is always fine when i am doing good...but now he just cannot understand why at 20 months off i would feel this way...like i am making this happen to myself...which is insane...because why would i want to feel like this... this link may be useful to you http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6714-marriages-destroyed-by-ssri-snri-topix/ WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
MapleleafGirl Posted February 27, 2016 Author Share Posted February 27, 2016 i feel worse today..i dont know why this is all happening now.... Michele aka MapleLeafGirl Paxil Free Since June 1st 2014 Was on Paxil for 8.5 years on and off from 2001 Did a 4 year successful taper off 20mgs of Paxil My Successful Tapering Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7812-mapleleafgirl-successfully-tapered-off-paxil/ Tapering Schedule: 3rd attempt at withdrawal going slow..compounded pills05/27/2010 - 03/12/12: Tapered From 20mgs - 6.2 (2nd year into Taper)04/11/2012 - 6.0 - 3.4 - 05/05/2013 (Third year into Taper)06/04/2013 - 3.2 - 1.0 - 05/31/2014 (Fouth and Final Year of Taper) February 9th 2016 month 20 off paxil and four year taper..experiencing a horrible wave bad bad bad May 2016 Made the decision to go back on an SSRI - Currently on Escitalopram 10mgs but planning to taper at some point in the near future Link to comment
megb Posted February 27, 2016 Share Posted February 27, 2016 I am so sorry MLG I have to tell you you were my inspiration for my taper that i am beginning in March. I was so hopeless but then saw a post from some site about your verrry slow and well planned taper. It gave me something to feel good about for the first time in awhile regarding Paxil. Thank you for that!! I am praying for you right now, that you would be freed from these symptoms immediately. Have you tried essential oils and/or massage and acupuncture? Dont give up!! We stand here with you! 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
Vonnegutjunky Posted February 27, 2016 Share Posted February 27, 2016 Thank you for posting this mlg- this will at least help others who may be going though the same thing so far out - I think when our system destabilizes it has a tendency to revert back to that state for whatever reason, kind of like how you learn to have anxiety attacks in certain situations, your body remebers that state and for some reason just does it - sometimes because of stress that we don't realize is happening certain foods, hormones, - I think we all are in the same boat that this will be something we will have to endure for years - I think there is some real cns stuff going on too that is pretty natural - it's horrible and scary, but you have made it through worse - we have a private group on Facebook where we chat and offer social support of you would like to join, the link is pinned in the off topic forum on here - xo *Currently at 8.2-8.5 mg of my 10mg pill of Paxil (they actually weigh 12.5mg) january 2023 I began reducing my med again. I was a 9mg weight for years, I went to 8.9 in January, went to 8.6mg in February, and in March 2023 I went down to 8.5-8.2 mg ( my scale varies, so I stick within that .3 range because of that) *No other supplements or vitamins *Taper schedule in the pdf Blank.pdf https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-5vShtJtwAOGA30OxIP87steLmMdFzD29F0fzAPD564 Link to comment
AmyK Posted February 27, 2016 Share Posted February 27, 2016 Mlg, I am so sorry you feel like this after your long and responsible taper. Try not to add second fear to the symptoms. Try to use all your relaxing tools. You will get through this. You will feel better. We are here for you. Many hugs! Current dose: 0! Free! Quit June 2017. 2017: Last dose zoloft: 17 June 0,00065 mg 18 May 0, 001 mg 14 May 0,002 mg 9 May 0,003 mg 28 April 0,006 mg 19 April 0,009 mg 8 April 0,013 mg 25 March 0,019 mg 22 March 0,039 mg 18 March 0,052 mg 16 March 0,079 mg 4 March 0,086 1 March 0,099 mg 22 February 0,11 mg 15 February 0,13 mg 6 February 0,145 mg 24 January 0,15 mg 19 January 0,19 mg 10 January 0,20 mg 3 January 2016: 0,98 to 0,22 mg; 2015: 2,35 to 1,01 mg; 2014: 4,9 to 2,5 mg; 2013: 9,1 to 5,1 mg; 2012: 15,7 to 9,7 mg; 2011: Started on 25 mg - then 50 mg- dropped to 25- to 12.5 mg - back to 25 mg - after 18.75 mg started tiny tapering to 16.6 mg Started on 25 mg Zoloft in March 2011 due to stressrelated tinnitus that gave me panicattacks. Had a terrible reaction to Zoloft from start, but was told to "hold on". After four months I was stuck. Therefore the long taper. Crazy, I know... Super sensitive to drops and have dropped by 4-6 % from the previous dose. Link to comment
MapleleafGirl Posted February 27, 2016 Author Share Posted February 27, 2016 its definatly scary at 20months out...the one thing is it has not gotten any worse but not any better at this point....i have that hung over dizzy head thing...vison issues...the anxiety with no appetite and the clammy hands and feet...cant sleep but that is how its been for 20 months anyway...and i think some akethesia..if that is when you feel super restless..i never had that one before .... Michele aka MapleLeafGirl Paxil Free Since June 1st 2014 Was on Paxil for 8.5 years on and off from 2001 Did a 4 year successful taper off 20mgs of Paxil My Successful Tapering Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7812-mapleleafgirl-successfully-tapered-off-paxil/ Tapering Schedule: 3rd attempt at withdrawal going slow..compounded pills05/27/2010 - 03/12/12: Tapered From 20mgs - 6.2 (2nd year into Taper)04/11/2012 - 6.0 - 3.4 - 05/05/2013 (Third year into Taper)06/04/2013 - 3.2 - 1.0 - 05/31/2014 (Fouth and Final Year of Taper) February 9th 2016 month 20 off paxil and four year taper..experiencing a horrible wave bad bad bad May 2016 Made the decision to go back on an SSRI - Currently on Escitalopram 10mgs but planning to taper at some point in the near future Link to comment
Odwina Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 Hi there:) I was a member of paxilprogress since 2004 and then the site was shut down...I was on paxil for 8.5 years starting in 2001...after a horrible withdrawal ..at 11 months off i went back on paxil again for a few years then did a successful 4 year taper with compounded pills.. i have now been paxil free since June 1, 2014..paxil progress members will know who i am:) Michele aka MapleLeafGirl Admin note: MapleLeafGirl's Introductions topic: ☼ Mapleleafgirl off Paxil Hello Michele, Could you please tell me what "compounded tablets" you had from your local pharmacy are exactly? I am not familiar with this term. PS - Your success story is very inspiring! I have read a bit about your recent problems 20 months after getting off. I cant have any opinion here (but I could see that the experienced members already encouraged you and told you it would go away, so for sure it will go away!!!) - on Paxil for more than 20 years, usual dosage 20 mg, in times of crises 40 or 60 mg (once even 80 for a few months!) - 9 November 2015 - quit Paxil practically cold turkey (3 weeks tapering) - 20 Feb 2016 - after 3.5 months on zero drug reinstated 14 mg paxil because of entering unbearable protracted wd - reinstatement brought no relief, only worse, terrible akhatisia crises, sleep lost completely till I finally understood that my brain could no longer accept the slightest dose of paxil, so tapering after reinstatement became impossible 6 May - 1 October 2016 - in psychiatric clinic in France where I was given: Quitaxon (doxepine), a tricyclic - 50 mg - 6 weeks, no improvement, very bad side effects; doctor tried paxil again at only 5 mg and I became suicidal - then Lexapro, 15 June - end August, very gradual increasing to 15 mg - zomboid only, released from clinic and had to be reatmitted after only a few days. remeron tried too, rejected violently by the body - 1 sept 2015 - back in clinic changed directly for Effexor over 4 weeks rising from 37.5 to 187.5 mgs at discharge on 2nd October; 12 October 2015 - decided tapering effexor as it only made me very sick, every 3 weeks dropped 37.5 mg - 26 Dec - zero effexor, tried prozac and then clomipramine bridge, both rejected Link to comment
Laughing Posted March 1, 2016 Share Posted March 1, 2016 Hello. I was wondering if u ever considered a sleep study? I have sleep apnea. I would stop breathing and could never get into a deep sleep. And am very glad I had the study done. I use a c-pap machine, and now I can get into a deep sleep. -Laughing- '99 to '14, Zoloft for 15 years,(On various doses, last dose was 100mg. Somewhere between those years I was on 30 mg of remeron for 3 year's ) then switched to... 2014 to 2016, Cymbalta 60mg and Remeron 45mg. Sept. 2016, Down to 22mg of remeron, 2020, I am now on 3 mg of cymbalta and 15 mg of remeron. 2022, I am off of cymbalta! Blessed be God! And now hope to taper remeron. July 2022...down to 7.5mg of Remeron. Link to comment
coldturkmama Posted March 1, 2016 Share Posted March 1, 2016 2 yrs after my unfortunate cold turkey, the head pressure has been gone- for good I hope!! I had 3 weeks of a good strong window and today I woke up feeling down, stomach upset, cold chills, anxious, SUCH a bummer. I don't know how long it will last, but I hope it's short lived! Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout October 2013 quit cold turkey Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window Late November WD nightmare Windows and waves pattern Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. Link to comment
MapleleafGirl Posted March 3, 2016 Author Share Posted March 3, 2016 i feel minimally better..yesterday was a better day as i had a better sleep night before.. i have some of my appetite back..but the head thing is the one thing bugging me...the ONLY way i can really describe it is a hung over feeling..without ever drinking as i have not touched alcohol in over 10 years.....i had a sleep study years ago and do not have sleep apnea....The Sleep issue is a big one...and one of the last to heal...there are people i know past the two year mark off this stuff who still cannot sleep...so that is a very common thing... Michele aka MapleLeafGirl Paxil Free Since June 1st 2014 Was on Paxil for 8.5 years on and off from 2001 Did a 4 year successful taper off 20mgs of Paxil My Successful Tapering Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7812-mapleleafgirl-successfully-tapered-off-paxil/ Tapering Schedule: 3rd attempt at withdrawal going slow..compounded pills05/27/2010 - 03/12/12: Tapered From 20mgs - 6.2 (2nd year into Taper)04/11/2012 - 6.0 - 3.4 - 05/05/2013 (Third year into Taper)06/04/2013 - 3.2 - 1.0 - 05/31/2014 (Fouth and Final Year of Taper) February 9th 2016 month 20 off paxil and four year taper..experiencing a horrible wave bad bad bad May 2016 Made the decision to go back on an SSRI - Currently on Escitalopram 10mgs but planning to taper at some point in the near future Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus apace41 Posted March 3, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 3, 2016 i feel minimally better..yesterday was a better day as i had a better sleep night before.. I know you want it ALL back at once, Michele. That's normal. The fact that you are seeing improvement is a very positive sign. Keep hanging in there and stay strong. Best, Andy Sertraline 50mg and Clonazapam .375mg from 2000 -- symptoms of dizziness Spring 2012 increased to .5 Clonazapam and 100mg Sertraline -- no improvement Benzo microtaper from November 2012 to November 2014 (followed benzo sites "taper benzo first") Started Sertraline taper in December 2014 cut by 25mg to 75mg; 62.5mg 1/1/15 and 50mg on 2/1/15 Held at 50mg through April 5 to use liquid Reduced dosage in 10% or less drops from 50mg to 25mg -- at single tablet of 25mg on 10/5/15 Transitioned to all liquid for accuracy while tapering -- Horrible insomnia -- back to 25mg liquid and held until October 1, 2016 10/16 -- 11/18 tapered very slowly to 10.6mg. No real improvement and never really stable so updosed to 12.5mg (1/2 a pill) for convenience and long hold. After 8+ months of holding with no noticeable improvement decided to add .4ml of liquid Prozac (about 1.5mg) to see if that improves the situation Supplements, Magnesium, D3, Omega 3, curcumin, Valerian, 81mg Aspirin, L-Theanine, Vit. C, Link to comment
MapleleafGirl Posted March 3, 2016 Author Share Posted March 3, 2016 yes you are right i want the light switch to go back on, since it went off in a split second and i woke up to this mess..i just wish it would go back the same way...it just baffles me that after going along fine for 20 months then one day ..BOOM... Michele aka MapleLeafGirl Paxil Free Since June 1st 2014 Was on Paxil for 8.5 years on and off from 2001 Did a 4 year successful taper off 20mgs of Paxil My Successful Tapering Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7812-mapleleafgirl-successfully-tapered-off-paxil/ Tapering Schedule: 3rd attempt at withdrawal going slow..compounded pills05/27/2010 - 03/12/12: Tapered From 20mgs - 6.2 (2nd year into Taper)04/11/2012 - 6.0 - 3.4 - 05/05/2013 (Third year into Taper)06/04/2013 - 3.2 - 1.0 - 05/31/2014 (Fouth and Final Year of Taper) February 9th 2016 month 20 off paxil and four year taper..experiencing a horrible wave bad bad bad May 2016 Made the decision to go back on an SSRI - Currently on Escitalopram 10mgs but planning to taper at some point in the near future Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus apace41 Posted March 3, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 3, 2016 yes you are right i want the light switch to go back on, since it went off in a split second and i woke up to this mess..i just wish it would go back the same way...it just baffles me that after going along fine for 20 months then one day ..BOOM... I don't want you to take this the wrong way, Michele, but if you hadn't slept for the most part for the past 20 months I think the notion that "everything was fine" was more of "what you wanted" than "what was really happening." I think you are largely healed and moving in the right direction toward "full healing" but there is some more work that the body and brain needs to do. Once you go through the remainder of the healing I would hope that in addition to getting rid of the annoying symptoms that you have identified as "withdrawal", you will also return to a healthy and normal sleep pattern. That in and of itself will allow for further plasticity in the brain and additional improvement. It is all moving in the right direction. It's just such a slow process and symptoms can morph and change so that you think you are healed but there is still some "fine-tuning" left to be done. I'm super encouraged by the fact that you had a really good night of sleep the other night. That indicates the more complete healing is happening. Take each positive for what it is -- a sign that there is higher ground that you are heading toward. Best, Andy Sertraline 50mg and Clonazapam .375mg from 2000 -- symptoms of dizziness Spring 2012 increased to .5 Clonazapam and 100mg Sertraline -- no improvement Benzo microtaper from November 2012 to November 2014 (followed benzo sites "taper benzo first") Started Sertraline taper in December 2014 cut by 25mg to 75mg; 62.5mg 1/1/15 and 50mg on 2/1/15 Held at 50mg through April 5 to use liquid Reduced dosage in 10% or less drops from 50mg to 25mg -- at single tablet of 25mg on 10/5/15 Transitioned to all liquid for accuracy while tapering -- Horrible insomnia -- back to 25mg liquid and held until October 1, 2016 10/16 -- 11/18 tapered very slowly to 10.6mg. No real improvement and never really stable so updosed to 12.5mg (1/2 a pill) for convenience and long hold. After 8+ months of holding with no noticeable improvement decided to add .4ml of liquid Prozac (about 1.5mg) to see if that improves the situation Supplements, Magnesium, D3, Omega 3, curcumin, Valerian, 81mg Aspirin, L-Theanine, Vit. C, Link to comment
MapleleafGirl Posted March 3, 2016 Author Share Posted March 3, 2016 no i dont take it at all in the wrong way at all....the sleep thing has been my biggest issue to date until this happened..now in that 20 months..i was able to nap during the day and a couple times a month..i would get the normal full sleep....so that part..i had already known would take a while to get back to normal...when i say things are fine...i mean..i can function in my everyday life...enjoy eating, going out..shopping...spending time with my family...so those things i had for the past 20months along with my creativity back...cognitive skills...my cleaning and organizing obesession..which for me i like..and more things that started improving and which i have to date still....MY biggest thing..i guess for me is the PTSD..from what happened when i was in that bad withdrawal in 2007...that was without a doubt the most frightening time of my entire life..and i dont say that lightly because i truly wanted to die.....SO when things happen..my mind goes right back to then.....then i have to have that talk with myself..about its not the same..and i tapered slow..ect..its not easy....when you are off the meds 100%...and for this long..so its a struggle...for the most part since i went off paxil..i dont think about it... and i had ZERO and i mean ZERO anxiety in 7 years..until this happened..its calmed down now in the last couple of days..because i have also accepted this is what it is...but my mind cannot help but go to...the OMG..what IF ..this lasts forever.. Another thing as individuals we all have our breaking points..what one person can deal with ...another one might not be able to....so our thresholds are different....the things i am feeling now..another person might think..omg..she is nuts that is nothing...but to me its all very real....anyway..i just wanted to clarify a few things..i am so grateful to have the support and kindness of people that actually get it...because while others who have not gone through it can still be compassionate about it...they will Never truly get it....only we know what we live through..that the symptoms are real and not made up...and that we just cannot snap out of things.. Michele aka MapleLeafGirl Paxil Free Since June 1st 2014 Was on Paxil for 8.5 years on and off from 2001 Did a 4 year successful taper off 20mgs of Paxil My Successful Tapering Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7812-mapleleafgirl-successfully-tapered-off-paxil/ Tapering Schedule: 3rd attempt at withdrawal going slow..compounded pills05/27/2010 - 03/12/12: Tapered From 20mgs - 6.2 (2nd year into Taper)04/11/2012 - 6.0 - 3.4 - 05/05/2013 (Third year into Taper)06/04/2013 - 3.2 - 1.0 - 05/31/2014 (Fouth and Final Year of Taper) February 9th 2016 month 20 off paxil and four year taper..experiencing a horrible wave bad bad bad May 2016 Made the decision to go back on an SSRI - Currently on Escitalopram 10mgs but planning to taper at some point in the near future Link to comment
imlost2 Posted March 3, 2016 Share Posted March 3, 2016 Hi MapleleafGril im into my 20 month off and im the same as you and its been sance the 18th month before that it was manageble the windows and waves but at 18 months off a mayor wave hit me and im strugling like you i compare you symptoms and mine and they are identical do you also get rage or intrusive thoughts thats you may hurt somebod?but lets keep moving on and wait for a window 1 may 1997 break down tried tofranil,Haldol for 2 months,july 97 paxil 20mgs my doctor coldturkey paxil on2002.20mgs celexa and my doctor switched me to Lexapro 10mgs in 2005 no tapper in 2009 I tried to stop Lexapro too fast then I reinstated and had a bad reaction switch to pristiq 50mgs for 4 months real bad move and I was put on Xanax 2mgs but it made my anxiety worse the klonopin 2mgs was prescribed in 2009 in 2010 I tapered for one year free from benzos since feb 2011 and left with 10 mgs celexa in 2013 I started my slow tapper 10 mgs in a year so I m antidepressant free since july 2014. So here is my drug history tofranil,Haldol,paxil,celexa,Lexapro,lamictal,Xanax,klonopin,ativan,pristiq. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus apace41 Posted March 3, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 3, 2016 Another thing as individuals we all have our breaking points..what one person can deal with ...another one might not be able to....so our thresholds are different....the things i am feeling now..another person might think..omg..she is nuts that is nothing...but to me its all very real....anyway..i just wanted to clarify a few things.. Thanks, Michele. That is very helpful in terms of clarification. You raise the most important point and one that we can never forget. We are all individuals and all different. How the drug and withdrawal from the drug affects us all differently, AND how we react to what we feel is also unique. Nobody should ever judge you or anyone else for how they respond to any particular stressor. You will not go back to that dark place. Just keep doing what you are doing -- the soothing self-talk is very constructive. Here's to another good night of sleep. Best, Andy Sertraline 50mg and Clonazapam .375mg from 2000 -- symptoms of dizziness Spring 2012 increased to .5 Clonazapam and 100mg Sertraline -- no improvement Benzo microtaper from November 2012 to November 2014 (followed benzo sites "taper benzo first") Started Sertraline taper in December 2014 cut by 25mg to 75mg; 62.5mg 1/1/15 and 50mg on 2/1/15 Held at 50mg through April 5 to use liquid Reduced dosage in 10% or less drops from 50mg to 25mg -- at single tablet of 25mg on 10/5/15 Transitioned to all liquid for accuracy while tapering -- Horrible insomnia -- back to 25mg liquid and held until October 1, 2016 10/16 -- 11/18 tapered very slowly to 10.6mg. No real improvement and never really stable so updosed to 12.5mg (1/2 a pill) for convenience and long hold. After 8+ months of holding with no noticeable improvement decided to add .4ml of liquid Prozac (about 1.5mg) to see if that improves the situation Supplements, Magnesium, D3, Omega 3, curcumin, Valerian, 81mg Aspirin, L-Theanine, Vit. C, Link to comment
MapleleafGirl Posted March 3, 2016 Author Share Posted March 3, 2016 thanks Andy:)) at least my mood has returned in the last couple of days and my appetite..now i am more hungry than i was prior to this all..so wierd..and craving food i dont usually eat.....Now that my head is clearer and i am not in that panic state i was a few weeks ago..i can voice my symptoms a little clearer as well..not as frenzied.. imlost2 - no i dont have those types of symptoms...i did a super duper slow 4 year taper off paxil..that is the only drug i have ever taken...i am now 20 going into my 21 st months off of it..and am experiencing some head pressure..but not severe...and some vision stuff..with distortion but seems only really bad when i am outside and over stimulated...this caused me to have some anxiety ...low mood..no appetite....clammy hands and feet ..burning under my skin (all anxiety related)....those three now are not bad..as i am eating again...and mood is fine..i can still laugh at things ect...My issue is getting freaked out over anything to do with these things as in 2007 i went off paxil doing an 8 month taper and had a nightmare withdrawal months later...so i just revert back to that in fear.... Michele aka MapleLeafGirl Paxil Free Since June 1st 2014 Was on Paxil for 8.5 years on and off from 2001 Did a 4 year successful taper off 20mgs of Paxil My Successful Tapering Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7812-mapleleafgirl-successfully-tapered-off-paxil/ Tapering Schedule: 3rd attempt at withdrawal going slow..compounded pills05/27/2010 - 03/12/12: Tapered From 20mgs - 6.2 (2nd year into Taper)04/11/2012 - 6.0 - 3.4 - 05/05/2013 (Third year into Taper)06/04/2013 - 3.2 - 1.0 - 05/31/2014 (Fouth and Final Year of Taper) February 9th 2016 month 20 off paxil and four year taper..experiencing a horrible wave bad bad bad May 2016 Made the decision to go back on an SSRI - Currently on Escitalopram 10mgs but planning to taper at some point in the near future Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus apace41 Posted March 3, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 3, 2016 thanks Andy:)) at least my mood has returned in the last couple of days and my appetite..now i am more hungry than i was prior to this all..so wierd..and craving food i dont usually eat.....Now that my head is clearer and i am not in that panic state i was a few weeks ago..i can voice my symptoms a little clearer as well..not as frenzied.. Captain Obvious here to tell you that these are really good signs, Michele. All of this seems to suggest you are coming out of the worst of it. Really good to hear. Andy Sertraline 50mg and Clonazapam .375mg from 2000 -- symptoms of dizziness Spring 2012 increased to .5 Clonazapam and 100mg Sertraline -- no improvement Benzo microtaper from November 2012 to November 2014 (followed benzo sites "taper benzo first") Started Sertraline taper in December 2014 cut by 25mg to 75mg; 62.5mg 1/1/15 and 50mg on 2/1/15 Held at 50mg through April 5 to use liquid Reduced dosage in 10% or less drops from 50mg to 25mg -- at single tablet of 25mg on 10/5/15 Transitioned to all liquid for accuracy while tapering -- Horrible insomnia -- back to 25mg liquid and held until October 1, 2016 10/16 -- 11/18 tapered very slowly to 10.6mg. No real improvement and never really stable so updosed to 12.5mg (1/2 a pill) for convenience and long hold. After 8+ months of holding with no noticeable improvement decided to add .4ml of liquid Prozac (about 1.5mg) to see if that improves the situation Supplements, Magnesium, D3, Omega 3, curcumin, Valerian, 81mg Aspirin, L-Theanine, Vit. C, Link to comment
coldturkmama Posted March 3, 2016 Share Posted March 3, 2016 I hope tomorrow is even better! Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout October 2013 quit cold turkey Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window Late November WD nightmare Windows and waves pattern Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. Link to comment
Moderator brassmonkey Posted March 3, 2016 Moderator Share Posted March 3, 2016 I'm so glad to hear that things are settling down and starting to return to "normal". ((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))) 20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013. Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks. The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better. Final Dose 0.016mg. Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017 "It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general." Stephen Hawking Link to comment
MapleleafGirl Posted March 3, 2016 Author Share Posted March 3, 2016 i just walked to the drugstore...the head vision thing is still there, in my frontal lobe..or sinus cavity only way i can explain it..lol..but its not a sinus infection....these are familiar symptoms..but of course no where near back in 2007 as i couldnt even go out..everything was distorted......so i can see but unless you have this stupid symptom its hard to explain it really...but yes i dont feel as much of a lunatic as i felt last week...more calm and hungry thats for sure! Michele aka MapleLeafGirl Paxil Free Since June 1st 2014 Was on Paxil for 8.5 years on and off from 2001 Did a 4 year successful taper off 20mgs of Paxil My Successful Tapering Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7812-mapleleafgirl-successfully-tapered-off-paxil/ Tapering Schedule: 3rd attempt at withdrawal going slow..compounded pills05/27/2010 - 03/12/12: Tapered From 20mgs - 6.2 (2nd year into Taper)04/11/2012 - 6.0 - 3.4 - 05/05/2013 (Third year into Taper)06/04/2013 - 3.2 - 1.0 - 05/31/2014 (Fouth and Final Year of Taper) February 9th 2016 month 20 off paxil and four year taper..experiencing a horrible wave bad bad bad May 2016 Made the decision to go back on an SSRI - Currently on Escitalopram 10mgs but planning to taper at some point in the near future Link to comment
ladybug Posted March 3, 2016 Share Posted March 3, 2016 I've been having that awful head pressure/pain/vision disturbance every day for the past month so I get it! I got an eye exam and the doc said my vision was only slightly off and prescribed me glasses to wear while working so I guess it really is just WD. I'm glad you are feeling better! ((HUGS)) a.k.a JMarie Paxil since Mar.1998 2006-2007:40-20mg 2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg 2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg 2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg 1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg 6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg 1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg 7/31/18: 3.9mg Link to comment
MapleleafGirl Posted March 3, 2016 Author Share Posted March 3, 2016 Hi JMarie:)) yes i had the eye exam as well last week and my vision is only slightly off as well so i am just waiting to get the glasses to use on the computer...as i am a graphic designer so i need to see:) ..for me i have noticed and i am not sure if its this way for the majority of people ...but my right side is the side that is and has been effected most in this whole paxil thing..even on the drug...my right eye, right nostral plugged..right ear with air in it...i get the two second head aches mostly on the right side...my right arm and leg muscles are more sore..as well for women the whole thing has all those hormones mixed in as well.... Michele aka MapleLeafGirl Paxil Free Since June 1st 2014 Was on Paxil for 8.5 years on and off from 2001 Did a 4 year successful taper off 20mgs of Paxil My Successful Tapering Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7812-mapleleafgirl-successfully-tapered-off-paxil/ Tapering Schedule: 3rd attempt at withdrawal going slow..compounded pills05/27/2010 - 03/12/12: Tapered From 20mgs - 6.2 (2nd year into Taper)04/11/2012 - 6.0 - 3.4 - 05/05/2013 (Third year into Taper)06/04/2013 - 3.2 - 1.0 - 05/31/2014 (Fouth and Final Year of Taper) February 9th 2016 month 20 off paxil and four year taper..experiencing a horrible wave bad bad bad May 2016 Made the decision to go back on an SSRI - Currently on Escitalopram 10mgs but planning to taper at some point in the near future Link to comment
nick1990 Posted March 3, 2016 Share Posted March 3, 2016 Hey maple. Been following your thread for a bit and im so glad your feeling better. May it continue! Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down. November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx. 44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. Link to comment
DLB Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 Hi Mapleleafgirl, I was wondering if I had the same thing as you with the pressure. For me it was gone for a few months and it recently came back for two weeks and now it's gone again. For me it is not painfull but more of an annoyance, it feels like I have a sun visor on and it is pressing on my forehead only. No pressure from inside to out , just some pressure like someone is pushing their thumb between my eyes just above my nose. Just really weird. I recently had a few bad nights sleep also and never get past 4:30 , although a few months ago I made it to 5:30 twice and I always get to bed at about 10:30 so I guess it's not as horrible as when it was 1-2 hours per night. We ARE healing. Paxil start September 2003 due to Fluoroquinolone adverse reaction that I wish doc. knew what it was. 10mg. most of the time with a few short runs of 20mg. FAST tapered 3 times and finally hit poop out or a reaction to nsaid's in Nov.2013. Started a 10% taper Jan. 2014 and have been ok until Sept 14 and went through a short hell. Now plodding through and looking for the light with unrelenting insomnia and pain, fog, loss of interests....<p>12/20/14 - .8mg. 1/01/15 - .75 mg. 1/15/15 - .42 mg. better sleep now, hope it continues... 2/11-15 - .25 mg. doing really good!! 2 weeks feel 85% of old me! 3/17/15 .14 mg. Knee pain bad! 4/07/15 .05 mg. this is so small now that I am estimating and just licking it off palm small as a "." 4/13/15 NOTHING !!!! Took my last little micro dose on 4/12/15. Link to comment
coldturkmama Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 I had the head pressure for almost 2 yrs constantly but I did a cold turkey. Now it comes and goes but mostly is gone. Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout October 2013 quit cold turkey Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window Late November WD nightmare Windows and waves pattern Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. Link to comment
ladybug Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 Hi JMarie:)) yes i had the eye exam as well last week and my vision is only slightly off as well so i am just waiting to get the glasses to use on the computer...as i am a graphic designer so i need to see:) ..for me i have noticed and i am not sure if its this way for the majority of people ...but my right side is the side that is and has been effected most in this whole paxil thing..even on the drug...my right eye, right nostral plugged..right ear with air in it...i get the two second head aches mostly on the right side...my right arm and leg muscles are more sore..as well for women the whole thing has all those hormones mixed in as well.... Yeah, I work with numbers all day so I need to see as well! The eye doc said that focusing on numbers causes more strain on your eyes than reading words because there are no context clues to help you along. I would imagine graphic design would cause more eye strain than reading as well. The laptop is definitely my biggest trigger, and the headaches start pretty soon after getting on and not after hours like you would expect to happen with headaches caused by eye strain. I already dim both my laptop and phone significantly. Very interesting that you experience them on one side only. Mine are more centered in the forehead and behind the eyes. I'm definitely having hormonal issues so that could be it too like you said, but I had my hormones tested late last year and everything came back "normal." a.k.a JMarie Paxil since Mar.1998 2006-2007:40-20mg 2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg 2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg 2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg 1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg 6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg 1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg 7/31/18: 3.9mg Link to comment
Laughing Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 Mapleleaf, I am so glad you are better. I have been praying for you. -Laughing- '99 to '14, Zoloft for 15 years,(On various doses, last dose was 100mg. Somewhere between those years I was on 30 mg of remeron for 3 year's ) then switched to... 2014 to 2016, Cymbalta 60mg and Remeron 45mg. Sept. 2016, Down to 22mg of remeron, 2020, I am now on 3 mg of cymbalta and 15 mg of remeron. 2022, I am off of cymbalta! Blessed be God! And now hope to taper remeron. July 2022...down to 7.5mg of Remeron. Link to comment
MapleleafGirl Posted March 4, 2016 Author Share Posted March 4, 2016 Mentally yes i am better...i still have that original EYE, OFF BALANCE, whatever it is thing..which i cannot explain, ..cant go out for long periods of time as too much stimulation and i feel a little panic around lots of people and movements and things tend to get a little wonky visually .....I said to my hubby this morning...this would be the ONE thing i got...the thing that i feared most and gave me the most grief on the physical side of things that go on....during tapering i had a few doses where for half the day i would not be able to get out of bed because i was so dizzy ...granted this is not like that...and its not like in withdrawal where i was seriously basically blind..AND during these 20 months there were times for a split second i would be sitting or walking and then snap i would get that dizzy thing...But then he reminds me...that it could be that much worse..or i could be seriously ill......A few days ago...i just decided i would have to accept it..it took three weeks..and i made it through without totally loosing it......When its taken away in an instant with this stuff and that is usually how it happens...it is NEVER given back that way....i guess over time.....and for me i am just one of those...OMG its going to last forever type people...but i am working on that....I am grateful that the majority of who i was that paxil took away...i have gotten back in the last 20months..and even some i was already seeing progress personality wise 2.5 years into my taper....Who i was on that medication..was a different person.....so that i am grateful to have that part of me and then some back.... I have to also keep in mind that even though i did a painfully slow 4 year taper...i was not going to get off scott free....and i tried not to think about it all...because i was going on along living my life..going out..enjoying things...yes i had crappy sleep...but i was able to deal with that part of it..and knew that part being one of the last things to go back to a regular pattern for some people..would get there for me...at some point....and then THIS HAPPENED...and it freaked me out..and sent me into a frenzy...because it was un expected....then that created..anxiety which i had not seen in years...its a total mind screw.....But i just have to hope that slowly it will balance out...and keep that in mind....and that even with a slow taper...and once you are off the meds...you never know what could appear...and what feels like a setback...is healing...and even though i think..omg..how that heck can this be healing...it just must be....i just see it as a medication brain injury.... JMARIE:) i have had to magnify my screen in illustrator to larger and i have to sit back when reading or its blurry up close as one eye is near sighted now and one far...so that part is distorting it for me...the head pressure for me...its more like an air thing..cant explain..and my ears are filled with air too...like i was climbing a mountain... i too have turned down the light on my computer as the brightness is so stimulating....even though both sides are effected..its my right side that has caused most of it...as that is the side i have always had the more issues on... oh last thing..gotta love the muscle jerk i have in my throat from time to time...that one i can live with tough..as those jerks dont bug me at all anymore... Michele aka MapleLeafGirl Paxil Free Since June 1st 2014 Was on Paxil for 8.5 years on and off from 2001 Did a 4 year successful taper off 20mgs of Paxil My Successful Tapering Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7812-mapleleafgirl-successfully-tapered-off-paxil/ Tapering Schedule: 3rd attempt at withdrawal going slow..compounded pills05/27/2010 - 03/12/12: Tapered From 20mgs - 6.2 (2nd year into Taper)04/11/2012 - 6.0 - 3.4 - 05/05/2013 (Third year into Taper)06/04/2013 - 3.2 - 1.0 - 05/31/2014 (Fouth and Final Year of Taper) February 9th 2016 month 20 off paxil and four year taper..experiencing a horrible wave bad bad bad May 2016 Made the decision to go back on an SSRI - Currently on Escitalopram 10mgs but planning to taper at some point in the near future Link to comment
megb Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 Michele, it's SO SO good to hear you are having some relief!!! I have a question for you - how was your sleep when you were on Paxil? How was it when you were tapering? I have had severe insomnia and wonder if this will effect me too as I go on... lack of sleep is THE thing that causes the most anxiety for me. Do you take magnesium and/or melatonin to help relax at night or during the day? That helps me sometimes. all the very best, 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
MapleleafGirl Posted March 4, 2016 Author Share Posted March 4, 2016 MEG B - when i was on paxil..i slept.and had the most crazy and realistic dreams.BUT the only thing is ..paxil sleep is not real sleep its manufactured by the meds ..i was fatigued on paxil...tired alot...when i tapered same thing..but i took naps almost every afternoon with the exception for some reason for about 5-7 days i had some type of energy and did not have to nap then..For the FIRST month i went off paxil...i had NORMAL sleep...8 hrs...go figure...then once the second month set it...that is when the whole half conscious sleep started...so i dream but i am half awake...and wake often...sometimes i can go back into the dream state other times...it takes me a while..then sometimes pure insomnia... i took three magnesium citrate every night for the last 6 years...then three weeks ago ..when this gong show started..it started giving me anxiety during the night and total insommnia...so not sure what that is all about....and it never really helped me sleep but has so many other great benefits...i will have to try it again in the next couple of days..see if it works ... last night i had a better half conscious sleep...so i stayed in that state for longer periods of time....when i stress about not sleeping...i cant sleep...so i find that is another factor...In fact...my 10 year old daughter was having a period of time for a few months in the fall where she was freaking out about not being able to fall alseep..so that just made it worse..so i had to tell her..the more you freak out about not sleeping ..the more you wont sleep...NOW granted...we are in a little different boat...on meds its not the best for some people..i was one of them..and off...not at all...but i try to realx before going to sleep..by telling myself..i am going to have a nice sleep...doesnt always work..but sometimes my brain gets the trick and does not catch on.. Michele aka MapleLeafGirl Paxil Free Since June 1st 2014 Was on Paxil for 8.5 years on and off from 2001 Did a 4 year successful taper off 20mgs of Paxil My Successful Tapering Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7812-mapleleafgirl-successfully-tapered-off-paxil/ Tapering Schedule: 3rd attempt at withdrawal going slow..compounded pills05/27/2010 - 03/12/12: Tapered From 20mgs - 6.2 (2nd year into Taper)04/11/2012 - 6.0 - 3.4 - 05/05/2013 (Third year into Taper)06/04/2013 - 3.2 - 1.0 - 05/31/2014 (Fouth and Final Year of Taper) February 9th 2016 month 20 off paxil and four year taper..experiencing a horrible wave bad bad bad May 2016 Made the decision to go back on an SSRI - Currently on Escitalopram 10mgs but planning to taper at some point in the near future Link to comment
megb Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 Thank you for info Will be praying you can go into REM! Just an FYI, I did a lot of research on supplements - magnesium citrate is the worst form for your body to absorb. Try Mg malate instead - it will get into your body without as much of a risk for digestive upset and lack of absorption. 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
aberdeen Posted March 5, 2016 Share Posted March 5, 2016 hello maple! I was sorry to see you were having troubles, but Im glad they seem to be resolving. I think we're all of the "OMG this is forever" group when we have waves, dont feel bad. I know Im one for sure. You did well with your taper so Im sure you will be one of the lucky ones who just has a few blips now and then, nothing too serious. As hard as it is for those of us still tapering to acknowledge, the truth is, a taper minimizes terrible symptoms, but that doesnt mean there arent any symptoms at all, so Im glad you came to tell us about your experience. I personally was happy to see that you overcame the "creative anhedonia" and are back into an artistic line of work. That will be when I know I'm healed. Hang in there, and nice to see you again! 2 Timothy 1-7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Effexor 75mg to 262.5mg 2005-2010 for post partum depression Started having poop out mid 2010, also switched generic brands, then crashed in Dec 2010 (anxiety/ "terror", intense DR, anhedonia, suicidal ideation, chills, insomnia, horrible intrusive thoughts, disorientation, ect)Rapid "tapered" from 262.5mg Effexor in 3 months Tried Celexa,Cipralex, then Paxil to deal with wd(this switching made things worse and added akathesia) Found online support and started tapering Paxil 7 months after quitting Effexor (at this point was having small windows). Paxil taper: dropped 10% every 4-8 weeks Year 1 October 2011 to Nov 2012 20mg to 10mg Year 2 March 2013 to Feb 2014 10mg to 4mg Year 3 April 2014 to May 2015 4mg to 1.1mg Year 4 June 2015 1.1mg , dropping by 10% until .5mg, after then dropped by 0.1mg every 5 weeks until 0.1mg. Finished! Official last dose of 0.1mg on June 15/16 Link to comment
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