Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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Getting off of paxal

deleted_user
deleted_user
I posted one the other day which only a few replied to. I have had a real shitty last few days. I can't take it. I have like this buzzing or humming going on in my head. If I just veg and watch tv or sleep it is not noticable. But doing anything, typing this, or say working out which I struggled through tonight is just a bear. I was only taking 20mg then 10, and then I tried to kinda just quit it cold turkey. Thats when it started and know I tried go back to 10mg again tonight. I guess we will see what tomorrow brings.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I've heard mostly horror stories when it comes to people trying to come off Paxil. I hear things like electric shocks, brain zaps, etc. I myself have stopped it cold turkey and never experienced any of that, but I did get really sick mentally which always lands me in the hospital.

Be careful! Don't stop any meds without consulting with your doc first, and if you did talk to your doc, let him/her know about what's going on.

Best of luck!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Taper off of Paxil very slowly. We have all been there, at least I have. Getting off of Paxil is difficult.

Use a pill cutter if you have one, if not buy one. Then take the smaller dose for a week or two before you shrink it somemore.

Your Pdoc is behind you on this isn't he/she/it?
deleted_user
deleted_user
thanks, this is the doc,s plan, I didn't notice it doing anything for my depression. Was still there. I am moving to abilify which I was soppused to start simulanteaously with my exit of paxal. Typical Scott BP fashion I have had the script 10 days and not gotten it filled. Duuhhh
deleted_user
deleted_user
Ok I am just going to stick to the 10mg daily for a week and then see. Thanks.
You guys know life with all this crap is hard enough with out taking the Dr's job in my own hand and feeling like this.
deleted_user
deleted_user
For my change of Paxil time in my menstral period. I reduced then before I was finished with the evil yet loved Paxil, I started to take the new med also. This way when I was done with Paxil I was at full dose with the new med.
deleted_user
deleted_user
yeah, i dont know if u can, but u may even want to go to 5, or if u stay at ten, my doc a few years back said start taking it every other day, then every two,, etc
deleted_user
deleted_user
You may need to reduce the dosage more gradually. You went down by 50%,initially, then cold turkey, and some people are so sensitive that they need a slower rate of adjustment.

I've had the evil 'brain zaps' which can be alarming, not to mention horribly uncomfortable. In addition, withdrawal from SSRIs can cause a feeling of 'unreality'... all of these are symptoms many patients describe... but doctors don't seem to be familiar with these strange symptoms, for some reason.

Best of luck to you...
dancingd
dancingd
I did a 16 week taper off Paxil....yes,16 weeks!
I was ok for about a week.Ended up in ER anyway.Paxil is not a med to mess with.Did you do this taper under Pdoc advisement ,or on your own.

I experienced the buzzing sound also...Tinitus(ringing in the ears)is a pretty common withdrawl symtom.
I'd be checking in with your Pdoc just to be safe.
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