paxil - serotonin syndrome.

[lee ferrell]

Hi.  I am, today, forced to stop taking the tapering dose of paxil I've been on for 30 days.  I had a "speed" reaction and ended up in a crisis unit last week.  They gave me more and I had another episode, even more intense. They refused to accept that paxil could do it, at first.   I found a study from U. of Victoria in Aust. that verified 5-8% of folk will have to stop paxil immediately, when serotonin syndrome presents.  This morning I had another episode after 2 days on a reduced tapering dose. I spoke with my brother who'd been given paxil once and had the same thing occur, after 1 day.  Clearly, some are genetically programmed without tolerance for the stuff.  I have to stop tonite.  This day has been another HELL....  Please, be careful with this toxin and pass the word.  5-8% is significant by _any_ standards.

[HFHS MD-JM]

Lee,

   Paxil, an antidepressant in the SSRI class, which works on increasing the level of serotonin, is generally a safe and well tolerated medication.  What you describe a "speed reaction" is not serotonin syndrome.  Serotonin syndrome is a rare, not well understood, condition that occurs due to serotonin overload. Serotonin syndrome is characterized by the presence of confusion, fever, tremor, agitation, seizures, myoclonus and possibly coma or death. This is clearly not what you relate.  I suggest that you discuss this further with your personal physician.  Keep in mind that this information is intended for general educational purposes only. Please see your personal physician for specific health concerns.

Sincerely,

HFHS MD-JM

Keywords: Paxil,serotonin syndrome

[Jaime]

Please make the doctors aware of the severe withdrawals that one goes through when dicontinuing the use of Paxil.  I am experiencing it myself.  Read the post below for more information...

PAXIL WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS MIMIC HEROIN WITHDRAWAL!
Tell your Doctors, and perhaps they will make the connection! How hard has it been for you to wean yourself from Paxil? It's as agonizing as coming off of heroin..and shares most of the same symptoms and long term effects! While researching an answer to all of the awful symptoms I experienced during my Paxil withdrawal, I was unable to find any medical resources listing Paxil as a source of these particular symptoms we all experience. Guess where I kept finding my search results directing me to? Heroin withdrawal. The symptoms associated with heroin withdrawal that are similar to Paxil withdrawal are: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, restlessness, and leg movements, or jerking. While heroin produces muscle and bone pain, insomnia, and cold flashes with goose bumps ("cold turkey"), which are not identical to Paxil withdrawal, the Paxil symptoms of headache, "electric shocks", dizziness and hot flashes as well as psychotic mental state (violent anger/hopeless depression, unwanted suicidal/homicidal thinking) are similarly debilitating and certainly result in the return to the use of the drug (paxil) in the same way that heroin produces that result! Most experts agree that the major withdrawal symptoms peak between 24 and 48 hours after the last dose of heroin and subside after about a week. However, some people have shown persistent withdrawal signs for many months. I think that most of us (the "experts" on paxil withdrawal!) would agree that, even with careful and lengthy periods of weaning off the drug, at least some of these frightening effects occur and are problematic in our lives for longer than the average heroin withdrawal duration of about a week! Most of us have found that, by the time a week has passed,off Paxil, the terrible sickness we feel has become so great, we are desperate to return to taking the drug again to alleviate the symptoms. And many often do return this way, again and again...simply because we can't afford to lose three weeks or more of work, withdrawing from a medication that Doctors routinely dismiss as not being a cause of such sickness (we all have a really bad case of the flu), or because we are so frightened by the strange, indescribeable physical and mental feelings of disassociation and nervous system "zaps" that we go back to the drug to restore clear thinking, fearing that we are "crazy"...especially since our doctors seem to have no understanding of any of these symptoms as relating to anything they have seen before.  I hope everyone who is serious about finding the truth about the drug Paxil and it's horrible withdrawal symptoms will be sure to notify their health care providers of all of the symptoms experienced with this drug and insist that the details be documented and reported to the manufacturer, distributors, pharmacists and anyone in the medical field who can process this information officially and end the notion that these symptoms are "hearsay", simply because the drug company has not chosen to make them "fact"! And the next time you feel, or someone tells you that withdrawing from Paxil is "not that bad", remember that you are in the throes of a withdrawal so severe. that few others, except heroin addicts, have experienced, and YES, IT IS BAD! But it can be survived!

: Shawn Allen

[Lee]

Namaste.  Jaime/Shawn Allen.  There are no better ways to phrase this anomaly than you have, here.  The serotonin syndrome is the basis of a lawsuit re: Smith-Kline, USA,  being undertaken in Phila. and I've asked the person for leave to post her e-mail address here, for she needs as many statements from affected folk as possible. Keep watch on this space, if you will, to possibly help our _kin_ in a very significant way.  The drug companies are as responsible for the effects of products they produce as are the tobacco companies, are they not?  ...and the alcohol companies, etc. _ad infinitum, ad nauseum._  Many thanks to both of you, and all who have the courage to tell the truth about paxil from a purview that too many medical systems devalue and disrespect.   Lee (Day 4 - w/ peak w/d symptoms)

[Lee]

Namas.  Weaning off paxil was impossible for me, Jamie.  The 2nd 20mg @ 11:00pm elicited heroin like symptoms 6 hours later, right on schedule.  However tough this is, that was worse - like being over-charged by electricity (which it literally is in the CNS), "wired;" whereas, w/draw. is more like having been stunned by a bomb concussion ("shell-shock").  I search for similies and metaphors.  They work in court.  
  Thanks so much for the _kinship_, for we are kind of like "family," in a rather elemental way, it seems.

[Lee]

Hello all, please see  messages a bit below for something real important about all this (with "again" in title).  THanks

[Lee]

Just a note to pass on another example of paxil's withdrawal syndrome.  On days 7-8, severe indigestion has arrived, as predicted in the info of the "Pharmabulletin" ("search" for this name to view the information) from the "Psychotropic Drug Advisory Service," in Australia.  Nearly all the symptoms predicted by those who know better than the US medical system about paxil have arrived.  If you're coming off paxil, its pretty likely you'll end up with "tummy-flu-like" episodes.  No fun.   Keep the faith.  Lee

[Lee]

One more little example for docs who commonly refer to folk who've had difficulty with paxil as being "misinformed."  Its pretty clear to me that there is a misinformation notion in the conventional wisdom of medical practice.  Docs often have no sense to trust folk who do not respond in the way they have been trained to expect.  Still, its only that way in the US.  Medical folk in the UK and Australia now understand that many of the things that occur when coming off paxil are rather like "withdrawal."  I am still on the down-take of paxil, and the tum. problems common have also appeared.  Docs will no doubt say, "Its something you ate."  Not so.  I am not just another uninformed patient.  I have taken time to gather reputable info. about the possibility that SSRI's initiate a "withdrawal-like" situation.  Medical folk who have seen nothing like it will continue to deny that its possible.  Still, only such myopia about SSRI's is a US problem.  Elsewhere, its finally understood.

[Mick]

Yes, I am reading about Paxil because today I began taking this for Obsessive Compulsiveness.  I took 10mg in the morning, have had no appetite during the day...felt nauseated around noon and had liquid diarrhea directly after that.  I attributed this to only just beginning this med.  I am wondering if the things that have happened to me, along with the feelings of being on speed will dissipate?  Also, will the benefits outweigh any associated costs?

[paxil and seizures....]

My mother was given Paxil for almost two weeks last month. She lost her ability to swallow, had severe dry mouth, and was sleepy to the point of being unable to wake up. She almost seemed to lose her personality, appearing to be using narcotics. Within several days of being taken off them, she was herself again. But now, the same doctors again - without our knowledge - put her back on Paxil again. She was on it for five days when I asked what drugs she was on. She was taken off it, but within 48 hours, she had several seizures. My mother was in the hospital for a lung tumor and what appears to be an infection in her brain - she had several almost psychotic episodes two weeks ago. They just mentioned she's been on steroids to control the very slight increase in pressure in her brain (the infection is in her cerebellum - no where near any area that would produce such effects.) My question is, is it possible for Paxil to produce seizures in someone who is SO sensitive to its bad effects? Can steroid drugs increase the risk of seizures, and can they act in concert with Paxil to produce those seizures? The doctors - who realize someone screwed up big time - are trying to blame the seizures on everything but the second prescription for Paxil. I should also say that my mother is not fully conscious. NO ONE at this hospital can tell me why, and they can't tell me why she had the seizures. Any help from anyone would be gratefully appreciated! Please e-mail me at ***@**** you!

[stephanie]

As I write this- my hands are still jerking, my face is tingling, and I feel like jumping out of my skin. Here is my story:I have been on Celexa for almost 2 years.  Before that- I was on Paxil for about 1 year. All total, since the age of 14 (approx. 17yrs), I have been on Melaril, Elavil, Stelazine, Thorazine, Prozac, Paxil, and now Celexa.  I had never had a problem with discontinuing my anti-depressants (the tri-cyclics). I was able to stop taking Paxil "cold- turkey" in spite of the horror stories of it, but one day a few years ago, I ran out of my Paxil.  All of a sudden I felt like my face had an electrical charge.  I was dizzy, felt drunk, disoriented, broke out in a sweat then freezing, heart racing, then HYSTERIA!  I screamed like a wild animal and caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror,and that is exactly what I looked like. I felt what I can only describe as "primal". I called my doctor who told me to take a valium.  Didn't work.  I thought I was having a seizure.  My legs wouldn't quit jumping. I was jerking around uncontrollably.  My husband took me to the emergency room where I was given a sedative. Didn't work.  My husband suggested that  maybe I should refill my Paxil.  I took one later that day, and the next day I felt normal again. I told my doctor about it, and he told me it was psychosomatic.  It wasn't. I have desperately been trying to get off of these SSRI's, but I CAN'T.  I switched to celexa last year to try to get off of Paxil, but I find that it's just as hard.  Same symptoms. Last week I ran out of Celexa and was out for 4 days before the withdrawals started.  I called my doctor who told me that I've been without it for 4 days, I could wait another day.  Lovely.  I have 3 children who are scared of what their mommy becomes without her medicine.  I have not harmed anyone, but my hysteria scares them plenty! I have to send them over to the neighbors house until I have my Celexa and it starts to work. I have a lot of broken things in my home due to my violent reaction from the withdrawals. As of today, I have another doctor who called in some Celexa for me which I have been back on for 2 days now.  I am still feeling the effects of the withdrawal.  I took TylenolPM's by the handful so that I would sleep it off, but it doesn't really work.  I should also mention that I have tried the gradual weaning away, but that only lengthens the time to withdrawals. I thought maybe I needed a MORE gradual withdrawal, so I started shaving off little bits of the celexa.  Same thing happened.  I guess my question is: " Can I ever get off of this? How long do the withdrawals last?  Are my symptoms serotonin syndrome?  Should I be worried about my reactions?  Please reply soon.  My family and I are waiting desperately for answers!!!
Anyone with any information or experiences can E-mail me @ AscensionNotary@Aol.  Thanks

[kelly]

hey.  i am on paxil now and started reading about serotonin syndrome because i have this horrible tremor and jerfy movements all the time.  and for the past few months i've had bouts of wretched indigestion--i want to get off paxil, but am afraid.  i should have never been put on it in the first place.

[kelly]

i am currently in the weining stages of my fourth, and hopefully final attempt to ressurect my life from the wrath of paxil. it's become such a central part of my life i built a website for it(http://paxil.bizland.com)

the goal of this website is to provide a resource and outlet for individuals experiencing problems with paxil. please feel free to check it out and leave a comment.

thanks & stay strong!

[Colleen]

I am getting ready to go off Paxil for the second time. I don't know why I didn't think to check the internet the first time I had all of the horrible symptoms that drove me back to Paxil. I was led to believe by my doctor that I had irritable bowel syndrome and that perhaps I needed to go back on Paxil to take away the anxiety causing the "syndrome."

I had a horrible Christmas because I was so sick and I was led to believe that it had nothing to do with withdrawl from the Paxil itself.  

The internet has helped me realize that I am not alone. I am determined to get off of this drug. It helped me for a short time and I am thankful for that but I don't want to be dependent for life.

We must make sure that doctor's are aware of this side effect.

[Kenny Hunt]

Hi, everyone. I'm trying to get off Paxil and it has been hell.  I was taking 60mgs for social anxiety.  I don't think this drug should be used b/c of the severe side effects.  Right now, I just started 20 mgs, the doctor told me to cut from 60mg which I have been taking for many months, to 40 for a week, then to 20 for a week, then 20 every other day.  From my research, this seems to fast.  I'm already experiencing the electrial shocks, my eyes move back and forth really fast, chest pains (I had my heart check out, but it was tested ok), my jaw and teeth click together like I'm cold, and many more symtoms.  My eyes are really sensitive to like, sometimes my vision fades like every thing is going to black out.  I hope it doesn't have anything to do with the next paragraph.

READ THIS!!! THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!  I also have severe migranes sometimes, and I was prescribed Zomig which work for a little while and stopped.  Then the doctor put me on Maxalt.  Walgreens and two of my doctors didn't know about the drug interactions.  There's harmful and potential fatal interactions between each of these and Paxil.  They say it's only expected, but there's proof of people with the interactions in a study where people took both, even me (I think, but I really hope not).  No wonder, why my migranes have increased.  I was taking 60 mgs of Paxil as well as Zomig (5mgs) and Maxalt (20 mgs, one the first hour, and another one the second hour, and sometimes if it was bad, I took a third one on the third hour).  I've had one for almost three days and it's been hell to deal with along with the paxil symptoms.  The interactions have a moderate severity just with 20mgs of Paxil and 10mgs of Maxalt or 5mgs of Zomig, and they can cause central nervous system toxicity and seretonin syndrome.  I went to a site that had some symptoms of serotonin syndrome and I had 16 of the 19 symptoms they list.  I'm very worried now, because this can be FATAL.  If anybody is taking any other drug, especially for headaches, go to the Walgreens site and check out drug interactions.

Kenny
***@****

[Mags]

I have had many of same these same symptoms on and coming off of Prozac.  Is there a forum specifically for that or a forum general to serotonin reuptake inhibitors.  
1)I had years of liquid diarrhea, (and a very confused gastroenterologist),
2)diaphoresis w/o exertion such that I had sweat running off my face and drenching my hair,
3)felt feverish almost constantly,
fell down and injured myself several times secondary sometimes to powerful muscle spasms other times without any apparent reason or cause,
4)would wake screaming with cramps "charlie horses" in one or both legs w/toes pointing downward - it would take 10 minutes or more to get my feet flat again,
5)constant fatigue on 80mg I slept 12-16hrs a day, (lost a job)
6)respiratory distress,
7)my mind was dull
8)memory problems
9)on a cold medication dextromathorphan I picked at my skin and left scars (I know of one other person who has had this reaction and would like to know more - please identify yourselves!)
10) gained an incredible amount of weight because I couldn't breathe and was so tired all the time.
11) I had never had "asthma" before Prozac and despite only a mild to moderate brochospasm reaction to the highest dose of methacholine used to assess asthma, used asthma medicine constantly - off Prozac I use 1/8 - 1/4 the asthma medication.
12) seemed to be more vulnerable to feeling panicky when driving though the Prozac was SUPPOSED to ameliorate the panicky feelings,
13) stopped having any visible signs of menstrual periods - these are coming back very slowly off Prozac though my experience of PMS is not making a dramatic resurgence  
14) I get so angry and sad when I discuss this I'm going to stop now.
Thanks - Mags

[Mags]

I have had many of same these same symptoms on and coming off of Prozac.  Is there a forum specifically for that or a forum general to serotonin reuptake inhibitors.  
1)I had years of liquid diarrhea, (and a very confused gastroenterologist),
2)diaphoresis w/o exertion such that I had sweat running off my face and drenching my hair,
3)felt feverish almost constantly,
fell down and injured myself several times secondary sometimes to powerful muscle spasms other times without any apparent reason or cause,
4)would wake screaming with cramps "charlie horses" in one or both legs w/toes pointing downward - it would take 10 minutes or more to get my feet flat again,
5)constant fatigue on 80mg I slept 12-16hrs a day, (lost a job)
6)respiratory distress,
7)my mind was dull
8)memory problems
9)on a cold medication dextromathorphan I picked at my skin and left scars (I know of one other person who has had this reaction and would like to know more - please identify yourselves!)
10) gained an incredible amount of weight because I couldn't breathe and was so tired all the time.
11) I had never had "asthma" before Prozac and despite only a mild to moderate brochospasm reaction to the highest dose of methacholine used to assess asthma, used asthma medicine constantly - off Prozac I use 1/8 - 1/4 the asthma medication.
12) seemed to be more vulnerable to feeling panicky when driving though the Prozac was SUPPOSED to ameliorate the panicky feelings,
13) stopped having any visible signs of menstrual periods - these are coming back very slowly off Prozac though my experience of PMS is not making a dramatic resurgence  
14) I get so angry and sad when I discuss this I'm going to stop now.
Thanks - Mags

[purrs]

I am taking a cocktail of Endone, Valium, Aropax (reducing dose) and Endep.  The first two are to help with pain and spasm after recent extensive sinus surgery - pain in my face, and spasm in my back from the long hours on op table and then in bed recovering afterwards.  (I have a prolapsed disc in L4/5.)  The reducing Aropax is so that I can take the Endep instead, to help relieve anxiety syndrome, and also to help me get to sleep.  Since starting the Endep I have stopped taking Stilnox, which I have been using for several years.  For the last three weeks I have gradually become more and more 'sedated', to the point where I am unable to function for any longer than one hour awake, before I need to fall deeply asleep for several hours.  I cannot drive, or walk very far.  Other symptoms inlcude lack of appetite, reluctance to speak, deep ache in my lower back and legs, increased anxiety, feeling of hopelessness, waves of heat (exactly like hot flushes, for which I take HRT), prickling in my scalp, and the final delight, dizziness which comes on rapidy and unexpectedly.

Help!  How can I help myself get better?

[AJC]

Look up "Gwen Olsen" on youtube or google video.