Paxil, High BP, Muscular Spasm (a.k.a. Sex, Drugs and Rock-n-Roll)

[Max34]

Dear Doctor,

I

[papaiz]

I took paxil for two days several years ago and had an overwhelmingly bad reaction. But, for the next two to three months I had a resting heart rate of 100 to 110, while I had always had a resting pulse of about 64. My blood pressure stayed low. I also had a fever of about 100 to 101 during this time. Intetestingly I also had sleepiness, and lack of concern about anything, and the shivers. I know this was the drug and not some fear related rise in heart rate.I think when people use these drugs they are playing with fire as the ssri's seem to have the potential to dysregulate all of the feedback loops in the body. So, my layman's advice is to get off of the paxil, SLOWLY and let your doctor know if you get suicidal and don't do anything the drug tells you to do, believe your body (in other words you are not imagining these reactions), and be patient with yourself. The wine will keep you keyed up at night. I use choline/inositol caps (from the health food store) and eat some chicken or turkey with some carbs like apples when I feel pent up.

[Paule]

Your 10 mg is too low a dose.  You probably have muscle tension or High BP due to stress/anxiety. You should think about increasing your dose to 20 mgs before going down once again.  You should also consider CBT along with your treatment.

I'm 5' 8", 163, athletic, rock and ice climb and take 15 mg's currently (been on either 20, 10 or 15 mgs for 5 years) and my bp is normal but at times of stress or anxiety (white coat) it goes up--way up.  I determined that I had white coat by using a 24 hr bp monitor, usually available for free from a hospital.  You hook it up to your arm and leave it on for 24 hours.  You'll probably find--as my doctor did, and I told her so--that you don't have high bp.

good luck  

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Yes, but I would add some psychotherapy to the mix so you won't be so dependent on drugs or alcohol.  First of all, the waking at 3 a.m. is probably alcohol related..it is a stimulant 4-6 hours after its initial depressant effect. Cutting down will help. Switching to wellbutin will also help so it is a good idea. But the suicidal thoughts and muscle spasm ( internal tension,anxiety??) deserves more thoughtful analysis . IF you are in southern Californai, l.A., you can call me and I will see if I can help you with a referral...310 824 0622.