Times are tough everywhere.
Last week, I had the need to cut back on my budget until my next paycheck. After much debating, I decided to not refill my Paxil medication until next week. Yall know that I have been on anti-anxiety medicine since shortly after I gave birth. Any who, I decided to wait to pick up the refill til next week. AKA, this was a BAD idea. Here is why:
About 2 days after not picking up my refill, I started to feel just blah. I figured this was expected and went on about my days.
Then on Monday, I had the strangest, STRANGEST occurrence start to happen. The only way I could describe it, is that in my head, it felt like I had a short, mild electrical burst. Sounds fun, huh? Well, it continued. On Tuesday, it spread to having this electrical sensation throughout my body. And more frequently. Then today. The electrical burst if you will call them that, were so frequent that they occurred about every 2 mins. And some were more uncomfortable than others. My friend Toni said it looked like I had Torrets Syndrome. It was a less than desired side effect from coming off the Paxil. I hated it. It was more than just bothersome. It was uncomfortable. And hell, I kept twitching every few minutes. Who likes that?! So I went ahead and got my prescription. Immediately after paying for it, I broke the bottle open and dry swallowed a pill. In the line. The pharmacist must have thought I was a crack head.
So then I started wondering, why didn't I know about this withdrawal side effect? Its a crazy one and I am obviously going to go INSANE when ever I do come off this stuff. I did a little internet research and discovered it is the most troubling withdrawal symptom from this medicine. It keeps most people from quitting it. So while I appreciate the effects of the medicine itself, I really hate the idea of having to go thru the electrical burst phase again.
Here is a link to some of the info I found on this side effect. Page 41 talks about the "zaps".
Just. Plain. Weird.
That's not funny McGee! Do doctors ever wean patients from this medication - kind of like they do with steroids? Take a half a pill then a quarter pill a few days and then every other day until you're taking none. And not twitching? I'd ask whoever prescribed it and mention your experience. Glad you didn't suffer worse symptoms. Like the urge to undress in the middle of rush hour traffic... or something....
Posted by: ol Doc | October 01, 2009 at 02:53 PM
You mean undressing in the middle of rush hour traffic isn't normal? hmm...
Posted by: Susan | October 02, 2009 at 08:27 AM
Not buying donuts could be considered an economic measure. Not taking your medication probably requires input from the prescribing physician. Isn't my hindsight 20-20, though?
Posted by: Ranger | October 02, 2009 at 08:12 PM
That sounds scary! I hope there is a way to wean off it a little more gradually. eek!
Posted by: Rebecca | October 02, 2009 at 09:32 PM
Please erase one of the two. Please. Oh, please. How lame.
Posted by: Ranger | October 03, 2009 at 02:59 PM
You should seek professional advice. Doc01 and Ranger are correct. Ask the Dr. who issued the meds what he would like for you to do to wean off the meds slowly. Also, you might want to inquire about a support group for any difficult matter you are dealing with. The hospital I work in offers support groups every night for different reasons. You could start making phone calls from the nearest hospital’s web page and inquire about these meetings. Ask for a list of topics about the meetings so you can choose one that suits you. Ask if they are free, or what the fees would be. I've notice folks meeting in auditoriums of the hospital, and they seem to be enjoying themselves. People exchange ideas and talk about their experiences. Your local newspaper should also have a list of meetings in the Sunday issue. The hospital I work in has a department called “Financial Assistance” in their corporate office. They mainly help patients who do not have insurance; however, if your insurance company denies to pay for your support group, then Financial Assistance might cover the fees. The reason I’m mentioning a support group is, advise. You may also be referred to another MD who may meet with you once or twice a week. These are just small tips I hope will help.
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Posted by: -blessed holy socks | July 03, 2011 at 12:16 PM