Day 13 of Weaning
Monday, September 18th, 2000.
Today is my 13th day of weaning off Paxil. One week of alternating between 20mg and 15mg, then one week of just 15mg. I’m beginning to think I should have alternated for more than a week. I was going to begin alternating between 15mg and 10mg this Wednesday, but I’m having second thoughts; I may wait a little longer.
I’ve been having headaches for the past few days, I was extremely tired one day, and when I stand up fast I get dizzy. It’s a regular dizziness that doesn’t even compare to the dizziness of cold turkey withdrawal. My spirits aren’t nearly as positive as they were during the first week of weaning.
But what I’m feeling right now feels like a precursor to more severe symptoms. It feels like the worse is about to come. And I’ve begun to feel a little uneasy again, a little worried. I have a feeling the “weepiness” is going to hit me soon. And I hate this not having control of my life. Again, what I’m experiencing now is nothing compared to my cold turkey withdrawal from a few months ago, but that doesn’t give me much comfort.
Anyhow, today I went to my new doctor, and I’m beginning to feel like I’d rather see someone who’s more sympathetic than him. Everything is too “interesting” to him, and his insights are minimal. I think he’s more experienced in treating people with more severe problems than mine, like my situation is too ordinary for him. When I asked him if there’s anything specific I can take for dizziness or headaches if they get worse, he said, “Not that I know of.” Great. Thanks for the help.
He did tell me, though, not to stand up quickly; standing up too fast is likely to cause a head-rush and dizziness. To combat dizziness, he said to make sure to drink plenty of water, which I already do anyway.
When I got back home from my appointment with him this afternoon, I laid down for a second and that second turned into two and a half hours of more-or-less unconsciousness. It’s not the first time I fell asleep during the day this past week. But now it’s becoming more pronounced. I’ve also been having difficulty going to sleep at night, so that probably doesn’t help.
I know this is nothing compared to cold turkey withdrawal, but I’m getting worried. My energy is too low. So I have to get my energy up, because I know that when my energy is low, emotionally I’m more likely to feel less in control.
Right now I’m taking B1, B2, and B6 at 50mg each, plus 50mcg of B12, and about 50mg of all the Bs. Can anyone who has taken B-complex for withdrawal tell me what dosages work for them? I’m thinking of at least doubling my dosage. I know not to exceed more than 150mg of B5, but recommended doses of B12, for instance, are 600mg daily — that’s ten times more than what I’m taking now. I’m making a few more adjustments to my diet, but I’m seriously considering upping my B-complex intake and would appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks.