Posted 10/26/2015 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,
I was diagnosed with lyme in 2013 and went through 4 weeks of doxy treatment and then after about 2 weeks was put back on it for another month. after that I still had a lot of pain and fatigue so I went to an ID doctor. He put me on 10mg and eventually 20mg of Paxil to treat the symptoms. It was very effective. The majority of the time while on the Paxil I felt really good. I had bad days with pain - especially when it was cold, and my energy level was never 100%, but I was doing really well overall. Its been 1 1/2 years on the Paxil. The problem is the side effects of the paxil have not been kind. I have gained 30lbs during the time I have been on it. I was always a pretty small person and I've gone up 3 clothing sizes without any big diet changes. Even trying to watch what I eat and exercise the weight kept going up. I was getting struck with feelings of nervousness/panic. They would come and go pretty quickly, but they were getting more and more frequent. I'd also feel confused a lot. I decided that the side effects of the paxil just were not worth it to me anymore and so a few days ago I started weaning myself off of it. Since Friday I've gone from 20mg to 10mg and this Friday I plan to do the 10mg every other day so that by the first Fri of Nov I am off the paxil. However after just 3 days at 1/2 my usual dose (actually after 24hrs) my Lyme pain and fatigue is back. I'm going to make an appointment with my ID doc, but I want to try something new to treat the pain and I'm not sure what to try. Its my only big symptom, but its pretty bad. As long as I can take a nap I can handle the fatigue.
Also, I'm wondering what typical chronic lyme pain is. When I first had lyme my worst pain was in my ankles (I know the knees are more common) and it was bad pain. I have a high pain threshold, but I was brought to tears by this pain. Like I said the Paxil was very effective in taking care of it. Now my pain is back. My ankles are the worst and my other joints hurt as well, but I have a lot of pain in non joint areas too. My lower legs hurt a lot. Its a constant pain that is hard to describe - sort of a constant dull pain that is sometimes sharp, but it also feels like my legs are in a vice that is squeezing them - I d on't see this description of pain when I look it up so I'm wondering if this is common. Also since stopping the paxil I have this unsettled/just not right feeling. I can't explain it, but I just sort of want to wrap myself up in a blanket and lie in bed - I feel like I need a hug or something. Its just this "I do'nt feel right " feeling. i'm not explaining it well....not sure if its the Lyme or the paxil withdrawl which is not fun. I'm having other classic paxil withdrawl symtoms that I am sure are the drug.
Any thoughts?