Posted 10/10/2012 4:33 AM (GMT 0)
Had a weird experience.
Was bit unknowingly last Wed PM before leaving with my wife on a 4 day camping excursion by a brown recluse or black widow. Did not know you cannot feel the sting. They just inject.
Any case, reaction got worse while remote camping in trailer and Sunday PM went to local ER and they confirmed bite but white count etc ok and generally in good health at 64.
I take 10 mg Paxil/Paroxetine daily. Always carry spares.
But after ER blitz, adding special Antibiotic and Anti Swelling meds on volume scale to reduce effects (worked quickly), ending up forgetting Paxil for about 3 days.
Started having weird physical/mental effects from temperature swings to like I was on an energy rush, and mind all over on a thousand things. Then started feeling like I was going to pass out, got chilled, then fever, finger nails turning bluish, etc..
Thought it was the side effects of the insect meds, Prednisone, and another (??), but realized about 3days off Paxil. First time ever missed that long in 10 yrs!
Wow, got the Paxil dispenser, and confirmed I had totally missed the cycles. Took one late PM tonight Tuesday, and within 1-1/2 hours started coming fully back.
I have never been an abuser, smoker, alcoholic, etc.. but have relatives with all issues, and wonder if this is what it is like to come down off paxil on a wrong walk-away, cold turkey?
Have thought about this, but simple regimen has held me together pretty well, going into retirement, but have patient co-workers over last 35 years who know of my situation with Gen. Anxiety Disorder, and Adult ADHD to boot (not on any meds for that, just breathing exercises).
I still get the occasional weird episode even when on the Paxil regimen, including the issues with heart attack type feelings, and temperature (usually freezing, chill shaking). Wife refuses to give in and won't let me call 911 or go to ER, but waits till I go thru my breathing control/mind control step down (takes about 1/2 hr-45 min) and back to 'normal'.
I have mild sleep apnea as well, but only wear and oral device not CPAP and no major issues in a long time with that.
So many people on these support sites have it so bad, I feel very sorry and pray for all of you suffering. I am fearful of ever going off Paxil completely, and from what I read, never cold turkey. It was tough climbing up the Paxil ladder and the run down sounds like falling off Everest, so I will stay the course into retirement and old age, so I don't drive myself and my wife too crazy.
I am very, very fortunate to have a loving wife, co-workers and have the distinct good fortune of having been able to work out of my home for over 25 yrs, visiting customers, plants, co-workers as needed or required, but able to be home, eat dinner on a regular basis with family, etc... So I am blessed and don't take that for granted, ever.
My wife is my savior as she is a self-taught dietitian and has helped us stay healthy eating with near elimination of high fructose corn syrup foods and additives, dies, hormones in foods, etc.. Takes time to read all those labels, but our annual physicals and good weight control and walking nearly daily with our 3 dogs, and outdoor hiking, camping have all added benefits.
Sorry for the run on, but wanted to post my PAXIL 'mistake' and it's affects, maybe egsagerated by the insect bite and related meds...
I pray for all who have to suffer any diseases that they did not bring upon themselves and hope those who have slipped into addiction for any reason can find the ladder to come out rung by rung and have a long and less troubled existence.
Good evening. Feeling much better and will try and get a good sleep.
PS: I am a constant dreamer, every night, all night and never feel rested. Paxil??? Don't know...
Jim from E Tennessee