Posted by EREIAMJH on November 4, 2003, at 18:33:29
Hi, I've been lurking here for two days and finally decided to jump in. Wondering if anyone else has dealt with Neurontin and Paxil problems and had to stop either suddenly.
Here's my story - have nerve damage following a car crash.
Started Neurontin for the nerve damage, helped a little. But I became horribly short of breath, 3X in ER because of it. Neuro thought it was a rare reaction to Neurontin, told me to stop.
Regular doc who prescribed the Neurontin disagreed, said he thought it was a panic attack, prescribed Paxil.
Took the Paxil for a month, began getting terrible muscle cramps and bruising all over my body. Again regular doc said it wasn't the med. I decided to look it up on RXlist.com, and both were listed as rare but potentially dangerous side effects.
Called the doc, and his nurse said, "You have to stop reading those things. They're what's causing your problems." WHAT?? Bruising had been so bad they themselves tested me for LEUKEMIA the previous week. Doc wanted me to take Paxil another month. I told them to take a flying leap.
Called my neuro, he said to stop the Paxil immediately, that sudden withdrawal would be safer than trying to taper it off due to the severity of the problems. Neuro said to take Xanax for a few days until the nausea, dizziness and hot/cold spells subside, which helps but is not do-able during the day.
So I've been sick as a dog the past 2 days... wondering if anyone can offer ideas to make this easier.
Also hoping for some thoughts on anxiety meds. Neuro says I can't take SSRIs due to this reaction, and while I think the Neurontin caused most of the shortness of breath, I do have a lot of anxiety since the car crash and it did feel good to have that lessened a little, before the side effects got so bad. What else might help? Given my knack for developing rare but awful side effects, I'm concerned, but am hoping there's something out there that can help.
I also have Tourette and associated disorders (ADD, mild OCD). Take Ritalin for the ADD symptoms of TS, and do very well on that.
TIA for any ideas or thoughts anyone can offer. Time to go throw up now (wish I was joking). Any idea how long Paxil withdrawal lasts?
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EREIAMJH, the ghost in the machine
poster:EREIAMJH
thread:276598
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031030/msgs/276598.html