Tapering Suggestion

[Homerbcool]

DISCLAIMER: This is just an obersvation, each of us knows our own tolerance levels.

I can not count how many times, I have seen post from people that are in such a rush to get this crap out of their system, that they go just to plain FAST!!

SLOW DOWN PEOPLE..we all want off this chuck wagon, no one more then me, but why prolong the journey by tapering too fast...

Taper and stay at the dosage for a few weeks before even thinking about putting it into the next gear...

AGAIN, I AM NOT A DOCTOR, I SELL MACHINERY FOR A LIVING..

[Meri_Ashke]

Well, doctors think we're machines, so I think I'd believe you over them.

[scotty]

Homer good advice! I think those of us who have been here for a while have seen enough crash and burn stories that follow the "I've got to get off this drug NOW!!" posts. It's a hard concept to grasp. Most drugs you wean off, you do it to get the drug out of your system... end of case. Paxil(and all ssri/srni) have the secondary withdrawal of the brain needing to readjust to the lowering serotonin levels. TWO STAGES of withdrawal, but both so intertwined that they can't be separated. So you can wean slow and give the brain time in between weans to adjust minimizing(not necessarily eliminating) the symptoms. Or cold turkey or fast wean and the brain gets thrown into serotonin depletion and it WILL rebel. Now the time to heal from this "rebel" is going to be just a long as a slow wean(or even longer) and the symptoms are going to be increased.

Slow wean, while time consuming, is the way to go.

[george1]

I think that is very good advice, Homer! My problem is that in my attempts at
withdrawal, once cold turkey and once tapering from 20 mg. to 10 mg., I have
crashed both times at between four and five weeks. Just reading here everyday
has given me hope that I can do withdrawal with the liquid Paxil at 1 mg. down a
month.

I think some posters here have mentioned the cost as a reason for withdrawal.
My insurance is good so that is not my reason, but I see no difference between the
generic and real Paxil, for what it is worth.

[scotty]

George, those who have had problems weaning before, the 1mg method is the way to go. Here's to your successful "slow" wean!!!

[amandaver]

i am a little nervous now, I dropped my dosage from 40mg to 20mg I am on day 16 and no severe side effects, I only had mild nausea the first 4 days. I have not planned on another drop at least until I had been on 20mg a month. I have actually never felt better. Now my question is, do I expect for the symptons to hit hard at the month mark, I actually thought I was doing really good, a little more energetic( have not had any energy in 2-1/2 years, everytime I asked my doctor aboiut it, they increased my dosage) My thoughts have been clearer, I have not had any urges to take mid day naps on the weekend (which each nap was usually 4-5 hours) My laundry is all done (which I realize that the reason for the laundry baskets was because once all the clothes are all washed, you no longer have any drawer space or anymore coat hangers) and my house has not looked this good in 2-1/2 years. I am a little frightened now, reading everything- is this a false security that I am ok on 20mg? I had planned on dropping at the end of June to 15mg, but now i am a little scared.

[scotty]

Amandaver, you have to remember that some go through withdrawal with very few side effects. Sounds like you might be one of the lucky ones. Still go slow, but sounds like your doing great.

[amandaver]

well not all is lost, if the need comes I can increase my dosage. Worrying about tomorrow ruins my today. Thanks Scotty, I can always rely on you for encouragement

[george1]

Thanks for the support, Scotty.

Amandaver, I hope my post did not scare you. I have been on Paxil for 11 years and
I think maybe the longer one has been on it, the harder it is to get off. Best of luck
to you.

[amandaver]

nah, not to much, I do know that the journey is a long one, and should not be rushed, I just wanted a jump start. I have only been on paxil since 11/01, I will defintely take it slower and lower with the next drop, I do not want to chance this feeling of being energetic and positive- first time in at least 2 years. I swear this drug and the increases have done nothing but ruin my energy level and made the last few years hard for me, and for me I feel better at 20mg than at 40mg (hopefully it is not just a mind thing) but even my husband was like "wow, with you feeling this way- soon,you will be running circles around me" he is very supportive and loving- I am defintely one of the lucky ones, I have support of this site, my husband, mother in law, mom, and sister. Thanks.

[rc1904]

Homer,
As a ct survivor, I support your advice to taper slowly if at all possible. Paxil is a cruel, cruel drug.

[safarigal]

The drops below 10mg are usually the worst for most people.

Go slow, no more than 2.5mg every 2 weeks.

[amandaver]

With being on 20mg from 40mg, and it being day 17, with little to no severe side effects, could I go to 15mg for a couple weeks? My Kids will be gone the entire month of July, so I was hoping to do the first part of the 10mg while they were gone. What do you think? any advise?

[Homerbcool]

I would give it a try..nothng ventured nothing gained..and you can always go back up...I bet you will be fine going to 15mgs...and of course as always..we are here to reach out for...

[amandaver]

Thanks Homer,

I will give it a shot. I love this website, so much encouragement and support.
I hope the tapering keeps going like it has been, although I will remain realistic. I have been eating more vegetables and fruit, and less red meat, it is truly amazing how different food can really help your mental well being. With a little of my energy returning, I will start excercising more and going to the gym- and use that subscription that I have had for a while. I am very grateful for this site, without it, I would still be thinking that I was crazy, and probally had went to my doctor and gotten some other "wonderful cure all drug" Since this site, I have realized that the loss of my energy has been from the paxil, the thinking weird, and the dreams, the no ambition, and emotionless state, is not really me. Thank you all for all your help, advice, and support. Thanks

[scotty]

Amanda, each time we wean it's a guessing game on how you'll react. Go for the 10mg(since you are prepared and the kids being gone will help) and see how it goes. We're here girl!!

[amandaver]

This is why this site is awesome, there is support every time you come on and post and read. Thanks for all the support.