PLEASE, NEED SOME HELP!!

[IRONMAN]

40 mg PAXIL
DROPPED TO 30 MG on 3-21-08
One month later- dropped to 25 MG
Six weeks later-dropped to 20 MG
Six weeks later-dropped to 15 MG
Two weeks later-dropped to 10 MG
Two months later-dropped to 5 MG

I have been on 5 MG for about 2 months now, i can't wait to get off.


I gained almost 40 Lbs on Paxil, it is disgusting. I want to get off of it so bad, but i am scared to quit fully. I don't have insurance, so i did this all on my own (With the help of this amazing site, thank you all by the way)

I read over lots of the side effects from withdraw, I have felt very tired, gained weight, had bad headaches and VERY BAD SLEEP PARALYSIS!!! I will wake up 3 to 4 times a night and feel paralyzed, i will call for help, but i can't move. It is one of the scariest things i have ever experienced. I just want some advise about what i can do to finally quit and drop this weight. Also what can i expect as far as other side effects that may come when i finally quit.

Thank you guys so much!!! all info will be greatly appreciated.

[LCrawford67]

First and foremost, you're tapering entirely too much too fast. The goal isn't just about getting off of the drug, it's about maintaining quality of life.

The only way to get off of this drug is to taper slowly. What you're experiencing in regards to sleep paralysis, headaches, and lethargy are all withdrawal symptoms.

The 40 lbs should be the least of your worries now and will come off once you're free of the drug.

You need to slow down and possibly go back up in dose until you're stable. From that point on, you need to taper as close to 10% increments as possible and taper every 3-6 weeks. The path you're on now is just asking for trouble and a very long road to recovery.

[iwowi]

Dear Ironman.

I am so extremely happy that you are getting off Paxil.

You are tapering way to fast. I know that because I did same crazy speedy wean and paid for this dearly. Many withdrawal effects will hit you months later. Paxil leaves blood stream in month or two but it takes it much longer to leave brain. This is when the whole hell can brake loose. There are many on this forum who claimed to be a success story 2-3 months after last dose of Paxil just to find themselves in trouble month or two later. Please slow down your taper. You will actually heal faster if you withdraw from Paxil slowly. Fast taper will put your system in turmoil and hinder your recovery.

Check out the link below to view the taper schedule recommended by this forum. Many followed it with a great success.
http://www.paxilprogress.org/forums/...ad.php?t=22916
Click on Copy of General Reduction Plan.zip to view it.

All the symptoms you are experiencing are definitely Paxil withdrawal caused. They will slowly subside with time. The best way to experience improvements is to slow down the taper and stabilize. You may have to even consider going back up in dose.

I wish you all the best. Keep us posted.