I'm new...30mg to 25mg...shud I feel this way??

CarlaD · 11-26-2009, 12:14 PM

Hi everyone. I'm on my journey to lower my paxil dose. I'm not sure if I'm going off of it completely or not, I forget what the doctor said

.
I have been on Paxil 30mg and clonazepam/klonopin .5mg twice a day for well over 10 years. (panic attacks). I also started Welbutrin 150mg about 3 years back. 2 weeks ago my Dr told me to go to 25mg paxil and lower my clonazepam as she wants me off that one completely. So I have gone from 30mg paxil to 25mg paxil and from .5 clonazepam twice a day to only once a day.
I am having constant headaches that feel like I have a swimcap on my brain, and I am very sensitive to light and sound. Today my tongue feels numb.
I don't understand how going from 30 to 25 can make any difference. I am still taking the drug at a high enough dose, I haven't gone C/T, it's only 5mg for heaven sake....how does my body know that I'm cheating it of such a small thing? I honestly felt that I would have NO problem cutting only 5mg. So can anyone tell me why my body is doing this to me? FIVE mg!.....gosh

How annoying.
thanks everyone for the support!

Carla

commish · 11-26-2009, 12:48 PM

Hi Carla
Welcome to PP.
The rule of thumb is 10% drops at a time and one drug at a time. So if you have dropped 5mg of paxil and 50% on the clonazepam you are going to feel it and not in a good way.
There will be folks chime in later who can give you more detailed advise. But slow is best
take care

CarlaD · 11-26-2009, 01:05 PM

thank you for the quick reply. I have decided to go back to my regular dose of Clonazepam RIGHT AWAY...I just took a pill and ordered a new refill. I just hope and pray that the doctor will fill it and not say "NO...I told you we are stopping that pill remember?"

Do you people here call it Clonazepam or Klonapin? It used to be Rivotril too I think...so many names for the same med. I have a feeling I'll be hanging out here for awhile

commish · 11-26-2009, 01:14 PM

Most of us Canucks call it clonazepam(I think that might be a generic handle ) But thats what my Dr. Dolittle calls it.

scotty · 11-26-2009, 01:26 PM

You got hit with withdrawal from two different drugs. Paxil needs to be weaned very slowly, and Klonopin(what it's called in the states) needs to be weaned even slower.

Weaning off two drugs at one time is ridiculous. I would wean the paxil first and the klonopin second.

since95 · 11-26-2009, 03:40 PM

Ditto on Scotty's post

One drug at a time or you could be in for a bit of a nightmare.

mapleleafgirl25 · 11-26-2009, 04:35 PM

ditto on scotty's post...

i had protracted withdrawal after 8 months off paxil..due to a fast wean like that..i had to go back on..now i am decreasing again..and doing it really slow..it makes a very big difference..

CarlaD · 11-26-2009, 07:23 PM

what is "protracted withdrawl"?

mapleleafgirl25 · 11-27-2009, 12:01 AM

its a delay in withdrawal symptoms..the worst kind of all...it happens when you go off too fast..its something you do not want to experience...EVER!!! if you go off slow and safe..that is the best way!

TryingtoGetWell · 11-27-2009, 03:05 AM

Hi, Carla - I just replied to your PM, and in it I asked for a link to posts that might tell me more about your case, but I searched and found this thread and it was an "Ah-ha" moment. As others have already said, it's a very bad idea to go off both these meds at once, and your drops were too large even if going off only one. Yes, the body does know - it's become accustomed to a certain dose and needs to become accustomed to less very gradually.

Going off both these kinds of meds (or decreasing dose of both) at the same time is more than the nervous system should have to handle. I'm glad you reinstated one, and hope that helped. Please go slower (no more than 10% drop from previous - i.e., most recent - dose, then wait 3-6 weeks til you stabilize on that new dose before you drop a maximum 10% of that most recent, not original dose). It should make a huge difference in your quality of life and will be well worth the patience it takes.

It's good that your doctor realizes one should not stay on these meds forever, but he or she is like other doctors in not realizing how carefully dosage changes should be made, and certainly not in both at one time.

texgirl · 11-27-2009, 06:18 AM

"Protracted" means extended, not delayed. Going off these meds too fast can cause your withdrawal to last much longer and be more severe than if you take it more slowly.

Please, please be careful when tapering the Klonopin. A 50% reduction isn't just uncomfortable (as you've already seen it is), but can actually be dangerous--seizures are rare but possible when the drug is removed too quickly.

Like everybody said above, one drug at a time and *tiny* dose drops, even (especially) with the Klonopin.

CarlaD · 11-27-2009, 09:02 AM

I feel great today....I started feeling much better yesterday after I took a Clonazepam, and I took my normal dose this morning and I feel great except for that lingering headache, but even that is much milder. I got out and shovelled snow and ENJOYED it...(ask me that in 2 months time...I will be cursing the snow) I started making a snowman in the backyard but my dog kept attacking it so I gave up. (I'm 42 years old making snowmen lol)
I am anxious to go to my next Dr appt to see what she has to say about my decision to keep the Clonazepam "as is" for now. (Dec 1st) I hope she doesn't give me a hard time about it. She said that Clonazepam is a pill used on an "as needed" basis, and couldn't understand why I have been taking 2 a day for over 10 years. WELL...IT'S BECAUSE OTHER DOCTORS TOLD ME TO....DUH!!.....it is so frustrating how doctors are so different. Did half go to school on Mars??

I'm off to go shopping now! Later everyone (big hugs)
Carla

texgirl · 11-27-2009, 03:29 PM

Your doctor is right, Klonopin is meant to be taken on an as-needed basis, though the number of doctors who understand or admit that is frightening small. However, if she thinks you can just stop taking it, she's sorely mistaken. Benzos are one of the most addictive categories of drugs there is, a fact which has been well-documented for over 20 years. I've been off Klonopin for 27 months and still have occasional symptoms, even after tapering slowly. After 10 years of use, you must reduce your dose *very* slowly and carefully.

So glad you're feeling better today!

11-26-2009, 12:14 PM	#1
CarlaD Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 107	I'm new...30mg to 25mg...shud I feel this way?? Hi everyone. I'm on my journey to lower my paxil dose. I'm not sure if I'm going off of it completely or not, I forget what the doctor said . I have been on Paxil 30mg and clonazepam/klonopin .5mg twice a day for well over 10 years. (panic attacks). I also started Welbutrin 150mg about 3 years back. 2 weeks ago my Dr told me to go to 25mg paxil and lower my clonazepam as she wants me off that one completely. So I have gone from 30mg paxil to 25mg paxil and from .5 clonazepam twice a day to only once a day. I am having constant headaches that feel like I have a swimcap on my brain, and I am very sensitive to light and sound. Today my tongue feels numb. I don't understand how going from 30 to 25 can make any difference. I am still taking the drug at a high enough dose, I haven't gone C/T, it's only 5mg for heaven sake....how does my body know that I'm cheating it of such a small thing? I honestly felt that I would have NO problem cutting only 5mg. So can anyone tell me why my body is doing this to me? FIVE mg!.....gosh How annoying. thanks everyone for the support! Carla

11-26-2009, 12:48 PM	#2
commish Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 2,063	Re: I'm new...30mg to 25mg...shud I feel this way?? Hi Carla Welcome to PP. The rule of thumb is 10% drops at a time and one drug at a time. So if you have dropped 5mg of paxil and 50% on the clonazepam you are going to feel it and not in a good way. There will be folks chime in later who can give you more detailed advise. But slow is best take care __________________ June /08 ativan (done) paxil 0 mg Sept 10/08 B]wellbutrin o mg Nov 1/08[/b] The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us.

11-26-2009, 01:05 PM	#3
CarlaD Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 107	Re: I'm new...30mg to 25mg...shud I feel this way?? thank you for the quick reply. I have decided to go back to my regular dose of Clonazepam RIGHT AWAY...I just took a pill and ordered a new refill. I just hope and pray that the doctor will fill it and not say "NO...I told you we are stopping that pill remember?" Do you people here call it Clonazepam or Klonapin? It used to be Rivotril too I think...so many names for the same med. I have a feeling I'll be hanging out here for awhile __________________ over 10 years Paxil 30mg, Clonazepam/Klonapin 1mg, Wellbutrin 150mg Nov 9, 2009 25mg Paxil Dec 5, 2009 22.5mg Dec 23, 2009 20mg Jan 13th, 2010 started 1000mg Omega3 Jan 31st, 2010 Clonazepam .75mg (because I'm STUBBBORN) Feb 8, 2010 back to 1mg Clonazepam (had small panic attack) ONE PILL AT A TIME OR WHACK ME WITH A WET NOODLE Last edited by CarlaD : 11-26-2009 at 01:06 PM. Reason: spelling mistake

11-26-2009, 01:14 PM	#4
commish Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 2,063	Re: I'm new...30mg to 25mg...shud I feel this way?? Most of us Canucks call it clonazepam(I think that might be a generic handle ) But thats what my Dr. Dolittle calls it. __________________ June /08 ativan (done) paxil 0 mg Sept 10/08 B]wellbutrin o mg Nov 1/08[/b] The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us.

11-26-2009, 01:26 PM	#5
scotty Administrator Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: new jersey Posts: 39,326	Re: I'm new...30mg to 25mg...shud I feel this way?? You got hit with withdrawal from two different drugs. Paxil needs to be weaned very slowly, and Klonopin(what it's called in the states) needs to be weaned even slower. Weaning off two drugs at one time is ridiculous. I would wean the paxil first and the klonopin second. __________________ AKA Laurie "If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." ~Frank A. Clark

11-26-2009, 03:40 PM	#6
since95 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Edmonton Posts: 395	Re: I'm new...30mg to 25mg...shud I feel this way?? Ditto on Scotty's post One drug at a time or you could be in for a bit of a nightmare. __________________ Since95 aka Dan -On Paxil for 15-1/2 years. Completed 2-1/2 year taper from 40mgs Paxil - 0. Med free August 24, 2009!

11-26-2009, 04:35 PM	#7
mapleleafgirl25 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 2,145	Re: I'm new...30mg to 25mg...shud I feel this way?? ditto on scotty's post... i had protracted withdrawal after 8 months off paxil..due to a fast wean like that..i had to go back on..now i am decreasing again..and doing it really slow..it makes a very big difference.. __________________ aka MICHELE My history with paxil is too long to write here..lol..but you can look at my old posts to see!

11-26-2009, 07:23 PM	#8
CarlaD Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 107	Re: I'm new...30mg to 25mg...shud I feel this way?? what is "protracted withdrawl"? __________________ over 10 years Paxil 30mg, Clonazepam/Klonapin 1mg, Wellbutrin 150mg Nov 9, 2009 25mg Paxil Dec 5, 2009 22.5mg Dec 23, 2009 20mg Jan 13th, 2010 started 1000mg Omega3 Jan 31st, 2010 Clonazepam .75mg (because I'm STUBBBORN) Feb 8, 2010 back to 1mg Clonazepam (had small panic attack) ONE PILL AT A TIME OR WHACK ME WITH A WET NOODLE

11-27-2009, 12:01 AM	#9
mapleleafgirl25 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 2,145	Re: I'm new...30mg to 25mg...shud I feel this way?? its a delay in withdrawal symptoms..the worst kind of all...it happens when you go off too fast..its something you do not want to experience...EVER!!! if you go off slow and safe..that is the best way! __________________ aka MICHELE My history with paxil is too long to write here..lol..but you can look at my old posts to see!

11-27-2009, 03:05 AM	#10
TryingtoGetWell Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,281	Re: I'm new...30mg to 25mg...shud I feel this way?? Hi, Carla - I just replied to your PM, and in it I asked for a link to posts that might tell me more about your case, but I searched and found this thread and it was an "Ah-ha" moment. As others have already said, it's a very bad idea to go off both these meds at once, and your drops were too large even if going off only one. Yes, the body does know - it's become accustomed to a certain dose and needs to become accustomed to less very gradually. Going off both these kinds of meds (or decreasing dose of both) at the same time is more than the nervous system should have to handle. I'm glad you reinstated one, and hope that helped. Please go slower (no more than 10% drop from previous - i.e., most recent - dose, then wait 3-6 weeks til you stabilize on that new dose before you drop a maximum 10% of that most recent, not original dose). It should make a huge difference in your quality of life and will be well worth the patience it takes. It's good that your doctor realizes one should not stay on these meds forever, but he or she is like other doctors in not realizing how carefully dosage changes should be made, and certainly not in both at one time. __________________ 5/93 - Started paxil after 6 years sensory distortions from benzo WD (+ chronic medical problems/pain) 20 mg/day; yrs later 15 mg 3/30/06 - 20 mg 4/21/06 - 15 mg 4/27/06 - 10 mg 5/17/06 - 5 mg (none taken 5/20) 5/21-24/06 - 2.5 mg (5/22 - none taken) 5/25/06 - d/c’d paroxetine Felt better than in years, then gradual WD symptoms 6/17/06 - Bolted awake in blind terror, started E-ticket ride to hell 9/08 - Varying degrees of improvement; still on the ride Still on 0.5 mg clonazepam

11-27-2009, 06:18 AM	#11
texgirl Purveyor of the Pimp 'n Perv Pipeline Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 3,324	Re: I'm new...30mg to 25mg...shud I feel this way?? "Protracted" means extended, not delayed. Going off these meds too fast can cause your withdrawal to last much longer and be more severe than if you take it more slowly. Please, please be careful when tapering the Klonopin. A 50% reduction isn't just uncomfortable (as you've already seen it is), but can actually be dangerous--seizures are rare but possible when the drug is removed too quickly. Like everybody said above, one drug at a time and tiny dose drops, even (especially) with the Klonopin. __________________ Completely free from psychiatry since 8/5/07 If we are fools enough to remain at the mercy of the people who want to sell us happiness, it will be impossible for us to ever be content with anything. How would they profit if we became content? (Thomas Merton)

11-27-2009, 09:02 AM	#12
CarlaD Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 107	Re: I'm new...30mg to 25mg...shud I feel this way?? I feel great today....I started feeling much better yesterday after I took a Clonazepam, and I took my normal dose this morning and I feel great except for that lingering headache, but even that is much milder. I got out and shovelled snow and ENJOYED it...(ask me that in 2 months time...I will be cursing the snow) I started making a snowman in the backyard but my dog kept attacking it so I gave up. (I'm 42 years old making snowmen lol) I am anxious to go to my next Dr appt to see what she has to say about my decision to keep the Clonazepam "as is" for now. (Dec 1st) I hope she doesn't give me a hard time about it. She said that Clonazepam is a pill used on an "as needed" basis, and couldn't understand why I have been taking 2 a day for over 10 years. WELL...IT'S BECAUSE OTHER DOCTORS TOLD ME TO....DUH!!.....it is so frustrating how doctors are so different. Did half go to school on Mars?? I'm off to go shopping now! Later everyone (big hugs) Carla __________________ over 10 years Paxil 30mg, Clonazepam/Klonapin 1mg, Wellbutrin 150mg Nov 9, 2009 25mg Paxil Dec 5, 2009 22.5mg Dec 23, 2009 20mg Jan 13th, 2010 started 1000mg Omega3 Jan 31st, 2010 Clonazepam .75mg (because I'm STUBBBORN) Feb 8, 2010 back to 1mg Clonazepam (had small panic attack) ONE PILL AT A TIME OR WHACK ME WITH A WET NOODLE

11-27-2009, 03:29 PM	#13
texgirl Purveyor of the Pimp 'n Perv Pipeline Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 3,324	Re: I'm new...30mg to 25mg...shud I feel this way?? Your doctor is right, Klonopin is meant to be taken on an as-needed basis, though the number of doctors who understand or admit that is frightening small. However, if she thinks you can just stop taking it, she's sorely mistaken. Benzos are one of the most addictive categories of drugs there is, a fact which has been well-documented for over 20 years. I've been off Klonopin for 27 months and still have occasional symptoms, even after tapering slowly. After 10 years of use, you must reduce your dose very slowly and carefully. So glad you're feeling better today! __________________ Completely free from psychiatry since 8/5/07 If we are fools enough to remain at the mercy of the people who want to sell us happiness, it will be impossible for us to ever be content with anything. How would they profit if we became content? (Thomas Merton)

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