Started Tapering Paxil

SueR · 10-26-2004, 06:38 PM

Hi Everyone!
I started tapering Paxil down on Monday. I was on 20 mg. and I cut the dosage by 2.5 mg. Two days I feel okay however, I do have a headache, it seems to come and go. How long does it take for you body to adjust to medication level? And should I wait for the adjustment to level out before I cut back again?
What are supplements that anyone recomends while tapering?
I hope this goes easy.
Sue

mapleleafgirl25 · 10-26-2004, 07:20 PM

you should try to stay at each dose for a month..i went from 20 to 15 to 10 to 5 to 2.5 then off ...you will know how you feel and when you have leveled at that dosage..everyone is different..

read Defonz 's posts she knows ALOT about suppliments and there are specific topics on here about suppliments....magnesium..is good..probiotics..vitamin c..

good luck!!

Mapleleafgirl25

Esstella · 10-26-2004, 07:42 PM

Welcome Sue!
I too started tapering on Monday from 20mg. I have gone to 15mg and ye there is a bit of a headache.
I felt an insane urge to walk out of my job today - I deal with the public and boy are they pissing me OFF right now!
I started on my magnesium last night and this morning had my two fish oil capsules. I am also on spirulina capsules as they pump you full of your RDA for lots of things.
Defonz (Bev) as Mapleleaf says the the bomb when it comes to this stuff!!!
I am going to keep going with all those things when I am paxil free too - just try to be healthier.
Good luck and we are on equal days so I am with you every step of the way!

scotty · 10-26-2004, 09:06 PM

Sue R, everyone is different when it comes to symptoms of withdrawal. 2-3 weeks in between wean is the shortest time period that most have experienced.Mapleleafgirl25
hit it on the head when she said that you will know when you're ready to drop the dose again. With Ryan we waited longer between weans in the beginning(about 3 weeks) and the final weans were every two weeks. He did better at the lower doses, which isn't always the case. Good Luck, and post often!!

mapleleafgirl25 · 10-26-2004, 11:06 PM

Sue R ....As Scotty said her son ryan did better at the lower doses..where as i did better at the higher doses...so its just a personal journey...take your time..the slower the better... and yes do post often..read as much as you can..

take care,

mapleleafgirl25

SueR · 10-27-2004, 05:51 AM

Thanks Stella,
At least I have someone in the same boat with me. Let me know how you are feeling and I do the same. We'll get through this. It's just scary tapering. But, I am armed and ready. Last night though, I felt a little spacey. The kids were acting up alot. Stressing me. I am having dreams though that I can remember but, I have always had those since I been on paxil. I never knew what caused them until recently. Well, keep me posted. Good Luck.
Sue

SueR · 10-27-2004, 05:54 AM

I am in Bev's other group on yahoo and she does know alot. So, I know about the calcium and mag and I already have the calcuim, & mag & B complex.. But, I been seeing other supplements. So, I am trying to get it all together.

SueR · 10-27-2004, 05:55 AM

Thanks Everyone. I was just not sure how to long to stay as I taper.

FWM · 10-27-2004, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SueR

I am in Bev's other group on yahoo and she does know alot. So, I know about the calcium and mag and I already have the calcuim, & mag & B complex.. But, I been seeing other supplements. So, I am trying to get it all together.

Hello Sue,

First, I do not know if this is your first attempt at quitting Paxil. You have to remember that not everyone goes into intense withdrawal symptoms. If you reduce by 2.5 mg every 2-3 weeks, you should be ok. For most people, it gets harder starting at 10 mg and lower dosage.

Second, you have to be carefull with supplements. We tend to try all kinds of supplements which seem promising but in fact do not do very much as far as withdrawal is concerned. Start slowly and watch your reactions soon after you start on a supplement. I personally do not think that it is a good thing to start on many supplements of all kind at the same time. One or more might not fit you and it may be hard to find which one. B complex vitamins are to monitor closely. In many people case, although they may seem to give more energy, they also seem to intensify the anxiety (tried them twice before convincing me).

If you have guts problems in the process, Probiotic can be usefull and are harmless. Prebiotic fibers are another alternative.

Calcium/Magnesium (or Magnesium only) seems to be pretty harmless and helpful in many cases.

Fish oil, well, not everyone agree about this one. I am not taking those as regularly as I use too and do not see a big difference in the way I am feeling. It may have help at some point in my withdrawal process though since the heart arrytmia I was having stopped not long after I started the fish oil (I will never know if this was just a coincidence unless I stop the fish oil completely for a few weeks).

You have to watch because you may end up spending lots of money on useless vitamins/herbs/supplements that will stay in your pharmacy until their expiry date shows up and they end up in the garbagge.

You are not saying how long you have been on the 20 mg ?

SueR · 10-27-2004, 06:38 AM

This is my second attempt to get of paxil. I tried this past summer and did it to fast without a doctors help. I did it in a 3 week period. Too Fast! I started getting the zaps. I went right back on. This time I am armed with knowledge and will power. I have been on Paxil for about 2 years. I started on Paxil CR 12.5 mg. and gradually went up. At one point my doctor had at 50 mg. And, I was literally inmobile. My mom, who is a nurse took me to the doctor. I just slept and didn't care about nothing. So, he lowered my dosage to 30 mg. Than, My insurance company stopped paying for paxil CR so, I went on the generic Paxoretine and somehow ended up at 20 mg. since around the beginning of this year.
But, what is weird is I think I need more. But, I won't do it. I still get aniexty. I still sleep alot, I still am really, really mellow. I have a I don't care attitude. I don't have too my emotions. I am like in la-la land now. The days I am fine far outway the bad ones. But, I still have bad days were I am out of it. (even with paxil)
As far as the herbs, Yes, I am going to start them slowly, I have already read that where you should.
However, You said that B Complex should be monitored? Why is that? And what does it do?

Esstella · 10-27-2004, 03:37 PM

Hey Sue - just checking in with ya
Well I have felt nothing yet but last week I went cold turkey not realising what paxil really was (before i found this place) and I completely freaked out, so I know there are withdrawals coming - it may just take a while.
I sort of feel lieft out? LIke come on, where are all this problems I have been waiting to fight? Where is teh hard work I am gunning for?
Ridiculous I know

How are you feeling anyway????
I cannot imagine doing this with kids! I am single (as of the weekend) and no kids etc. I admire that you are holding together your famiy at the same time!

scotty · 10-27-2004, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SueR

But, what is weird is I think I need more. But, I won't do it. I still get aniexty. I still sleep alot, I still am really, really mellow. I have a I don't care attitude. I don't have too my emotions. I am like in la-la land now. The days I am fine far outway the bad ones. But, I still have bad days were I am out of it. (even with paxil)

Sue what you've described is from Paxil, not from not enough Paxil!! Ryan while on paxil slept all the time, didn't care about anything, didn't talk much to anyone.He was emotionless until he finally blew up in anger. Hang with it, taper slow, you CAN do this. Yes, the anxiety will still be there since this drug doesn't cure anything, it just delays the realization that it's still there.

mralex666 · 10-28-2004, 08:41 AM

hi everyone, i also started to taper and when i stoped taking my last 1/2 3 days later i was reaching for my pill cutter and started today. boy what a ride it was lastnight is it me or is getting the zapps like a bee flying fast thru your head that freaked me out. anyways like suer said i'll take my time this time and take it slooooow.

FWM · 10-28-2004, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SueR

As far as the herbs, Yes, I am going to start them slowly, I have already read that where you should.
However, You said that B Complex should be monitored? Why is that? And what does it do?

B-Complex vitamins are often recommended for anxiety. However, in many people cases it worsens their anxiety. In my case, it seemed to give me more energy but it did increase my anxiety level. I have tried to take them twice (for a few weeks) but with the same results. I was taking them at night, at first, but could not sleep. I have changed that to take them with my breakfast in the morning. To conclude, in my case, B complex vitamins did nothing to improve my withdrawal symptoms and may even have contributed to make them worst.

Are you taking other medications such as benzos ?

SueR · 10-28-2004, 02:24 PM

Hi Estella!
So Far everything is going good. I had a slight headache at first. But, seems to be fine today. I did get a little spacey twice. But, Not today. I got that program attacking aniexty & drepression from the midwest center. So, I am doing that.
However, It is very hard with the boys, I have three and I am a single mom. Thank God for my mother!!!! Sometimes they are calm and sometimes they are wound up. I am taking one day at the time. And Praying, Praying Praying that I come through this easily for my children's sake.
I am however starting this mag/cal that Bev recommended but, I starting it slowly and see how it goes. I just don't want to overload my system.
How are you doing?
Sue

SueR · 10-28-2004, 02:29 PM

Hey Laurie:
Thanks for the info on sleeping. The more research I did on paxil. I found out that it slows the basil matablism down. I can wake up and go right back to sleep! There has been times when I couldn't even wake up. Scarey. Very Scarey.
I'll just keep pushing along. I want me back.
Sue

SueR · 10-28-2004, 02:34 PM

What in the world is benzos? The only thing I am on is Toprol 150 mg. for my heart. And Paxil.... now 17.5 mg... Yes! I did see where Paxil can make some people have heart problems. I have SVT Super Ventricula Techacardia (Sp?) Pretty scary stuff there. I think that is the steam of my aniexty.
As said earlier, I am starting slowly on mag and cal.... in one pill. We'll see.
Sue

MizzT · 10-28-2004, 02:37 PM

Hiya Sue!!
Welcome! this is a wonderful place!! really really really nice people!!!!! really a lot of knowledge and a lot of advocates fightin' for the cause.

probably the best site i have come across thru all of this.
*thanks again, darcy*

SueR · 10-28-2004, 05:54 PM

Thank you Beverly. The more I am looking at the board. The more courage and "YEAH, I can do this feeling." I'll be here for awhile.
Sue

scotty · 10-28-2004, 05:59 PM

Sue, with this group behind you, you can do ANYTHING!!!!

mralex666 · 10-28-2004, 06:35 PM

good luck suer, as you can see from my post i tried to taper of too but did it to fast..and everyone here is really cool i love these people. keep us updated

10-26-2004, 06:38 PM	#1
SueR Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: PA, USA Posts: 166	Started Tapering Paxil Hi Everyone! I started tapering Paxil down on Monday. I was on 20 mg. and I cut the dosage by 2.5 mg. Two days I feel okay however, I do have a headache, it seems to come and go. How long does it take for you body to adjust to medication level? And should I wait for the adjustment to level out before I cut back again? What are supplements that anyone recomends while tapering? I hope this goes easy. Sue

10-26-2004, 07:20 PM	#2
mapleleafgirl25 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 2,638	you should try to stay at each dose for a month..i went from 20 to 15 to 10 to 5 to 2.5 then off ...you will know how you feel and when you have leveled at that dosage..everyone is different.. read Defonz 's posts she knows ALOT about suppliments and there are specific topics on here about suppliments....magnesium..is good..probiotics..vitamin c.. good luck!! Mapleleafgirl25 __________________ 3rd attempt at withdrawal going slow..compounded pills Taper: 05/27/2010 - 03/12/12: Tapered From 20mgs - 6.2 (2years) 04/11/2012 - 6.0 05/10/2012 - 5.8 06/09/2012 - 5.6 07/09/2012 - 5.4 80/08/2012 - 5.2 09/07/2012 - 5.0 10/07/2012 - 4.8 11/06/2012 - 4.6 12/06/2012 - 4.4 01/04/2013 - 4.2 02/03/2013 - 4.0 03/05/2013 - 3.8 04/04/2013 - 3.6 05/05/2013 - 3.4

10-26-2004, 07:42 PM	#3
Esstella Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: New Zealand Posts: 115	Welcome Sue! I too started tapering on Monday from 20mg. I have gone to 15mg and ye there is a bit of a headache. I felt an insane urge to walk out of my job today - I deal with the public and boy are they pissing me OFF right now! I started on my magnesium last night and this morning had my two fish oil capsules. I am also on spirulina capsules as they pump you full of your RDA for lots of things. Defonz (Bev) as Mapleleaf says the the bomb when it comes to this stuff!!! I am going to keep going with all those things when I am paxil free too - just try to be healthier. Good luck and we are on equal days so I am with you every step of the way! __________________ How 'bout getting off of these antibiotics.. - alanis COMPLETELY paxil and ALL medication free as of January 3rd 2005

10-26-2004, 09:06 PM	#4
scotty Administrator Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: new jersey Posts: 46,992	Sue R, everyone is different when it comes to symptoms of withdrawal. 2-3 weeks in between wean is the shortest time period that most have experienced.Mapleleafgirl25 hit it on the head when she said that you will know when you're ready to drop the dose again. With Ryan we waited longer between weans in the beginning(about 3 weeks) and the final weans were every two weeks. He did better at the lower doses, which isn't always the case. Good Luck, and post often!! __________________ AKA Laurie "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." MLK

10-26-2004, 11:06 PM	#5
mapleleafgirl25 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 2,638	Sue R ....As Scotty said her son ryan did better at the lower doses..where as i did better at the higher doses...so its just a personal journey...take your time..the slower the better... and yes do post often..read as much as you can.. take care, mapleleafgirl25 __________________ 3rd attempt at withdrawal going slow..compounded pills Taper: 05/27/2010 - 03/12/12: Tapered From 20mgs - 6.2 (2years) 04/11/2012 - 6.0 05/10/2012 - 5.8 06/09/2012 - 5.6 07/09/2012 - 5.4 80/08/2012 - 5.2 09/07/2012 - 5.0 10/07/2012 - 4.8 11/06/2012 - 4.6 12/06/2012 - 4.4 01/04/2013 - 4.2 02/03/2013 - 4.0 03/05/2013 - 3.8 04/04/2013 - 3.6 05/05/2013 - 3.4

10-27-2004, 05:51 AM	#6
SueR Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: PA, USA Posts: 166	Thanks Stella, At least I have someone in the same boat with me. Let me know how you are feeling and I do the same. We'll get through this. It's just scary tapering. But, I am armed and ready. Last night though, I felt a little spacey. The kids were acting up alot. Stressing me. I am having dreams though that I can remember but, I have always had those since I been on paxil. I never knew what caused them until recently. Well, keep me posted. Good Luck. Sue

10-27-2004, 05:54 AM	#7
SueR Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: PA, USA Posts: 166	I am in Bev's other group on yahoo and she does know alot. So, I know about the calcium and mag and I already have the calcuim, & mag & B complex.. But, I been seeing other supplements. So, I am trying to get it all together.

10-27-2004, 05:55 AM	#8
SueR Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: PA, USA Posts: 166	Thanks Everyone. I was just not sure how to long to stay as I taper.

10-27-2004, 06:38 AM	#10
SueR Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: PA, USA Posts: 166	This is my second attempt to get of paxil. I tried this past summer and did it to fast without a doctors help. I did it in a 3 week period. Too Fast! I started getting the zaps. I went right back on. This time I am armed with knowledge and will power. I have been on Paxil for about 2 years. I started on Paxil CR 12.5 mg. and gradually went up. At one point my doctor had at 50 mg. And, I was literally inmobile. My mom, who is a nurse took me to the doctor. I just slept and didn't care about nothing. So, he lowered my dosage to 30 mg. Than, My insurance company stopped paying for paxil CR so, I went on the generic Paxoretine and somehow ended up at 20 mg. since around the beginning of this year. But, what is weird is I think I need more. But, I won't do it. I still get aniexty. I still sleep alot, I still am really, really mellow. I have a I don't care attitude. I don't have too my emotions. I am like in la-la land now. The days I am fine far outway the bad ones. But, I still have bad days were I am out of it. (even with paxil) As far as the herbs, Yes, I am going to start them slowly, I have already read that where you should. However, You said that B Complex should be monitored? Why is that? And what does it do?

10-27-2004, 03:37 PM	#11
Esstella Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: New Zealand Posts: 115	Hey Sue - just checking in with ya Well I have felt nothing yet but last week I went cold turkey not realising what paxil really was (before i found this place) and I completely freaked out, so I know there are withdrawals coming - it may just take a while. I sort of feel lieft out? LIke come on, where are all this problems I have been waiting to fight? Where is teh hard work I am gunning for? Ridiculous I know How are you feeling anyway???? I cannot imagine doing this with kids! I am single (as of the weekend) and no kids etc. I admire that you are holding together your famiy at the same time! __________________ How 'bout getting off of these antibiotics.. - alanis COMPLETELY paxil and ALL medication free as of January 3rd 2005

10-28-2004, 08:41 AM	#13
mralex666 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Los Angeles CA Posts: 470	hi everyone, i also started to taper and when i stoped taking my last 1/2 3 days later i was reaching for my pill cutter and started today. boy what a ride it was lastnight is it me or is getting the zapps like a bee flying fast thru your head that freaked me out. anyways like suer said i'll take my time this time and take it slooooow.

10-28-2004, 02:24 PM	#15
SueR Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: PA, USA Posts: 166	Hi Estella! So Far everything is going good. I had a slight headache at first. But, seems to be fine today. I did get a little spacey twice. But, Not today. I got that program attacking aniexty & drepression from the midwest center. So, I am doing that. However, It is very hard with the boys, I have three and I am a single mom. Thank God for my mother!!!! Sometimes they are calm and sometimes they are wound up. I am taking one day at the time. And Praying, Praying Praying that I come through this easily for my children's sake. I am however starting this mag/cal that Bev recommended but, I starting it slowly and see how it goes. I just don't want to overload my system. How are you doing? Sue

10-28-2004, 02:29 PM	#16
SueR Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: PA, USA Posts: 166	Hey Laurie: Thanks for the info on sleeping. The more research I did on paxil. I found out that it slows the basil matablism down. I can wake up and go right back to sleep! There has been times when I couldn't even wake up. Scarey. Very Scarey. I'll just keep pushing along. I want me back. Sue

10-28-2004, 02:34 PM	#17
SueR Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: PA, USA Posts: 166	What in the world is benzos? The only thing I am on is Toprol 150 mg. for my heart. And Paxil.... now 17.5 mg... Yes! I did see where Paxil can make some people have heart problems. I have SVT Super Ventricula Techacardia (Sp?) Pretty scary stuff there. I think that is the steam of my aniexty. As said earlier, I am starting slowly on mag and cal.... in one pill. We'll see. Sue

10-28-2004, 02:37 PM	#18
MizzT Banned Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NM Posts: 6,866	Hiya Sue!! Welcome! this is a wonderful place!! really really really nice people!!!!! really a lot of knowledge and a lot of advocates fightin' for the cause. probably the best site i have come across thru all of this. thanks again, darcy

10-28-2004, 05:54 PM	#19
SueR Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: PA, USA Posts: 166	Thank you Beverly. The more I am looking at the board. The more courage and "YEAH, I can do this feeling." I'll be here for awhile. Sue

10-28-2004, 05:59 PM	#20
scotty Administrator Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: new jersey Posts: 46,992	Sue, with this group behind you, you can do ANYTHING!!!! __________________ AKA Laurie "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." MLK

10-28-2004, 06:35 PM	#21
mralex666 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Los Angeles CA Posts: 470	good luck suer, as you can see from my post i tried to taper of too but did it to fast..and everyone here is really cool i love these people. keep us updated

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