[princesuxx]

Hi, I'm new here and I joined to look for some additional help.

I'm 21 years old, and I've been taking Paroxetine 20mg (cut in half, daily), since I was 13. I've been medicated for the wrong reasons, I had anxiety and I was scared to go to school, my stomach would always hurt when I went. Obviously, this was something that should have been treated with psychotherapy.

I've been taking it daily since then. Like a year ago I went to my lifetime psychiatrist to finally stop taking it, and he gave me like a guide to leave it slowly by changing the time I'd take it.

I've been always scared of withdrawal symptoms.

I'm now taking 1/4 (a quarter) of 20mg paroxetine every 48 hours. I'm still experiencing anxiety but I started CBT about a month ago to work on my anxiety.

A psychiatrist told me about a month ago that I should stop taking it abruptly, since the dose is very very low, but I'm still scared to do it, I don't know myself without paroxetine, basically.

I need to hear some other professionals, opinion: should I stop taking it forever if I'm now taking a quarter every 48 hours? Would I experience withdrawal symptoms?

Thank you so much in advance,.

[Skeezyks]

Hello princesuxx: I noticed this is your first post here on PC. So... welcome to Psych Central. The membership, here on PC, is primarily consumers of mental health services, not professionals. And we cannot offer mental health diagnoses or meditations-related advice. It is possible some other members may have had similar experiences to yours. And, if so, they may wish to share their experiences. However, if professional opinions are what you're seeking, I'm afraid that is something you won't find here on PC. Still there is a lot of support that can be available here. So I hope you will consider sticking with us & that you find the time you spend here to be of benefit.

[still_crazy]

i think the going recommendation from people (not professionals) who know these things (not me, just relating 2nd hand information) is 10%/month if its been a long term thing. Paxil is potent and I think has a short(ish) half life, so a slow taper is probably a good idea, any way you look at it.